Army Incursions in Nablus, West Bank

international | anti-war / imperialism | news report Wednesday October 22, 2003 10:51 by Aron Baker baker_aron at hotmail dot com Balatta Refugee Camp Nablus 087 2895036

Army activity in Nablus during last 24 hours

Wed 22 Nablus
Last night while the army invaded Ramallah, Beir Zeit, Tulkarem, many parts of the Gaza strip and other ares, the army also came to Balatta camp. They drove in, atleast 3 vehicles approaching from both directions, shooting. We approached their position near the entrance and spread out across the street, blocking their line of fire up the main street of Balatta, and any attempt to drive up through the camp again after awhile we sat down, now 4 of us with 2 standing on the side. The army proceeded to fire some warning shots towards and some rubber bullets in our direction but nobody was hit. Then I moved to the street side also, getting very nervous, leaving 3 sitting across the street about 70 metres from the army humvees and jeeps. Boys threw stones at the jeeps and someone threw a small explosive device at them, making the humvee pull back, causing no damage, as is usually the case. After awhile we all moved to the side where the army shot 3ft over our heads, puncturing an overhead awning. We think there may have been some light firing from the fighters. We heard this morning that 1 Palestinian was injured, Ahmed Atieraweh . We also had reports last night of the army occupying 2 houses on Jeruaslem st. The army stayed for around 2 hours before leaving. F16s buzzed over continuously Monday and Tuesday.
We have had reports of prolonged shooting in the old city during the night and 1 man being shot and arrested.
This morning we believe 1 ISMer was arrested while attempting to cross a checkpoint, soldiers accusing him of touching the fence around Itamar, we think maybe they have mixed him up with the other person photographed with me yesterday, as they look similar.
We are also recieving reports of the immenient demolition of Abu Iaids house in Jbarra, in the "Seam Zone", where we had a presence recently untill it became even hardier to enter the seam zone.
Aron