31 july 2008
Young man injured in clashes with Israeli forces east of Tulkarem
21 year-old Mahmoud Rashid Abdul Jabbar Foqaha was shot in the leg by the Israeli forces during clashes in the town of 'Anabta east of Tulkarem northern of the West Bank on Thursday morning.
The young man was taken to Dr. Thabet Thabet Hospital in Tulkarem for treatment where medical sources described his condition as stable.
Palestinian security sources told our correspondent in Tulkarem that the Israeli army stormed the town at dawn on Thursday and stationed themselves near a gas station in the centre of the town where they were met with resistance from local youths.
Israeli forces proceeded to search houses in the area but no one was arrested, the forces withdrew a few hours after they entered the town.
21 year-old Mahmoud Rashid Abdul Jabbar Foqaha was shot in the leg by the Israeli forces during clashes in the town of 'Anabta east of Tulkarem northern of the West Bank on Thursday morning.
The young man was taken to Dr. Thabet Thabet Hospital in Tulkarem for treatment where medical sources described his condition as stable.
Palestinian security sources told our correspondent in Tulkarem that the Israeli army stormed the town at dawn on Thursday and stationed themselves near a gas station in the centre of the town where they were met with resistance from local youths.
Israeli forces proceeded to search houses in the area but no one was arrested, the forces withdrew a few hours after they entered the town.
Yousif Ahmad Amira, who was shot on Wednesday by Israeli forces in Ni'lin, died on Monday, Palestinian medical sources said.
The 19-year-old went into a coma on Wednesday evening with life threatening injuries after being shot twice in the head by Israeli soldiers in Ni'lin, a village West of Ramallah, medical sources told Ma'an on Wednesday.
On Thursday the boy was declaired clinically dead, and remained on life support in a coma until he succumed to his injuries.
Amira was shot twice with rubber coated steel bullets from close range by Israeli border guards during the funeral procession of 10-year-old, Ahmad Husam Mousa, who was shot and killed in the village during a previous demonstration against the wall.
Palestinian medical sources at the governmental hospital in Ramallah said that Amira arrived to the hospital and was later determined to be clinically dead. The boy's heart stopped on Monday.
Aiman Nafe', Mayor of Ni'lin said that six other young men were shot during the funeral procession but their injuries were not life threatening.
After Yousif was shot sources in the village said that running battles broke out between Israeli soldiers and local men at around 5:30pm after villagers built barricades blocking the main street into the village. As a response the Israelis increased their numbers at the entrance of the village before using a bulldozer to destroy barricades and throwing sound bombs and tear gas grenades and opening fire on the crowd.
There have been regular demonstrations in Ni'lin in recent weeks against the building of the sepraration wall near the village, which will confiscate residents' land. These protests have made Ni'lin a target for Israeli military actions, which have seen many injured and one killed.
The 19-year-old went into a coma on Wednesday evening with life threatening injuries after being shot twice in the head by Israeli soldiers in Ni'lin, a village West of Ramallah, medical sources told Ma'an on Wednesday.
On Thursday the boy was declaired clinically dead, and remained on life support in a coma until he succumed to his injuries.
Amira was shot twice with rubber coated steel bullets from close range by Israeli border guards during the funeral procession of 10-year-old, Ahmad Husam Mousa, who was shot and killed in the village during a previous demonstration against the wall.
Palestinian medical sources at the governmental hospital in Ramallah said that Amira arrived to the hospital and was later determined to be clinically dead. The boy's heart stopped on Monday.
Aiman Nafe', Mayor of Ni'lin said that six other young men were shot during the funeral procession but their injuries were not life threatening.
After Yousif was shot sources in the village said that running battles broke out between Israeli soldiers and local men at around 5:30pm after villagers built barricades blocking the main street into the village. As a response the Israelis increased their numbers at the entrance of the village before using a bulldozer to destroy barricades and throwing sound bombs and tear gas grenades and opening fire on the crowd.
There have been regular demonstrations in Ni'lin in recent weeks against the building of the sepraration wall near the village, which will confiscate residents' land. These protests have made Ni'lin a target for Israeli military actions, which have seen many injured and one killed.
Two detained PLC members now in Israeli prison hospitals
Al-Quds Brigades: Israeli army violates truce in Gaza and West Bank
Resistance committees: May need to return to violence
Baby dies in Gaza after being denied treatment abroad
11 arrested in Israeli raids across West Bank
Al-Quds Brigades: Israeli army violates truce in Gaza and West Bank
Resistance committees: May need to return to violence
Baby dies in Gaza after being denied treatment abroad
11 arrested in Israeli raids across West Bank
30 july 2008
Israeli forces invade and detain family in Al-Khadr home
Israeli forces stormed a three-storey house in the old village of Al-Khadr south of Bethlehem on Wednesday morning. Soldiers destroyed the front door of the house before searching it
Eyewitnesses told Ma'an that the three families living in this house, owned by sons of Mohammad Sa'deh Al-Mahsiri, were detained together in one room, and beaten by Israeli soldiers.
Israeli forces were still in the home at the time of writing. Eyewitnesses said that a Palestinian ambulance car arrived there and transferred someone from the home. It is believed to have been one of the workers who arrived with a truckload of furniture from Jenin for the family while they were detained in the house. Sources say that the worker, who was transferring furniture into the home fainted after being attacked by soldiers.
