Thousands of people have flocked to Bethlehem's Manger Square on Christmas Eve, after two years of subdued Christmas celebrations because of the war in Gaza. The giant Christmas tree returned, and scouts groups marched and played festive music on Wednesday. Bethlehem had canceled celebrations the past two years due to the Israel-Hamas war. The city where Christians believe Jesus was born relies heavily on tourism that has been severely impacted. Residents are hopeful as domestic tourism slowly returns. Christmas has always been crucial for Bethlehem's economy. Many are thrilled to celebrate Christmas again, hoping for a brighter future and lasting peace.

Bethlehem is marking another somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza. Manger Square lacked its usual festive lights and crowds of tourists on Tuesday. Instead, the area outside the Nativity Church was quiet. The church was built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. The war, the violence in the occupied West Bank it has spurred and the lack of festivities has deeply hurt Bethlehem's economy. The town relies heavily on Christmas tourism. The economy in the West Bank was already reeling because of restrictions placed on laborers preventing them from entering Israel during the war.