During the Islamic Holy Month of Ramadan, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have once again invaded Bethlehem, sacred to Muslims and Christians, as the birthplace of Jesus. The Palestinian terrorist who killed 11 people in a Jerusalem bus on Thursday is believed to have lived in Bethlehem for several months.
On Sunday, IDF forces prevented Christians from attending church services.
IDF spokesmen have said that as part of the security plan for the city, Israeli soldiers are controlling access to Manger Square, in order to avoid a repeat of the weeks-long siege earlier this year, which occurred after armed Palestinians sought refuge in the church.
On Sunday, IDF forces prevented Christians from attending church services.
IDF spokesmen have said that as part of the security plan for the city, Israeli soldiers are controlling access to Manger Square, in order to avoid a repeat of the weeks-long siege earlier this year, which occurred after armed Palestinians sought refuge in the church.
A new documentary on the previous siege of the Church of the Nativity will be released in December. Please contact the U.N. OBSERVER & International Report through our Contact page, for additional information.
In the meantime, here is a report from Suzan Sahori, International Public Relations Officer, Beit Sahour Municipality.
In the meantime, here is a report from Suzan Sahori, International Public Relations Officer, Beit Sahour Municipality.