Israeli forces stormed a three-storey house in the old village of Al-Khadr south of Bethlehem on Wednesday morning. Soldiers destroyed the front door of the house before searching it
Eyewitnesses told Ma'an that the three families living in this house, owned by sons of Mohammad Sa'deh Al-Mahsiri, were detained together in one room, and beaten by Israeli soldiers.
Israeli forces were still in the home at the time of writing. Eyewitnesses said that a Palestinian ambulance car arrived there and transferred someone from the home. It is believed to have been one of the workers who arrived with a truckload of furniture from Jenin for the family while they were detained in the house. Sources say that the worker, who was transferring furniture into the home fainted after being attacked by soldiers.
Israeli forces arrest two in Qabatia raid
Israeli forces arrested two people in Qabatia in the south of Jenin city early on Wednesday morning as part of a wider operation in the western districts of Jenin apparently to search for resistance figters.
Security sources said that Israeli forces stormed the town after midnight and searched several houses before detaining Nasser Zakarneh and Mohhamed Abu-Zeid, transferring them to an interrogation unit. Zakarneh was released a few hours later, at the time of writing Abu-Zeid remains in custody.
Local sources said that Israeli soldiers damaged property in the houses they raided. One of those houses was owned by Abdel Fattah Khzeimiyyeh an fighter with Islamic Jihad movement who has been wanted by the Israeli forces for about two years.
Abdel Fattah's brother, Yousef, told Ma'an's correspondent, that, "at 3am Israeli soldiers surrounded the two-storey house and threw stones at windows and ordered us to evacuate the building through loudspeakers and detained 8 members of the family."
Israeli forces arrested two people in Qabatia in the south of Jenin city early on Wednesday morning as part of a wider operation in the western districts of Jenin apparently to search for resistance figters.
Security sources said that Israeli forces stormed the town after midnight and searched several houses before detaining Nasser Zakarneh and Mohhamed Abu-Zeid, transferring them to an interrogation unit. Zakarneh was released a few hours later, at the time of writing Abu-Zeid remains in custody.
Local sources said that Israeli soldiers damaged property in the houses they raided. One of those houses was owned by Abdel Fattah Khzeimiyyeh an fighter with Islamic Jihad movement who has been wanted by the Israeli forces for about two years.
Abdel Fattah's brother, Yousef, told Ma'an's correspondent, that, "at 3am Israeli soldiers surrounded the two-storey house and threw stones at windows and ordered us to evacuate the building through loudspeakers and detained 8 members of the family."
Israeli forces arrest Palestinian policeman and brother
Arab MK demands Israel lift restrictions on West Bank university students
29 july 2008
Ten-year-old Ahmad Husam Yousif Musa was killed by Israeli forces on Tuesday evening during clashes in the village of Ni'lin, west of Ramallah.
Eyewitnesses reported that the child was shot in the head at close range and died immediately. His body was transferred to a Ramallah hospital.
The former mayor of Ni'lin, Muhammad Srour, told Ma'an that while the Israeli bulldozers were finishing their daily work on the separation wall in the village, demonsrators headed to the site and were met with tear gas and rubber bullets.
Soon afterwards Israeli troops fired live ammunition directly at the crowd, which was gathered at the construction site, hitting Yousif Musa in the head.
The Israeli military has not yet given a full account of the incident but said they are carrying out 'a careful and thorough invertigation.'
Ni'lin residents have staged daily protests and marches against the separation wall, which is being built on the village's land. Some 77 demonstrations, sit-ins, and protests against the wall have been held in the village so far. The Israeli military frequently responds by shooting tear gas, sound bombs, rubber-coated metal bullets and live ammunition towards demonstrators and bystanders.
The Israeli wall will confiscate some 2,500 dunams of land belonging to the village, whose residents depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. A dunam is 1,000 square metres or approximately a quarter of an acre.
At least 10 other people have died in protests against the wall.
Eyewitnesses reported that the child was shot in the head at close range and died immediately. His body was transferred to a Ramallah hospital.
The former mayor of Ni'lin, Muhammad Srour, told Ma'an that while the Israeli bulldozers were finishing their daily work on the separation wall in the village, demonsrators headed to the site and were met with tear gas and rubber bullets.
Soon afterwards Israeli troops fired live ammunition directly at the crowd, which was gathered at the construction site, hitting Yousif Musa in the head.
The Israeli military has not yet given a full account of the incident but said they are carrying out 'a careful and thorough invertigation.'
Ni'lin residents have staged daily protests and marches against the separation wall, which is being built on the village's land. Some 77 demonstrations, sit-ins, and protests against the wall have been held in the village so far. The Israeli military frequently responds by shooting tear gas, sound bombs, rubber-coated metal bullets and live ammunition towards demonstrators and bystanders.
The Israeli wall will confiscate some 2,500 dunams of land belonging to the village, whose residents depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. A dunam is 1,000 square metres or approximately a quarter of an acre.
At least 10 other people have died in protests against the wall.
Ten protestors and two Israeli soldiers injured in Ni'lin
Ten Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers were injured in clashes that took place on Tuesday afternoon near the construction site of the separation wall in Ni'lin to the west of Ramallah
The protestors were injured after the soldiers fired tear gas and rubber coated steel bullets at the crowd of locals and international solidarity activists.
