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Christians make up about 1.5 percent of the West Bank population. Alex Awad, dean of students at BBC, fears there will be even fewer now: "Christian families who never thought of leaving the country will now seek a way out, thus endangering the very presence of Christianity in the city that witnessed the birth of Christ."

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For updated coverage of the violence in the West bank, see Yahoo full coverage.

Recent news stories on Church of Nativity siege:

U.S. Expects Deal on Bethlehem - Associated Press (April 30, 2002)

Palestinians leave besieged church - BBC (April 30, 2002)

Palestinians Begin Leaving Church - Chicago Tribune (April 30, 2002)

Large Group Leaves Besieged Bethlehem Church - Reuters (April 30, 2002)

Breakdown in Talks on Standoff at Church - The New York Times (April 30, 2002)

Previous Christianity Today articles on violence in Israel include:

Holy Land Tourism PlungesVisits to Israel fall 45 percent as violence escalates. (March 13, 2002)

Activists well acquainted with terror"Jerusalem Women Speak" tour gains relevance for audience members struggling with new fears. (September 27, 2001)

Palestine's Christians Persist Despite PressuresWith escalating violence in Israel, ministries face a "sad and scary" situation. (September 19, 2001)

Sleepless and 'Terrified', Orphans, Staff Dare to Hope Truce Will HoldAfter three days of fighting in Beit Jala, the Israeli army withdraws but warns it may return. (September 5, 2001)

Amid Fears for Future, Jerusalem's Churches Embark On Prayers for PeaceWeek of prayer launched with services held in various congregations. (Aug. 22, 2001)

Between a Rock and a Holy SiteMuslims have stepped up their efforts to take control of places revered by Jews and Christians. (Feb. 13, 2001)

Conflict in the Holy LandA timeline of trials for the most contested piece of real estate in the world.

Christmas in Palestine: Hunger and WarStarvation threatens Palestinian villages if U.N. aid continues to be delayed, Vatican official warns. (Dec. 13, 2000)

Between the Temple Mount and a Hard PlacePalestinian Christians want both peace in their villages and justice for their Muslim brothers. (Dec. 5, 2000)

Christmas Plans for Bethlehem ScrappedEscalating violence cancels millennial celebration in town of Christ's birth. (Dec. 1, 2000)

Lutheran Bishop's Appeal from JerusalemReligious leader's letter requests prayer for Christians, Jews, and Palestinians in troubled region. (Nov. 10, 2000)

Fighting Engulfs a Christian Hospital in JerusalemLutherans call conflict on their hospital grounds "an affront" to humanitarian purposes. (Oct. 16, 2000)

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May 21 2002, Vol. 46, No. 6