From Global News.

Thousands of people flocked to Bethlehem, the city where three major religions meet, to celebrate Christmas after two years of war in Gaza.

Festivities were held in Manger Square to mark the birth of Jesus in the city where Christians believe he was born.

Speaking as he made his way to the festivities, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, said the celebrations were needed to bring “light” to the region.

“This year we want a Christmas full of light, because this is what we need. After two years of darkness, we need light,” he said.

Over the past two years, tourism to the city has dropped, and Christmas celebrations have been cancelled because of Israel’s war in Gaza.

Despite a fragile ceasefire that began in October, tensions remain high across much of the West Bank.

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