Member of the Ni'lin committee against the wall, Mohammad Srour, described three of the injuries as moderate including: Hassoun Issam Nafe', Mo'tassem Ahmad Srour and Wa'el Taysir Nafe.
Meanwhile, Hebrew sources revealed that phonographic analysis has shown that the Israeli army captain, seen in the video of a handcuffed Palestinian being shot at close range with a rubber coated steel bullet after being detained in Ni'lin, gave the order to shoot despite his earlier claims that he had not.
Ten Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers were injured in clashes that took place on Tuesday afternoon near the construction site of the separation wall in Ni'lin to the west of Ramallah
The protestors were injured after the soldiers fired tear gas and rubber coated steel bullets at the crowd of locals and international solidarity activists.
Member of the Ni'lin committee against the wall, Mohammad Srour, described three of the injuries as moderate including: Hassoun Issam Nafe', Mo'tassem Ahmad Srour and Wa'el Taysir Nafe.
Meanwhile, Hebrew sources revealed that phonographic analysis has shown that the Israeli army captain, seen in the video of a handcuffed Palestinian being shot at close range with a rubber coated steel bullet after being detained in Ni'lin, gave the order to shoot despite his earlier claims that he had not.
Israeli forces storm Ash-Shuhada village
Israeli forces stormed the village of Ash-Shuhada south of Jenin early on Tuesday raiding a house there.
Eyewitnesses said that the house of 60-year-old Yossor Wishahi was stormed and searched at 1.30am by Israeli forces after five military vehicles entered the town from the Jenin-Nablus road and asked people through loudspeakers to evacuate the houses and lift their clothes up so that they could be searched.
They stayed in the village until 4am and gave the owner of the house and his son an order to go to Salem military post in the west of Jenin city.
This house has been attacked several times within the last few months and it is the same house in which Ghassan Wishahi was arrested ten days ago. The village has also been stormed several times in the last week. In one raid Israeli forces surrounded the main café in the village and detained 23-year-old Yousef Asa'sa.
Israeli forces stormed the village of Ash-Shuhada south of Jenin early on Tuesday raiding a house there.
Eyewitnesses said that the house of 60-year-old Yossor Wishahi was stormed and searched at 1.30am by Israeli forces after five military vehicles entered the town from the Jenin-Nablus road and asked people through loudspeakers to evacuate the houses and lift their clothes up so that they could be searched.
They stayed in the village until 4am and gave the owner of the house and his son an order to go to Salem military post in the west of Jenin city.
This house has been attacked several times within the last few months and it is the same house in which Ghassan Wishahi was arrested ten days ago. The village has also been stormed several times in the last week. In one raid Israeli forces surrounded the main café in the village and detained 23-year-old Yousef Asa'sa.
The Israeli army set fire to a furniture store early on Tuesday morning on Al-Quds Street in Nablus, and the losses were estimated at $3 million.
Sabri Hindiyyeh, a partner of Qaser Hindiyyeh furniture, told Ma'an, "the Israeli army fired light and smoke bombs into the store at 2am on Tuesday, turning everything in the shop to ashes."
Sabri says that he has no idea why the army attacked the four-storey establishment, and appealed to PA officers to intervene and help them deal with disaster.
For the last few weeks Israeli forces have stepped up their operations in Nablus, with raids resulting in mass arrests and the closing of major commercial centers. Also on Tuesday morning Palestinian security sources said that Israeli forces detained 28-year-old Ma'moun As-Safadi after storming his house in the old city of Nablus.
Sabri Hindiyyeh, a partner of Qaser Hindiyyeh furniture, told Ma'an, "the Israeli army fired light and smoke bombs into the store at 2am on Tuesday, turning everything in the shop to ashes."
Sabri says that he has no idea why the army attacked the four-storey establishment, and appealed to PA officers to intervene and help them deal with disaster.
For the last few weeks Israeli forces have stepped up their operations in Nablus, with raids resulting in mass arrests and the closing of major commercial centers. Also on Tuesday morning Palestinian security sources said that Israeli forces detained 28-year-old Ma'moun As-Safadi after storming his house in the old city of Nablus.
Israeli soldiers and settlers near Burin, 24 July 2008
Two diplomats from the US State Department on Monday visited the village of Burin, south of Nablus, which has endured numerous attacks from Israeli settlers recently, in a clear message regarding the American position on Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories. Burin is considered one of the most frequently attacked villages by Israeli settlers, who have launched four homemade projectiles towards the village over the past few weeks.
The US delegation, headed by Chris Grantham, political attaché at the State Department, met on Monday afternoon with the head of the Burin municipal council, 'Ali 'Eid, and several other council members.
"We came to listen and see what is going on in Burin," Grantham told Ma'an. 'Ali 'Eid explained, "we will tell the Americans that Israeli settlers burned more than 4,500 olive trees on village lands within the last month, as well as launching four projectiles that were produced in a settler outpost built on land in Area B, which is supposed to be under Palestinian civil control."
The village of Burin has some 3,000 residents and includes 32,000 dunams of mainly agricultural land, according to 'Eid. A dunam is equal to 1,000 square metres or approximately a quarter of an acre. He stressed that Burin residents are attacked on an almost daily basis by Israeli settlers from the nearby settlement of Yitzhar, who have built four illegal outposts on land belonging to the village since 2002.
