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Church standoff may be winding down...
At Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity there were signs that a standoff between more than 200 Palestinians, including about 30 militiamen, and Israeli troops was entering the final phase. On Friday, four Palestinians surrendered, the Israeli military said. Palestinians said all four were police officers. Two Palestinians were wounded by Israeli sniper fire while moving in the compound, the army said. The two were evacuated and given medical treatment. The dispute now centers on the fate of six wanted Palestinians in the church - whether they will be escorted to Gaza, as the Palestinians propose, or be sent into exile, as Israel demands, said Palestinian negotiator Salah Taameri, who was to meet Saturday with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to discuss the deal. Capt. Joel Leyden of the Israeli military said negotiations would not be open-ended. "At some point, if we have to use a military option, we will," Leyden said.Saw Joel on FoxNews this morning. He regards the operation as a hostage situation but recognizes the propaganda dangers of shooting up the church while extracting the gunnies. With four surrendered and two wounded and evac'd, that leave around 181. Jailhouse food is probably starting to look mighty tasty about now. Hope the IDF is sitting in plain sight, contentedly munching four meals a day... Posted by: Fred Pruitt 2002-04-26 |
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