Bethlehem

Bethlehem lit its towering Christmas tree in front of the historic Church of the Nativity this week, marking the city’s first major public celebration of the holiday since the Gaza war forced a two-year shutdown of festivities.

The return of Christmas events in the city where Christians believe Jesus was born comes after a recent ceasefire brought a measure of calm to the region — though tensions and hardship remain high.

Mayor Maher Canawati said Bethlehem’s decision to revive Christmas traditions was not taken lightly. Many families in the occupied West Bank have relatives in Gaza, including members of its …