IDF Spokesman announcement on IDF Activity in Bethlehem - 4-Apr-2002

IDF Spokesman announcement on IDF Activity in Bethlehem
(Communicated by the IDF Spokesman)

©IDF Spokesman  IDF soldiers evacuating hostages from the Church of the Nativity compound (April 6)

In the course of the night, the IDF offered several times to those holed up in the Church of the Nativity to leave peacefully. The IDF regrets that the Palestinian leadership, including the Palestinian governor of the city, have prevented thus far a peaceful settlement of the issue. The IDF stresses that there was no IDF activity at the Church nor did IDF troops enter the Church.

This evening (Thursday), April 4, 2002, in the framework of negotiations with Palestinians inside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the IDF repeatedly offered those inside to exit without harm. The IDF Spokesperson expresses his regret that elements of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian Governor of Bethlehem Moa'adni are preventing the exit of people from the Church of the Nativity.

Contrary to the false claims appearing in various media reports, the IDF Spokesperson wishes to clarify that there is no IDF activity inside Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity. No IDF soldier has entered this Church.