While it appeared yet again today that the standoff at Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity was finally over, at the very last minute PLO negotiators attempted to reverse the agreed upon terms, snagging the deal. In fact, this morning Israeli buses had arrived outside the church to transfer 26 Arabs to Gaza, where they were to remain under PLO auspices. At this time the buses have left, and instead IDF tanks have returned to stand guard outside the church.
Prior to the snag, it was announced that Spain had indicated a willingness to take in some of the 13 Palestinian terrorists holed up in the church, that are to be deported. Originally it was reported that the men would be deported to Italy, but Italian officials deny that they were ever formally approached about the idea. At this point the fate of those remaining in the church is unclear.
Prior to the snag, it was announced that Spain had indicated a willingness to take in some of the 13 Palestinian terrorists holed up in the church, that are to be deported. Originally it was reported that the men would be deported to Italy, but Italian officials deny that they were ever formally approached about the idea. At this point the fate of those remaining in the church is unclear.