'Eid denied that the village has received any substantive support from the Palestinian Authority, noting that projects have not moved beyond verbal promises.
The American delegation visited the sites where the settler projectiles landed, and other locations attacked by settlers, including a house in the village that was burned by settlers on Monday morning.
Two diplomats from the US State Department on Monday visited the village of Burin, south of Nablus, which has endured numerous attacks from Israeli settlers recently, in a clear message regarding the American position on Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories. Burin is considered one of the most frequently attacked villages by Israeli settlers, who have launched four homemade projectiles towards the village over the past few weeks.
The US delegation, headed by Chris Grantham, political attaché at the State Department, met on Monday afternoon with the head of the Burin municipal council, 'Ali 'Eid, and several other council members.
"We came to listen and see what is going on in Burin," Grantham told Ma'an. 'Ali 'Eid explained, "we will tell the Americans that Israeli settlers burned more than 4,500 olive trees on village lands within the last month, as well as launching four projectiles that were produced in a settler outpost built on land in Area B, which is supposed to be under Palestinian civil control."
The village of Burin has some 3,000 residents and includes 32,000 dunams of mainly agricultural land, according to 'Eid. A dunam is equal to 1,000 square metres or approximately a quarter of an acre. He stressed that Burin residents are attacked on an almost daily basis by Israeli settlers from the nearby settlement of Yitzhar, who have built four illegal outposts on land belonging to the village since 2002.
'Eid denied that the village has received any substantive support from the Palestinian Authority, noting that projects have not moved beyond verbal promises.
The American delegation visited the sites where the settler projectiles landed, and other locations attacked by settlers, including a house in the village that was burned by settlers on Monday morning.
Israel to move part of separation fence
86 truckloads of goods enter the Gaza Strip Monday
Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians in West Bank
Israeli forces detain member of village council and extend detention of deputy Mansour
86 truckloads of goods enter the Gaza Strip Monday
Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians in West Bank
Israeli forces detain member of village council and extend detention of deputy Mansour
28 july 2008
Mourners carry Shihab Ad-Dein An-Natshah at his funeral in Hebron, 27 July 2008
Local sources in Hebron reported on Monday evening that the head of assassinated Al-Qassam brigades leader Shihab Ad-Dein An-Natshah was discovered after two days of searching through the rubble of a building demolished by Israeli forces early on Sunday morning. The Al-Qassam brigades are the military wing of the Hamas movement.
The sources added that An-Natshah's head was given to his family for burial.
After refusing to surrender and holding off Israeli forces for about 12 hours, An-Natshah was killed at about 5am on Sunday when Israeli military bulldozers demolished the building where he was hiding on top of him. The building was located in the Shi'b Al-Milh area between Hebron and the nearby town of Taffuh.
Israeli authorities have accused An-Natshah of planning the bombing operation in Dimona performed by two Hamas affiliates in February 2008.
The Al-Qassam brigades pledged to respond to An-Natshah's assassination, and said in a statement that "the retaliation will be swift and strong."
Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum said from Gaza that "the assassination of An-Natshah will not bring security to Israel," and called on all resistance groups in the West Bank to respond to the assassination.
Local sources in Hebron reported on Monday evening that the head of assassinated Al-Qassam brigades leader Shihab Ad-Dein An-Natshah was discovered after two days of searching through the rubble of a building demolished by Israeli forces early on Sunday morning. The Al-Qassam brigades are the military wing of the Hamas movement.
The sources added that An-Natshah's head was given to his family for burial.
After refusing to surrender and holding off Israeli forces for about 12 hours, An-Natshah was killed at about 5am on Sunday when Israeli military bulldozers demolished the building where he was hiding on top of him. The building was located in the Shi'b Al-Milh area between Hebron and the nearby town of Taffuh.
Israeli authorities have accused An-Natshah of planning the bombing operation in Dimona performed by two Hamas affiliates in February 2008.
The Al-Qassam brigades pledged to respond to An-Natshah's assassination, and said in a statement that "the retaliation will be swift and strong."
Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum said from Gaza that "the assassination of An-Natshah will not bring security to Israel," and called on all resistance groups in the West Bank to respond to the assassination.
Israeli forces destroyed a six-storey building belonging to Majid Abu 'Eisha in the East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Beit Hanina on Monday evening, on the pretext that it was built without a permit.
Eyewitnesses told Ma'an that a large number of heavily armed Israeli forces and police prevented citizens and solidarity activists, who had gathered near the house for the past two days, from approaching the building. Israeli police then forced the residents outside, before placing explosives in the building and detonating them. Eyewitnesses reported that the upper stories collapsed onto the lower part of the building, and the structure was reduced to a pile of rubble. Nearby houses were damaged from the force of the explosion.
Earlier on Monday, a number of citizens and activists who had gathered at the building to try to prevent its demolition were injured when Israeli forces stormed the house. Several people were transported to local hospitals.
Those injured included Hatim Abdul-Qadir, an advisor to Prime Minister Salam Fayyad on Jerusalem affairs. He described the the Israeli raid as "brutal," noting that soldiers attacked protesters and residents of the house. He pointed out that such violence was unprecedented and that police dogs were used. However, he added, violence will not terrify Jerusalem residents, who will defend their houses regardless of the repercussions.
Israeli authorities frequently demolish Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem on the pretext that they have been built without a permit, although it is extremely difficult for Palestinians to obtain building permits from the Israeli authorities.
