"The city of Suqaylabiyah in Syria’s Hama countryside lit its Christmas tree on Monday, marking the start of the holiday season nearly a year after a tree used for celebrations in the city centre was set ablaze by militants. Footage shows the illuminated tree glowing against the night sky as fireworks erupted overhead, while attendees gathered to watch scout performances and take photographs. “God willing, together we will build and develop this country, first through our love for one another, then through our trust in each other, and we will always be the joy-makers,” said Father Maher Haddad, priest of the Suqaylabiyah parish. “This tree symbolises love, peace, the freshness of life, and harmony among the people,” added Lilas Farouh, a local. The celebration comes after an incident last December in which militants reportedly set fire to a Christmas tree in the city centre, an attack that occurred just weeks after the current transitional government assumed power in Damascus. Those responsible were described at the time as 'not Syrians'. In December 2024, the transitional authorities took office in the Syrian capital, with Ahmad Al-Sharaa later appointed interim president and pledging to form an 'inclusive government'. "