Part II - Intifada 2000 -- Click here to access the most current stories on this topic

Instant 16:30CDT - 12 Oct 2000

Thursday News Brief – 23:30-IST/16:30CDT

(IsraelWire-10/12) Prime Minister/Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Thursday night met with opposition leader MK Ariel Sharon on Thursday night. The two discussed issues pertaining to the establishment of an emergency coalition to run the nation. Also invited to the meeting was MK Eli Yishai, the head of the Shas Party.

2) CIVIL SERVANTS – Civil Service Commissioner Shmuel Hollander has empowered secretary-generals of government offices to cancel Sukkot holiday vacations of essential employees due to the current crisis.

3) IRAQ – Iraq has moved a division of the Republican Guard westward. The intelligence community is watching the situation closely, but added the movement of the 15,000 troops does not constitute an immediate threat to Israe. But, due to the current strategic situation, the move may not be ignored....

4) YESHA – IDF forces near Ein Sinyah, in the Benjamin Regional  Council area of Samaria came under attack with gunfire. No injuries. Soldiers returned fire.

· Soldiers in the Nablus area were fired upon. No injuries. They returned fire.

· IDF helicopter gunships in the Nablus area opened fire with machineguns against hostile forces.

· Hebron residents came under fire on Thursday night. No reports of injuries. Helicopters fired from their machineguns.

· Helicopters fired machinegun fire Thursday night near Salfit, close to the Samarian city of Ariel. No injuries.

· Helicopters fired machinegun fire Thursday night near Bet Haggai, in the Southern Hebron Hills area. No injuries.

There were reports of casualties among PA military forces and residents in the IDF aerial assaults according to PA sources.

5) HERZLIYA – An Arab security guard from Kalansua was attacked on Pinsker Streets by Israelis. He sustained light injuries and was transported to Meir Hospital in Kfar Saba by his employer. Although the victim stated Jews attacked him, police stated the motive for the attack remains unclear at this time.

6) NETANYA – In the Nordau neighborhood of southern Netanya, Jews set the car of an Arab resident ablaze. No injuries. The attackers also tried to torch an Arab owned dental clinic.

7) JERICHO – IDF helicopter gunships attacked a building used by PA military forces as an academic institute, apparently in retaliation for the arson attack earlier in the night in which the Shalom Al Yisrael Synagogue in that city was destroyed together with the Torah scrolls and holy books.

Via IsraelWire News Service – http://www.israelwire.com, who are solely responsible for the content above...

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IDF STATEMENT ON TODAY'S EVENTS 
12 October 2000

(Communicated by IDF Spokesman's Office) Jerusalem Thursday, October 12, 2000

"IDF helicopters this afternoon (Thursday), 12.10.2000, attacked the Palestinian Police building in Ramallah in which two IDF reserve soldiers were lynched in a hideous act of violence. Other locations were also attacked.

This action is a symbolic signal to the leaders of the Palestinian Authority that the IDF will not remain silent following acts of violence and force.

This morning two IDF reserve soldiers were murdered in cold blood after getting lost on their way to their base and arrested by Palestinian policemen who led them to central Ramallah where they were killed. Their families have been notified. 

The IDF once again calls upon the Palestinians to stop the violent acts and the incitement causing it.

The IDF clarifies that Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat's homes/HQs in Gaza were not attacked; all targets were carefully selected."

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EMERGENCYNET NEWS FLASH REPORT - 10:00CDT 

ISRAEL

IDF Retaliates To Lynching Of Israeli Soldiers

In a powerful and swift retaliation for the brutal murder of two Israeli soldiers by a Palestinian mob, Israeli combat helicopters rocketed Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's residential compound in the Gaza Strip as well as a West Bank town on Thursday. Arafat's headquarters in Gaza City and buildings near it were reportedly being evacuated. A guard house next to Arafat's residence was hit in the attack, and smoke was rising above the compound.

The Israeli attack came shortly after he met with CIA Director George Tenet at an undisclosed location in Gaza City. Arafat's and Tenet's whereabouts were unclear. The killing of the soldiers and Israel's strong response left little hope that Israel and the Palestinians could negotiate a truce and bring an end to two weeks of bloodshed that have left at least 94 people dead, the vast majority Palestinians. 

The Israeli helicopters also targeted the West Bank town of Ramallah, where the two soldiers were killed on Thursday morning. The rockets struck the downtown police station and the official Palestinian TV station, which had been broadcasting footage of the violent clashes of the past two weeks for hours at a time. Israel has said the broadcasts were inflammatory. 

The Palestinian police station was reduced to rubble following the rocket attack. Israel clamped an internal closure on the West Bank, meaning Palestinians could not leave their communities. The army said it was amassing large forces near Ramallah, and tanks were stationed outside the city.

The crisis began Thursday morning when the Israeli soldiers apparently made a wrong turn and ended up near the center of Ramallah, a scene of daily clashes between Israeli troops and Palestinian rioters. The soldiers were detained by Palestinian police and immediately rushed to a nearby police station. Rumors quickly spread that the Israelis belonged to an undercover army unit that tracks Palestinian fugitives, a claim the army has denied. More than 1,000 Palestinians attacked the police station, some chanting "Death to the death squads!"

Palestinian forces attempted to keep the mob at bay, but about ten men broke through a second-floor window where the Israelis were held. TV footage showed the attackers emerging from the station with blood-covered hands. The bodies of two Israeli soldiers were thrown down from the second floor and thrashed with iron bars.

There were conflicting reports about whether one, or perhaps two additional soldiers were seized by Palestinians. Thirteen Palestinian policemen were injured while attempting to keep the mob away from the soldiers.

The Israeli army confirmed its helicopter attacks on Palestinian cities on Thursday were but said they were just a token response to the killing of two of its soldiers by a lynch mob. 

An IDF statement said: "This action (the helicopter attack) is a token signal to the Palestinian Authority leadership that the Israeli army will not sit idly by when acts of violence are committed. This morning two reservists were killed in cold blood after they got lost on their way to base ... and were arrested by Palestinian police who led them to the center of Ramallah where they met their deaths. The Israeli army calls again on the Palestinians to stop immediately violent activities and incitement that triggers them."

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Thursday News Brief –15:57-IST

(IsraelWire-10/12-15:57-IST) Israel Channel 2 TV is reporting that many PLO Authority (PA) targets in Gaza have been struck by Israel Air Force helicopter gun-ships.

Channel 2 states that despite earlier reports, it is now known with certainty that Arafat’s Gazan headquarters was not targeted, but his private home in Gaza was hit. Due to meetings in Gaza with US CIA director George Tenet, it is possible that Israel decided to avoid striking the PA headquarters in that city, not wishing to risk injuring Tenet in an attack.

According to Channel 2 TV, CNN reporters in the Ramallah area are now reporting that Israeli forces have opened fire in Ramallah with tanks. This has not been confirmed by any official Israeli source. Israel has closed all PA autonomous areas, announcing that no one enters or leaves.

At this time, PA officials are evacuating the Gaza headquarters, in anticipation of another IAF assault. A state of emergency has been declared by the PA. PA officials report 12 persons are injured in Ramallah. 

Israeli officials have announced that a new situation now exists, one in which the IDF will not just respond, but initiate action. Israel Radio quoted unnamed officials as stating the attacks to date is just a small sign of the capabilities of the IDF, an apparent warning message to the PA.

PA forces on high-alert throughout Yesha

(IsraelWire-10/12-13:33-IST) According to a Channel Two TV News report, quoting reliable senior PLO Authority (PA) military officials, all PA forces throughout Judea and Samaria have been ordered to high-alert in anticipation of an IDF response to the cold blooded murders that took place in Ramallah on Thursday morning.

