The standoff at the Church of the Nativity began on April 2, 2002, when Israeli forces laid siege to the church, which was used as a sanctuary by armed Palestinian militants. The church, a significant site for both religious and cultural reasons, became a focal point of tension during the Second Intifada, a period of intensified Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Over the following weeks, intense negotiations ensued between the Israeli government and Palestinian leadership, alongside pressures from international diplomats. In total, there were approximately 200 Palestinian refugees and militants inside the church, leading to a tense stalemate. The environment was marked by severe shortages of food, water, and basic necessities, escalating the urgency for a resolution.

On May 9, the Palestinian leadership and the Israeli government reached a critical agreement, allowing the release and deportation of 13 suspected terrorists to various countries, ending the standoff. The decision was complicated by the church's religious significance and the presence of armed individuals within, which required careful diplomatic maneuvering. The deportees included members of various Palestinian factions, reflecting the complex political landscape of the time. While some saw the agreement as a pragmatic solution to a tense standoff, for others, the deportation raised questions about the implications for Palestinian autonomy and rights under occupation.