The standoff around the Bethlehem church continues into its 34th day, and Israel has thus far succeeded in getting almost 100 people safely out. Still in the church are 123 people, most of whom Israel has no interest in holding and who are being held hostage by Moslem gunmen. At least four of the gunmen are heavily wanted for the murder of Israeli citizens, and the Israeli authorities continue to demand that they either stand trial in Israel or be deported permanently to a third country. The Arabs want an arrangement along the lines of the Mukata agreement involving the incarceration of the terrorists in the PA under foreign supervision. The negotiations continue, and reports are that an agreement will be found by tomorrow.



Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher and President Hosni Mubarak\'s advisor Osama Al-baz arrived in Ramallah this morning to meet with Arafat. They will reportedly coordinate their positions in light of the latest diplomatic developments.