Sir: Amidst the appalling human tragedy unfolding in the Middle East I wish to draw attention to the fact that over two hundred people, Christians and Moslems, are in serious danger of being allowed to starve to death in the Church of the Nativity at Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ. Among them, we believe, are some 80 Catholic priests and nuns, as well as a large number of armed and unarmed Palestinians who burst into the church on 2nd April and claimed its sanctuary. Since that date, no food or water has been allowed into the Church. Supplies are now running dangerously low.

Sir: Amidst the appalling human tragedy unfolding in the Middle East I wish to draw attention to the fact that over two hundred people, Christians and Moslems, are in serious danger of being allowed to starve to death in the Church of the Nativity at Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ. Among them, we believe, are some 80 Catholic priests and nuns, as well as a large number of armed and unarmed Palestinians who burst into the church on 2nd April and claimed its sanctuary. Since that date, no food or water has been allowed into the Church. Supplies are now running dangerously low.

The government of Israel has made clear that an attack on the Church by the defense forces which surround it is not envisaged. If the present situation were allowed to continue there can only be two possible outcomes to the impasse: a negotiated settlement or the slow death by starvation of those held in the Church.

To deprive people food and water and to deny the wounded essential medical assistance is contrary to humanitarian principles enshrined in international law. I appeal to the Israeli government to allow food, water and medical supplies into the Church without delay and without prejudice to continuing efforts to resolve the standoff.

CORMAC MURPHY-O’CONNOR
Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster
London SW1
The Independent – 24th April 2002