IDF report details 40 explosive charges terrorists hid in Church of the
Nativity - discovered by IDF at request of the priests

[IMRA: The priests in the Church of the Nativity put politics aside and
asked the IDF to enter the Church and search for weapons and explosives. It
is important to note that nothing prevented the Palestinian terrorists who
operated under the direction of Yasser Arafat inside the Church from
cooperating in the removal of these devices from the Church as part of the
conclusion of the hostage situation. Instead they left them hidden in the
Church.

Will the Pope and others who have been so generous in their criticism of
Israel and silent with regards to the terrorists who took over the Church
now say something about this?]

Results of IDF Searches in the Church of Nativity and the IDF Departure from
Bethlehem
IDF Spokesperson 10 May 2002

At the request of the priests, IDF forces entered the Church of Nativity in
order to search for weapons inside the church.

During the search weapons were found, and 40 explosive charges that were
hidden within walls and in corners of rooms. Several improvised explosives
were found hidden behind closets.

During the limited time given to IDF to execute the searches, 25 explosive
devices were neutralized, the remaining devices were marked by IDF.

IDF Spokesperson notes that the neutralizing of the explosives left behind
the terrorists prevented a great risk to the lives of the priests within the
church. The mere discovery of these explosive devices proves beyond all
doubt that the terrorists blatantly desecrated the holy site.

At this time IDF forces have completed their withdrawal from the city
Bethlehem.

Pictures of the weapons found in the church and the withdrawal of IDF forces
can be obtained at the IDF Spokesperson Filming Unit.