Firecrackers at Israeli church spark riot

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NAZARETH, Israel -- At least two people disguised as Christian pilgrims threw crackers into one of Christianity's holiest sites Friday, sparking a riot in this biblical town, police said.

Police said the attackers entered the Basilica of the Annunciation and threw the crackers. Hundreds of residents of the Arab-Israeli town gathered outside building and began rioting.

Rescue workers said at least two people were wounded in the unrest, and others suffered from tear gas inhalation.

Police said the attackers remained inside the church, and the crowd prevented police from entering the building to arrest them. Two or three people were believed to be inside, officials said.

The motive for the attack and the identities of the attackers were not immediately known.

The church is at the site where Christians believe the Angel Gabriel appeared before the Virgin Mary and foretold the birth of Jesus.



Nazareth, the boyhood town of Jesus, is in northern Israel. It is home to Christian and Muslim Arabs


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