"The city of Bethlehem, in the occupied West Bank, marked Christmas on Thursday with a traditional morning mass at the Church of the Nativity. This was the first time in two years that festive celebrations had returned, due to the disruption caused by the war. Footage shows worshippers taking part in religious ceremonies inside the church, as well as visitors and tourists walking through the city's streets and enjoying the festive atmosphere. Street vendor Mohammed Kawasba expressed his joy, saying, "After two years of struggle with no visitors or tourists in Bethlehem, the city has finally come back to life." Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati said that the festive atmosphere sends a message to the world about the Palestinian people's love for life and peace and their readiness to welcome visitors from all over the globe. This year, Bethlehem has resumed its Christmas celebrations after suspending them for the past two years due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip."