May 10, 2002

Israel backs off its attack on Gaza, sends home some reserves called up on 5/9. The Church of the Nativity standoff ends: 13 Palestinians are sent to Cyprus, where they will stay while their final destinations are worked out; 26 Palestinians are bussed under U.S. emb. watch to Gaza, where they are freed to a hero's welcome; the remaining 84 civilians, clergy are allowed to go free after an identity check; the church is inspected and found to be dirty but only with minor damage. The IDF withdraws troops to the outskirts of Bethlehem by the end of the day. In Beersheba, 2 Palestinians detonate an explosive device, injuring 4 Israelis; Israeli police capture both. In Tulkarm, the IDF blows up the home of the 3/27 Hamas suicide bomber, leaving 21 family mbrs. homeless, severely damaging a home next door. Israel says it has now arrested 4 Jewish settlers in the plot to bomb Maqassid Hospital on 4/29 (see 4/28). In Gaza, the PSF arrests another 7 Hamas mbrs.; Israel complains they are low-level mbrs. (HA, LAW, MM, WP 5/10; AYM, MENA 5/10, QA, al-Quds 5/11 in WNC 5/13; NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 5/11; HA, WT 5/12; JP 5/16; MENA 5/16 in WNC 5/17; MEI 5/17; NYT 5/18)