Israel prepares to hand over Bethlehem

Palestinian police were preparing to move back into the West Bank town of Bethlehem today, the second area Israel is turning over under a Middle East peace plan, following an upbeat summit meeting that boosted hope for an end to 33 months of bloodshed.

The handover of the ancient town was to take place today, officials on both sides said, after the last of the Israeli soldiers left. Yesterday army transport trucks hauled equipment away from two Israeli bases next to the town.