Despite calls from the United States yesterday to begin withdrawing its forces from PLO controlled areas, Israel today continued its, “Operation Defensive Shield.” This morning six PLO gunmen were killed in the casba (market) area of the city of Shechem during a firefight with Israeli troops. Heavy fighting is also being reported in the PLO controlled town of Jenin.
This morning Arabs inside of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem began opening fire and throwing grenades at IDF positions nearby. A gunbattle erupted and two Israeli border policeman were injured. Arabs sources say that one PLO police officer was killed in the battle. The Arabs continue to hold hostages, including clergy, in the Christian holy site. The Arab gunmen and other wanted terrorists have refused orders to surrender, and will not permit medical personnel to take out the wounded for assistance.
This morning Arabs inside of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem began opening fire and throwing grenades at IDF positions nearby. A gunbattle erupted and two Israeli border policeman were injured. Arabs sources say that one PLO police officer was killed in the battle. The Arabs continue to hold hostages, including clergy, in the Christian holy site. The Arab gunmen and other wanted terrorists have refused orders to surrender, and will not permit medical personnel to take out the wounded for assistance.