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.

************************************

*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.

************************************

*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

**********

*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.