packed with explosives alongside a crowded Israeli bus near the northern town of Megiddo, eye-witnesses said. The suicide attack on the 35th anniversary of the outbreak of the 1967 Middle East War came as Christians living in the region have urged the world to pray for the situation in Israel and the Palestinian areas.
"The dangers of random bombings in Israeli areas and military invasions in Palestinian areas make most parents hesitant to permit their children to attend meetings or participate in activities or trips," said the Bethlehem Bible College (BBC) in a statement released before the latest suicide bombing.
GUNFIGHTS
Located in Jesus’ birthplace, staff and students at the Bethlehem Bible College has seen several gunfights and Israeli invasions. "Reconciling enemies through the love of Jesus" is therefore important it suggested adding that "the ministry really needs the prayers of everyone who cares about peace and salvation."
There were no peaceful signs Wednesday, June 5, as the Israeli bus driver explained how he and another man "carried the wounded" to safety. " felt the bus leap and then turn over," said driver Mickey Harel, who added it was the fourth time he survived a terror attack in recent months. "saw soldiers thrown around the front of the bus," he told reporters.
OCCUPATION
The Palestinian Authority condemned the attack, although senior adviser Samir Rantisi, suggested the suicide bombing showed the desperation of some people after "35 years of occupation." He added that "the Israeli’s cannot shoot themselves in the foot and then accuse" (the Palestinians)."
Hours after the explosion, Israeli tanks, backed by combat helicopters, rolled into the West Bank town of Jenin, several media reports said. Witnesses said attack helicopters fired machine guns toward one neighborhood.
ATTACKS
Jenin is a stronghold of Palestinian militants and has been the target of repeated Israeli raids in recent months. There were also reports about Israeli attacks elsewhere in the troubled region, and believers in nearby Bethlehem prepared for a difficult period ahead.
The BBC said in a statement obtained by ASSIST News Service that it is concerned about the "drastically worsening humanitarian situation in the Bethlehem area as a result of repeated military invasions."
The BBC and Shepherd Society are again trying to submit proposals for relief funding for Bethlehem area residents after a "small grant" was received for emergency relief from an international Christian organization.
PROJECT
That grant was for "the exclusive purchase and distribution of food and medicines" and another "larger application has just been approved which will address the areas of food (coupons), utilities payments, trauma counseling, and creation of temporary jobs for the unemployed," the BBC said.
The project will also help civilians in nearby Hebron, and the surrounding villages and refugee camps as well as the areas of Ramallah, Nablus, and Tul Karm and the smaller more isolated villages toward Jenin, the scene of new fighting, Wednesday, June 5.
INVASION
There is concern that the latest developments, including the suicide bombing Wednesday, June 5, will lead to new military operations in Bethlehem. "The 40-day invasion of Bethlehem which took place in April and May was an unprecedented event in the history of the town and its residents," the BBC said.
Several foreign staff members have been forced to stay longer in Bethlehem, as the students were not able to complete their studies in time. Some of them pray that Bethlehem will remain peaceful in the summer, as it is apparently difficult to forget what happened.
FRIGHTENING
"Soldiers came to our house and took my father away for questioning, and it was a very bewildering and frightening experience for us," recalled 3rd year student Niveen Saras. "They also shot our dog because she was barking like crazy at them."
Rula Rishmawi, a 4th year student, from the area of Bet Sahour said her family was under curfew most of the time. "It’s especially hard for the fourth year students, who just want to finish, graduate, and start looking for a job." She also hopes to deliver her baby this month and provide it a more secure and peaceful future. "Thank God all is fine so far. I know He will protect me no matter what…"
