Frontline Season 20 Episode 22 The Siege of Bethlehem
- June 13, 2002
The show Frontline season 20 episode 22, titled The Siege of Bethlehem, is a documentary that takes viewers to the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, where they witness the conflict between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants. The episode provides a detailed account of the siege that took place in 2002, as Israeli forces entered the city in order to target militants who had taken refuge in the Church of the Nativity.
The siege lasted for 39 days, during which time the city was under constant curfew and residents were not allowed to leave their homes. The documentary features interviews with residents of Bethlehem who describe the fear and uncertainty they felt during the siege, as well as with members of the Israeli army who took part in the operation.
Through interviews with both Israeli and Palestinian officials, the episode explores the larger political context of the conflict, including the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of the Church of the Nativity in Palestinian culture and identity.
The episode also examines the impact of the siege on the city of Bethlehem in the years that followed, including the economic and social challenges faced by residents and the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and militants in the region.
The Siege of Bethlehem offers a complex and nuanced portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing violence and exploring the deeply held beliefs and perspectives of those on both sides of the conflict.
Overall, this episode of Frontline provides a detailed and in-depth look at one of the most significant conflicts of the past two decades, and offers valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.