Israeli forces entered the Palestinian city of Bethlehem on April 2, 2002, as part of Operation Defensive Shield. As fighting erupted throughout the city between Palestinian gunmen and the Israeli army, civilians and militants took refuge in Bethlehem’s churches. A large group of civilians and militants, including 13 who Israel considered to be on their most-wanted list, took refuge in the Church of the Nativity. The Israeli army laid siege to the church, surrounding it and engaging in occasional skirmishes with militants inside the church compound. The standoff, which lasted 39 days, ended with 13 militants sent into exile, 26 gunmen taken to Gaza, and 85 policemen, local civilians and international peace activists released. See “Church siege ending after 39 days.” The Guardian. 10 May 2002. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2002/may/10/israel.cyprus; and “Timeline: Bethlehem Siege.” BBC News. 10 May 2002. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1950331.stm.  http://www.justvision.org/glossary/siege-church-nativity