Watch: Bethlehem Christmas tree lights up for first time since Gaza war

Hundreds gathered in Manger Square to bask in the festivities that included music, dancing and Santas bearing sweet treats.

Watch LiveBritish Broadcasting CorporationHomeNewsSportBusinessInnovationCultureArtsTravelEarthAudioVideoLiveDocumentariesHomeNewsIsrael-Gaza WarWar in UkraineUS & CanadaUKUK PoliticsEnglandN. IrelandN. Ireland PoliticsScotlandScotland PoliticsWalesWales PoliticsAfricaAsiaChinaIndiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastIn PicturesBBC InDepthBBC VerifySportBusinessExecutive LoungeTechnology of BusinessFuture of BusinessInnovationWatch DocumentariesTechnologyScience & HealthArtificial IntelligenceAI v the MindCultureWatch DocumentariesFilm & TVMusicArt & DesignStyleBooksEntertainment NewsArtsWatch DocumentariesArts in MotionTravelWatch DocumentariesDestinationsAfricaAntarcticaAsiaAustralia and PacificCaribbean & BermudaCentral AmericaEuropeMiddle EastNorth AmericaSouth AmericaWorld’s TableCulture & ExperiencesAdventuresThe SpeciaListEarthWatch DocumentariesNatural WondersWeather & ScienceClimate SolutionsSustainable BusinessGreen LivingAudioPodcast CategoriesRadioAudio FAQsVideoWatch DocumentariesBBC MaestroLiveLive NewsLive SportDocumentariesHomeNewsSportBusinessInnovationCultureArtsTravelEarthAudioVideoLiveDocumentariesWeatherNewslettersWatch LiveBethlehem Christmas tree illuminated for first time since Gaza war beganHundreds of people gathered in Bethlehem's Manger Square in the occupied West Bank to watch the lighting of a giant Christmas tree - as festive celebrations returned to the town for the first time since the Gaza war began.

People could be seen singing and dancing among the twinkling lights that adorned the square in front of the historic Nativity Church, while a Santa helped distribute sweet treats.

Residents welcomed the celebrations, with one saying she hoped "this light will lead us to better things ahead".

Resuming celebrations was not without controversy, as suffering continues in Gaza, but Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati: "Deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the right thing to do because Christmas should never be stopped or cancelled."

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