Military

DATE=04/30/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS (L UPDATE)

NUMBER=2-289272

BYLINE=ROSS DUNN

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

/// UPDATES 289257 ///

INTRO: Following an agreement between Israeli military officials and Palestinian negotiators, at least 26 Palestinians have emerged from the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and are now in the custody of the Israeli army. The group is the largest to exit the religious compound since Palestinian gunmen took refuge there nearly one month ago. Ross Dunn in Jerusalem has more on the story.

TEXT: An Israeli army spokesman says at least half the group belong to the Palestinian security forces, and the rest are civilians.

All were taken into custody and interrogated about their knowledge of Palestinian gunmen wanted by the Israelis who forced their way into the church early in April (April 2), following the start of an Israeli military offensive in Bethlehem.

A Franciscan priest brought the men out one by one, and all were asked to open their jackets and show they were not carrying weapons.

Between 180 and 200 people, including the armed militants wanted by the Israelis, are still in the church. Israel considers the civilians hostages of the militants, but some clergymen have said they have stayed on of their own free will.

Israel has demanded that the gunmen surrender and stand trial in the Jewish state or agree to go into permanent exile -- a condition they have so far rejected.

The Palestinian leadership has proposed that the men be given safe passage to the Gaza Strip and be imprisoned there.

In a separate development, Israeli troops have begun to withdraw from the Palestinian-controlled part of Hebron in the West Bank.

The troops entered the area Monday. Israeli officials say they acted in response to a Palestinian attack on a Jewish settlement near the city on Saturday. Four Israelis were killed in that attack. (Signed)

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