The unnamed senior PA source stated the Israelis, now believed to be IDF reservists on their way to report for duty but were lost being unfamiliar with the area, were taken into PA custody.

Following the funeral of a local Ramallah resident who was killed in the ongoing Arab warfare, a large mob charged into the PA headquarters and with almost no resistance, butchered two of the persons in cold blood while the other two remain in PA custody at this time. 

It is also being reported by the same source that PA officials are planning to or have already begun to evacuate the headquarters in Ramallah, fearing an IDF retaliatory attack in the near future. Once again, the reports are unconfirmed by official PA sources.

More on Ramallah Hostage Situation

(IsraelWire-10/12-12:21-IST) Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer, speaking moments ago to Israel Radio, stated the response to the events taking place in Ramallah at this time must be a military one. Ben-Eliezer, a retired IDF brigadier-general, stated earlier in the day that “The peace process is dead and we are at war.”

The minister reiterated his statements moments ago, calling upon Prime Minister/Defense Minister Ehud Barak to immediate take the necessary steps towards the formation of an emergency caretaker government.

Ben-Eliezer, a former commander of forces in Judea and Samaria, stated that the events unfolding in Ramallah must be dealt with by the IDF. He stated that although all information is yet unconfirmed, it does appear that two IDF soldiers have been killed by an Arab mob. Israel Radio reports they were stabbed and beaten to death in cold blood by hundreds of persons.

Israel’s Channel’s Two Television is now reporting that the PA has taken back some control of the area, and is in the process of returning the bodies to Israeli officials. The unconfirmed report speaks of undercover IDF forces that were killed by the Arab mob. Once again, all reports have not been confirmed by official sources at this time.

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PA: Three Israelis killed in Ramallah – 12:04-IST

(IsraelWire-10/12) Reports from Ramallah are conflicting with little confirmed information available at this time with the exception of the fact that four Israelis were taken captive by PLO Authority (PA) military forces in Ramallah.

Statements from the IDF a short time ago indicated that the four Israelis taken hostage in the autonomous city of Ramallah were soldiers. Israel Radio and television are now reporting the four are civilians, not military personnel.

PA officials in Ramallah are reporting that the angry mob realized the four were Israelis, attacked the building in which they were being held, killing three of them, critically injuring the fourth who was taken to the District Coordinating Office and then transported to the trauma unit of Hadassah Hospital in Ein Karem.

At this time, the PA military forces apparently lost control of the city and the size of the mob, now over 2,000, continues to grow and the situation continues to deteriorate. There are no reports of shooting from Ramallah at this time.

Once again, the details are unconfirmed by the IDF Spokesman’s Office or government officials at this time with the expectation of the fact that four Israelis are being held in Ramallah. IsraelWire will provide additional details as they are made available.

Courtesy of IsraelWire News Service – http://www.israelwire.com, who are solely responsible for the content above...

19:00CDT - 11 Oct 2000

Trilateral Meeting For Thursday??

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Instant 18:00CST-11 Oct 2000

Situation Report (Sit-Rep)

(IsraelWire-10/12) 00:00-IST – Multiple attacks & shootings/Potential For Future Terror Attacks...

1) PA PRISONER RELEASE – Israeli senior security officials are reporting that PLO Authority (PA) Chairman Yassir Arafat has released close to sixty Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists, terrorists who were involved in attacks against Israel in the past and possess advanced knowledge in bomb-making terror related activities. Senior intelligence and security officers are warning of imminent major terror attacks against Israeli targets, attacks that [allegedly] carry the blessing of Yassar Arafat.

2) DAY OF RAGE II – Hamas and Islamic Jihad leaders are calling for a  second Day of Rage, to take place on Friday, the eve of the Sukkot holiday. Widespread violence and attacks against Israel and security forces can be expected. Security establishment officials warn that Arafat will instruct participants to make a concerted effort to involve Jerusalem in the day’s violence.

3) HEBRON – Very heavy gunfire is being reported at this time throughout Hebron. Senior military commanders have called upon high-ranking officials to give the green light for an appropriate response. There were no reports of causalities among Israeli forces or Hebron’s Jewish residents. Helicopter gunships are circling overhead but have not been given the order to fire air-to-surface rockets.

4) NEVE TZUF - At about 10:30pm, shots were fired at a car traveling by the Benjamin Regional Council community of Neve Tzuf Bet. The attack comes hours after the IDF dramatically reduced the number of combat soldiers protecting the Samarian community. The driver was lightly injured by shrapnel. The car was hit by several bullets.

5) HALHOUL BYPASS - A police bomb-demolition officer was seriously wounded by Arab gunfire at about 8:30pm Wednesday night on the Halhoul bypass road south of Gush Etzion. The road was closed for some time after a suspicious object demanded the summoning of bomb-demolition experts. As the approximately 40 motorists waited and the policeman worked on the suspected device, terrorists opened fire, wounding the policeman who was transported to the trauma unit of Hadassah Hospital in Ein Kerem, Jerusalem.

6) BET SAHOUR – The IDF base located adjacent to the PLO Authority (PA) autonomous municipality of Bet Sahour, in the Bethlehem area, was fired upon Wednesday evening. There were no reported injuries. Soldiers did not return fire.

7) HAMAS – Hamas leaders on Wednesday set the stage for increased attacks against IDF forces as well as Israeli civilians. Jerusalem Post Radio quoted Hamas official Ishmael Abuschanab, a Gaza University professor, on Tuesday as stating that all Israeli targets are legitimate. Abuschanab stated the attacks would be legitimate revenge for the killing of Arabs by Israel during the past 10 days of violence.

8) GUSH ETZION – A Jewish motorist was involved in an accident which was the result of a stone-throwing incident against his car. The ambulance responding to the accident, near el-Aroub, south of Gush Etzion, was fired upon. There were no immediate reports of injuries.  A bus was fired upon on Wednesday night in Gush Etzion. There were no injuries but two bullet marks were detected on the armor-plated vehicle.

9) FATAH - Israel Radio reported this evening that the Army will now consider the Fatah Tanzim to be terrorists with the same status as Hamas and other terrorist militias. Arrests are expected. The reporter noted that Marwan Barghouti, who is Secretary General of Fatah for the West Bank and also the head of the Tanzim, would be wise not to use his VIP pass to enter into Israel. (IMRA)

10) MDA - Magen David Adom in Israel helped to transfer the first 4 of 8 ambulances donated by the Norwegian Red Cross to the PA Red C Crescent Society on Oct. 7. At the beginning of next week, MDA will help to transfer the additional 4 ambulances which are due to arrive. This operation was led with great rapidity by Magen David Adom and Israeli authorities as a humanitarian gesture to the Red Crescent.

Via IsraelWire News Service: http://www.israelwire.com, who are solely responsible for the content above...

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Instant 09:30IST-11 Oct 2000

ISRAEL:

Drop In Violence Noted By Army

The Israeli army said it noted a drop in Israeli-Palestinian violence on Tuesday. Israel's army chief, Lt. General Shaul Mofaz, said the violence was ebbing, but could erupt again. Overnight, there were sporadic incidents. In Jerusalem, six Jewish youths were detained for throwing bottles at Arab homes. In the Israeli city of Acre, masked Arabs rioted and burned property owned by Jews, including a furniture store that burned to the ground. Shots were fired at Israeli troops in the West Bank, and stones were thrown at cars with Israeli and Palestinian license plates.

Near the West Bank settlement of Eli, a Jewish settler was killed when a car driven by a Palestinian overturned and struck a group of Israelis standing by the roadside. Police said they believed it was an accident, while settler leaders portrayed the incident as a terror attack. In the Gaza Strip, a 12-year-old Palestinian boy lay brain dead, a day after being shot by Israeli troops during a stone-throwing clash.

