Overview
- Thousands filled Manger Square on Dec. 24 for parades, a towering tree and the traditional procession led by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa.
- The Latin patriarch delivered greetings from Gaza’s Christian community after holding Mass there and urged “a Christmas full of light.”
- Authorities credited a Gaza ceasefire for enabling public events, even as UN data show record settler attacks and Israel’s cabinet advanced plans to authorize 19 additional settlements earlier this year.
- Bethlehem’s mayor said 80–85% of residents rely on tourism, unemployment spiked to about 65%, and roughly 4,000 people left the city in search of work.
- Crowds were largely local as international visitors trickled back, with participants describing a hopeful yet restrained mood focused on resilience and solidarity.