For the first time in 600 years, a site that has been traditionally believed as the birthplace of Jesus Christ is set to be restored. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land announced that the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem will see major restorations later this year. The work will be carried out by an Italian firm that also worked  on restoring the Basilica of the Nativity. “In addition to the works in the Grotto, the project includes technical reinforcement measures in adjacent sections reflecting both the architectural unity of the sanctuary and the cooperative spirit that preserves it for the entire world,” the statement noted. The highlight of the area is a large, 14-pointed silver star encased in white marble that is meant to be at the spot of the nativity. Bible describes Jesus’s birth as happening in a stable, with the infant Jesus being placed in a manger.

Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, approved the plans for restoration in 2024. He mentioned the restoration plans November 2025 while meeting with Pope Leo XIV, referring to the plans as “a sign of great hope and rebirth for the whole Holy Land.” The region relies heavily on religious tourism, with much travel having been halted after the war between Israel and Hamas began following the events of October 7, 2023. The body of the final hostage, Ran Gvili, 24, was finally recovered and returned to his family on January 26, 2026. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other state officials attended a memorial service to honor Gvili, a special police unit officer. His body was uncovered in Gaza by IDF soldiers.

The push for the birthplace of Christ to be restored in the Muslim majority Gaza appears to be a further step towards fulfilling President Trump’s attempts at brokering peace between Israel and Gaza. “This project embodies a unified Christian commitment to preserve the spiritual, historical, and cultural patrimony of the Holy Grotto for future generations, and to uphold the dignity of a site where the Christian proclamation took visible form and where the faithful of every nation have gathered in pilgrimage throughout the centuries,” said the statement. “In the Grotto, the mystery of the Incarnation entered history, and the Christian confession received its earthly beginning. To restore this holy place is to safeguard the continuity of faith, memory, and devotion in the land of the Nativity.”