Shooting renewed, stun grenades explode near Bethlehem church

BETHLEHEM, West Bank -- Gunfire and the explosions of stun grenades were heard Thursday near the Church of the Nativity, where Israeli forces were laying siege to 200 Palestinian gunmen.

Bethlehem residents say smoke rose over the ancient basilica. Witnesses said the firing came in two bursts 15 minutes apart, each lasting for a few minutes.

An Israeli army spokesman said gunmen in the church opened fire and Israeli troops responded. There was no word of casualties.

A Palestinian policeman contacted by telephone inside the church denied the gunmen had fired, and said the shooting appeared to be part of Israel's psychological campaign to keep the gunmen off balance.

The policeman, known only as Salah, said the Israelis blew up a car near the church compound. Gunfire and explosions have become routine in recent evenings, as Israel steps up pressure on the gunmen to surrender.

Israel has demanded the surrender of the gunmen, who have been in the church since April 2.