News at 1.20 pm Thurs 4th from Bethlehem

national | miscellaneous | news report Thursday April 04, 2002 14:22 by irishhead

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We have had reports from Manger Square of increased military activity in the area. There is shelling in the vicinity. The Israeli forces have been reported as banging on the door of the Nativity Church and they issued an ultimatum that this is the last chance for people to come out. We are receiving information from an observer in the area who can see troops ready to be mobilized toward Manger Square but at the moment they are not moving. Specifically there are about 50 IDF troops lining the road by the Syrian Church near Manger Square. We have also had an unconfirmed report from a reliable source that the Israeli army are attempting to break through a wall in Milk Grotto Street. Three ambulances in convoy came out of the al-Husayn Hospital in Bethlehem heading towards Manger Square. They will attempt to evacuate the wounded Palestinians, among whom is a