00:01Christmas in Bethlehem has been silent for the past two years.
00:05But tonight the traditional Palestinian spouse play their trumps and bagpipes again.
00:12Bethlehem didn't celebrate Christmas during the war in Gaza except for religious services.
00:18But this year celebrations are back.
00:21Tonight thousands flock to Manga Square in front of the Church of the Nativity
00:26where Christians believe Jesus was born to watch the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree.
00:32This is a welcome change for many.
00:35The impact of the war in Gaza has been felt by everyone in the occupied West Bank.
00:41Israeli closures and the lack of tourists have hit Bethlehem hard.
00:45It has been a challenging two years but still challenging until now.
00:50But hopefully with this festival it will be better next year.
00:53After two years of war, we are here with my family.
00:57We come from the centre, from Lod.
01:02And we hope and wish for peace for all the world.
01:07The atmosphere is very nice.
01:09We're really glad we can celebrate the holidays here in Bethlehem where Jesus was born.
01:14The tree is lit right in front of the Church of the Nativity.
01:24While it is uncertain whether visitors from all over the world will return to Bethlehem this year,
01:30it is from here, as it has been for centuries, that a message of peace is sent.
01:36To be continued.
01:38To be continued.
01:52To be continued.
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