In all, at least 88 people, most Palestinians, have been killed in rock-throwing clashes and gun battles in the past two weeks. The relative calm of the past few days was attributed, in part, to the presence of high-profile mediators. United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, European Union security chief Javier Solana and EU peace envoy Miguel Moratinos were shuttling between Gaza and Jerusalem.

Instant 22:45IST-10 Oct 2000

Militants Attempt to Over-Run Police Station 

(IsraelWire-10/10) ACRE - Police report that at about 8:30pm Tuesday night, Arabs attempted to overrun the police station in the marina of the Old City of Acre. The event escalated to a full-scale riot and at this time, Jews and Arabs continue to attack one another with rocks. At least one Jewish owned store has been targeted by arsonists. A very large police force under the command of the head of the department’s Galilee District is on the scene, attempting to restore order. Rioters are attacking properties belonging to one another and police are having difficulty restoring order to the area. There are no reports of injuries at this time. Police have used teargas in attempts to bring the violence to an end. Source: IsraelWire News Service – http://www.israelwire.com

Instant 10:00CDT-10 Oct 2000 

ISRAEL

Barak Extends Deadline...

Apparently feeling international pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak on Tuesday gave his Palestinian counterpart more time to stop the raging violence that has left at least 88 people dead over 12 days. Israel's army radio reported that the change in position came after two phone calls from POTUS (President of the United States).

Barak said he made the decision after weighing the possibility of a prolonged armed conflict. Barak said: "It is right to bear up for a few more days ... and not find ourselves in a few more weeks or months bogged down in a difficult conflict knowing that we may have been able to prevent it."

Raanan Cohen, a minister in Barak's government, said the extension was only a matter of "one, two or three days," and apparently fearing more trouble, the government instructed the military to step up operations to protect Israelis.

For his part, Yasser Arafat has reportedly dismissed Israel's extension of a deadline for him to control Palestinian violence as just another "threat". "Threats, threats, threats," Chairman Arafat said to reporters, reportedly laughing at the deadline extension. At least one observer, very familiar with the situation on the West Bank, told EmergencyNet News today that Arafat sounded "smug" in his most current political assessment. "Maybe his smugness is rooted in his belief that he is 'winning' the public relations war and will obtain additional concessions from the Israelis," the Mid-East veteran added.    

Much of the violence overnight was centered in Israel itself. In the seaside community of Bat Yam, just south of Tel Aviv, two Israeli Arabs were stabbed. In nearby Jaffa, three Arab-owned apartments were burned while some Jews, chanting "Death to the Arabs," marched into the streets to smash car windows and throw stones at police. There were Jewish-Arab clashes from the Sea of Galilee in the north to the Negev Desert in the south.

The Jewish holy Day of Atonement ended at sunset Monday with sporadic clashes and shooting between Israelis and Palestinians. In the West Bank, gun battles erupted in Hebron and Jewish settlers threw stones at Palestinian homes around Nablus. Throughout the night there were reports of gunfire exchanges at highway intersections, settlements and Palestinian villages.

Late Monday, shooting broke out for several hours between Israeli troops and Palestinian gunmen near the center of Hebron. An Israeli helicopter gunship hovered above the scene, but did not shoot. In other violence, shots were fired at the Jewish settlement of Efrat.

Instant 10:30CDT-09 Oct 2000 

ISRAEL:

Larger War On The Horizon?

The Israeli government on Sunday pressed its ultimatum to Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for him to order an end to the violence within a day or the peace talks are over -- and what's more, Palestinian commanders could become targets. Israelis were observing Yom Kippur wondering whether their Day of Atonement, which ends at sundown Monday, would carry echoes of the same day 27 years ago when a surprise Arab attack launched a devastating war.

The days of rage that have occurred in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip since 28 September have spread elsewhere. Israel was building up its forces on its northern border after Lebanese guerrillas seized three Israeli soldiers. The Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia dedicated Saturday's operation to the Palestinians who have died in the recent clashes. The fighting has claimed 82 lives so far, most Palestinian.

Touring the northern border, Prime Minister Ehud Barak had a simple message for the Palestinians, for the Lebanese, and for the Syrians who are the real power in Lebanon: It's up to you to stop this from escalating.

To Arafat, he repeated the ultimatum he delivered on Saturday night: end the violence by Monday evening, when Yom Kippur ends. The Prime Minister added: "If we will not see the difference actively implemented on the ground, and a calming down of the situation really occurring, we will draw the conclusion that Arafat deliberately has decided to abandon the negotiations."

Barak did not specify what Israel would do, but one of his top military aides said Israel would move from a defensive to an offensive posture, and could target Palestinian commanders.

The Palestinians said it was up to the Israelis to stop the shooting, and laid down their own condition; Israel must accept a U.N. Security Council call for an international commission to investigate the recent violence.

 Additional clashes between stone-throwing Arabs and IDF troops and police have taken place in the past few hours. At least one additional person is believed to have died today. The air is thick with tension and fears that Israel will go on the offensive or that radical Palestinians will undertake some kind of terrorist attack. Night has fallen in Jerusalem, and Barak's ultimatum has apparently not been met. That's where the situation sits at the hour of this report -- with both sides demanding that their terms and conditions be met -- and no real resolution in sight...

ISRAEL:

Instant 09:30CDT-08 Oct 2000

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Instant 20:00CDT-07 Oct 2000/03:00IST 08 Oct 2000

Fighting Seen to Intensify After Destruction of Joseph's Tomb

Jerusalem (EmergencyNet News) -- Angered by the alleged Arab destruction of the sacred Joseph's tomb, and the continued violence that plagues so many parts of Israel, Israeli civilians are reportedly now starting to fight back. Recent reports from Israel indicate that Jewish civilians are taking matters into their own hands and that there are several incidents of rock-throwing and other unrest directed at Arabs.

Reports from several different sources, being constantly monitored and analyzed by ERRI counter-terrorist analysts, would seem to suggest that the violence is escalating, rather than subsiding, as the weekend goes on. Israeli military and emergency service sources tell EmergencyNet News that the entire country stands on the brink of all-out guerilla war unless some sort of diplomatic resolution can be achieved.

Press reports indicate that Israeli leaders have recognized the danger of the current situation and taken a firm stand. Prime Minister Ehud Barak on Saturday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Yasser Arafat, saying that unless the Palestinian leader stops violence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, Israel will call off peace talks and let Israeli troops "act with full force." Arafat has so far refused to issue a public statement asking Palestinians to stop the violence.

Instant 12:30CDT - 07 Oct 2000 

Three IDF Troops Reportedly Captured; Hezbollah Declares "State of War"

LEBANON (EmergencyNet News) -- According to both press and government sources, three Israeli defense forces troops have been captured today and are being held hostage by Hezbollah guerillas. The incident happened in the Shebaa Farms area in the foothills of the Golan Heights...

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Troops Fire On Protesters

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Special to EmergencyNet News

BreakingNews-Israel

Saturday News Brief – 07 Oct 2000 - 22:00-IST/15:00CDT

(IsraelWire-10/7) Heavy shooting has been confirmed against communities throughout Judea, Samaria & Gaza (Yesha). At the time of this report, there were no reports of casualties among IDF forces or Israeli citizens.

1) MISSING ELON MOREH RESIDENT - 36-year-old Hillel Lieberman, from the northern Samarian community of Elon Moreh, has been missing since Friday afternoon. Security forces reported a short time ago that Lieberman has not been found. According to reports, he was headed in the direction of Joseph’s Tomb following reports of increased violence at the holy site.