Eyewitnesses told Ma'an that a large number of heavily armed Israeli forces and police prevented citizens and solidarity activists, who had gathered near the house for the past two days, from approaching the building. Israeli police then forced the residents outside, before placing explosives in the building and detonating them. Eyewitnesses reported that the upper stories collapsed onto the lower part of the building, and the structure was reduced to a pile of rubble. Nearby houses were damaged from the force of the explosion.
Earlier on Monday, a number of citizens and activists who had gathered at the building to try to prevent its demolition were injured when Israeli forces stormed the house. Several people were transported to local hospitals.
Those injured included Hatim Abdul-Qadir, an advisor to Prime Minister Salam Fayyad on Jerusalem affairs. He described the the Israeli raid as "brutal," noting that soldiers attacked protesters and residents of the house. He pointed out that such violence was unprecedented and that police dogs were used. However, he added, violence will not terrify Jerusalem residents, who will defend their houses regardless of the repercussions.
Israeli authorities frequently demolish Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem on the pretext that they have been built without a permit, although it is extremely difficult for Palestinians to obtain building permits from the Israeli authorities.
A gang of settlers from Yitzhar settlement, to the south of Nablus in the West Bank, set fire to a Palestinian house in the village of Burin in the early hours of Monday morning.
Ghassan Deghles director of village and municipal affairs in Nablus governorate told Ma'an's correspondent that dozens of settlers attacked the village of Burin and set fire to a house, close to the settlement, owned by Sa'id Mahmoud An-Najar, apparently burning it to the ground.
Deghles said that the settlers took advantage of the fact that the owner was away at a wedding party and descended on the house that lies only tens meters away from Yitzhar.
He also expressed his anger that the frequent attacks against civilians were able to continue due to the unwillingness of the Israeli army to take any action to stop those involved in the attacks. Although he did confirm that an Israeli liaison officer had reported that the Israeli forces have detained a number of settlers in relation to the incident.
For his part, the Governor of Nablus, Jamal Muheissen, condemned the attack and highlighted the continuity and escalation of such practices and the grave consequences for Palestinian residents.
Ghassan Deghles director of village and municipal affairs in Nablus governorate told Ma'an's correspondent that dozens of settlers attacked the village of Burin and set fire to a house, close to the settlement, owned by Sa'id Mahmoud An-Najar, apparently burning it to the ground.
Deghles said that the settlers took advantage of the fact that the owner was away at a wedding party and descended on the house that lies only tens meters away from Yitzhar.
He also expressed his anger that the frequent attacks against civilians were able to continue due to the unwillingness of the Israeli army to take any action to stop those involved in the attacks. Although he did confirm that an Israeli liaison officer had reported that the Israeli forces have detained a number of settlers in relation to the incident.
For his part, the Governor of Nablus, Jamal Muheissen, condemned the attack and highlighted the continuity and escalation of such practices and the grave consequences for Palestinian residents.
Israeli forces raid Tulkarem, arrest teenager
Israeli forces on Monday morning raided the western neighborhood of Tulkarem in the northern West Bank and arrested 18-year-old Mu'ath Al-Haroun.
eyewitnesses told Ma'an's reporter that more than 8 Israeli military vehicles stormed the Al-Younis building in the city after they besieged the whole neighborhood. The building and other neighboring buildings and offices were evacuated and women, children and infants were sent into the street.
At 8:30, Israeli forces left after they seized Al-Haroun.
Israeli forces on Monday morning raided the western neighborhood of Tulkarem in the northern West Bank and arrested 18-year-old Mu'ath Al-Haroun.
eyewitnesses told Ma'an's reporter that more than 8 Israeli military vehicles stormed the Al-Younis building in the city after they besieged the whole neighborhood. The building and other neighboring buildings and offices were evacuated and women, children and infants were sent into the street.
At 8:30, Israeli forces left after they seized Al-Haroun.
Protesters and Israeli soldiers injured in anti-wall rally in Ni'lin
Seven Palestinians were injured as clashes erupted on Sunday evening between anti-wall protesters and Israeli soldiers in the central West Bank village of Ni'lin west of Ramallah.
International peace and solidarity activists took part in the rally which headed from the village's center towards construction sites where Israeli bulldozers were digging up fields belonging to the villagers. Before the rally could reach construction sites, Israeli soldiers intervened firing rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters heavily to disperse the rally.
As a result, dozens of protesters suffered suffocation as they inhaled tear gas, and 3 Israeli soldiers were also injured. One of the soldiers sustained wounds in his face and was evacuated by Israeli ambulance to the nearby settlement of Ha'hashmonaim. Seven Palestinian protesters were also injured. Local sources identified them as:
Malik Nafi' who received a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head, Muhammad Al-Khawaja, who sustained three rubber-coated bullet wounds to his neck and back, Mustafa Amira, a child who was hit in his chest, Zaydoon Srour, hit in his hand, Hilal Al-Khaweaja and Muhammad Srour, who received a rubber-coated bullet to the head for the seventh time. Confrontations lasted into the night.
Coordinator of Ni'lin anti-wall committee, 'Ahid Al-Khawaja, said the rally was part of a weekly programme which will continue as long as the Israelis continue to construct the wall and to confiscate Palestinian lands for settlements.
