India, Dec. 24 -- Thousands of people gathered in Bethlehem's Manger Square on Christmas Eve as families and some visitors heralded for a much-needed Christmas spirit after two years of war in the region.

During the last two years of intense wars between militant group Hamas and Israel, the Palestinian territories featured a war-tinged somber celebrations during Christmas.

However, the giant Christmas tree absent during the Israel-Hamas war returned on Wednesday, made an appearance before hundreds of smartly dressed scouts playing well-known Christmas songs, the Associated Press reported.

Bethlehem, the city where Christians believe Jesus was born, had cancelled the celebrations during the war and held muted celebrations with few decor...