2) PA GIVES ARAFAT 48 ULTIMATUM:

In a nationally televised event, Prime Minister/Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Saturday night issued a 48-hour ultimatum to PLO Authority (PA) Chairman Yassir Arafat to restore law and order throughout Yesha. Mr. Barak stated that if Arafat fails to restore order in the next two days, the Oslo process will come to a total and abrupt halt and Israel will “take any and all measures it deems necessary” to restore law and order. The ultimatum will expire with the conclusion of the Yom Kippur Day of Atonement, Monday night. As Barak was addressing the nation, widespread gunfire attacks against Jewish communities and IDF troops throughout Yesha began.

3) JOSEPH’S TOMB – The government early Saturday morning made the decision to surrender Joseph’s Tomb, ordering a troop withdrawal at about 3:00am, under the cover of darkness. Since that time, PA military forces and local Arab residents in the PA autonomous city of Nablus have destroyed the holy site. Thousands of terrorists entered the holy site, many carrying pickaxes and other equipment, ripping apart the stones and doing their utmost to remove any trace of what once was Joseph’s Tomb.

According to a Kol M’Hashetach News Agency report, the retreat was made following an ultimatum from Colonel Gabril Rajoub, the commander of the PA’s Preventive Security force, that if the IDF forces are not withdrawn from the site, they would be “slaughtered” by PA forces. This report has not been confirmed by official sources that stated the “withdrawal” from Joseph’s Tomb was only a temporary move. On Saturday night, IDF soldiers have succeeded in removing the remains of Torah scrolls and holy books. Following the total destruction of the site, the PA-appointed mayor of Nablus phoned the mayor of Raanana, informing him that the PA will undertake the rebuilding of the holy site. (Some time ago, Raanana signed a twining agreement with Nablus).

4) RACHEL’S TOMB – Rachel’s Tomb, in the autonomous city of Bethlehem, is under very heavy attack of Arab gunfire. Hamas and Hizbullah leaders have urged PA residents to overrun Rachel’s Tomb as was done in Nablus to Joseph’s Tomb.

5) YOSH JUNCTION – As was the case last week, Yosh Junction in the Benjamin Regional Council of Samaria remains at the  heart of the PA assault to overrun all of Yesha. Heavy gunfire is reported at this time. IDF commanders have called for deploying tanks which were removed last week upon direct orders from Defense Minister Barak, following the cease-fire understanding reached in Paris last week. (Arafat never attended the ceremony in Paris at which the document which was brokered by US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright was to be initialed). Nevertheless, Israel stated the understanding was reached and would be honored by the PA. Tanks have fired machineguns at this time, but the order to use the turrets has not been given.

6) HEBRON – The Avraham Avinu – Jewish Quarter – is under very heavy attack at this time.

7) IDF OFIR BASE – The IDF’s Ofir Base near the autonomous village of Bituniya is under fire as was the case last week. 

8) NORTHERN BORDER – The IDF force along Israel’s northern border is being fortified following the attacks on Saturday against positions in Har Dov, involving mortars and tens of Katyusha rockets. The attacks began at about 13:00. As a result of the day’s fighting, three soldiers were kidnapped by Hizbullah and seven were injured, one moderately, three lightly, and three are being evaluated by medical personnel at this time. 

Following the kidnapping of the soldiers from their “Sufa” command car patrol vehicle, which accommodates three combatants, Israel deployed helicopter gunships over Lebanese skies in the hope of tracking the Hizbullah vehicle containing the soldiers. The gunships did not have success.

In preparation for a possible military action, military commanders have closed many northern area roads.

9) YESHA RESIDENTS ANNOUNCE THEY HAVE HAD ENOUGH

Residents of many Yesha communities in Samaria on Saturday night, following the termination of the Sabbath, took to the streets, closing vehicular routes down to Arab motorists. In many areas, Jews throwing stones targeted Arab motorists.

10) CALLS FOR “DEATH TO ARABS” 

Spontaneous protests are being reported in areas in the Tel Aviv area, with residents shouting “Death to Arabs.” Jabotinsky Street near Petah Tikvah is currently the scene of one such demonstration, as is the Pardes Katz area. Thousands of citizens took part in the Pardes Katz protest. The Kol M’Hashetach News Agency reported that there are ongoing attacks against Arab by Jews, including incidents in Nazareth Elite, where Arab motorists are being targeted by Jewish stone-throwers in the Chani Center. Unrest is also being reported in Hadera’s Orot Shopping Center.

11) TIBERIAS – Burning tires are reported on the road at the entrance to the city. No additional details available.

12) YOM KIPPUR RADIO SCHEDULE – Although a “state of emergency” has not officially been declared, Minister Dalia Itzik has announced that Israel Radio will most likely be broadcasting hourly news briefs in light of the widespread warfare throughout Yesha and Israel’s northern border. Israel Television may broadcast as well. The final decision is expected on Sunday at about 13:00pm.

13) YESHA ROAD CLOSINGS:

· Minharot road to Gush Etzion
· El-Jib to Bir Naballah road
· Givat Ze’ev – Atarot road
· El-Azariya to Jerusalem
· Halhoul bypass road from Okfim to Tarkumia and from Otniel to Bet Haggai
· Road between Salfit and Ariel

14) FOLLOWING ROADS ARE OR WERE CLOSED TO ARAB VEHICULAR TRAFFIC DUE TO JEWISH PROTESTS EARLIER SATURDAY EVENING. MANY PROTESTS HAVE CEASED DUE TO MILITARY INTERVENTION OR SHOOTING ATTACKS AT THE LOCATION: 

· Tapuach Junction
· Maale Ephraim Junction
· Yitzhar Junction
· Yosh Junction
· Givat Ze’ev· Bilu
· Kedumim Junction

Courtesy of IsraelWire News Service – http://www.israelwire.com, who are totally responsible for the content of this report.

Special to EmergencyNet News

BreakingNews-Israel

12:30CDT - 07 Oct 2000

Three IDF Troops Reportedly Captured; Hezbollah Declares "State of War"

LEBANON (EmergencyNet News) -- According to both press and government sources, three Israeli defense forces troops have been captured today and are being held hostage by Hezbollah guerillas. The incident happened in the Shebaa Farms area in the foothills of the Golan Heights.

"Our fighters were able to capture three Israeli soldiers of the patrol and killed the rest," Hizbollah said in a statement that was sent to several international news services. Among them, the Reuters news service says that the ambush and kidnap incident happened at about 13:40 p.m. (10:40 GMT). 

Counter-terrorism analysts speculated that Hezbollah would use the captured soldiers in an effort to obtain additional concessions from the Israeli government, including the release of militants currently held in Israeli jails. 

Exchanges of rocket and mortar fire also broke out between Hezbollah and IDF forces near the Shebaa Farms region of the border with Lebanon.  Several civilians were said to be wounded on each side of the border.

EmergencyNet News continues to monitor events surrounding what appears to be a still escalating Intafada and will provide additional details as circumstances warrant...

09:30CDT -- 06 Oct 2000 - From http://www.emergency.com/ennday.htm

WORLD-WIDE: 

U.S. Closes Embassies In Arab Nations Till Next Week

In apparent concern of violent demonstrations in support of Palestinians fighting Israeli forces, the U.S. State Department on Thursday announced that it was closing all its embassies and consulates in Arab nations for four or five days. The DoS said the missions would stay closed until after the Columbus Day holiday, which some observe on Sunday and some on Monday.

On Wednesday, thousands of Syrians stoned the U.S. embassy in protest against the killing of Palestinians by Israeli soldiers. Demonstrations against Israel and the United States, its ally, have taken place in other Arab cities.

