**Bethlehem: Girl Critically Wounded in Settler Attack**Jenin: Child Wounded in Far'a Refugee Camp**Rafah: 2 Residents Wounded in Israeli Fire**Qalqilya: 11 Residents Arrested during Random Home Raids**Ramallah: Israeli Soldiers Spread in Al-Irsal; Tightened Closure**Hebron: Ongoing Arrests and Oppressive Measures**Nablus: School Student Arrested from City Center**Salfeet: Random Arrests
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HEAR PALESTINE
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Monday, 16 June 2003
NEWS
**Bethlehem: Girl Critically Wounded in Settler Attack
**Jenin: Child Wounded in Far'a Refugee Camp
**Rafah: 2 Residents Wounded in Israeli Fire
**Qalqilya: 11 Residents Arrested during Random Home Raids
**Ramallah: Israeli Soldiers Spread in Al-Irsal; Tightened Closure
**Hebron: Ongoing Arrests and Oppressive Measures
**Nablus: School Student Arrested from City Center
**Salfeet: Random Arrests
FEATURES
**Afnan Killed while sleeping on her Mother's Lap
**70% of Breij Refugee Camp Live Under Poverty Line
**Tulkarem: Israeli Invasions Severely Affect School Final Exams
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Sunday, 15 June 2003 - 3 Killed, Including Child; Wide-Scale Arrests and
Curfew
Israeli soldiers, at dawn Sunday, killed the resident Raafat al-Za'anin (32
years old), member of al-Aqsa Brigades (Fateh militant faction). An Israeli
Special Force invaded Izbat Beit Hanoun, where al-Za'anin lives and waged an
attack, which resulted in armed confrontations between the invading soldiers
and members of five different Palestinian factions that went on for 2 hours.
In Gaza, the child Amal al-Jaroushiya (8 years old) died Sunday affected by
wounds subjected during the failed assassination attempt on Dr. Abdel Aziz
al-Rantisi last Tuesday. Amal was standing in front of her home when Israeli
attack helicopters shelled Rantisi's car, killing one of al-Rantisi's
bodyguards and another woman and wounding al-Rantisi, his son and his second
bodyguard. 37 others were wounded in the attack.
In Jenin, a resident from Silat al-Harithiya Village died Sunday affected by
wounds subjected last Sunday. Nabil Jaradat (47 years old) was hit with a
heavy bullet in the head 7 days ago when Israeli soldiers opened fire at his
car between al-Yamoun Village and Jenin City, while on his way to his town.
The occupation authorities declared arresting a Saraya al-Quds (Islamic
Jihad militant faction) leader Sunday from Arraba Town and imposed a curfew
on Jabi' Town. Israeli Special Forces invaded Arraba at dawn and besieged a
home and invaded Jabi' using a large number of armored machinery under the
cover of attack helicopters and intense fire.
Sheikh Khaled Suleiman (38 years old) was arrested while on his way back
from al-Najah University in Nablus to Jenin.
In Hebron, the Israeli army on Sunday imposed a tight military curfew on the
residents after having lifted it for 3 hours before noon. Israeli soldiers
also continued to raid homes randomly and carry out provocative searches,
especially in homes around 'Kiryat Arba' settlement.
In Bethlehem, the Israeli army carried out a wide-scale campaign of home
raids in search for what Israel refers to as "wanted" people. The
campaign
continued for 14 hours. A number of Islamic Jihad members and Al-Aqsa
Brigades were arrested during searches as well as at least 6 youths from
surrounding villages.
In Tulkarem, the Israeli army continued Sunday for the third day running to
impose a curfew on several of the surrounding villages and to spread
intensively in fields between villages.
