For the ninth day in a row, the citizens of Beit Sahour along with all people throughout the Bethlehem district are still living under the Israeli imposed siege and curfew.
For the ninth day in a row, the citizens of Beit Sahour along with all people throughout the Bethlehem district are still living under the Israeli imposed siege and curfew.
Yesterday the curfew was lifted in Beit Sahour for about 3 hours to allow people to go outside and obtain the necessary basic supplies to survive this situation. It is too bad; the stores are empty and the basic goods one needs have run out. Nothing is allowed to enter the area. Vegetable and fruit stores did not open as no delivery trucks can come in, all the cities in Palestine have been invaded or surrounded.
People were just looking forward to going out and greeting families and friends and to get some fresh air.
The status of the Nativity Church is the same. The Israeli tanks and ground troops are still imposing the intense siege around the Church and allowing no medical assistance or humanitarian aid to be brought in to the 236 persons trapped inside the church. It is way too quiet this morning, we do not like the sound of it, especially as we are getting no information about what’s happening in Bethlehem.
We have just received some good news from my international friend that the Israeli forces have released 25 of the detainees from Beit Sahour. Of course, they are not given transport back to their homes, they have to walk miles. Nor are their families called to let them know that they are safe and free. As of this moment a group of 5 internationals are walking the men back to give some protection from the Israeli soldiers as they make their way to Beit Sahour. It is so wonderful to see these young internationals who are risking their lives for us with no obligation.
Finally, Sharon has decided, in his usual deceitful manner, to pretend to the world and the United States that he is beginning the withdrawal by pulling out his troops from Qalqilyia and Tulkarem, but of course he is intensifying his mission of terror everywhere else. This morning they invaded Dora in Hebron.
I believe that any intelligent person can see the reality that the United
States is giving Israel time to complete its mission of destruction and to kill as many as they can get. We do not hear the loud voice of condemnation from President Bush about the killing and injuring of young children and women here. Perhaps he believes with Sharon that a Palestinian life is worthless. Perhaps that is why he does not treat us fairly and justly.
Suzan Sahori
International Public Relation Officer
At Beit Sahour Municipality
Sending email from the
Occupied Beit Sahour
Palestine