In a Public Announcement, the State Department said that U.S. Embassy employees had been told not to send their children to school during the four-day or five-day period. U.S. diplomatic missions in other regions may also restrict their services to the public. The Tel Aviv embassy and the Jerusalem consulate will be open for essential services only.

The advisory informed Americans "to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness to lessen their vulnerability. Americans should maintain a low profile, vary routes and times for all required travel, and treat mail from unfamiliar sources with caution."

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Instant 11:30CDT - 06 Oct 2000 

Violence Being Reported in Several Locations

According to the Arutz Sheva News Service, in the Gush Katif area of Gaza, large riots are reportedly underway at three different locations.  Mobs of protestors - estimated at between 6,000 and 10,000 - are lined along the fences of the Jewish community of N'vei Dekalim, throwing firebombs and stones at IDF forces. At the Netzarim junction, 1,000 Arabs are gathered, firing occasional gunshots at the IDF outpost, and throwing firebombs. The IDF is retaliating with selective gunfire aimed at the PLO gunmen. A third and new venue of rioting is at Nisanit in northern Gaza, where hundreds of Arabs are participating. Other news reports are saying that at least four people have been killed today in exchanges of gunfire between Palestinian gunmen and police/IDF troops...

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Instant 08:30CDT - 06 Oct 2000 

ISRAEL/WEST BANK:

Israeli Army Seals Off West Bank And Gaza

In an aim to reduce the risk of confrontations with Palestinians ahead of the holiest day of the Jewish year, the Israeli army said it sealed off the West Bank and Gaza Strip on Friday for four days. 

At least 69 people -- all but three of them Arabs -- have been killed in a week of the bloodiest fighting between Palestinians and Israelis since 1996. 

Israel's security forces braced for further eruptions of violence on Friday following a call by the HAMAS militant group for a "Day of Rage." The closure was imposed at 0400 hours local time (0200 GMT). It barred Palestinians from entering Israel through Monday night, the end of the day-long Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement. Israel traditionally closes off the territories for holidays -- they were closed for 48 hours for Yom Kippur last year -- but Israel Radio said the army decided to impose it earlier because of the unrest.

An army communique said Palestinians would only be allowed entry to Israel for humanitarian reasons. It said food and medicines would be allowed into the Palestinian areas.

Israeli security forces said they were on alert for a potential outbreak of violence at a Jerusalem holy site where clashes erupted after Friday prayers last week and spread. Yair Yitzhaki, Jerusalem police chief who was wounded in last week's unrest, said on Army Radio on Friday: "We have some harsh reports of the possibility of a development of events similar to those of last week on Temple Mount."

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Special to EmergencyNet News:

BreakingNews-Israel

Friday News Brief – 00:15- Standard Time (Winter Time) - 06 Oct 2000

(IsraelWire-10/6) YOM KIPPUR CLOSURE ON YESHA - Prime Minister/Defense Minister Ehud Barak has ordered the traditional Yom Kippur closure on Yesha to begin immediately in the hope of limiting violence on Friday, which has been declared the “Day of Rage” by Hamas. As a result, Arab residents of PA autonomous areas will not be permitted to enter into “Israel proper.”

2) YOSH JUNCTION – Heavy fighting is reported at this time at Yosh Junction in Samaria, about 500 meters south of Bet El. There are no reported injuries from the heavy exchanges of gunfire.

3) JUDEA – Heavy exchanges of gunfire are being reported at this time south of Bethlehem from the PA autonomous municipality of Bet Sahour. IDF soldier Sgt. Max Hazan was killed by gunfire at that location earlier in the week and several soldiers were wounded by gunfire. 

· Gunfire is also reported in Judea near Herodian, near the community of El David. No injuries were reported. 
· Gunfire is reported at the Bethlehem Israel/PA District Coordinating Office. No injuries.

5) HEBRON – Very heavy gunfire is being reported in Hebron. PA military and Tanzim forces have opened fire with automatic weapons on Bet Hadassah, Admat Yishai (Tel Rumeida), and other areas in Hebron. IDF forces are returning fire. IDF commanders report the gunfire is aimed at Jewish homes and IDF positions. There are no reported causalities at this time.

3) RANTIS CHECKPOINT – The Israeli motorist injured in a stone-throwing attack earlier in the evening was attacked in the Benjamin Regional Council of Samaria near the Rantis Checkpoint.

4) OLD TA/HAIFA ROAD – Stone-throwing attacks are reported on the Old Tel Aviv/Haifa road. Border police are in the area.

5) NAZARETH ELITE – The large forest fire near Nazareth Elite that rages out of control is reported to be yet another arson attack. Additional helicopters have been ordered to the scene to assist the air force and private helicopters already working to bring the blaze under control for the past hours. Fire officials report thousands of dunams of forestry land were destroyed in Galilee area arson attacks this week, stating there were hundreds of arson attacks.

6) ROAD CLOSURES – JERUSALEM & YESHA

· Minharot Road in both directions.
· Halhoul bypass from Okfim Junction to Telem.
· Maale Adumim/Jerusalem via Azariya.
· (Jerusalem) Sultan Suleiman Street.
· (Jerusalem) Mount to Olives to Rockefeller Museum Junction.

Courtesy of IsraelWire News Service – http://www.israelwire.com , who are totally responsible for the content of this report.

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05 Oct 2000 - 09:30CDT -- From http://www.emergency.com/ennday.htm

GAZA STRIP:

Intense Fighting Reported In Gaza Strip On Wednesday; Thursday Truce Appears to be Marginally Holding

Fierce fighting was reported on Wednesday in the Gaza Strip as Israeli troops firing armor-piercing missiles after Palestinians fighters attacked an isolated army outpost. There was however an uneasy calm reported in much of the other Palestinian territories amid a U.S.- mediated peace effort on Wednesday. 

Hospital officials  said two Palestinians were killed, including a  13-year-old boy, and at least seven people were injured in the fighting at Netzarim Junction in central Gaza, scene of some of the worst clashes in a weeklong spasm of violence. In all, the fighting has left 62 people dead and more than 1,800 injured, most of them Palestinians.

Near the Jewish settlement of Netzarim, witnesses said army helicopters shot five missiles at buildings near the army outpost, and that live bullets were fired into a stone-throwing crowd.

In the West Bank, gun battles broke out near Joseph's Tomb, a Jewish enclave in the troubled town of Nablus, but Palestinian police for the first time in days moved to keep Palestinians out of the area. Another exchange of fire occurred in the tense West Bank village of Tulkarem, but no casualties were immediately reported. Sporadic gunfire continues in several other locations. 

Tensions were also evident in Jerusalem, where extra police and paramilitary border police were fanning out around the city. A Jerusalem police spokesman said the buildup was part of an array of security measures that have gone into effect since the clashes broke out last week.

Travel remained dangerous in much of the West Bank, where many Jewish settlements have been cut off from Israel because of army restrictions on civilian movements. Some Israeli motorists have been fired upon, and Palestinians have erected barricades of burning tires and boulders along some principal routes.

ERRI counter-terrorist analysts say that they remain extremely concerned about the possibility of a so-called "Day of Rage" and Pro-Palestinian demonstrations that are scheduled in multiple locations for Friday, 06 Oct 2000. 

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Special to EmergencyNet News:

Breaking News-Israel: 05 Oct 2000 - 05:00CDT

IDF begins withdrawing troops from defensive positions 

(IsraelWire-10/5) As Prime Minister/Defense Minister Ehud Barak, PLO Authority (PA) Chairman Yassir Arafat, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak prepare to meet in Sharm el-Sheik, IDF forces are in the processing of pulling back from their current positions in compliance with PA demands. Upon his arrival, Egyptian President Mubarak reiterated his position, calling for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Tanks deployed over the past week are being removed from Joseph’s Tomb, P’sagot, Gilo, and Yosh Junction, while troops are being repositioned in order to situate themselves away from confrontation lines. PA officials in return have vowed to maintain order after the “Israeli provocation” has come to an end.

