A local Spanish language radio station just reported that the Church of the Nativity

in Bethlehem, which has been the site of a standoff between the Israeli army and

suspected "Palestinian terrorists," with Christian civilians and monks caught in

between, has just been bombed. Confirmed reports on CNN.com claim that a

"massive explosion occurred" at the site, not confirming who is responsible,

but mentioning a firefight between the IDF and armed Palestinians inside. Although

26 people were allowed yesterday by the IDF to leave the site, which many Christians

believe is the birthplace of Christ, reports on the radio and CNN suggest that as many as

180 remain. The CNN report is rife with vagaries and only reports from Israeli military officials

(what did we expect), but so far is the only posted report on the web. Hopefully

the IMC will catch up.