Gaza Ceasefire Brings Temporary Calm to Bethlehem Amid Ongoing Conflict

The fragile ceasefire in Gaza has brought a temporary calm to Bethlehem, allowing the city to celebrate and light up a 65-foot Christmas tree amidst the ongoing conflict. According to CBS News, this return to normalcy in the Israeli-occupied West Bank highlights the stark contrast with the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

While Bethlehem revels in its holiday spirit, the ceasefire remains tenuous, with tensions evident as Hamas leaders, such as Khaled Mashal, openly reject disarmament and continue to assert that the conflict is not over.

Mashal's statements, delivered during a conference in Istanbul, emphasize that Hamas sees its weapons as essential to their resistance against Israel, directly opposing international peace efforts outlined in President Trump's Gaza peace plan.

The ongoing conflict continues to cast a shadow over regional celebrations, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza persists, complicating prospects for lasting peace.