Security commander warn that the results of the troops redeployments will only be known in several days, even if today passes without incident. While IDF forces distance themselves from the battle lines of the past week, reports from within the PA state that Arafat has ordered the release of 12 Hamas terrorists from PA jails. Upon their release, the terrorists visit Hamas leader Sheik Ahmed Yassin who opposes peace efforts with Israel and continues calls for an armed struggle against Israel. 

Meanwhile, Hizbullah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, who on Wednesday called for increased attacks across the border against Israeli forces in northern Israel, on Thursday called upon Arabs in PA autonomous areas to begin attacks against IDF forces and Israeli civilians in order to kill them.

As the leaders prepare for a signing ceremony in Egypt, thousands of local students have taken to the streets in anti-Israel demonstrations. Protests are taking place in universities throughout Egypt. Students are burning Israeli and US flags. Police in several locations have deployed teargas to restore order.

Despite continued Israeli peace overtures, the PA has turned down repeated Israeli offers of medical assistance, opting to turn to the United Nations and allied Arab nations, in the hope in increasing international diplomatic pressure against Israel.

Finance Minister Avraham Shohat stated on Thursday that Israelis who sustained damages from the last week of Islamic unrest will be compensated by the government even though such a move is not required by law. 

Skeptics have already warned that Arafat may have succeeded in obtaining an Israeli pullback while Fatah aligned Tanzim forces continues attacks, permitting Arafat to repeat his earlier statements that the Tanzim forces are not under his control. In addition, the General Security Service (GSS/Shin Bet) and police continue to prepare for anticipated violence in eastern Jerusalem and possibly throughout Yesha on Friday, declared by Hamas as “The Day of Rage.”

At this time, there have not been any reports of violence or unrest Thursday in Yesha areas.

Courtesy of IsraelWire News Service – http://www.israelwire.com, who are totally responsible for the content of this report.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

Worldwide Caution

October 4, 2000

The events of the past week in Israel and the West Bank/Gaza have raised the possibility that there may be protests in support of Palestinians throughout the Gulf Region or elsewhere. The Department of State reminds all American citizens to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution. Avoid large crowds and gatherings, keep a low profile, and vary routes and times of all required travel.

This Public Announcement supplements the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement of June 27, 2000 regarding the general security of American citizens overseas and expires on January 3, 2001.

Source: http://travel.state.gov/wwc2.html

*****

ISRAEL:

Violence Rages In Mideast

While Israeli and Palestinian leaders traveled to Paris for U.S.-arranged talks aimed at halting the violence, two Palestinians were shot and killed early Wednesday amid overnight clashes in the explosive West Bank and Gaza Strip. 

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat both planned separate meetings in the French capital with U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in an attempt to end six days of fighting that has claimed 58 lives and set back Middle East peacemaking. But it wasn't clear whether Arafat and Barak would meet face-to-face -- or if the talks would end the bloodshed that has generated a momentum of its own.

Reports on Wednesday from Israel indicate some reduction in the violence, a situation being called “relative quiet” by IDF commanders. Firebombs, stone-throwing attack and unrest were reported during the day in Hebron, Itamar (northern Samaria), Bituniya (near the community of Nachliel in the Benjamin Council of Samaria), Ramallah and Jenin areas. In Tel Aviv, a demonstration on the main street of Jaffa has turned violent, with hundreds of demonstrators destroying property in their path.

The death toll from nearly a week of violence between Palestinians and Israeli security forces rose to 58 on Wednesday, and tension remains high. No major clashes were reported early on Wednesday morning. The death toll comprises 46 Palestinians and nine Arab Israelis killed in clashes with Israeli forces, one Israeli border policeman, one Israeli soldier and one Israeli Jewish civilian.

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Special to EmergencyNet News From Israel

Wednesday News Brief – 07:45-DST- OCT/4/00

The Office of the IDF Spokesman reports that shooting and other attacks against Israeli security forces and civilians continued throughout the night in Judea, Samaria & Gaza. Military commanders are predicting Thursday will be accompanied by additional attacks.

1) SAMARIA – Colonel Gal Hirsh, the Benjamin Region Battalion Commander, has confirmed that during the exchange of gunfire between soldiers from the Ofir Base and PLO Authority (PA) troops in Bituniya, hostile forces opened fire on a military ambulance evacuating wounded. Hirsh stated, “They are breaking all the rules,” explaining that one never fires on ambulances. Hirsh predicts another difficult day ahead.

2) GAZA – Brigadier-General Yair Naveh, IDF Gaza Division Commander, told Israel Radio early Wednesday morning that the day ahead promises to be a difficult one, predicting renewed warfare later in the day.

· Netzarim residents have been under siege for five days, with Israel Air Force helicopters bringing basic supplies for residents.

· A roadside explosive device was detonated against an IDF patrol near Dugit, in northern Gaza.

· There were several instances of gunfire against troops near Neve Dekalim. The gunfire was aimed at the community’s industrial area. IDF forces returned fire.

· The soldier wounded by gunfire near Morag is reported in moderate condition.

3) YOSH JUNCTION – PA forces opened fire at a bus traveling by Yosh Junction in the Benjamin Regional Council of Samaria. · Enemy troops and PA residents also opened fire on the IDF Command Headquarters for Judea & Samaria, located at Yosh Junction. There were no reports of injuries among IDF forces or Israeli civilians.

4) JOSEPH’S TOMB –Troops were under sporadic fire throughout most of the night. No injuries.

5) P’SAGOT – PA forces continued firing into the community located in the Benjamin Regional Council of Samaria, for many hours during the night. No injuries reported.

6) HEBRON – An explosive device was hurled at the IDF position near King David (Shuhada) Street. No injuries.  Shots were fired at the Jewish Quarter. No injuries.

Courtesy of IsraelWire News Service – http://www.israelwire.com, who is totally responsible for the content of the report above.

INSTANT -- 13:30CDT - 03 Oct 2000 

Firebombs and Arson Becoming Weapons of Choice by Militants

According to emergency service sources within Israel, a number of arson fires have been started today in what appear to be a escalating tactic being used by rampaging Palestinian militants. As pictured above, Molotov cocktails are also often a "weapon of choice" being utilized by extremists.

Witnesses say that forests near Dolev in Binyamin, and Sakhnin and Kibbutz Yodfat in the Galilee, have all been set ablaze. A large fire was also reported in the area of the Tomb-yeshiva compound, near Joseph's Tomb. 

At the Bat Hefer Industrial Park, near Tulkarm, another building was set afire today, after three Jewish factories were torched last night. Firemen have been instructed by security forces not to approach the fires, due to the fact that the area is not secure enough for firefighting operations.

Jewish National Fund officials report over one hundred fires were burning in Israel on Tuesday, most the result of arson. Over thirty blazes were fought just in the Galilee; the area hit the hardest by Israeli Arab unrest. Security forces are concerned the new trend in Islamic violence may be the setting of fires, a reality that may become increasingly problematic with weather officials predicting a possible heat-wave for the coming days. Hundreds of dunams of forestry and nature reserves were destroyed in Tuesday’s fires in the Galilee area (one dunam = ¼ acre). 

Israeli police and firefighters say that Molotov cocktails are being used as "anti-personnel devices" as militants throw them at official vehicles from highway overpasses and during street skirmishes. A number of IDF and police personnel have received burns, of various degrees, during the past six days of conflict.