Meanwhile, Israeli authorities began to dig a tunnel which will be an-Israeli controlled entrance to Ni'lin after the wall is completed.
Seven Palestinians were injured as clashes erupted on Sunday evening between anti-wall protesters and Israeli soldiers in the central West Bank village of Ni'lin west of Ramallah.
International peace and solidarity activists took part in the rally which headed from the village's center towards construction sites where Israeli bulldozers were digging up fields belonging to the villagers. Before the rally could reach construction sites, Israeli soldiers intervened firing rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters heavily to disperse the rally.
As a result, dozens of protesters suffered suffocation as they inhaled tear gas, and 3 Israeli soldiers were also injured. One of the soldiers sustained wounds in his face and was evacuated by Israeli ambulance to the nearby settlement of Ha'hashmonaim. Seven Palestinian protesters were also injured. Local sources identified them as:
Malik Nafi' who received a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head, Muhammad Al-Khawaja, who sustained three rubber-coated bullet wounds to his neck and back, Mustafa Amira, a child who was hit in his chest, Zaydoon Srour, hit in his hand, Hilal Al-Khaweaja and Muhammad Srour, who received a rubber-coated bullet to the head for the seventh time. Confrontations lasted into the night.
Coordinator of Ni'lin anti-wall committee, 'Ahid Al-Khawaja, said the rally was part of a weekly programme which will continue as long as the Israelis continue to construct the wall and to confiscate Palestinian lands for settlements.
Meanwhile, Israeli authorities began to dig a tunnel which will be an-Israeli controlled entrance to Ni'lin after the wall is completed.
A number of Palestinian protesters were injured on Monday morning as Israeli forces stormed the home of Majid Abu 'Eisha in the Beit Hanina neighborhood in northern Jerusalem which the Israelis are threatening to demolish. Amongst the injured was Hatim Abdul-Qadir, Prime Minister Fayyad's advisor on Jerusalem affairs.
The injured people have been evacuated to hospital for treatment while the family was forced to evacuate the six-storey house. Israeli forces brought trucks to carry away the furniture and the area was declared closed military zone.
Abdul-Qadir described the Israeli break-in as "brutal" as soldiers attacked protesters and residents of the house. He pointed out that such violence was unprecedented and that police dogs were used. However, he added, violence will not terrify Jerusalem residents, who will defend their houses regardless of the repercussions.
The protest began on Sunday evening as Israeli forces brought bulldozers and heavy machinery to the house.
The injured people have been evacuated to hospital for treatment while the family was forced to evacuate the six-storey house. Israeli forces brought trucks to carry away the furniture and the area was declared closed military zone.
Abdul-Qadir described the Israeli break-in as "brutal" as soldiers attacked protesters and residents of the house. He pointed out that such violence was unprecedented and that police dogs were used. However, he added, violence will not terrify Jerusalem residents, who will defend their houses regardless of the repercussions.
The protest began on Sunday evening as Israeli forces brought bulldozers and heavy machinery to the house.
27 july 2008
Israeli ministers call for redrawing Jerusalem boundaries, home demolitions, and deporting activists
Israeli Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz warned during the weekly Israeli cabinet meeting held on Sunday that Jerusalem is becoming "a terror hub," and called for the government to adopt policies of demolishing homes, closing areas, and exiling Palestinian activists and their families in response to these "new threats."
Responding to Mofaz, Deputy Prime Minister Haim Ramon said: "Those who think that the problem of Jerusalem and terror is limited, and that destroying houses will help resolve this problem, are burying their heads in the sand. The main question is whether the government wants Jabal Mukaber and Sur Baher as part of the state of Israel state or not. Those who want the fence to be east of Sur Baher actually determine that Jerusalem will live with the terrorist threat posed by the 175,000 Palestinians [in East Jerusalem] with no affinity to Israel."
Ramon added, "Israel's interest lies in separating from the Palestinian villages and neighborhoods which have never been part of Jerusalem, and which threaten its identity as the capital of Israel and a Jewish Zionist city."
For his part, Yuval Diskin, head of the Israeli General Security Services or "Shabak," said that there is a lack of authority in Palestinian neighborhoods located near the separation wall in the Jerusalem area. He explained that these areas do not fall under Israeli army or police authority, and that Hamas has started to take control in places like Abu Dis and Al-'Azariyya.
He remarked that sending Israeli security forces into Shuafat, in East Jerusalem, requires greater numbers and stronger forces than an operation in Jenin.
Diskin also reported to members of the government that Palestinian neighborhoods in East Jerusalem are witnessing an active trade in street weapons.
Responding to Mofaz, Deputy Prime Minister Haim Ramon said: "Those who think that the problem of Jerusalem and terror is limited, and that destroying houses will help resolve this problem, are burying their heads in the sand. The main question is whether the government wants Jabal Mukaber and Sur Baher as part of the state of Israel state or not. Those who want the fence to be east of Sur Baher actually determine that Jerusalem will live with the terrorist threat posed by the 175,000 Palestinians [in East Jerusalem] with no affinity to Israel."
Ramon added, "Israel's interest lies in separating from the Palestinian villages and neighborhoods which have never been part of Jerusalem, and which threaten its identity as the capital of Israel and a Jewish Zionist city."
