Bethlehem, occupied West Bank – For the first time in two years, the Christmas tree in Bethlehem lit up the night sky, restoring a glimmer of joy to the birthplace of Jesus after seasons overshadowed by Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza .

Palestinians watching the lighting said the celebration carried a dual meaning: Hope in the Nativity and a yearning for freedom from the Israeli siege gripping Bethlehem and cities across the occupied territory.

At the same time, residents say the celebrations remain dimmed by the grief over mass casualties and destruction in Gaza and Bethlehem’s economic paralysis under tightening Israeli harassment .

This year’s celebrations were limited to religious rituals, attended by church leaders and local officials who stood on a stage in Manger Square fo

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