Christmas lights return to Bethlehem amid fragile ceasefire

A giant Christmas tree adorned with red and gold baubles stands in the occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem for the first time since the start of Israel's war on Gaza.

The Palestinian city, revered by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus, had refrained from public Christmas celebrations over the past two years.

But as a precarious ceasefire in Gaza enters its second month, the city held a ceremony on Saturday night, lighting up the 20-metre tree at the edge of Manger Square.

Thousands of Palestinians from across the West Bank and Israel filled the square, erupting in cheers when the tree's lights were turned on shortly before 8 pm.