Saturday, 14 June 2003 - Youth Killed; 7 Homes Demolished in Rafah
Khaled Qaser (19 years old) was killed Saturday evening with live ammunition
in the chest and 2 others were moderately wounded during an Israeli military
invasion of Askar refugee camp. 2 tanks and several armored vehicles invaded
the overcrowded alleyways of the refugee camp from start to end. Youngsters
threw stones in the direction of the invading army, while Israeli soldiers
opened fire towards them, killing Saqer and wounding 2 others. The residents
of the camp said that there was no need for the invasion except to provoke
the residents and to hunt and kill. The residents confirmed that the
invading soldiers moved slowly through the streets of the refugee camp and
only fired a few bullets that killed and wounded 3 people. 4 were previously
killed in the refugee camp during similar provocative action.
In Rafah, the Israeli army bulldozed 7 homes completely and over 100 dunums
of land cultivated with fruitful trees, including a water well and chicken
farm, northeast Rafah. 3 Israeli bulldozers and several armored vehicles
invaded the area in the morning and began demolition activities for no
reason.
At the same time, the Israeli army continues to delay the travel of hundreds
of people through Rafah crossing. Hundreds continue to wait for signs of
hope at the crossing for several hours and then return to their homes in
despair.
Israeli soldiers based at Abu Holi military roadblock, south of Deir
al-Balah, opened fire at a group of people Saturday causing a state of panic
among them. No one was wounded. Israeli soldiers also fired tear gas bombs
at those who tried to explain that they needed to return to their homes in
Khan Younis and Rafah. The beach road continues to be closed with sand
piles.
In Nablus, the Israeli army since Saturday morning imposed a curfew on Beit
Iba, Zawata and Deir Sharaf villages, northwest of Nablus. Israeli soldiers
roamed the streets of the villages to enforce the curfew through loud
speakers while opening fire in the air. A tight military siege was imposed
on Nablus Villages. No one was allowed to move no matter what the reason
was.
In Ramallah, the Israeli army continued to impose a curfew on Beitillo
Village for the second day running and to carryout home raids and searches
after an attack on a settler car. 2 settlers were reportedly critically
wounded in the attack that took place on Friday.
Friday, 13 June 2003 - Israeli Helicopters Assassinate Activist, Wound 26
Others
Israeli Apache helicopters waged a strike on Gaza City Friday evening,
killing Fuad al-Liddawi (26 years old), a member of Izzidin al-Qassam (Hamas
militant faction). 26 other residents were wounded in the attack, 3
critically. Among those wounded, 10 are children under the age of 12 years.
At 8:00 pm, Israeli helicopters shelled the car of al-Liddawi in al-Sabra
quarter in the center of Gaza city. 2 of those who were inside the car
managed to escape before the attack.
The assassination was the fourth following the assassination attempt on
al-Rantisi last Tuesday. On Wednesday, Israeli war helicopters carried out
an assassination in which 9 people were killed in al-Zaytoun quarter and
carried out another similar attack on the same day in which 2 others were
killed.
On Thursday, Israeli helicopters killed one of al-Qassam leaders Yasser
Taha, his wife and child in al-Sheikh Radwan quarter in addition to 6
others.
Israeli helicopters waged an attack for the second time Friday night on a
residential quarter, southeast of Gaza City, targeting an uninhabited home.
No casualties were reported. Witnesses reported that helicopters fired 2
rockets at a home in al-Sabra quarter and a car parked in the garden of the
home that belongs to Imad Sarsour, a Hamas member.
Israeli radio reported that the shelling targeted a Al-Qassam Rockets
factory.
In Hebron, the Israeli army demolished two homes after midnight Thursday.
The home of the family Abdel Mu'ti Shabana (18 years old), who carried out
the latest bombing in Jerusalem last Wednesday was blown up. The family had
emptied their home from furniture and belongings knowing that their home
would be immediately demolished. The Israeli army at the same time (2:30 am)
demolished a home in Doura that belongs to the family of the detained Anas
Masalma (17 years old). The family of 35 members was given less than 10
minutes to evacuate the 2-story building before it was blown up. All 35,
most of them are children, now live in tents.
On another front, Al-Aqsa Brigades (Fateh militant faction) declared Friday
its responsibility for killing an Israeli soldier near Jenin City in an
armed attack carried out by one of its groups.
