Hundreds of worshippers gathered for mass at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem Wednesday night as the Palestinian city ushered in its first festive Christmas in more than two years, emerging from the shadow of the war in Gaza. Throughout the conflict that began with Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023, a sombre tone had marked Christmases in the biblical birthplace of Jesus Christ.

Hundreds parade down Manger Square, thought to be Jesus's birthplace, as bagpipes and drums return to West Bank city, which hosted subdued celebrations in recent years

Scouts marched under a clear blue sky in Bethlehem on Wednesday, as the Palestinian city emerged from the shadow of the war in Gaza to celebrate its first festive Christmas in more than two years.

Celebrations were in full swing in the occupied West Bank city. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Scouts marched under a clear blue sky in Bethlehem on Wednesday, as the Palestinian city emerged from the shadow of the war in Gaza to celebrate its first festive Christmas in more than two years.

With a fragile ceasefire now in place in Gaza, the holy city in the occupied West Bank is cautiously reviving its festive customs.