DATE=04/03/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS (SHORT)

NUMBER=2-288286

BYLINE= ROSS DUNN

DATELINE=

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Dozens of Palestinian militants and police have taken refuge inside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the traditional place of Jesus' birth. The Palestinians are hiding out from Israeli troops, which have launched an offensive in Bethlehem and other towns in the West Bank. From Jerusalem, Ross Dunn files this report.

TEXT: Priests at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem -- one of Christianity's holiest shrines -- were overcome by Palestinian police and militiamen, who shot their way into the sanctuary.

The large of group of Palestinians had earlier engaged in running battles with Israeli forces, who fired at the them from helicopter gun-ships and tank-mounted machine guns.

On Tuesday, four dead Palestinian gunmen lay sprawled in Bethlehem's Manger Square, just outside the church. Hours after they were shot, the Israelis allowed the bodies to be removed.

Israeli security forces also kept up a siege against a Palestinian security building in Ramallah, where they are attempting to capture 15 wanted Palestinian militants who are firing on soldiers and refusing to surrender.

In another development, Israeli troops Wednesday entered Salfit and Jenin, in the West Bank. Several recent suicide bombers have been recruited from the two towns. (signed).

NEB / RD / WD