as of 4:30 AM:
Bethlehem has been declared a closed military zone and no press are allowed
Heavy fighting in Manger Square (where Jesus was born)
Star Hotel, where some international are staying, is surrounded by tanks
The US embassy has made an offer to evacuate the ISM group which has been refused
Electricity has been cut off, cell phones will be impossible to charge, so don't call unless necessary
7 of the 19 internationals are Americans, and they are trying to release a statement with an explanation of why they have refused evacuation and a list of demands. You may find this on www.jerusalem.indymedia.org, if you do, please disseminate it.
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[latest from jerusalem indymedia]
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.