Bethlehem Reopens Christmas Celebrations After Trump’s Historic Gaza Peace Deal

After several difficult years, Bethlehem — the West Bank town where Jesus was born — has resumed its Christmas celebrations for the first time in two years. This return to festive lights and carols follows President Donald Trump’s recent Mideast peace initiative that ended the Israel-Hamas War.

Separated from Israel by massive security fences, Bethlehem relies heavily on religious tourism, particularly pilgrimages to the Church of the Nativity. The town traditionally attracted about 3 million visitors annually, contributing up to 90% of its income.

Global travel restrictions during the pandemic devastated Bethlehem’s tourism industry, reducing visitors to near zero in 2020 and 2021. Tourism partially recovered to approximately 1.5 million visitors by September 2023 but then sharply declined after Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel. Bethlehem’s tourism numbers dropped to near zero during the Christmas season of 2023 and fell below 100,000 for the entire year of 2024.

This month, the town has seen a return of visitors as part of President Trump’s 20-point plan to end the Israel-Hamas conflict. The initiative led to the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas and established a cease-fire that remains in effect. The plan has garnered widespread support, including from the Palestinian Authority, which is critical for Bethlehem’s security.

A local business owner recently stated, “Tourists finally feel safe to come back.” Thousands of visitors from across the West Bank, Israel, and abroad have traveled to Bethlehem this Christmas season.

Despite the progress, Bethlehem’s tourism numbers remain at about 20% of pre-pandemic levels and are not expected to fully recover until 2027, assuming peace continues in the region. The town still faces challenges including a fragile Gaza cease-fire and recent Israeli military operations in the West Bank.