Bethlehem

:This article is about the city in the West Bank. For other articles with this name see Bethlehem (disambiguation).

Recent events

Church of the Nativity Siege

With the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Bethlehem has been the site of many confrontations. In May 2002, during an Israel Defense Forces raid into the city, a number of locals (some of whom were armed) fled into the Church of the Nativity. According to senior Tanzim commander Abdullah Abu-Hadid, the church was specifically chosen due to its abundant supplies of food, water, and as a focal point for international outcry {{fact}}. It became the site of a 5-week stand-off. The number of people inside was estimated between 120 and 240 including at least 40 gunmen. Several groups of civilians were allowed out of the church during the 5 week siege http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2002/116/31.0.html. During the siege several Palestinians inside the church compound were shot dead by Israeli snipers. The siege ended with an agreement for 13 militants to be sent via Cyprus to various European counties and another 26 to be sent to Gaza. The rest were set free. The IDF stated that 40 explosive devices were found and removed from the compound after the standoff was concluded. http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2002/05/10/church_bethle020510

Related Topics:
Israeli-Palestinian conflict - Israel Defense Forces - Church of the Nativity

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Movement restrictions

Bethlehem, Beit Sahour and Beit Jala are currently surrounded by Israeli checkpoints and roadblocks, with the main road to Jerusalem cut off at Rachel's Tomb. Bethlehem residents are only allowed into Jerusalem, the main social, economic and religious centre of the region, with special permits that are usually refused. Travel to other parts of the West Bank is also impeded and sometimes prevented. The city has periodically been placed under strict curfew, preventing residents from leaving their homes. Muslims and Christians are no longer allowed to visit the holy site of Rachel's Tomb.

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The construction by Israel of the West Bank barrier has had a severe impact on Bethlehem. The barrier runs along the northern side of the town's built-up area, within metres of houses in 'A'ida refugee camp.

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Demographic change

Bethlehem's former mayor, Hanna Nasser, says an estimated 2,000 Christians in Bethlehem have emigrated during the period of 2000 - 2003. Fifty years ago, Bethlehem was overwhelmingly Christian. Today, it has a Muslim majority. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/24/international/middleeast/24CND-MIDE.html?hp

Related Topics:
2000 - 2003

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