Unrest After Israelis Attack Church
********************************************

Courtesy of: The BBC
Friday, 3 March 2006

Three Israelis reportedly set off firecrackers in the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth during a service late on Friday.

The incident caused panic among worshipers at the Church, where the two attackers were said to be hiding from the crowds.

The Church is one of Christianity's most important sites.

The three, two women and a man, entered the Church pushing a pram filled with fireworks and began throwing them, reports said.

This sparked panic among worshipers, some of whom were said to have attacked the group.

Hundreds of people then gathered outside the Church to protest against the incident, preventing the three from leaving.

Rioting broke out in which police used tear gas and some people were injured, the Associated Press News Agency reported.

Five policemen were injured in the clashes, AP said.

Police were trying to determine the identity and motive of the attackers, who are still holed up inside the Church.

The Church of the Annunciation is one of Christianity's holiest sites. It marks the place where Christians believe the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to foretell the birth of Jesus.

Source:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4772364.stm