For his part, Yuval Diskin, head of the Israeli General Security Services or "Shabak," said that there is a lack of authority in Palestinian neighborhoods located near the separation wall in the Jerusalem area. He explained that these areas do not fall under Israeli army or police authority, and that Hamas has started to take control in places like Abu Dis and Al-'Azariyya.
He remarked that sending Israeli security forces into Shuafat, in East Jerusalem, requires greater numbers and stronger forces than an operation in Jenin.
Diskin also reported to members of the government that Palestinian neighborhoods in East Jerusalem are witnessing an active trade in street weapons.
An American peace activist with the Christian Peacemaker Teams was attacked on Sunday by Israeli settlers near Hebron.
A team of foreign activists was escorting a group of Palestinian children from Tuba and Maghaer Al-Abeed home from their summer camp in the nearby town of At Tuwani. The most direct road from the villages to At Tuwani is through the illegal Israeli settlement Ma'on south of Hebron.
As the group passed through the settlement some of the settler children began throwing stones at Palestinian children. One activist ran ahead to usher the kids to safety, and another, Joel Gulledge, followed behind the group and filmed the attack.
Gulledge was swarmed by the settler children, who hit him with stones, took his camera and beat him with it. He sustained moderate head injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
The group of activists has been escorting the children after Israeli soldiers stopped showing up in the mornings to take the kids to their summer camp. According to a CPT press release, the mayor of At Tuwani had spoken with Israeli military officials to coordinate the escort for the children. However, several military spokespersons and soldiers on the ground denied being ordered to escort the children.
Escorts had been taking place, however, until 22 July when soldiers did not show up to see the children safely to their summer camp.
In 2004 the Israeli Knesset recommended that the Israeli military carry out a daily escort of the children of Tuba and Maghaer Al-Abeed to their school in At Tuwani in response to settler violence against them. In 2006 Israeli Minister of Defense stated that the illegal outpost of Havot Ma'on should be dismantled because of the settlers' violence towards school children. During the 2007-2008 school year, settlers used violence against these children on at least 14 occasions.
A team of foreign activists was escorting a group of Palestinian children from Tuba and Maghaer Al-Abeed home from their summer camp in the nearby town of At Tuwani. The most direct road from the villages to At Tuwani is through the illegal Israeli settlement Ma'on south of Hebron.
As the group passed through the settlement some of the settler children began throwing stones at Palestinian children. One activist ran ahead to usher the kids to safety, and another, Joel Gulledge, followed behind the group and filmed the attack.
Gulledge was swarmed by the settler children, who hit him with stones, took his camera and beat him with it. He sustained moderate head injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
The group of activists has been escorting the children after Israeli soldiers stopped showing up in the mornings to take the kids to their summer camp. According to a CPT press release, the mayor of At Tuwani had spoken with Israeli military officials to coordinate the escort for the children. However, several military spokespersons and soldiers on the ground denied being ordered to escort the children.
Escorts had been taking place, however, until 22 July when soldiers did not show up to see the children safely to their summer camp.
In 2004 the Israeli Knesset recommended that the Israeli military carry out a daily escort of the children of Tuba and Maghaer Al-Abeed to their school in At Tuwani in response to settler violence against them. In 2006 Israeli Minister of Defense stated that the illegal outpost of Havot Ma'on should be dismantled because of the settlers' violence towards school children. During the 2007-2008 school year, settlers used violence against these children on at least 14 occasions.
Hamas activist dead after Israeli troops demolish Hebron home, crushing him
Twenty-five-year-old Shihab Ad-Dein Natshah was killed by Israeli forces near Hebron.
Natshah was a Palestinian activist affiliated with the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas. He was killed by Israeli forces after they demolished a house were he was hiding in the Shi'b Al-Milh region between the southern West Bank city of Hebron and the nearby town of Taffuh, eyewitnesses say.
The witnesses added that Israeli forces besieged the home on Saturday at seven in the evening. Palestinian medics reported seeing fire erupt from the besieged home, and other witnesses said heavy gunfire was heard in the area and at least 15 Israeli military vehicles were present. The military operation went through the night, with palpable tension in the area. Israeli forces summoned back-up forces accompanied by a military bulldozer to the area.
Early Saturday evening Israeli forces arrested three Palestinians from the besieged home. Eyewitnesses identified two of them as Wael Al-Bitar, the owner of the house and Abdul-Qadir Natshah. The identity of the third arrestee is unknown.
Israeli media sources have reported that soldiers fired a shell at the building Natshah was in, after he refused to surrender and opened fire at troops. At 5am Sunday morning the troops began to demolish the home, killing Natshah.
Palestinian medics and fire fighters from Hebron said they exhumed parts of Natshah's body from under the wreck of the house, and were searching for the rest of the body.
Natshah's mother "Um 'Izzat" told Ma'an, "Israeli occupation soldiers took me from my home at midnight by force and made me to ask my son to surrender through loudspeakers."
She added, "then they demolished the house over my son, and at 4:00 am they asked me to identify his body which was torn to pieces. When I tried to identify the body, they refused telling me it was fragments and could not be identified."
Meanwhile, Natshah's father, Abdul-Aziz, said he refused to accompany Israeli soldiers and ask his son to surrender. "It is impossible that I ask my son to surrender," he said.
Israeli intelligence has accused Natshah of providing logistic support to the Palestinian who blew himself up in Dimona in southern Israel on 4 February 2008.
Twenty-five-year-old Shihab Ad-Dein Natshah was killed by Israeli forces near Hebron.
Natshah was a Palestinian activist affiliated with the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas. He was killed by Israeli forces after they demolished a house were he was hiding in the Shi'b Al-Milh region between the southern West Bank city of Hebron and the nearby town of Taffuh, eyewitnesses say.
The witnesses added that Israeli forces besieged the home on Saturday at seven in the evening. Palestinian medics reported seeing fire erupt from the besieged home, and other witnesses said heavy gunfire was heard in the area and at least 15 Israeli military vehicles were present. The military operation went through the night, with palpable tension in the area. Israeli forces summoned back-up forces accompanied by a military bulldozer to the area.
Early Saturday evening Israeli forces arrested three Palestinians from the besieged home. Eyewitnesses identified two of them as Wael Al-Bitar, the owner of the house and Abdul-Qadir Natshah. The identity of the third arrestee is unknown.
Israeli media sources have reported that soldiers fired a shell at the building Natshah was in, after he refused to surrender and opened fire at troops. At 5am Sunday morning the troops began to demolish the home, killing Natshah.
Palestinian medics and fire fighters from Hebron said they exhumed parts of Natshah's body from under the wreck of the house, and were searching for the rest of the body.
Natshah's mother "Um 'Izzat" told Ma'an, "Israeli occupation soldiers took me from my home at midnight by force and made me to ask my son to surrender through loudspeakers."
She added, "then they demolished the house over my son, and at 4:00 am they asked me to identify his body which was torn to pieces. When I tried to identify the body, they refused telling me it was fragments and could not be identified."
Meanwhile, Natshah's father, Abdul-Aziz, said he refused to accompany Israeli soldiers and ask his son to surrender. "It is impossible that I ask my son to surrender," he said.
Israeli intelligence has accused Natshah of providing logistic support to the Palestinian who blew himself up in Dimona in southern Israel on 4 February 2008.
Israeli forces injure and detain citizens in Beit Ummar
Clashes broke out in the Beit Ummar, north of Hebron, on Friday when Israeli military vehicles invaded the village and soldiers opened fire randomly with rubber-coated bullets and live ammunition. Four citizens were wounded and four were arrested.
An Israeli soldier shot 17-year-old Muhammad Musa Younis 'Arar in the face with a rubber-coated bullet from a close distance. Israeli forces then detained 'Arar, preventing medical staff from reaching him, and severely beat his brother, 30-year-old Mujib Musa Younis 'Arar, when the latter tried to help Muhammad. Mujib was also detained, and the two brothers were taken by Israeli forces to an unknown location.
Three other Beit Ummar residents were injured by Israeli forces. 'Amr Shawkat Abd Ar-Rahman 'Alqam was shot in the arm and is in stable condition, while Salih Mustafa Ikhlayil and 27-year-old Ahmad 'Ali 'Aqil were both shot in the foot with rubber-coated bullets and moderately injured.
Sources from the Palestine Solidarity Project, which is based in Beit Ummar, also reported that Israeli forces stormed the village of Safa, north of Beit Ummar, raiding the home of Kussab 'Ali Abu Dayya and arresting his son, 20-year-old Laith Kussab 'Ali Abu Dayya, and nephew, 20-year-old Murad Ibrahim Ahmad Abu Ayyash. Israeli forces destroyed the family's furniture and belongings, including a computer and mobile phone.
Finally, Israeli forces hit a foreign solidarity activist who was trying to document the events, seizing her camera. When Beit Ummar residents intervened to try to help her, Israeli soldiers prevented them from reaching her. The activist was forced to delete the pictures on her camera, and threatened by Israeli troops.
Clashes broke out in the Beit Ummar, north of Hebron, on Friday when Israeli military vehicles invaded the village and soldiers opened fire randomly with rubber-coated bullets and live ammunition. Four citizens were wounded and four were arrested.
An Israeli soldier shot 17-year-old Muhammad Musa Younis 'Arar in the face with a rubber-coated bullet from a close distance. Israeli forces then detained 'Arar, preventing medical staff from reaching him, and severely beat his brother, 30-year-old Mujib Musa Younis 'Arar, when the latter tried to help Muhammad. Mujib was also detained, and the two brothers were taken by Israeli forces to an unknown location.
Three other Beit Ummar residents were injured by Israeli forces. 'Amr Shawkat Abd Ar-Rahman 'Alqam was shot in the arm and is in stable condition, while Salih Mustafa Ikhlayil and 27-year-old Ahmad 'Ali 'Aqil were both shot in the foot with rubber-coated bullets and moderately injured.
Sources from the Palestine Solidarity Project, which is based in Beit Ummar, also reported that Israeli forces stormed the village of Safa, north of Beit Ummar, raiding the home of Kussab 'Ali Abu Dayya and arresting his son, 20-year-old Laith Kussab 'Ali Abu Dayya, and nephew, 20-year-old Murad Ibrahim Ahmad Abu Ayyash. Israeli forces destroyed the family's furniture and belongings, including a computer and mobile phone.
Finally, Israeli forces hit a foreign solidarity activist who was trying to document the events, seizing her camera. When Beit Ummar residents intervened to try to help her, Israeli soldiers prevented them from reaching her. The activist was forced to delete the pictures on her camera, and threatened by Israeli troops.
