Christmas celebrated once again in Bethlehem but West Bank suffering persists

Friday, December 26, 2025 -In Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, Christmas celebrations have returned this year after being muted or cancelled during the height of the war in Gaza, bringing festive lights, processions, and gatherings back to Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity. 

Locals and visitors, including Palestinians from across the West Bank and some foreign pilgrims, filled the city for traditional masses and seasonal events that had been reduced for more than two years due to conflict and security concerns. Despite the renewed spirit and hope sparked by a fragile truce in nearby Gaza, the scale of this year’s festivities remains smaller than in the past and carries a mix of joy and sorrow for many attendees.

Even as the celebrations resume, the broader situation for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank continues to be marked by hardship and restrictions that overshadow the holiday. Many residents and political figures say movement through the region is heavily constrained by Israeli military checkpoints and controls, making it difficult for people to travel to Bethlehem or reunite with family for the season. 

Humanitarian reports indicate ongoing displacement, demolitions of Palestinian homes, and hostile conditions affecting tens of thousands of residents, intensifying economic strain on communities already grappling with high unemployment and limited access to essential services.

The contrast between festive joy and persistent suffering reflects the complex reality facing Palestinians in the West Bank. While Bethlehem’s Christmas marks a moment of cultural and religious resilience, broader patterns of unrest — including recent civilian injuries from violent incidents, continued settlement expansion, and daily life under occupation — dampen optimism for long‑term peace and stability in the region. 

For many families, the holiday is both a time of hope and a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges that define life under prolonged conflict.