As of this morning all water reserves are finished and electricity has been lacking for many days in the Franciscan Friary of Bethlehem. The life of the religious community is increasingly at risk. They have to live with over two hundred palestinians who have barricaded themselves within the Nativity complex. This information has ben confirmed by the Custos of the Holy Land Fr. Giovanni Battistelli and by the friars whom we could reach by phone. Fr. David Jaeger, spokesman for the Custody, added that food supplies have been becoming scarser for the past days. This statement has been published also in the Israeli Press.

We are surprised how the buidings surrounding the Basilica - except for the Franciscan friary - have not been deprived of water and electricity.

Fr. Ibrahim and the friars have asked for the authorisation of the Israeli military command to be able to go the the hostel (Casa Nova) to fetch water. This authorisation has been denied by the Israeli Commander of the operation.

Custody Main