PALESTINIANS DESTROYING THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

Jerusalem----December 4........Palestinian gunman, operating from the suburbs of Bethlehem, opened heavy and unprovoked fire at Israeli targets throughout the night. Despite pleas from the I.D.F. to cease all hostile activity, the terrorists responded with more gunfire. The Israeli Air Force sent gunships in last night, close to midnight, to reinforce it's embattled soldiers and civilian populations and to help quell gunfire in the vicinity of Bethlehem. The helicopters were used to hit a target in the el-Eida refugee camp from where the heavy fire was coming from. There were prolonged exchanges of fire on the ground in the Bethlehem area during the night, Israel Radio reports.

Many Muslim and Christian clergy and merchants expressed disgust at the radical Palestinian gunmen who were turning the birthplace of Christ into a battlefield. Many residents of Bethlehem, who depend on tourism and were looking forward to a special Christmas Millennium celebration, now doubt if the "Spirit of Christmas" will be honored and enjoyed this year. No casualties from today's fighting in Bethlehem have been reported.

"In over 35 years that Israel was responsible for the civic affairs of Bethlehem, the Christmas Spirit was always respected, protected and celebrated" - stated a Christian-Arab merchant in Bethlehem.