Armed standoff ends peacefully at Bethlehem's Manger Square

Published: 2005-12-21

BETHLEHEM, West Bank (CNS) -- Some 20 armed Palestinian gunmen took over Bethlehem City Hall on Manger Square demanding police jobs or payment from the Palestinian Authority. The Dec. 20 standoff ended peacefully after an hour when all the gunmen left the building after talks with Bethlehem Mayor Victor Batarseh and Gov. Salah Tamari, who promised to bring their demands to the attention of the Palestinian Authority. The gunmen, members of the Fatah-affiliated militia, Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, earlier had emptied the building of its employees. Palestinian Authority police surrounded the building, but no shots were fired and no arrests were made.

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