Tougher measures Some Israelis want much tougher measures and argue that Prime Minister Ehud Barak is being too cautious after seven weeks of escalating violence. I would like to arrive at a situation in which Palestinians will be begging the US to stop the Israelis. Then let's come to talk again. In the centre of Bethlehem, the effects of the blockade are biting hard. Local kids kick a football around Manger Square, there are no tourists, and bitterness is on the rise.
Economic conditions are bad enough already.
But Ibrahim, a local businessman, argued that people are prepared to make the sacrifice, if that's what it takes. But during this time you buy just the necessary things because you are in a war zone. Almost every night, and sometimes during the day, Beit Jala witnesses a heavy exchange of fire, most of it coming from Israeli troops in a Jewish settlement across the valley. Civilians on both sides are right in the firing line and for now, those seeking compromise are struggling to make their voices heard. Briton jailed Lockerbie bomber lodges appeal Links to more Middle East stories are at the foot of the page.