Tanks on streets of Bethlehem as advent ceremony takes place

(1 Dec 2002) 1. Various Israeli armoured personnel carriers on city streets 2. Christian Palestinians walking into the Church of the Nativity 3. APC on city streets 4. Various of church goers praying 5. Priest entering service 6. People lighting candles in church 7. Various of priests praying 8. Exterior of church STORYLINE: Surrounded by Israeli tanks, Bethlehem began its traditional countdown to Christmas with prayers at the Church of the Nativity, marking the traditional birthplace of Jesus. Israeli armoured vehicles were still present on the outskirts of the city, after entering 10 days ago. The maneouvre followed a suicide bombing on a commuter bus in Jerusalem almost two weeks ago, killing 11 people and wounding dozens. Israelis had blocked the entrance to the Church of the Nativity, to prevent Palestinian gunmen from taking refuge there. In April, dozens of gunmen fled into the church ahead of invading Israeli forces, setting off a tense 39-day standoff. Bethlehem normally hosts thousands of Christian pilgrims every Christmas and midnight mass is broadcast around the world. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...