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Breaking News-Israel

Tuesday News Brief – 14:15-DST - 03 Oct 2000

(IsraelWire-10/3) SITUATION ASSESSMENT - In his presentation on Tuesday morning to the Knesset Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee, Deputy IDF Chief of Staff Major-General Moshe Ya’alon stated the worst of the violence is still ahead of us. He told reporters following his presentation to the Knesset committee that the IDF is remaining prepared for an increase in attacks. The deputy commander added that PLO Authority (PA) Chairman Yassir Arafat has not issued the order to bring the violence to an end.

The Arab sector, both Israeli and Yesha Arabs, are still observing the commercial strike. Druze citizens have also joined in and are observing the strike.

1) GUSH SHILO – Heavy stone throwing adjacent to Shilo during the later morning hours. Uncertain if there have been injuries. As a result of the attacks, the road north of Ofra until Eli has been closed sporadically by  the IDF. The 178 bus to Eli, Shilo & Maale Levona is not running today. Egged driver of the 177 line to Ofra reports there will most likely not be any buses today north of Ofra.

2) P’SAGOT – Persons wishing to make their way to P’sagot must wait at the bottom of the hill for army escorts. One may not drive freely to the community which has been under gunfire many times over the past 24 hours. The same for Bet El.

3) RAMALLAH AREA – A border police jeep was fired upon. Troops returned fire. There were no immediate reports of injuries among security personnel or Israeli civilians.

4) GAZA – Hundreds of Arabs have begun throwing stones at soldiers at Netzarim Junction. Security forces are also under attack with firebombs, pipes and other objects. Soldiers are firing rubber-coated steel bullets and teargas. A border police jeep was fired upon near the border by Khan Yunis. Troops returned fire. There were no immediate reports of injuries among security personnel or Israeli civilians.

5) HEBRON – Unrest between Jews and Arabs near the Casbah area. Security forces fired rubber-coated steel bullets. There were no immediate reports of injuries among security personnel or Israeli civilians. The Hebron bypass road is closed.

6) TUL KAREM/Jenin – Reports of burning tires to block the road. Stone-throwing attacks against Israeli motorists have also been reported.

7) JERICHO – Roads are blocked and stone-throwing attacks were reported. The burning of tires has resulted in intermittent closing of the road.

8) BET CHORON – On Route 443, near Bet Choron, a firebomb was thrown at an Israeli motorist at about 1:00pm. No injuries.

9) BET RIMON JUNCTION – Unrest by Israeli Arabs with security forces. Unknown if any injuries.

10) NAZARETH – Unrest and security forces under attack at Zechuchit Junction. Israeli Arabs throwing stones and bottles at border police who are responding with rubber-coated steel bullets and teargas. Burning tires reported inside Nazareth.

11) TIRA/TAIBA – Students pulled out of school to participate in demonstrations against Israeli security forces.

12) NORTHERN AREA – Security officials report fires near northern Israeli Arab communities. At this time, arson is suspected. The number of blazes is increasing and firefighters and Israel Nature Authority officials are working to extinguish the blazes.

13) JERUSALEM – Two firebombs were thrown in the Armon HaNatziv neighborhood on Shlomo Yosef Street. The firebombs did not ignite. Stones were thrown at a school in Gilo.

Several roads in the capital were closed to prevent attacks against motorists. Closed at this time are:

a) HaOfel road around the Temple Mount,
b) Azariya/Jerusalem road,
c) Aram/Atarot road.

14) GOLAN – In compliance with demands of the Israel Islamic community, Druze communities on Tuesday are observing the strike. Several reports have come in of Druze citizens throwing stones at Israeli security forces. Unknown if any injuries.

Courtesy of IsraelWire News Service – http://www.israelwire.com , who is totally responsible for the content of the report above.

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INSTANT -- 09:30CDT - 03 Oct 2000 

WEST BANK

Israelis And Palestinians Test Cease-Fire

Israelis and Palestinians early on Tuesday warily tested a tentative cease-fire they hoped would end five days of bloodshed. The commander of Israeli forces in the West Bank met with his Palestinian counterparts. 

Major-General Yitzhak Eitan agreed to withdraw heavy armaments from the borders of Palestinian-held areas, and Palestinian forces would contain violence. A Israeli statement said that if the Palestinians don't honor the agreement, and there will be a threat on Israel's forces and citizens, the army will respond accordingly.

Israeli security forces withdrew from a West Bank junction that has been a flashpoint for battles with Palestinians. Soon after Palestinian security forces announced an agreement to try to end five days of fierce fighting, the Israelis folded tents and sleeping bags and removed sandbags from the major Ayosh junction near the Palestinian-ruled West Bank city of Ramallah.

The clashes, which have led to at least 49 deaths, have upset hopes that Israel and the Palestinians could reach a peace deal soon to end their 52-year-old conflict. Violence erupted on Thursday after a visit by Israeli right-wing politician Ariel Sharon to a site in Jerusalem's walled Old City that is holy to Muslims and Jews. Palestinians said that Sharon's visit "defiled" the Noble Sanctuary, the third-most sacred site in Islam. Israeli sources countered by saying that Palestinian radio had been "inciting violence for more than 10 days" prior to Sharon's visit to the Temple Mount. 

The West Bank, Gaza Strip and Israel were largely quiet early Tuesday, but several violent clashes were reported as the day progressed (see updated report below). Palestinian security forces said in a statement that the Israelis agreed to withdraw from flashpoints and the Palestinians would try to prevent violence.

BreakingNews-Israel

Monday News Brief – 16:00-DST/08:00CDT - 02 Oct 2000

As the hours of daylight begin to draw to an end, disturbances, attacks, shooting attacks and other PLO Authority (PA) orchestrated violence throughout “Israel proper” and Yesha continue to escalate.

1) BET JON - Border policeman Madhat Yousef, 19, of Bet Jon, who was killed on Saturday defending Joseph’s Tomb in the PA autonomous city of Nablus, is being laid to rest.

2) NETZARIM JUNCTION – Israel Air Force helicopter gunships have been deployed over Gaza’s Netzarim Junction in an effort to control the escalation in warfare. According to senior IDF commanders in the area, the helicopters are being deployed to instill fear in the growing number of attacking Arabs and PA security personnel. OC IDF Southern Command Major-General Yomtov Samiya stressed that if compelled to do so, the gunships will be used if left with no other alternative. It has also been confirmed that an Arab attempting to infiltrate an IDF position, was shot and killed. There are no reported IDF injuries.

3) UM EL-FAHM – Two Arab youths injured in Sunday’s rioting died of their wounds on Monday. A third Arab youth was killed in Monday’s rioting in Um el-Fahm. Northern District Police Commander Alik Ron has ordered his troops away from the Israeli Arab municipality in the hope of reducing tensions. Following the troop redeployment, the level of violence has reportedly escalated. Ron conferred with Police Chief Yehuda Wilk prior to issuing the retreat order.

4) SHFARAM – Police report demonstrations and stone-throwing attacks at the entrance of that municipality.

5) OLD ACRE – Police are continuing efforts to restore order in Old Acre as an increasing number of Arab residents continue stone-throwing attacks in that area. Police have used teargas and rubber-coated steel bullets in that area.

6) JOSEPH’S TOMB – The situation is calming down somewhat from one hour ago when a heavy gun battle was reported. There are no immediate reports of injuries among IDF forces.

7) YOSH JUNCTION – Shooting was reported at Yosh Junction in the Benjamin Regional Council of Samaria, 500 meters south of the Jewish community of Bet El. The location borders on the PA autonomous city of el-Bireh, facilitating attacks against IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians as well as the retreat back to the PA area. There are no immediate reports of injuries among IDF forces.

