As Gaza war sees shaky ceasefire, Bethlehem resumes welcoming visitors for Christmas

City’s main industry, tourism, has been decimated by covid and regional conflict

Entrance to the complex is Bethlehem, Palestine, where the Church of the Nativity is located. Photo by G.F. Erichsen.

After two years of subdued observances, Christmas has returned to Bethlehem.

But the crowds that turned out for the lighting of the Christmas tree on Dec. 6 were nowhere near as large as those that flocked to the city three years ago and t…