Group leaving besieged Bethlehem church
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Palestinian civilians were today emerging from the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem in what was expected to be the largest single group to exit the besieged compound since the standoff with Israeli forces began nearly a month ago.
Palestinian negotiator Imad Natche said an agreement was reached during today's talks with Israeli military officers at the Bethlehem Peace Center, just a few paces from the church.
A total of 27 Palestinian civilians and one Palestinian policemen were expected to leave, Natche told The Associated Press. Israel's army will verify their identities and then release them, he added.
The Rev. Ibrahim Faltas, a Franciscan priest, brought the men out of the church and onto Manger Square, one by one. As they approached Israeli soldiers on the square, the Palestinians held open their jackets to show they were not carrying weapons. The men then got on an armored bus in the square.
The standoff began April 2 when Israeli troops invaded Bethlehem in search of militants. Before Tuesday, about 50 people had come out of the church, and the largest group to emerge at any one time was nine youths who left last Thursday.
About 200 people remain inside, including Palestinian gunmen, policemen and civilians, along with Christian clerics, monks and nuns.
Israel says all are free to go except the 20 to 30 gunmen that it wants to arrest or send into permanent exile. The Palestinians have refused, saying the gunmen should be allowed to go to the Palestinian–controlled Gaza Strip.
Despite the latest breakthrough, Palestinian officials played down U.S. assertions that the two sides were close to a comprehensive deal.
"We are still discussing the issue with the Americans and the British to find out the possibility for a breakthrough on this issue," said Palestinian Information Minister Yasser Abed Rabbo.
"Our position is clear. We refuse to exile any of the people inside the church. We also reject the principle of the Israeli forces arresting them," he said.
In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said Monday that the elements of an accord to end the church standoff were in place, though difficult issues remained.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments