Conflict..

Aggressive campaign of raids and arrests across the West Bank continues Ma''an News 4/28/2006 Hebron-Nablus-Jenin-Ma''an- The aggressive campaign of raids and arrests across the West Bank continues. In the last 24 hours, 18 Palestinians have been arrested, including one mother, in the Governorates of Hebron, Nablus and Jenin. On Thursday afternoon, Israeli soldiers severely beat up a Palestinian youth of 17 years, Iyad Abu Sninah, in Hebron and took him away to an unknown destination. Media sources report that the Israeli forces refused to hand over the youth to the Palestinian Red Crescent medical team that arrived on the scene. Early on Friday morning, also in the Hebron area, it was reported that Israeli troops entered and carried out an aggressive campaign of searches and arrests in the towns of Ad-Dhariya and Doura. The youth Shahir Al-Amairah (19 years) from Doura was arrested. more.. Olmert orders completion of ''Jerusalem envelope'' fence Ha''aretz 4/27/2006 Interim Prime Minister Ehud Olmert yesterday instructed the defense establishment to erect a temporary barrier to compensate for the parts of the so-called Jerusalem-envelope segment of the separation fence that have yet to be completed. Olmert also instructed the police to beef up its forces along the route of the fence in the area to prevent infiltration by terrorists. During a special meeting that Olmert convened on the subject yesterday, defense establishment officials said that the uncompleted sections of the Jerusalem-envelope segment of the fence had become the principal route for terrorist infiltrations into Israel. The perpetrator of last week''s suicide bombing in Tel Aviv entered Israel through a break in the fence in northern Jerusalem. more.. IAF missile strike kills senior Islamic Jihad militant in Gaza Strip Ha''aretz 4/27/2006 Israel Air Force aircraft fired three missiles at targets in the central Gaza Strip on Thursday, critically wounding two Palestinian militants, Palestinian health officials said. One of the militants later died in hospital. The Israel Defense Forces said the airstrikes were aimed at a cell en route to carrying out an attack. It did not identify the targets. It said two vehicles were targeted, and one carrying rockets or explosives was hit. Pillars of smoke billowed from the destroyed vehicle as burned and dismembered bodies were removed.... Palestinian officials initially said the two men were dead after they were taken to the morgue by an ambulance. But the doctor at the morgue found them to be alive and sent them to the operating room. more.. Israeli surveyors and soldiers mark out route of Separation Wall around Hebron Ma''an News 4/28/2006 Hebron- Ma''an- Palestinian citizens of Bak''ah in the north east of the city of Hebron said that Israeli surveyors accompanied with Israeli officers and soldiers put signs and marks of the Separation Wall in the area. Head of the Palestinian Committee to Defend the Land in Hebron Azmi Sheioukhi said that the surveyors are from the Lands Department which is part of the Civil Administration in Beit Eil. The farmer who informed Shioukhi with this information added that these people arrived to the area two months ago, this time they have put marks and signs for the Separation Wall track. According to sources in the committee, by this step the Israeli occupation Authorities has isolated thousands of Donums of the Palestinian lands for the wall building. more.. Residential houses bombarded in Khan Younis Ma''an News 4/28/2006 Khan Younis- Ma''an- Israeli artillery bombarded early on Friday morning residential houses in Khuza''a and Al Farahen in the east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli tanks had taken up position iin the east of the town, from where they shot artillery missiles at citizens'' houses causing much material damage. [end] more.. Army invades Jenin and surrounding villages, arrests residents International Middle East Media Center 4/28/2006 Islamic Jihad Movement official in Jenin, Mahmoud Al Sa’adi, said that Israeli forces launched a wide arrest campaign on Friday against resistance fighters in several areas of the Jenin District. The northern West Bank has been under continuous assault for weeks, and in a press statement Al Sa’adi wrote that Israeli forces arrested 10 members of Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad and took them to unknown locations. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrested 12 residents on Friday morning in the villages of Burqin and Arabah. Israeli forces also invaded Jilboun Village and placed several military barriers throughout Jenin City. In Burqin Village, Palestinian security sources reported... a large Israeli force, which consists of at least 20 military vehicles backed by two Apache helicopters... more.. IDF hits mobile Qassam launcher YNet News 4/27/2006 For first time, army hits car used to fire rockets at Israel; one Palestinian killed in Gaza strike -- One Palestinian was killed and several others were hurt, including one who sustained critical wounds, after the Air Force fired missiles at two vehicles carrying Islamic Jihad members in the Gaza Strip Thursday morning. Several hours after the strike it turned out that the IDF was able to hit a vehicle modified by the Palestinians in order to be used as a mobile Qassam rocket launcher. A military source told Ynet the Palestinians used the vehicle to fire rockets from the northern Gaza Strip to Israel before making their quick getaway. The vehicle allowed the Palestinians to fire rockets while in the car. more.. Four residents injured and two arrested in Hebron International Middle East Media Center 4/27/2006 Four residents injured and two arrested in the West Bank city of Hebron during army attacks, Thursday morningMossa Al Rejbi, 57, hand was injured, Iblan Abu Sabiha, 23,suffered a broken hand, Saleh Al Abwi, 19, sustained bruising across his body, Mohamed Al Herbawi, 22, was also bruisedseverly on his body, Medical sources reported. Meanwhile two residents were arrested one from Al Fowar refugee camp in the city. Soldiers stormed the camp and searched several houses there, the name of this arrestee is not known, eyewitnesses reported. The other arrestee was identified as Mahran Al Qawasma, 26,who was arrested when troops stormed his family''s home, it is not known where he was taken. [end] more.. Thirteen residents arrested from Al Yamon village International Middle East Media Center 4/27/2006 The Israeli Army invaded the village of Al Yamon in the West Bank city of Jenin, Thursday morning and arrested 13 residents. Troops backed by military vehicles stormed the village and fired live rounds and sound bombs at residential areas and searched several hosues, eyewitnesses reported. Troops arrested Mohamed Ja''bari, 17, Adnan Abu Al Hija, 22, Kamel Ja''bari, 50, and his son Ameer, 25, among others, eyewitnesses said. [end] more.. IDF: Palestinians have smuggled a few Katyushas into Gaza Ha''aretz 4/29/2006 Palestinian militants have smuggled a number of Katyusha rockets into the Gaza Strip, potentially threatening towns well inside Israel, a senior Israel Defense Forces official said Friday. The official, speaking in halting English, initially said several dozen Katyushas have reached Gaza, but later said that he had meant to say "a few. "The official said Israel is prepared to re-enter Gaza in response to the threat of the rockets, but has no plans to do so in the immediate future. He spoke on condition of anonymity under military guidelines. Since last summer''s disengagement from the Gaza Strip, militants have managed to smuggle the Katyushas through tunnels along the southern border with Egypt, the official said, adding that some parts have entered Gaza through the Rafah border crossing. more.. Legal hurdles impede fence construction YNet News 4/28/2006 Works to seal breaches in security barrier are not completed because of legal debates on matter. ''We can erect temporary fence very quickly,'' army officer tells Ynet, ''but are banned from doing so'' -- The implementation of s decision to seal breaches in the security fence is being delayed because of legal hurdles, a senior army officer told Ynet Friday. In a discussion held by the prime minister two days ago, in wake of last week''s deadly terror attack in Tel Aviv, it was decided that security forces stationed in the area surrounding Jerusalem will be reinforced and that the breaches in the security barrier will be sealed with a temporary fence, until a permanent barrier is constructed. more.. Two explosive devices found near Beit Jala Ma''an News 4/28/2006 Jerusalem- Ma''an- Israeli forces found two homemade bombs near the Israeli military position of Borders Guards on the tunnel road near Beit Jala on Friday. Israeli sources said that Israeli explosive experts arrived at the scene and defused the bombs. Then the soldiers conducted a search campaign in the area. No casualties or losses were reported. [end] more.. Israeli forces defused two local bombs in the area of Ramallah Ma''an News 4/28/2006 Ramallah- Israeli forces found two bomb devices connected with two gas cylinders each weight twenty Kgs near Ramallah. Israeli sources said that the Israeli soldiers found the devices near Ramallah and said that the devices were targeting Israeli forces. The sources added that Israeli experts arrived to the scene and defused them and that the Israeli soldiers conducted a searching campaign in the area. [end] more.. The Israeli army evacuates a military base in the Beit Sahour International Middle East Media Center 4/27/2006 The Israeli Army evacuated the Osh-Ghrab military base east of of Beit Sahour near Bethlehem in the West Bank, on Thursday morning. Residents rom the surrounding area rushed inside the military base to find it empty after soldiers suddenly pulled out. Neighbors said the base had been quiet and in darkness for the past four days. Palestinian Police rushed to the site to ensure that no harmful military artefacts were left behind. Osh-Ghrab military base was built on confiscated land owned by Beit Sahour residents. At least 150 houses in Beit Sahour were in various sates of damage as a result of tank shells and bullets fired from the base since it was established in October 2000. more.. Gaza terminal bombing foiled AlJazeera 4/26/2006 The Israeli army has shut the Karni al-Mintar crossing used for transporting goods from and into the Gaza Strip after an attempted car bomb attack was foiled. Palestinian security spotted the suspicious car at a checkpoint before the Karni crossing on Wednesday. The occupants of the car opened fire and wounded three police officers. Police shot back, wounding two of the attackers. Inspecting the car, police found canisters filled with 300 kilogrammes of explosives and fuel. Security officials said the attackers planned to ram the Karni crossing and blow it up. Several hours later, Palestinian security officers carried the blue canisters a short distance away and detonated them, setting off a huge blast. The crossing is the main entry point for food and other vital products into Gaza. more.. Police probe building of West Bank settlement neighborhood Ha''aretz 4/27/2006 The Israel Police''s National Fraud Squad has opened a criminal investigation into the illegal construction of hundreds of housing units in the Matityahu East neighborhood of the Modi''in Ilit ultra-Orthodox settlement. A statement to this effect was submitted on Tuesday to the High Court of Justice in response to an injunction issued at the request of the Peace Now movement. The police investigation is focusing on Modi''in Ilit council head Yaakov Gutterman, other senior council officials, entrepreneurs and large construction companies, Jewish real estate dealers who acquired privately owned Palestinian land, lawyers and settler organizations involved in "land redemption. "Hundreds of millions of dollars are believed to have changed hands in the affair. more.. Israeli Forces closed the barrier of Badhan Ma''an News 4/26/2006 Nablus- Ma''an- Israeli Forces closed the Badhan barrier with earthy mounds Wednesday afternoon. The Israeli forces closed yesterday also but reopened it in the evening hours. Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli Forces stationed at the barrier used the bulldozers to close it and prevent the Palestinian from passing through. It is known that the Badhan is the only road which links between Nablus and the rest of the villages in the northern area of the city and also with the city of Jenin. [end] more.. A patient threatens his doctor with a machine gun Ma''an News 4/26/2006 Gaza- Ma''an- Palestinian patient threatened his doctor with a Kalashnikov in the hospital of Shifa''a in Gaza City onWednesday. The man raised his weapon in the face of the doctor in the outside clinic of the hospital trying to force him to transfer him to be treated abroad. Eyewitnesses said that the hospital staff intervened and took the man away telling him that violence is not acceptable. Last week armed men attacked the Minister if Health for similar reasons. [end] -- See also: Reuters Report: Gaza Patients Turned Back as Health Crisis Worsens and Gaza hospital fights for life after international aid cuts more.. Palestinian-Israeli citizen killed in Qalqilia Ma''an News 4/26/2006 Qalqilia – Ma''an- A Palestinian citizen of Taybeh in Israel (in the area called "The Triangle" composing of many Palestinian towns such as Umm al-Fahm), who holds Israeli citizenship, was killed by Israeli forces on Wednesday in the city of Qalqilia in the West Bank. Palestinian security sources said that Ali Mohammad Abu Jame''a was killed by many shots and his body was then handed over to the Israeli side. After the assassination, many Israeli military vehicles entered the city for a short period of time before then leaving the are. [end] more.. Three Resistance Fighters injured in clashes with PA security in Gaza Strip International Middle East Media Center 4/26/2006 Three resistance fighters who belong to the Popular Resistance Committees were injured Wednesday, when they clashed with the Palestinian Security forces who prevented an attack with a car bomb at Al-Mintar (Karni) crossing which connects the Gaza Strip with proper, Palestinian sources said. The source said a large force of the Palestinian security arrived at the area when they received intelligence information about a plot to detonate a car bomb at the crossing. Meanwhile, a group of 12 armed men arrived at the scene and clashed with the security forces. Israeli helicopters were also hovering above the area and the Israeli army beefed up its presence at the crossing and forced all the employees out of the terminal. more.. Israeli forces invade Jenin camp, attack house of a Prisoner, arrest his son International Middle East Media Center 4/26/2006 Israeli forces invaded the Jenin Refugee camp in the West Bank on Wednesday morning, and held some residents captive for interrogation, Palestinian sources reported. Troops demanded the residents to provide them information about about Ashraf and Mahmoud Al-Sa''adi, two Islamic Jihad operatives claimed to be wanted by the Israeli security forces. Eyewitnesses said, at least 20 military vehicles invaded the camp in the early hours of the morning and surrounded the house of Bassam Al-Sa''adi, an Islamic Jihad leader who is currently in Israeli prison. "We woke up to the sound of bullets coming through the windows, and we heard the soldiers speaking in loudspeakers demanding whom they call wanted to give themselves up," said Um Ibrahim, wife of Bassam Al-Sa''adi and sister to Mahmoud. more.. Armed clashes and arrests in Jenin and Nablus; family members of Islamic Jihad activists targeted Ma''an News 4/26/2006 Nablus-Jenin-Ma''an- Israeli forces have arrested the parents of a Palestinian "wanted" man, in Nablus city early on Wednesday. The Ma''an correspondent reported that the Israeli forces broke into the house of Sofian Libbadah (26 years) and arrested his parents after conducted an invasive search of the house. Sofian Libbadah is reportedly an activist with the Al-Quds Brigades, a mlitary wing affiliated to Islamic Jihad. Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli forces transported Sofian''s parents to the Hawwara military camp. In related news, the Ma''an reporter added that many Israeli military vehicles broke into the An-Najah University students'' residence in the west of Nablus and arrested ten students. more.. Rubber bullets menace West Bank International Middle East Media Center 4/26/2006 Rubber bullets being fired in the occupied West Bank have seriously injured another Palestinian civilian. Ruba Mahmoud Awayes, 21, was on her way home from college when she was hit in the face. Her eye was so badly damaged doctors later removed it. A friend who was with her was also hit and wounded in the hand. Awayes'' family, who lives in Nus Jbeil, outside Nablus, is angry that the media has not picked up on the incident and turned to Al Jazeera. net to tell their story. Palestinians are routinely injured and some killed by rubber bullets fired by the Israeli occupation army. Awayes says: "My friend and I were leaving campus on 9 April, and walking toward the taxi cabs that would take us to the village. "Suddenly, I felt a strong object smacking my right eye. I felt my entire head exploding. " more.. Army storms Boren village town hall International Middle East Media Center 4/26/2006 The Israeli forces stormed the Boren village town hall, near the West Bank city on Nablus, Wednesday morning. Several army vehicles invaded the village and surrounded the town hall, soldiers searched the offices, detained employees and checking ID cards in a provocating manner, eyewitnesses reported. Troops left the village, no arrests were made. [end] more.. Army closes Araba village main entrance International Middle East Media Center 4/26/2006 The Israeli armed forces closed the main entrance to the east of Araba village near theWest Bank city of Jenin, Wednesday morning. Several army jeeps blocked the road and searched civilian cars. In order to arrive at their destinations, residents were forced to take an agricultural side road, causing further delays to their journey, residents reported. [end] more.. Army arrest 12 residents during continued military operation in Nablus International Middle East Media Center 4/26/2006 On Wednesday morning Israeli troops arrested, , 12 residents from the West Bank city of Nablus during an ongoing military operation begun Tuesday morning. Soldiers conducted wide scale search campaigns across several neighborhoods , among the arrestees were 10 students from Al Najah University. Abu Al Ameen Lobada and his wife were also arrested, to pressurise their wanted son to surrender, eyewitnesses reportedThe city of Nablus and surrounding villages have been experiencing daily invasions, arrests and military operations for over three weeks now. [end] more.. Al Bathan checkpoint in Nablus closed by Isreali Military International Middle East Media Center 4/26/2006 The Israeli soldiers stationed at Al Bathan checkpoint Nablus closed it, on Wednesday morning. The checkpoint lies at the north eastern entrance of the city and this closure prevents scores of residents from arriving to work and school, local sources reported. The closure of Al Bathan checkpoint and the nearby main road causes increased use of other checkpoints around Nablus creating traffic problems and delays. [end] more.. Fence gaps to be sealed temporarily YNet News 4/26/2006 "630 illegal Palestinian residents in Jerusalem vicinity" - Following Passover terror attack in Tel Aviv, PM Olmert discusses ways to seal breaches in Jerusalem vicinity to prevent suicide bombers from infiltrating Israel; officials decide fence construction to be accelerated -- Police forces positioned at breaches in the security fence surrounding Jerusalem will be boosted and the loopholes will be temporarily sealed until the permanent fence is completed. Both decisions were made Wednesday afternoon during a wide-scale discussion held by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in Jerusalem. The discussion was held in light of the suicide bombing in Tel Aviv eight days ago. more.. Palestinian Security frustrate a bombing operation at Karni Crossing Ma''an News 4/26/2006 Gaza- Ma''an- Five Palestinian security men were injured while trying to prevent a booby trapped car from passing through the Karni crossing, east of the Gaza Strip. The Ma''an reporter said that clashes erupted between the national security members who succeeded to control the car and members of the "resistance". Two people in the car were arrested and many others arrived at the scene and fought with the security members. The Director of Public Relations at Shifa''a Hospital said that five people arrived at the hospital with slight injuries. The Israeli authorities announced the closure of the crossing after the incident. [end] more.. PRC believes they are being targeted by Israel due to their "unique resistance" Ma''an News 4/26/2006 Gaza- Ma''an- The spokesman for the PRC (Palestinian Resistance Committees) has accused the Israeli authorities of trying to defame the image of the Palestinian resistance in the eyes of the world and connect it with clans and tribes. Abu Mujahid told Ma''an that what has been published in the Israeli media about Jamal Abu Samhadana , the leader of the PRC, saying that he has a family with at least 50,000 fighters is an attempt to defame the Palestinian resistance in general. Abu Mujahid added that the leader of the PRC comes from a simple family and that this family has made a lot of sacrifices since Israeli''s creation in 1948. more.. Pullout disinterment prompts lawsuit YNet News 4/26/2006 Evacuated Neve Dekalim family sues disengagement authority, IDF officials and State claiming pictures of relocation of grandmother’s grave during pullout were published in media -- The Arama family, which was evacuated from the Gaza community of Neve Dekalim as part of last summer’s disengagement plan, filed a lawsuit on Wednesday in the Jerusalem Magistrates Court, claiming to suffer from psychological damage as a result of the relocation of their grandmother’s grave from Gush Katif. Attorney Asaf Minser, who represents the family, told Ynet: "The family received no mental preparation and no one talked to them before the grave was moved. The only connection with them was through the media or by threats to relocate the grave in the cover of darkness. " more.. Settlers to get East Jerusalem police building in swap Ha''aretz 4/26/2006 Right-wing nonprofit associations are building the new Judea and Samaria District Police building in the E-1 corridor between Jerusalem and Ma''aleh Adumim. In exchange they will receive the current police building, located in the heart of the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Ras al-Amud, according to an advocacy group. The Ir Amim advocacy group made this claim in a petition to the High Court of Justice against the construction of the new station.... settler organizations have taken notice of the police station, mainly because it is across from Ma''aleh Zeitim, the neighborhood built by American millionaire Irwin Moskowitz within the Palestinian neighborhood of Ras al-Amud.... the settlers'' "big plan" was to receive the police building... which would give them significant territorial contiguity within Ras al-Amud. more.. Israel resumes construction of the wall near Hebron International Middle East Media Center 4/25/2006 Scores of farmers and land owners in addition to a number of residents gathered at their land to the east of Hebron in the West Bank where Israeli bulldozers started to prepare for the construction of the annexation wall on Tuesday. A number of international peace activists from the International Solidarity Movement and the Christian Peace Maker Teams (CPT) were also there with the families and the farmers. The main purpose gathering was to try to prevent the construction of the wall near Yatta and Tuwwani villages. Israeli army imposed tough military procedure to prevent the activists and the families to protest. Eyewitnesses reported that bulldozers started to dig a wide area of land and is planned to bulldoze over 300 acres to build the wall which will extend for 25 Kilometers long in that area. more.. Israel launches spy satellite AlJazeera 4/25/2006 The satellite was launched from a mobile pad in Russia -- Israel has launched a highly accurate imaging satellite that will enhance its ability to spy on Iran. The Israeli Eros B satellite was launched from a mobile pad at the Svobodny cosmodrome in Russia on Tuesday at 8:47pm (1647 GMT), said Alexei Kuznetsov, a spokesman for the military space forces. About 20 minutes later, the satellite successfully reached orbit, Russian news agencies reported, citing the space forces'' press service. Israel''s Channel 10 TV reported that the launch was successful, but the satellite would not deploy its power panels for another day and a half. The launch came as Iran and Israel, two sworn enemies, continued to trade barbs. [includes much technical information about the Eros B] more.. Raids and arrests continue in Jenin, Nablus, Qalqilia, Hebron and Bethlehem; 23 arrested overnight Ma''an News 4/25/2006 Bethlehem-Jenin- Ma’an- Israeli forces arrested three Palestinians from the village of Al-Obayat, close to Bethlehem, claiming that they were “wanted. ” Reinforced Israeli forces with military vehicles raided the village, broke into several houses and conducted searches early on Tuesday morning. Ahmad Al Obayat (20), Awad Obayat (35) and Shadi Mousa Obayat (28) were arrested because the Israeli forces claimed that they were affiliated to Palestinian factions. Israeli forces also raided a number of towns and villages in the Jenin Governorate and arrested Palestinians claiming they were members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The Ma’an correspondent reported that five Israeli military vehicles raided the village of Khirbit Marka and surrounded several houses. more.. Further closures around Jenin Ma''an News 4/25/2006 Jenin-Ma''an- Israeli forces have set up several temporary barriers at different areas in the Jenin Governorate. Eyewitnesses reported that the Israeli forces set up temporary barriers at the entrances to the towns of Arrabah, Selit Az-Zahir and Qabatia to the west of the city of Jenin, and prevented Palestinian vehicles from crossing for several hours. [end] more.. Nablus-Badhan road blocked by earth mound; Israeli soldiers dropped by helicopter into area Ma''an News 4/25/2006 Nablus-Ma''an- On Tuesday afternoon, an Israeli helicopter dropped dozens of Israeli soldiers into the Al Badhan area, north of the city of Nablus, in the northern West Bank. On the same afternoon, Israeli forces closed the main road between Al Badhan and Nablus. They set up several temporary military barriers, including an earth mound on the main road. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli military bulldozers arrived at the area near the "Summer Park", bulldozed the road and erected an earth mound which prevents Palestinians from passing through in either direction. more.. Curfew on Hawarah near Nablus Ma''an News 4/25/2006 Nablus- Ma''an- Isreli Forces imposed curfew on the village of Hawarah south of the city of Nablus in te north of the West Bank Tuesday afternoon. Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli forces imposed the curfew after a group of Palestinian boys throw stones at an Israeli settlers car was traveling on the main road near the village and caused some damages of the glass of the car. [end] more.. Israeli Army arrest Hamas spokesperson in the West Bank International Middle East Media Center 4/25/2006 Farahat Assad, the Hamas west bank spokesperson of Hamas, was arrested by the Israeli army late Monday night. Assad was arrested after troops surrounded his home in the West Bank city of Rammallah and broke in, his wife reported. The army released Assad from jail in September 2005 following a 6 monthdetention, local sources reported. [end] more.. Army reinvades Nablus and arrests resident International Middle East Media Center 4/25/2006 Israeli armed forces invaded the West Bank city of Nablus for the second time on Tuesday afternoon and arrested Mohamed Ikmail. Soldiers and army jeeps stormed the city for a second time following the morning invasion in which nine residentswere arrested. Mohamed Ikmail who is a university student was arrested after troops searched several homes. other homes arestill surroundedin an ongoing military operation, eyewitnesses reported. [end] more.. Army invades Al Yammon village International Middle East Media Center 4/25/2006 The Israeli army invaded the village of Al Yammon in the West Bank city of Jenin, Tuesday morning. Several army vehicles entered the village, allegedly seeking wanted people, whom after failing to locate,thesoldiers then started a campaign ofharassmentby firing sound bombs at homes, local sources reported. According to residents this treatment has occurred on a daily basis for the last few months. [end] more.. Israeli satellite launched to spy on Iranian nuclear sites Ha''aretz 4/26/2006 The international ImageSat company launched the Eros B high-resolution reconnaissance satellite from Siberia Tuesday night, a move that will help Israel spy on Iranian nuclear facilities. The ground control station, located in the Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) complex in Yehud, will be able to control the satellite''s navigation and keep it stationed for an extended time over particularly sensitive targets such as the Iranian nuclear reactor, which is too far for Israeli drones to reach. The satellite, which Israeli companies were involved in developing, will also be able to provide images of launch sites for long-range Iranian missiles. A Russian official said Tuesday that the satellite had reached orbit after 20 minutes, but experts said it would be some time before it could be determined if the satellite was operational. more.. Palestinian teen hurt by rubber bullet YNet News 4/25/2006 IDF soldiers encounter rioters during operation in Nablus; Palestinian teenager injured after rubber bullets fired by soldiers to disperse rioters -- A 16-year-old Palestinian was seriously injured Tuesday evening during riots at the Askar refugee camp in the West Bank city of Nablus. Eyewitnesses said soldiers fired rubber bullets from close range at the teenager, hitting him in the head. He was evacuated to the Rafidiyeh Hospital in the city. Palestinian teenagers hurled stones and Molotov cocktails at soldiers who arrived at the camp and troops responded by firing rubber bullets and stun grenades in an effort to disperse the crowd. Palestinian security officials said 20 IDF jeeps entered the refugee camp. more.. Two Al-Aqsa militants killed by undercover IDF unit Ha''aretz 4/24/2006 Two members of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs'' Brigades were killed yesterday by undercover army troops in Bethlehem. Ahmed Muslah was killed and and a militant who died later from wounds was one of two men arrested near the city''s psychiatric hospital. Witnesses and Palestinian security officials said an Israel Defense Forces unit had opened fire on Muslah''s car near Palestinian security headquarters. The IDF said the car crashed and burst into flames. Muslah had left Palestinian security headquarters, and a gun was found in the car, the army said. Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas yesterday canceled anti-Hamas shows of force planned by Fatah''s Al-Aqsa wing and Palestinian security personnel in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. more.. Thirteen Palestinians arrested across the West Bank on Monday Ma''an News 4/24/2006 Bethlehem- Ma''an- Israeli forces arrest thirteen Palestinian citizens in several towns and cities in the West Bank. Israeli security sources said that the Israeli forces arrested two Palestinians affiliated to Fatah and Islamic Jihad in Jenin, and four Islamic Jihad activists in the city of Tulkarem. The sources added that five other Palestinians were arrested in the city of Nablus and two Palestinians affiliated to Hamas and Fatah in the area of Bethlehem. [end] more.. Palestinian youth killed in east Gaza Strip International Middle East Media Center 4/24/2006 Israeli army troops opened fire at and killed a Palestinian 18-year old near the eastern border of the Gaza Strip, Palestinian medial and security sources said on Monday morning. Israeli radio reported a military source saying that the soldiers opened fire at the youth near the Israeli border. Dr. Muawiya Hasanein, director of the emergency room in Gaza Strip that the body was found east of Al-Qarara town, near Bureij refugee camp. The body received several bullets and shrapnel which made it difficult to identify. Medical sources eventually identified the teen as Samir Abu Ariban, 18. [end] more.. Israel forces kill Palestinian in Gaza AlJazeera 4/24/2006 Israel has killed three Palestinians in the last two days -- Israeli soldiers have shot dead a Palestinian man in an exchange of fire along the Gaza-Israel border. Israeli and Palestinian security sources said the shootout occurred early on Monday. "A Palestinian gunman opened fire along the Gaza border. Soldiers arrived at the scene and exchanged fire with him. We identified a hit," a spokeswoman for the Israeli army said. It was not immediately known if he was affiliated to a resistance group. Israel pulled out its settlers from the Gaza Strip last autumn but has retained control of the Palestinian territory''s borders, sea and air space. more.. Israelis shoot dead Gaza militant BBC 4/24/2006 Israeli troops have shot dead an armed Palestinian militant near the border with Gaza. The Israeli military said small arms and tank fire were used against the man after he shot at an army patrol near the fence surrounding the Gaza Strip. The man was the third Palestinian killed by Israeli troops in two days. On Sunday, two members of the militant al-Aqsa Martyrs'' Brigades were killed during an Israeli army raid in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. An al-Aqsa commander in Bethlehem, identified as Abu Udai, told the Israeli news website Ynet that Sunday''s deaths would be avenged by rockets fired at the Israeli city of Tel Aviv from the West Bank. more.. Palestinians: Israeli Settlers vandalized our quarry International Middle East Media Center 4/24/2006 Palestinians from the village of Hawara, south of Nablus, accused settlers on Sunday of sneaking into a quarry in the middle of the night Saturday and torching trucks and an electrical generator used in a local quarry, resulting in hundreds of thousands of shekels in damages. The Hawara locals reported that late Sunday night three settlers reached the quarry site, located under the Hawara checkpoint, and set two new vehicles on fire as well as a generator. Mohammad Aanem, whose family owns the quarry, said he was sleeping opposite the site, and at close to 3:00 a. m. Sunday he identified settlers pouring gasoline on the trucks and setting them alight. Aanem said he saw the three fleeing towards the outpost of a nearby settlement. more.. Burned body found in Anata, north Jerusalem Ma''an News 4/24/2006 Jerusalem- Ma''an- Palestinian students at Anata Secondary School, northern Jerusalem, have discovered a charred body near their school on Monday afternoon,Israeli Police and Border Guards arrived at the scene and have begun investigations. The Ma''an reporter in Jerusalem said that he was told by the school director that the body was not there in the morning but when the students went to the yard behind the school during the break, they found it there. The director added that the body is of a young man who seems to have been burned to such an extent that it was not easy to recognize it. [end] more.. Rafah: Emotional exhaustion among children and women Rafah Today 4/23/2006 [With photos] Twenty-five people, mainly children in addition to eight women, arrived at the Hospital after being affected with prostration. Many of them were physiologically affected by the daily shelling as well. An Israeli rocket hit the sewage system in the north of Gaza and the whole area smells bad. A war of words has lead to the setting of Gaza alight, again. The artillery shelling is still going on and there have even been clashes on the campus of our University. The Islamic University of Gaza, where I''ve had my last semester of studies, is where the clashes are this time. Students and supporters of both Hamas and Fateh movement had started the problem with verbal arguements, and ended up with thirty-one people injured in the clashes. more.. Two fighters assassinated in Bethlehem, one seriously injured International Middle East Media Center 4/23/2006 Two Palestinian fighters of the Al Aqsa Brigades were assassinated in Bethlehem on Sunday after the Israeli under-cover forces stormed the city and fired at resistance fighters of the Al Aqsa Brigades, the military wing of Fateh movement, one fighter was injured. Israeli "special" forces invaded Bethlehem’s Mental Hospital area Sunday late afternoon around 6:00 pm. Israeli soldiers killed one Palestinian, Ahmed Musleh from Deheisha Camp, injuring and arresting two others. Among the two, Daniel Abu Hamami, was pronounced dead in Israeli Hadassah Hospital just after 8:00 pm. Ahmed Musleh was on the Israeli “wanted” list. He was from Deheisha Refugee Camp in Bethlehem. The injured resident was identified as Arafat Abu Sha''eera. from Al Azza refugee camp in Bethlehem. more.. Israeli forces arrest three in Bethlehem, Hebron and Jericho International Middle East Media Center 4/24/2006 Pre-dawn raids by Israeli forces in various parts of the southern and eastern West Bank Monday morning resulted in three arrests. In Bethlehem, Israeli forces, backed by seven military vehicles, swept into al-Dawha neighborhood and arrested an unknown Palestinian and led him into an unknown location, according to local sources. In Hebron, Israeli forces invaded al-Qafeer area in Yatta, south of the city, besieged the house of Moussa al-Najar 42, arrested and led him into an undisclosed spot. In the meantime, Israeli soldiers, stationed at DCO checkpoint in Jericho, arrested Mohammad Abu Sbeih, a Palestinian who lives in the area. [end] more.. Israeli soldiers attack Palestinians at Eiba checkpoint, wounding one International Middle East Media Center 4/24/2006 In Nablus early Monday morning, Israeli soldiers positioned at Eiba checkpoint, west of the city, hurled a sonic bomb at Palestinians who were waiting at the checkpoint, wounding Mohie Ishteiwi, 22, with shrapnel in the face. [end] more.. Five Palestinian youth arrested in pre-dawn raid in Tulkarem International Middle East Media Center 4/24/2006 Israeli Forces raided the towns of Allar and Qafen, north of Tulkarem, early on Monday morning. They broke into many houses, carrying out extensive searches. Five Palestinians were arrested: Mutasim Shaded (20), Murad Hafaiza (21), Sabit Hafaiza (20) and Mamoun Fouzi (22) from Allar, and Ali Sabbah (23) from Qafen. [end] more.. Israeli forces arrest four youths in Nablus International Middle East Media Center 4/24/2006 Israeli troops stormed the West Bank city of Nablus and the nearby refugee camp of Al-Ein at dawn Monday and arrested four young men after breaking into several homes. Local sources said that three of those were arrested in the city while the fourth was captured at the Hawara roadblock. National and Islamic forces and institutions in Nablus condemned the repeated Israeli incursions into the city and its refugee camps and denounced the international silence towards those daily raids and arrests. [end] more.. Israeli artillery targets a farm in Beit Lahia, north Gaza, killing 5 cows Ma''an News 4/24/2006 Gaza- Ma''an- Palestinian eyewitnesses have confirmed that five cows were killed and many others injured when Israeli artillery targeted a farm in Beit Lahia in the north of the Gaza Strip. The witnesses added that more than twenty projectiles were launched at the farm which belongs to the Director-General of Palestinian Borders and Crossings, Salim Abu Safiyeh, and that the shelling caused damages in the farm. [end] more.. Palestinian security employee arrested near Jenin Ma''an News 4/24/2006 Jenin-Ma''an- Israeli forces arrested Monday one Palestinian citizen, Ahmad Abu Obaid (23 years) from the town of Al-Yamoun west of Jenin, at one of the "temporary" military barriers between Ramallah and Jenin. Abu Obaid''s family said that the Israeli forces arrested their son when he was on his way back to Jenin from Ramallah where he works in the National Security Authority. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli forces stopped Ahmad''s car and forced him out before taking him away to an unknown destination. It is also reported that Israeli forces prevented Jenin''s citizens from traveling from their city to other cities in the West Bank, as a result of the decision to separate the north of the West Bank from other cities following the bomb in Tel Aviv last week. [end] more.. Palestinian policeman arrested at Israeli checkpoint near Jenin International Middle East Media Center 4/24/2006 Israeli forces arrested Monday one Palestinian citizen, Ahmad Abu Obaid (23 years) from the town of Al-Yamoun west of Jenin, at one of the "temporary" military barriers between Ramallah and Jenin. Abu Obaid''s family said that the Israeli forces arrested their son when he was on his way back to Jenin from Ramallah where he works in the National Security Authority. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli forces stopped Ahmad''s car and forced him out before taking him away to an unknown destination. It is also reported that Israeli forces prevented Jenin''s citizens from traveling from their city to other cities in the West Bank, as a result of the decision to separate the north of the West Bank from other cities following the bomb in Tel Aviv last week. [end] more.. Palestinian resistance fires two homemade shells into Israel, no injuries International Middle East Media Center 4/24/2006 The Al-Aqsa Martyr Brigade in Gaza Strip said they have fired two home-made projectiles at Israeli targets in response to the assassination of two Palestinians in Bethlehem on Sunday evening. [end] more.. Al-Quds Brigades launch home-made projectile at Ashkelon Ma''an News 4/24/2006 Gaza-Ma''an-The Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of Islamic Jihad, launched a home-made projectile at the Israeli city of Ashkelon on Monday afternoon. In a statement released on Monday, the Brigades said that the launch of the projectile was in response to the Israeli attacks and aggression against the Palestinian people. [end] more.. Al-Qassam Brigades to participate in new security apparatus; leader targeted by gunmen in Jabalia Ma''an News 4/24/2006 Gaza- The spokesman for the Izz Addin Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas'' military wing, has announced that guards protecting their leader, Ahmad Ghandour, reported that there were some unknown armed men shooting at Ghandour''s house in Jabalia Refugee Camp. The spokesman added that the guards searched the area and accused the armed men of trying to draw Palestinians'' attention away from what is currently happening in the Palestinian arena. The spokesman warned those trying to attack the Al-Qassam Brigades'' leaders that the Brigades would respond with an iron fist against them. He added that the attackers are not known to the Brigades. more.. Panel calls on treasury to fund securing of towns around Gaza Ha''aretz 4/24/2006 The interim Finance Committee decided Monday to obligate the Treasury to transfer NIS 52 million as soon as possible to be used to complete the securing of schools and educational institutes in towns bordering the Gaza Strip. The money will be transferred through the Home Front Command to 46 communities that are under constant threat of Qassam rocket fire from the Gaza Strip. Finance Committee Chairman MK Yaakov Litzman (United Torah Judaism) said the committee would convene again on Wednesday to hear representatives from the Finance and Defense Ministries on whether the money is available to fund the project. If the money is not available, the committee will convene for an additional meeting next Thursday. more.. Palestinian nonviolent resistance continues in southern West Bank in spite of beating and arrests International Middle East Media Center 4/23/2006 At least six Palestinian citizens, including one elderly, were injured, and an unlimited number were arrested during a nonviolent demonstration in the southern West Bank on Saturday. A number of demonstrators spoke with PNN via telephone today confirming that Israeli soldiers attacked and injured at least six Palestinians, including an elderly woman, after intense beatings. Israeli forces attacked a nonviolent demonstration against the Wall and land confiscation in the Hebron Districts town of Yatta.... Israeli forces declared the eastern area of the Palestinian town as a “closed military zone.... Israeli forces also arrested four foreigners from an American Christian group and an Israeli peace group. more.. Shoot-out at Palestinian ministry BBC 4/23/2006 Hamas gunmen were summoned to assist the health minister -- Bodyguards of the Hamas health minister have exchanged fire with gunmen at the health ministry in Gaza City. Three people were injured in the confrontation. It seems the gunmen were seeking better treatment for a hospital patient, a BBC correspondent says. Although it appears this was not an overtly political matter, the clash comes at a time of tension in Gaza. On Sunday Fatah party supporters staged shows of strength, following clashes with Hamas supporters on Saturday. A power struggle has been growing between the two rival groups. Although Hamas has just taken control of the government the presidency is still in Fatah''s hands. more.. Tension flares between Hamas, Fatah AlJazeera 4/23/2006 Gaza City''s Healthy Ministry office was attacked on Sunday -- Tensions between the Hamas-led Palestinian government and the rival Fatah faction have flared in a shootout at the Health Ministry, leaving several people wounded. At least four people were hurt on Sunday after armed men purportedly from al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades stormed the ministry in Gaza City, where they were confronted by Hamas guards, ministry officials said. But a spokesman for the brigades, which is affiliated to the Fatah, denied the men were from the faction. He said they were from a Gaza clan affiliated with Fatah. The guards from the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades chased off most of the intruders and captured four of the men... more.. Two youths arrested in Hebron International Middle East Media Center 4/23/2006 Israeli soldiers arrested on Sunday two youth in the Al Arroub refugee camp, in the West Bank city of Hebron and took them to a nearby military camp, local source in Hebron reported. Soldiers conducted house-to-house searched in the camp, detained and interrogated several residents before arresting the two youth. [end] more.. Hebron settlers assault two female international aid workers Ha''aretz 4/23/2006 Volunteers from the international organization Tel Rumeida Project were attacked Saturday by Hebron settlers. Members of the group said that dozens of settlers assaulted two women volunteers as they blocked the way to settlers who wanted to break into aPalestinian-owned store. Both women were hurt. Two Israel Defense Forces soldiers from the Paratroops Brigade who were nearby intervened and tried to prevent the assault. When the soldiers called for help, the settlers cleared off. Settlers have attacked Tel Rumeida Project volunteers three times in recent weeks. Unlike previous assaults, many adults took part Saturday. more.. 40 injured in clashes between Hamas, Fatah Ha''aretz 4/23/2006 Hamas and Fatah leaders began talks last night in the Gaza Strip in an attempt to diffuse tension between the groups, after protest marches and armed clashes erupted between student supporters of Hamas and Fatah at the Islamic and Al-Azhar universities in Gaza. The violence, which resulted in injuries to some 40 students and activists, included stone- and furniture-throwing, setting fire to offices, attacking passing cars and marches by armed Fatah supporters in the streets of the Gaza Strip''s towns. The clashes broke out following attacks on the PA leadership by the head of the Hamas political wing Khaled Meshal, in Damascus, and the announcement Thursday by PA Interior Minister Said Sayem that he was setting up a new security force that would encompass the Hamas military wing. more.. Israel threatens to reoccupy Gaza International Middle East Media Center 4/22/2006 As Israeli forces continue to pound the northern Gaza Strip with up to 300 artillery shells a day, Israeli officials have announced that the military is considering re-entering the Palestinian territory in a ground assault. Israel will reoccupy the Gaza Strip if Hamas does not put an end to the cross-border shelling being carried out by other (non-Hamas) resistance groups, a senior military commander says. Major-General Yoav Galant, head of Israel''s southern command, said he was considering a range of options, including the possibility of re-entering Gaza. Galant told the Maariv daily on Friday: "We''re talking about more aggressive military activity. If the price we have to pay becomes unreasonable as a result of increased (Palestinian) attacks, then we shall have to take all steps, including occupying the Gaza Strip. " more.. Soldiers attack priests, Christians while celebrating Holy Saturday in Jerusalem International Middle East Media Center 4/22/2006 As Greek Orthodox Palestinian Christians were celebrating the Holy Saturday in Jerusalem, Israeli policemen attacked dozens of worshipers and priests near the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and at the entrance of the Old City of Jerusalem. The Palestinian News Agency WAFA reported that soldiers and policemen present at the entrance of the Church and the Gates of the Old City of Jerusalem barred the worshipers from reaching the Church to celebrate the eastern Holy Saturday. Dimirty Diliani, who heads a coalition of Palestinians Christians, reported that soldiers attacked worshipers and priests who gathered around the church; several residents and priests were injured. Diliani added that the Israel is violating the international law and barring the residents from reaching their holy sites. more.. Army arrests two and turns one house into military post International Middle East Media Center 4/22/2006 Israeli forces arrested two Palestinian in Bethlehem and Hebron areas in the West Bank on Saturday morning, a Palestinian source reported. The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society in Hebron said Israeli forces invaded Al-Arroub Refugee camp near Hebron and arrested Tareq Balasi, 20 and searched several houses in the camp. Palestinian Security source said Mahmoud Obayat, 23 was arrested in Bethlehem when Israeli troops stopped the car he was riding on a military roadblock on the Bethlehem-Hebron road. Obayat is a security officer who works in Hebron and brother of Raed Obayat who was assassinated by a special Israeli army unit in Beit Sahour earlier in April. more.. Nablus Municipality Building, dating back thousands of years, attacked by anti-Hamas Fateh fighters International Middle East Media Center 4/23/2006 The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) submitted two strongly-worded condemnations Sunday against aggressions in Nablus. Armed members of resistance parties, defying internal agreements, are using weapons reserved only to fight the occupation, have attacked ancient buildings in the northern West Bank city of Nablus. PCHR is calling for an immediately halt to such actions, which are against the Hamas government and in favor of Fateh member President Abbas. The call includes to bring them to justice, as the law must apply to all. After Hamas Political Office President spoke Friday night from his place of exile in Syria against Fateh leaders, including President Abbas, chaos has reigned in Palestine. more.. Karadi to settlers: Amona scarred police YNet News 4/24/2006 Yesha Council heads slam police violence in meeting with police chief. Karadi: Both sides must examine themselves -- The violent evacuation of the unauthorized West Bank outpost of Amona left police scarred as well, Police Chief Moshe Karadi told settlers leaders Monday. According to Yesha Council heads, the police chief told them: "For us too, Amona left a scar. " Karadi added that "both sides must examine themselves, look into what took place, and learn the lessons. " This was the first meeting between the sides and it concluded with a decision to continue with confidence-building measures. The meeting was also attended by senior police officials. more.. Galant: IDF preparing to reoccupy Gaza Jerusalem Post 4/21/2006 OC Southern Command Maj. -Gen. Yoav Galant said Friday that the IDF was preparing to reoccupy the Gaza Strip if the Hamas-led Palestinian government did not halt rocket fire from the area. "We''re talking about more aggressive military activity," Galant said in an interview to Ma''ariv. "If the price we have to pay becomes unreasonable as a result of increased [Palestinian] attacks, then we shall have to take all steps, including occupying the Gaza Strip," he continued. He said that the move could be a full occupation or a partial occupation one and claimed that his plans had been approved by senior officials, including Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz. Israel has already made two brief incursions into the Strip to search for explosives. more.. Danny Yatom: Hamas leaders on Israeli hit list Jerusalem Post 4/21/2006 Former Mossad chief MK Danny Yatom (Labor) said Friday that Hamas Cabinet ministers could be the targets of Israeli assassination efforts, as well as the newly appointed head of a Hamas-controlled Palestinian security force. Yatom told Army Radio that Popular Resistance Committees head Jamal Abu Samhadana remained a legitimate Israeli target after his appointment to head a new Palestinian paramilitary police force, along with Hamas ministers in the Palestinian cabinet. "I understand that our sights are also trained on Hamas ministers, not only on the police chief," said Yatom. "Nobody who deals with terror can have immunity by any means, even if he holds a ministerial portfolio in the Hamas government. " more.. Child seriously injured in Bethlehem International Middle East Media Center 4/21/2006 Friday evening, Israeli soldiers invaded the Deheishe refugee camp, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, clashed with dozens of youth, and seriously shot one child in his head. The child, identified as Khaled Ali Al Masry, 15, wastransferred to Beit Jala Governmental Hospital, in Bethlehem. Medical sources at the hospital informed the IMEMC that the child suffered a critical head injury, and and was admitted to the intensive care unit. He suffered a contusion and and fracture in his skull. The source added that the child was transferred later on to the Governmental Hospital in Hebron due to the seriousness of his condition. Earlier on Friday, soldiers invaded Bethlehem, Beit Jala, Beit Sahour and Al Khader town all near Bethlehem. A total of 29 Palestinians were arrested on Friday in the West Bank areas of Bethlehem, Nablus, Hebron, Qalqilia and Jenin. [end] more.. 15 Palestinians arrested in Nablus, Jenin, Ramallah, Halhul, Bethlehem and Jericho Ma''an News 4/21/2006 Bethlehem-Hebron-Ma''an- Israeli forces have carried out further raids and arrests across the West Bank. Fifteen Palestinians are reported to have been arrested. Israeli sources report that the Israeli Army entered the city of Nablus and arrested three Palestinians after an armed clash with Palestinian armed men. No causalities were reported. In Jenin, sources report that seven Palestinians were arrested for being Hamas and Islamic Jihad activists. In Ramallah, one Fatah activist was arrested. While in the Bethlehem area, Israeli forces raided the villages of Tequ''a and Harmalah, east of Bethlehem and broke into several houses. Dakhel Salem Obayat (33) from Tequ''a, and Tareq Atallah (20), an employee in the Civil Defense from Harmalah were arrested and taken to an unknown destination. more.. Eight homemade shells fired by Palestinian resistance at Israeli towns; no injuries International Middle East Media Center 4/21/2006 The Ahmed Abul Reesh Brigades, an offshoot of the Fatah Movement in Palestine, fired eight shells at the Israeli Negev towns of Sderot and Majdal, and towards an Israeli military outpost in central Gaza over the past 24 hours. In a statement the armed wing said that on Thursday it launched three shells at Majdal city. In another statement the same armed wing said that it hit an Israeli military outpost east of Bureij refugee camp, midnight Wednesday, with three missiles, and indicated that the post was used to protect a military airport close to the area. In a third statement the same Brigades declared that one of its groups hit Sderot settlement late last night with two shells. [end] more.. Raids and arrests in Nablus and Qalqiliya Ma''an News 4/21/2006 Nablus-Qalqiliya-Ma''an- Israeli forces raided the city of Nablus and arrested seven Palestinians early on Friday morning. Eyewitnesses said that about ten Israeli military vehicles invaded the city from the direction of Al-Quds Street in the north of the city and broke into several districts in the city: Rafedia, Balata, Al Ma''ajeen and the Old City. In Qalqiliya, Israeli forces broke into several citizens'' houses in the village of Jit, east of Qalqiliya early on Friday morning and arrested Majid Yameen (20) and Abdul Latif Sundak (21). [end] more.. Palestinian president vetoes Hamas police The Guardian 4/22/2006 Wanted militant named to lead new force · Israeli general warns of plan to invade Gaza Strip -- Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, blocked an attempt by Hamas yesterday to set up a police force staffed by militants, as an Israeli general warned that preparations had been made for a possible invasion of the Gaza Strip. Mr Abbas issued a decree preventing the creation of the force by Hamas''s interior minister, Said Sayam, which was to be headed by Jamal Abu Samhadana, the leader of a faction of Palestinian militants responsible for firing missiles at Israel. At the same time, Major General Yoav Galant, head of Israel''s southern command, told a newspaper that if the firing of rockets reached unacceptable levels a new invasion of Gaza was possible. more.. Palestinian stabs policeman near capital YNet News 4/21/2006 Border Guard officer attacked, lightly wounded at roadblock north of Jerusalem Friday; four policemen wounded by stones-throwing protesters -- A Border Guard police officer sustained light neck wounds after being stabbed Friday by a Palestinian at a roadblock near Jerusalem. Meanwhile, four other policemen were wounded after Palestinians hurled stones at troops during an anti-fence demonstration in the West Bank village of Bil''in. The Palestinian stabber arrived at the a-Ram roadblock, north of Jerusalem, around 6:30 p. m. He then pulled out a knife and charged at one of the Border Guard police officers deployed at the checkpoint, wounding him in the neck. more.. A new Israeli "elite " brigade to founded in the West Bank Ma''an News 4/21/2006 Bethlehem- Ma''an- Israeli high ranking source announce that the Israeli Army establish a new brigade from the infantry elite soldiers which is to be assigned for dealing with events and operations in the West bank. The source added that the number of soldiers to be involved in this brigade will be of 25oo soldiers and will be centered permanently in the West Bank, especially in Hebron, Ramallah, Nablus, Jenin and in the Jordan Valley. The units of this brigade will be chasing the "wanted" Palestinians and penetrate in the West Bank when needed in addition to prevent and frustrate military operations against Israeli cities, soldiers or civilians. more.. Israeli forces raid Jenin villages, arresting many Ma''an News 4/21/2006 Jenin-M''aan- An Al-Aqsa Brigades'' activist has been injured by Israeli military fire during a raid on the town of Deir Abu Da''eaf, east of Jenin. The Israeli forces laid siege to a house where three Al-Aqsa Brigades'' activists were hiding; an exchange of fire took place in which Mustafa Awwad received a bullet injury to his hand before escaping from the house. The other two activists, Hussein Sharif and Amin Tassein, were arrested. Israeli forces also broke into several houses in the town of Selit Ad-Daher, west of Jenin, and arrested Talha Issa (26 years). Eyewitnesses also reported that Israeli forces raided the town of Qabatiya, south of Jenin, where they clashed with Palestinian resistance fighters and arrested two Islamic Jihad activists without even asking for their IDs. more.. Israel ''could occupy Gaza again'' BBC 4/21/2006 An Israeli general has said Israel will consider re-occupying part or all of Gaza, if Palestinian militants continue firing rockets across the border. Gen Yoav Galant said the move would be considered if such attacks reached an intolerable level, or involved more powerful, longer-range weapons. Gen Galant is head of the Israeli military''s southern command. Palestinian militants in Gaza frequently fire short-range and crudely made rockets into Israel. The rockets rarely cause significant damage or casualties. Israeli forces say they fired more than 2,000 artillery shells into the northern Gaza Strip, in the first two weeks of April. Israel says this is an attempt to halt the growing number of rocket attacks by Palestinian militants. A number of civilians have been killed and injured in the shelling. more.. Israeli siege of Al-Aqsa activist''s house in Bethlehem Ma''an News 4/21/2006 Bethlehem-Ma''an- The Al-Aqsa Brigades, a military wing of the Fatah Movement, has claimed responsibility for firing at the Israeli forces that besieged the house of one of the Palestinian "wanted" men in the Jabal Al Mawaleh area of Bethlehem. In a phone call to Ma''an, the spokesman for the Brigades said that a group of Brigades confronted an Israeli infantry unit that was besieging one of their activists'' houses in the city of Bethlehem. Israeli forces penetrated the city of Bethlehem on Thursday evening, blockaded Ziad Dakhlallah''s house and arrested him. [end] more.. Army invades Bethlehem, arrests one resident International Middle East Media Center 4/21/2006 The Israeli troops invaded, late of Thursday at night, the West Bank city of Bethlehem and arrested one resident. Soldiers invaded the city, surrounded and searched houses in Hindaza neighborhood and arrested Ziad Dakhl-Allah, 31, and took him to unknown destination, eyewitnesses reported. Army spokesperson claimed that Ziad was arrested for his involvement in resistance activates against the Israeli army. [end] more.. Army invades Siliat Al Harthia and Qabatia in Jenin and arrests one resident International Middle East Media Center 4/21/2006 The Israeli army invaded the villages of Sielet Al Harthiyya and Qabatia near the West Bank city of Jenin and arrested one resident, on Friday morning. Talha Issa, 25, was arrested when troops entered Sielet Al Harthiyya village, searched several homes including his house and then they took him to an unknown destination, eyewitnesses reported. Meanwhile in Qabatia, army vehicles and soldiers stormed the village, searched several homes and installed military checkpoints in location inside the village, local sources reported. [end] more.. Salah Ad-Din Brigades launch projectile at Kissufim Ma''an News 4/21/2006 Gaza-Ma''an- The Nasser Salah Ad-Din Brigades, a military wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, has fired a homemade projectile at the Israeli military post east of the Kissufim crossing. In a statement, the Nasser Salah Ad-Din Brigades confirmed that they launched the projectile at the Israeli post at 6:50am on Friday. The Brigades confirmed that the launching operation was in response to the Israeli bombardment on the north of the Gaza Strip and the Israeli incursions in the West Bank. [end] more.. Ar-Rish Brigades explode device in Israeli military vehicle in Nablus Ma''an News 4/21/2006 Ma''an- The Ahmed Abu Ar-Rish Brigades, a military wing affiliated to Fatah, have claimed responsibility for a cocktail bomb that exploded in an Israeli military vehicle near the police station and hospital in Nablus early on Friday morning. In a statement, the Ahmed Abu Ar-Rish Brigades confirmed that this operation was in response to the Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people, emphasizing that they will continue their resistance. [end] more.. Al-Ghoul and Al-Aqsa Brigades claim responsibility for projectiles fired at Sderot Ma''an News 4/21/2006 Khan Younis-Ma''an- The Sami Al-Ghoul Brigades and the Al-Aqsa Brigades, both military wings of the Fatah Movement, have both claimed responsibility for launching three homemade projectiles into Sderot City early on Friday morning. In a statement, the Brigades said that the launching operation was in response to the Israeli aggressions and bombardment of the northern Gaza Strip, emphasizing that they will continue their resistance against the Israeli occupation. [end] more.. Homemade projectiles at Ashkelon Ma''an News 4/21/2006 Ma''an- Quds Brigades "military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement" announced responsibility for the shelling of three homemade projectiles at the Israeli city of Ashkelon early Friday. The Brigades issued a statement in which it said that the launching of the projectiles will be continued until Palestinian land is liberated and the Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established. [end] more.. Two residents arrested east of Qalqilia International Middle East Media Center 4/21/2006 Israeli soldiers arrested on Friday two residents in Jeet village, east of the West Bank city of Qalqilia. The Palestinian News Agency, WAFA, reported that soldiers broke into dozens of houses, searched them and arrested Majed Yameen, 20, and Abdul-Lateef Sondak, 21. [end] more.. Sixteen Palestinians arrested overnight in the West Bank International Middle East Media Center 4/21/2006 Israeli military sources reported that Israeli soldiers arrested sixteen Palestinians in various parts of the West Bank Thursday night. The arrested Palestinians were taken by force from their homes, in large-scale military invasions into Palestinian towns and villages. In Ramallah, one Fatah activist was arrested. While in the Bethlehem area, Israeli forces raided the villages of Tequ''a and Harmalah, east of Bethlehem and broke into several houses. Dakhel Salem Obayat (33) from Tequ''a, and Tareq Atallah (20), an employee in the Civil Defense from Harmalah were arrested and taken to an unknown destination. Arrests were also made in Jenin and in Hebron. It is unknown at this time where the arrested Palestinians were taken, although it is reported that they are being held without charges. [end] more.. Al-Quds Brigades hold presentation in Rafah on their projectile-launching operations Ma''an News 4/21/2006 Khan Younis-Ma''an- The Al-Quds Brigades, a military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement, held a televised presentation in the city of Rafah on Thursday evening in which they detailed their prominent military operations such as the launching of homemade projectiles into Israeli territory. The Brigades demonstrated some of their projectile-launching operations and showed pictures relating to the Israeli evacuation from the Gaza settlements that took place last summer. The Ma''an correspondent reported that hundreds of citizens gathered after the evening prayer and repeated slogans calling for the continuation of the resistance against the Israeli aggressions. more.. In an invasion to the village of Harmala, army arrests one resident International Middle East Media Center 4/21/2006 The Israeli armed forces invaded the village of Harmala west of the West Bank city of Bethlehem and arrested one resident identified as Tarik Attalah, Friday at dawn. Troops stormed resident homes before arresting Attalah who works at civil defense department in the city, his family reported. [end] more.. Two fighters, one resident arrested in Jenin invasion International Middle East Media Center 4/21/2006 Friday morning, Israeli forces arrested two resistance fighters in Qabatia town near the West Bank city of Jenin. One resident was arrested in a separate invasion in Sielet Al Harthiyya village, near Jenin. Palestinian sources reported that dozens of military vehicles and jeeps invaded the Qabatia earlier this morning,and exchanged fire with resistance fighters. Members of the armed resistance wings of Fateh, Islamic Jihad, Al Aqsa Brigades and Al Quds Brigades exchanged fire with the invading forces, no injuries were reported. During the invasion, two fighters of the Al Quds brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad were arrested. Also on Friday morning, troops invaded Sielet Al Harthiyya village, near Jenin... more.. Sense of forfeiture near Gaza YNet News 4/21/2006 Residents of communities near Gaza disappointed by IDF failure to reinforce homes against Qassams -- Israeli communities adjacent to the Gaza Strip have lost hope: Just over half a year since the disengagement, and their homes, some of which lie a couple of hundreds of meters from Qassam launch pads, have become a fire zone. Hundreds of Qassam rockets were fired into these communities in the last few months. Promises of fortified roofs and sealed rooms proved to be nothing but sweet talk. At the exception of one community, nothing happened. "We are like geese in fire range," residents told Isreal''s leading newspaper, Yedioth Ahronoth. "No one cares what''s happening here. No one. The state has abandoned us. " more.. Statistics: Defence for Children International - PS Documentation Unit Defence for Children International - Palestine 4/19/2006 Last Updated: 19 April 2006) -- A key component of DCI/PS’s work is documenting violations of Palestinian children’s rights. Since the beginning of the second Palestinian uprising against occupation, or Intifada, DCI/PS has documented the case of each Palestinian child killed as a result of Israeli military and settler presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The tables below are updated monthly [2000-2006]. For more detailed statistics, please contact the DCI/PS Documentation Unit. more.. 320 Palestinians treated for shock as a result of Israeli shelling International Middle East Media Center 4/20/2006 At least 320 Palestinians were treated for shock in the past week as a result of the continuous shelling of Palestinian residential areas in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian medical sources reported. Dr. Muawiya Hasanein, head of the Emergency Rooms Department at the Palestinian Ministry of Health said there are 143 children among those treated for shock. Hasanein also warned of an environmental and hygienic disaster in the Gaza Strip as a result of the closure and the shelling of the Palestinian areas. He added that three Palestinians were wounded on Wednesday when Israeli artillery shelled the areas they reside. more.. Israeli military continues shelling of Palestinians in Gaza Strip International Middle East Media Center 4/20/2006 Israeli tanks and artillery resumed their concentrated pounding of populated areas in northern Gaza Strip Wednesday, alleging they were responding to Palestinian homemade shells fired at Israeli settlements close to the Strip. A military source claimed that the Israeli air force will increase the frequency of air strikes on Gaza, and will intensify, along with the land and navy forces, the bombardment of the Strip from air, sea, and land, alleging that around 30 Palestinian homemade missiles have been fired recently around the Gaza Strip. The Al Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad, and the Nasser Salahuddin Brigades, the armed wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, claimed responsibility for targeting an Israeli military jeep patrolling the eastern borders of the Gaza Strip early Thursday morning. more.. IDF General Staff says still too early for head-on clash in Gaza Ha''aretz 4/21/2006 The IDF has a contingency plan for ground operations in the Gaza Strip but for now is not recommending a go-ahead to the government. Senior General Staff sources told Haaretz that it was still too early for a head-on clash with the Palestinian Authority and the Hamas government. They said Israel was "scoring points" in the international arena in view of its restraint following the suicide bombing in Tel Aviv. IDF commanders believe that Hamas will have some difficulty raising the funds required to run the Palestinian Authority and to pay wages to more than 160,000 public sector workers. more.. Army arrests five residents near Hebron International Middle East Media Center 4/20/2006 Israeli armed forces arrested five residents in pre dawn Thursday invasion of Dura and Ithna villages near the West Bank city of Hebron. In Dura, troops stormed several houses in the village and arrested Dia''a Awawda, 16, and his brother Mohammed, 13, Issam Al Rjoub, 15, and Waleed Al Hroub, 19, claming that they were involved in stone throwing acts against the army during clashes with the residents late Wednesday night, local sources reported. Meanwhile another force entered Ithna village searched several houses and arrested Ahamd Al Tmeizi, 30. Tmeizi was taken to unknown destination, family members reported. [end] more.. Settlers attack schools students in Hebron International Middle East Media Center 4/20/2006 Israeli settlers, accompanied by Soldiers, attacked school students in the West Bank city of Hebron on Thursday morning. The attacks occured in areas adjacent to Tel Al Romaida and Beit Hadassa illegal Israelisettlement outposts. Settlers attacked students of the nearby girls high school with stones and eggs. Soldiers present at the scene did not take any action to stop the settlers, eyewitnesses reported. Several people sustained minor injuries, including, three Internationals, members of the Christian Peace Maker Teams (CPT) who were accompanying the students to school. CPT volunteers refused to recieve medical treatment from Israeli soldiers in protest to their inaction towards the stone-throwing settlers. [end] more.. Army invades Azoun village, east of Qalqilia International Middle East Media Center 4/20/2006 The Israeli Army invaded the village of Azoun, east of the West Bank city of Qalqilia, late Wednesday night. Several armored vehicles stormed the village and were shooting randomly at the residents'' homes and searched some of them, damage to the houses was reported by eyewitnesses. [end] more.. Army invades Al Arqa village International Middle East Media Center 4/20/2006 The Israeli armed forces invaded Al Arqa village west of the West Bank city of Jenin, Thursday morning. Several army vehicles entered the village in a provocative way, the village is the home village of the Tel Aviv Boomer, no arrests were made, local sources reported. [end] more..