War in Bethlehem Update 1430

1430 Update: More details are coming in about the fighting going on in Deheishe. IDF brought 2 tanks in with them for the invasion, and they have been attacked with homemade bombs by Palestinian children who are 12-13 years old. There are IDF injuries, and IDF called in 15 tanks after the bombings this morning. IDF soldiers entered from all sides of the camp. More updates to come as available.

Update 1400 Bethlehem: IDF attacks continue throughout the city of Bethlehem. At Deheishe, an IDF tank has been hit by a bomb. Intense clashes continue here.

Ayda and Aza camps in Bethlehem have had their power cut.

British citizens have been denied evacuation by Israel. International consular officials are being denied access to international civilians in Ramallah.

Tanks have surrounded the IMC office in Bethlehem proper.

Al-Jazeera is reporting that IDF has striked a church in Bethlehem, priest killed, nuns injured, statue of Virgin Mary damaged.

URGENT: Bethlehem Update 08.45: The whole Bethlehem area has been declared a closed military zone and no press are allowed admittance. There are fierce gunbattles raging and the Tanzim (Palestininan resistance fighters) are being pushed toward Manger Square.

The Star Hotel, where some of our international delegation are staying, has 10 tanks stationed outside. Journalists are also with the group. An Al Jazeera journalist has been shot whilst on the 5th floor of the hotel. A bulldozer has just been sighted driving past Azza refugee camp. There are troops in all the refugee camps, as well as tanks.

We fear for what is about to happen. These developments are extremely sinister. Please call your media and your politicians. Demand international action to stop a bloody slaughter.

Witnesses on the ground in Bethlehem:
(for international dialing drop the 0 before the phone number)
English - Heather 00 972 (0) 67 270 398
English - Georgina 00 972 (0) 55 840 767/ 00 972 (0) 674 5459
English – IMC Palestine 00 972 (0) 2 277 7558
Arabic/English - Bilal 00 972 (0) 52 814 992
Italian - Francesca 00 39 3389 77 3899
There are French speakers available as well.