2 Israeli settlers were critically wounded in an armed attack west of
Ramallah Friday.
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NEWS
******
*Bethlehem: Girl Critically Wounded in Settler Attack*
4- year old Nibal Sleiman was critically wounded today when a settler bus
drove into her while she was standing in front of her home in Tqou' Town,
south of Bethlehem.
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*Jenin: Child Wounded in Far'a Refugee Camp*
A 12-year old boy (Mohammad Briya) was wounded in Far'a refugee camp, east
of Jenin, during an invasion of the refugee camp by the Israeli army under
intense fire. The residents were placed under curfew.
On another front, the Israeli army tightened the imposed closure on Jenin
City and closed all main and side roads as well as set up a number of new
military roadblocks. Residents are prevented from entering or leaving the
city or from moving between surrounding villages.
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*Rafah: 2 Residents Wounded in Israeli Fire*
Two residents were moderately wounded at noon today when Israeli soldiers
based in observation towers along the borders with Egypt attacked homes
southwest of Rafah with machinegun fire.
Israeli soldiers also prevented an ambulance with a patient from crossing
through al-Matahin military roadblock, north of Khan Younis, after
subjecting it to tight searches.
Beit Hanoun continues to be occupied by the Israeli army for the 6th week
running, while the Israeli army carries out ongoing bulldozing activities
and destruction of Salah al-Din road that links north and south of the Gaza
Strip.
Rafah Crossing continues to be closed for an undetermined period of time.
Hundreds are unable to return to their homes ion the Gaza Strip.
************************************
*Qalqilya: 11 Residents Arrested during Random Home Raids*
The Israeli army arrested today at least 11 residents during home raids and
searches in Izbat Salman and Kufer Thulth villages in Qalqilya.
At dawn, the Israeli army invaded the eastern quarter of Qalqilya City under
intense fire and arrested at least 2 residents during brutal home raids.
A tight military closure continues to be imposed on Qalqilya and its village
s. More military roadblocks were set up on roads surrounding the city and
linking villages.
************************************
*Ramallah: Israeli Soldiers Spread in Al-Irsal; Tightened Closure*
The Israeli army set up provocative military roadblocks today in al-Irsal
and al-Balou' residential quarters, northwest of al-Bireh and held several
residents under the heat of the sun for no apparent reason. Israeli soldiers
dealt with the residents in a brutal and provocative manner.
The Israeli army also transferred areas northwest Jerusalem and southwest
Ramallah into a 'closed military zone', i.e. movement for Palestinians is
not allowed. Hundreds of people were unable to reach their workplaces or
universities today as a result.
************************************
*Hebron: Ongoing Arrests and Oppressive Measures*
The Israeli army at dawn today arrested at least 3 residents from Hebron
during home raids and searches in various areas in the city and the town of
Doura.
The Old City of Hebron, which continues to be placed under curfew, witnessed
acts of violence by a large number of Israeli soldiers today. Israeli
soldiers open fire and fire teargas bombs randomly towards the residents and
close open shops by force. Israeli soldiers also threaten to kill the
residents through loud speakers.
The curfew was lifted in other areas outside the Old City from 6:00 am until
8:00 pm.
Settlers continue to wage attacks against the residents and their
properties, mainly south of Yatta Town.
************************************
*Nablus: School Student Arrested from City Center*
Israeli Special Forces stopped cars on al-Quds Street in Nablus City today
and arrested the student Samar Bader while on her way to sit a 'Tawjihi'
(Final secondary school grade) exam in the center of the city. Israeli
soldiers previously arrested Samar's sister Abir, a nurse in a hospital in
Nablus.
Military roadblocks intensively spread at the entrances of the city and on
roads leading to the city. At least 4 youths were arrested on these
roadblocks.
Hundreds were unable to enter or leave the city. Dozens of people were held
at Hawara military roadblock. 2 residents suffered from sun stroke as a
result.