8) NAZARETH – A Nazareth resident, 32, has been killed in ongoing riots in that area. Police are working to restore order. There were no immediate reports of casualties among security forces. PA officials report three fatalities today, including a communications officer in the Jericho area. PA reports add that three Jordanian helicopters with medical supplies have landed in the autonomous city of Ramallah.

Courtesy of IsraelWire News Service – http://www.israelwire.com, who are totally responsible for the content therein.

Excerpt from: ERRI DAILY INTELLIGENCE REPORT-Sunday, October 1, 2000-Vol. 6, No. 276-09:30CDT

WEST BANK

Bloody Palestinian-Israeli Clashes Continue For A Fourth Day

For a fourth consecutive day of bloody clashes in which 16 Palestinians have been killed, violence flared again between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers in the West Bank and Gaza Strip on Sunday. Medical sources said that two Palestinians were shot and wounded by Israeli bullets in the town of Rafah in the Gaza Strip. Another Palestinian died overnight in Gaza from wounds sustained from live rounds, raising the death toll to 16.

Two hundred Palestinians threw stones at Israeli security forces in the heart of the divided West Bank city of Hebron. The Israeli soldiers responded by firing rubber-coated metal bullets. Clashes also broke out near the Jewish settlement of Netzarim and other places in the Palestinian-ruled Gaza Strip, the scene on Saturday of the worst clashes in months between the sides.

More than 600 Palestinians and dozens of Israelis have been wounded fighting each other with guns, sticks and rocks since the violence erupted on Thursday in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

WEST BANK

INSTANT 08:00CDT - 30 Sep 2000

WEST BANK

Six Dead In West Bank Clashes

Thousands of Palestinians clashed with Israeli soldiers across the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Jerusalem on Saturday in what Palestinian leaders said was a "religious war" over a Jerusalem shrine bitterly contested in Mideast peace talks. It is the third straight day of battles in Israel and on the West bank. Scores of Palestinians were reportedly injured by Israeli army fire, including rubber-coated steel pellets and live rounds. In Gaza, one protester was in critical condition with a bullet wound in the head. The clashes seem to be spreading on Saturday and also erupted in the West Bank towns of Hebron, Ramallah and Bethlehem and Arab neighborhoods of Jerusalem.

Palestinian officials said about 280 demonstrators were injured, including one who was in critical condition with a bullet wound to the head. The worst violence erupted south of Nablus, when thousands of angry Palestinians marched toward an Israeli army checkpoint. At first, Israeli troops fired rubber-coated steel pellets to keep back the crowd. At one point, about a dozen masked Palestinians armed with assault rifles opened fire on the Israeli troops who responded with live rounds. 

In clashes at the compound on Friday, six Palestinians were killed and close to 200 were wounded. In Gaza, hundreds of Palestinians marched toward the isolated Jewish settlements of Kfar Darom and Netzarim and threw stones at Israeli troops who responded with rubber bullets and some live rounds.

Palestinians say the trigger for the violence was a visit on Thursday by Israel's hawkish opposition leader, Ariel Sharon, to the disputed Jerusalem hilltop known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as Haram as-Sharif, or Noble Sanctuary. In visiting the shrine, Sharon, who staunchly opposes concessions to the Palestinians, said he wanted to demonstrate that Israel is in control there.

EmergencyNet News continues to monitor events in Jerusalem and will provide additional details as the circumstances warrant...

INSTANT 20:00CDT - 29 Sep 2000

Violence Escalates; Intifada Returns to the Temple Mount Area

At least four people have been killed and more than 200 Palestinians and Israelis injured in the latest violence that seemingly surrounds a a major religious shrine in Jerusalem. It is known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as Haram as-Sharif.

Today's clashes follow similar scenes from yesterday, with Palestinian youths throwing rocks and bottles and Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops responding with teargas and rubber bullets. Reports today suggested that "live ammunition" was also being fired by both sides. 

The Palestinian Authority, reportedly incensed at the latest round of clashes in Jerusalem, has called for a general strike to be held on Saturday to protest the killing of Palestinians by Israeli security forces. One Israeli soldier was also reportedly shot dead, and another wounded, in retaliation by a Palestinian in the West Bank.

 INSTANT   09:30CDT - 29 Sep 2000

Two Israelis Wounded In Shooting

Israeli radio said a Palestinian policeman shot two Israelis, critically wounding one of them, near the West Bank town of Qalqilya on Friday. Security officials did not immediately confirm the shooting but a Palestinian security source said a Palestinian policeman had been arrested near Qalqilya for shooting two Israelis.

Israel Radio said the Palestinian policeman was a member of a special unit with Israeli soldiers who jointly patrol West Bank and Gaza Strip areas that are under Israeli security responsibility and Palestinian civilian rule. An Israeli security source said the army was checking reports that shots were fired at Israeli soldiers who had taken a break after conducting a joint patrol with Palestinian police near the town.

At least 25 Israeli police and at least six Palestinian protesters were injured on Thursday in the worst clashes between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters for several months. The disturbances broke out after Ariel Sharon, the leader of the right-wing Likud party, visited a Jerusalem holy site which is hotly contested by Jews and Arabs.

An Israeli soldier died on Thursday of wounds sustained when a roadside bomb exploded as a convoy of Israeli cars drove along road in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday night. A bomb attack on Thursday night in the same area, near the Netzarim Jewish settlement in Gaza, caused no injuries.

Excerpted from: ERRI DAILY INTELLIGENCE REPORT-ERRI Risk Assessment Services-Thursday, September 28, 2000-Vol. 6, No. 273

GAZA STRIP

Israeli Soldier Killed By Bomb

The Israeli army said on Thursday that an Israeli soldier was killed and another slightly hurt in a roadside bomb attack against a convoy of Jewish settlers' cars they were escorting along a Gaza road. The incident occurred on Wednesday night when the soldiers left their jeep to check whether any settlers in the convoy were hurt from a road-side bomb explosion. A second bomb exploded, killing the one soldier and wounding the other.

The army said the convoy was traveling to the Jewish settlement of Netzarim in the southern Gaza Strip. The area near Netzarim has been particularly tense recently after eight Palestinians were injured when their vehicle and an Israeli car collided earlier in the week. The militant Islamic group HAMAS has threatened to attack Jewish settlers who live in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

ISRAEL

Police, Palestinians Clash In Jerusalem

During a visit by opposition leader Ariel Sharon, Israeli police fired rubber-coated metal bullets on Thursday to disperse clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians at Jerusalem's most hotly contested holy site. Police said 25 of their men were hurt but only one was taken to a hospital after tensions built up and violence flared during the right-wing leader's controversial visit, which was condemned by Palestinian leaders as a provocation.

Israel Radio said at least four Palestinians were injured but that the clashes later died down at what Jews call Temple Mount and Muslims refer to as al-Haram al-Sharif, the Noble Sanctuary. Police said they fired rubber-coated metal bullets in the air when violence spilled over as Sharon was leaving.

Witnesses said the Palestinians threw metal objects, chairs, stones and almost anything that came to hand at a line of security forces armed with rifles, batons and shields to prevent trouble during Sharon's visit. The crowd shouted the usual "God is Greatest" and lunged at Sharon during a heavily guarded one-hour tour with his Likud party parliamentary faction.

16 Oct 2000: OPINION/EDITORIAL: The Mid-East Crisis; A Transition in Tactics??

Click here to read -- 02 Oct 00: British Extremist Group Issues New "JIHAD FATWA AGAINST ISRAEL"

© EmergencyNet News Service, 2000. All rights reserved. Redistributed or republication is prohibited without the expressed consent of ERRI/EmergencyNet News.

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