Bethlehem diary

Here's a summary of some of the things that have been happening...

Bethlehem: refugee camps have not been invaded, but everyone nervous having heard of the major massacre in Jenin (dense refugee camp assaulted with aerial bombing and shelling, and houses bulldozed). Still a siege at the Nativity Church in Manger Square (it is definitely not a hostage situation as the media have been portraying it).

Today I walked down the town with some press people and surveyed the damage to the streets, buildings, market, and other infrastructure. Soldiers would not let us proceed to the square. The place is a mess, lots of tank damage, shell holes, broken water pipes etc.

Last two days I have been running errands on foot to and from the hospital for a family at Al Azzeh camp. They have an ill member needing blood tests and medicine etc. While the curfew is on it is almost impossible for Palesinians to get about, whereas internationals can to a limited extent. There is much less risk of us getting stopped by soldiers, and if stopped, rarely arrested.