************************************
*Salfeet: Random Arrests*
The Israeli army invaded Qaiza town in Salfeet today and arrested a number
of residents.
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FEATURES
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*Afnan Killed while sleeping on her Mother's Lap*
Khalil al-Sheikh (Al-Ayam daily newspaper, 14 June 2003)
One-year old infant Afnan was sleeping on her mother's lap inside a car
heading to their home in Gaza City, when an Israeli Apache helicopter
shelled it with several rockets last Thursday night.
The scene of her small burnt body rapped up in a green piece of cloth made
hundreds of people cry. "What is this infant's fault" many repeated
angrily.
The Israeli army disregards the lives of civilians and children when
assassinating Palestinian activists.
The Israeli army shelled the car with 6 rockets, killing Afnan's father
Yasser Taha, her mother Islam and the driver straight away. 3 other
civilians were killed in the attack.
Thousands of people from Jabalya headed towards Islam's father's home to
offer him their condolences and share his deep sadness.
The father Sa'id al-Jarrah (40 years old) held himself together between the
crowds of people hiding his sadness behind a smile that portrayed strong
determination. He seemed strong as he said farewell to his daughter and
grandchild.
************************************
*70% of Breij Refugee Camp Live Under Poverty Line*
Hassan Jaber (Al-Ayam daily newspaper)
Head of the popular committee for the refugees of Breij camp, Hassan Jibril
says more than 70% of the refugee camp residents live under the poverty
line. Jibril says, the residents live under inhumane conditions that reflect
on all aspects of life - educational, medical and economic.
Many university students in the refugee camp are unable to continue their
studies due to their financial situation.
Jibril says that the Israeli closure of Palestinian areas prevents a large
number of the residents from reaching their workplaces within the 'green
line', and many have lost their jobs in local factories and companies due to
the deterioration of the general economic situation.
Over 150 families who returned to the refugee camp after losing their jobs
in Arab countries now live difficult conditions with no sources of income.
Jibril explained that education scholarships and aid offered to the
residents do not cover except 5% of what is needed.
Breij refugee camp established on 1 square kilometer is inhabited by 33,000
people. 80 of its residents were killed in confrontations and Israeli
attacks during the current Intifada.
The refugee camp is currently seriously overcrowded, which pushed some of
the residents to live on the outskirts of the refugee camp. UNRWA does not
offer these families aid since they are located outside the borders of the
refugee camp.
************************************
*Tulkarem: Israeli Invasions Severely Affect School Final Exams*
WAFA - The continuous Israeli military invasions of Tulkarem, which include
curfew and random military attacks, had a severe affect on 'Tawjihi'
students who are overcome with feelings of panic and stress.
The past few days, as previously, witnessed a series of Israeli attacks
against 'Tawjihi' students, especially in the western residential quarter of
the city. Israeli soldiers open fire randomly towards school fences and
courtyards without any consideration for the students' exams and their
mental state.
The student Hazim Badir explained that the Israeli army continuously wages
attacks against the residents of Tulkarem city, the last being a 5-day long
curfew imposed on the residents accompanied by military attacks. Badir said
Israeli soldiers open fire during the exam, which makes it very hard to
concentrate. He says, "The only thing we can think of is how to get home
safely."
The student Mahmoud Abu Maizer said that he is used to studying in the
morning, but is unable to do so because Israeli soldiers intentionally
spread around the exam halls since the beginning of the exams, which "takes
away the concentration and gives a feeling of bad luck". Maizer also said
that all he can think of is how to get to his town safely.
The student Hassan Abu al-Aila said that Israeli soldiers intentionally
provoke the students while they are sitting their exams. He believes it is a
programmed plan "to make the Palestinian people illiterate, in order to
guarantee their control".
Jamal Tarif, General Director of the Ministry of Education, said that
Israeli soldiers in their tanks and armored machinery and jeeps
intentionally move around schools and exam halls and open fire and fire
teargas and sound bombs in order to disrupt the students, which limits their
concentration and affects their results.
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