Scores of Palestinian gunmen were hiding inside one of Christianity's holiest shrines, Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity, seeking refuge from Israeli forces. The bodies of four gunmen, shot dead in a firefight on Tuesday, remained sprawled on a sidestreet near the church on Wednesday morning, with rescue services unable to reach them or other casualties because of constant shooting. A tank was stationed at the edge of Manger Square, adjacent to the church, the army said. Bethlehem Mayor Hana Nasser said soldiers had occupied the municipal building overlooking the square and the church.
And late reports say they're out of ammo and giving up... |