Monday, May 6, 2002
Under U.S. pressure, Arafat authorizes an agmt. to end the siege of the Church of the Nativity under which 13 wanted Palestinians inside the church will be exiled to Italy, another 26 will be "exiled" to Gaza. The remaining civilians, clergy inside the church will be allowed to go after their identities are confirmed. The IDF also lifts the curfew on Bethlehem for 4 hrs.; fatally shoots 4 Palestinians in 2 separate incidents in Gaza. (ANSA 5/6 in WNC 5/7; NYT, WP, WT 5/7; WP 5/8)