BETHLEHEM 13.04.2002 - 11.45

The Friars are at the extreme resistance due to the lack of water supplies which has been lacking for more than 48 hours. All the requests for this concession of a humanitarian aid have been turned down by the Israeli army of the Sharon government.

Yesterday some humanitarian organizations who advanced towards Bethlehem were stopped and sent back by shots of the military . No aid was permitted to be handed to the Friars and the area is considered "off limits".

The Custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Giovanni Battistelli had asked for the authorization to be able to visit the Friars in Bethlehem. He was bluntly refused.

Yesterday and this morning the FRIARS OF BETHLEHEM met in "CHAPTER" AND EACH AND EVERY ONE CONFIRMED their wish NOT TO ABANDON THE SITE OF THE NATIVITY, WHATEVER HAPPENS

Fr. Ibrahim, speaking of the situation, mentioned the fact that the presence of the Custody of the Holy Land had cost the Franciscans so much blood shed by the Friars.

From all over the world we, at the General Curia in Rome, continue to receive witnesses of solidarity and sharing. The communities of the Cloister Nuns have started a nonstop prayer for Bethlehem. Even other Christian Movements have asked their members to pray for Peace in Bethlehem.

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