April 2, 2002

Bethlehem Update: Fighting in Manger Square

[East Jerusalem, Palestine] I talked to my good neighbor Ed this morning. Ed is still in Bethlehem, but I could barely hear him on the phone. The sound of tanks rolling by on the street outside his building totally drowned out his voice. Around a dozen armored personnel carriers and tanks rumbled through the street there. Ed reported that there was some heavy fighting in the area. Helicopters were overhead firing down into Manger Square beside the Church of the Nativity. A few fighter planes flew nearby. Snipers occupied tall buildings behind our house. Another neighbor reported that a tank targeted the water main through that part of town, so now there is no water supply.

Tanks also entered Beit Sahour. Over ten passed through the town, but it appears they were headed for Bethlehem. I talked to friends in Beit Sahour, and they all reported hearing shooting and seeing tanks, but the most aggressive fighting was in the Manger Square area. Dheisheh Refugee Camp in now occupied too. And of course Beit Jala remains under curfew.

Bethlehem has been declared a "closed military zone" by the Israeli army. This means that no journalists are allowed. I've also heard a report from one person who said that internationals have been requested to leave the area. I didn't hear a formal report issued though, and how can they leave with helicopters spraying the community with bullets? I don't think anyone is going anywhere.

Here in Jerusalem, there was another suicide bombing last night. No one was killed but the bomber. One police officer was seriously wounded. That makes six bombings in six days. The circle of violence continues...

Finally, thanks to the good folks at Catholic Relief Services for allowing me to use an office with their high speed internet connection.

APCs Near Dheisheh Last Night
(Photo credit: ISM Volunteer Carri at Dheisheh)