Israeli soldiers fire live ammunition at children in Manger Square, Bethlehem;

Clashes in Bethlehem (MaanImages)

September 12, 2006

Bethlehem - Ma'an - Israeli troops and military vehicles stormed the centre of the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Tuesday afternoon.

In Manger Square, in front of the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, sound bombs, tear gas and rubber bullets at children and youths throwing stones and empty bottles. Over twenty Israeli jeeps and armoured vehicles took up position in the centre of Bethlehem.

A 14-year old boy called Mohammed Omar Shawariya was killed in the clashes and a 25-year old female bystander called Najah Theeb Boujah was injured. She is being treated at the Hussein Hospital in Beit Jala. At least three others are reported to be injured.

Palestinian security sources reported that dozens of Israeli military vehicles entered the city from the north and west and besieged a number of houses in the Ma'ali Valley and Al Ain neighbourhoods.

The Israeli army announced around 7pm that they had arrested Ali Salahat, who they claim to be a 'wanted' Fatah faction leader.

Clashes were ongoing several hours later, including fierce confrontations between Palestinian gunmen and the Israeli soldiers. Palestinian youths began throwing Molotov cocktails at the Israeli soldiers as Israeli troops fired at the Church of Nativity, the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

It was reported around 7pm that Israeli bulldozers had arrived to demolish the house of the 'wanted' Palestinian.