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Source: http://www.washtimes.com/world/20020513-2162940.htm
Exile of Palestinian Militants Ends Reign of Terror Against Christians
(Washington Times) - Bethlehem residents are expressing relief at the exile to Cyprus of 13 hard-core Palestinian militants, who they said had imposed a two-year reign of terror that included rape, extortion, and executions. Palestinians living near the Church of the Nativity described the group as a criminal gang that preyed especially on Palestinian Christians, demanding "protection money" from the main businesses, which make and sell religious artifacts. "Finally the Christians can breathe freely," said one woman. "We are so delighted that these criminals who have intimidated us for such a long time are now going away." The gang apparently operated under the full protection of Yasser Arafat's Fatah organization and Tanzim, its military wing. Its members often fired into the nearby Israeli suburb of Gilo from church grounds and the homes of Palestinian Christians in Beit Jala.