Famed Manger Square Christmas tree lit up

The West Bank city of Bethlehem marked the start of the festive season on Saturday by lighting up its Christmas tree in Manger Square.

The annual event was attended by thousands of spectators, as well as Palestinian politicians and featured a firework display, traditional Palestinian dancing, and a nativity show. Bethlehem is situated in the occupied West Bank. Christians believe Bethlehem was the birthplace of Jesus.

Before the outbreak of coronavirus, thousands of tourists traveled to Bethlehem every year visiting the city's many holy sites. The city has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Israel suspended foreign tourism for almost two years effectively after the Israeli government closed its borders to foreign nationals in March 2020.