Sharon released from hospital after stroke
(AP)
Updated: 2005-12-20 22:07

In the West Bank town of Bethlehem, about two dozen gunmen briefly seized Bethlehem's city hall on Manger Square and near the Church of the Nativity, demanding jobs in the Palestinian security forces.

Hundreds of Palestinian police and onlookers rushed to the square after the gunmen appeared on the roof of city hall, pointing their weapons toward the crowd. Police sealed the surrounding streets.

After about an hour, the gunmen tied to the ruling Fatah movement, met with the governor of Bethlehem and then walked out of the building. It was not immediately clear how the standoff was resolved.

The incident took place just four days before Christmas. The Church of the Nativity, one of Christianity's holiest shrines, stands over the grotto where tradition says Jesus was born.