EmergencyNet News Service
09/25/96 - 15:31CDT
News From Israel - Summary of Events - As of 21:40p.m. (Jerusalem time)
The following is a breakdown of the events based on the information available at this time. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Amnon Lipkin Shachak stated that additional debriefings will be held tonight to get to the facts pertaining to today's events in Ramallah.
RamallahToday's "demonstration" began at the Ramallah campus of Bir Zeit University. The demonstration was organized by the Student Body, most of which is reported to identify with the Hamas terrorist organization. The demonstrators, numbering over 1,000,began what appeared to be a peaceful march, protesting Israel's opening of the archeological tunnel connecting the Temple Mount area to the Jewish Quarter of the Old City in Jerusalem.
As the demonstrators approached the southern IDF checkpoint at the entrance to PLO-controlled Ramallah, adjacent to the Arak Checkpoint, the crowd became violent. Demonstrators began throwing rocks and bottles at the few IDF soldiers manning what is normally a quiet checkpoint. The soldiers called for backup units. They too were bombarded with hundreds of rocks and other projectiles.
According to the IDF officers and soldiers on the scene, more than two PLO policemen opened fire in their direction. According to the IDF soldiers, only then did they open fire in return. At about 4:00pm, the situation escalated to a gun battle in the streets of Ramallah. PLO police fired their weapons, set on "automatic," at the IDF soldiers. IDF soldiers pinpointed the source of the PLO gunfire. An elite IDF Commando Unit was brought in and they quickly took control of the building.
The intermittent gun battles lasted throughout the late afternoon and early evening hours. At the end of the day's violence, at least 160 Arabs were reported injured, at least four of them in serious-to-critical condition, apparently from gunshot wounds. Three Arabs were killed. It appears they were PLO policemen but there are still contradictory statements concerning their identities.
Ten IDF soldiers were injured by PLO gunfire. Three are listed in light-to-moderate condition and the remainder are classified in good condition. They were transported to Hadassah Hospital Trauma Center in Ein Kerem, Jerusalem. The Arab injured were transported to local Arab hospitals in PLO-controlled Ramallah.
JerusalemOld City Hundreds of Arabs demonstrated and rioted in the vicinity of the Shchem (Damascus) Gate of Jerusalem's Old city. Jerusalem Police moved in quickly to prevent any serious rioting in the Old City. Shouts of "Intifada" were heard coming from rioting Arabs as they engaged Israeli security troops.
The demonstrators engaged police, threw projectiles at them, and were eventually removed by force.
Bet Lechem (Bethlehem)As this report is being written, riots are still going on opposite Rachel's Tomb in Bet Lechem (Bethlehem). Three IDF soldiers were injured when a firebomb was thrown at them. They are reported in good condition in Hadassah Hospital.
Arabs have set telephone poles, vehicles and other items on fire. Fire Department vehicles have responded and are attempting to contain the blazes. Hundreds of Arab rioters are throwing rocks and bottles at IDF troops and the area is sealed off and the IDF's attempting to take control.
Arabs have fired live ammunition at IDF soldiers. No injuries from the gunfire have been reported so far.
Tul KaremKalkilya Riots were reported in these PLO-controlled cities, as well. No injuries were reported and the situation in these areas was described as relatively light.
JerichoThe PLO-controlled city of Jericho has been declared a Closed Military Zone by the IDF. Jews are prohibited from gaining access to the city, including the worshipers and Yeshiva students of the Shalom Al Yisroel Synagogue in the City.
A-TurRioting is going on in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of A-Tur tonight. Fires are being intentionally set and IDF troops and police are being attacked by rocks and bottles. As of 9:00pm, the situation is not under control.
IssawiyaRiots are taking place tonight as of the 9:00pm report in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Issawiya. Police have moved, in firing tear gas at rioting Arabs. No information regarding injuries or other details is available at this time.
Lebanese/Israeli BorderHeavy fighting was reported today between Hezbollah guerillas and elements of the S. Lebanese army and the IDF. Some airstrikes and artillery fire were reported. Casualties are unknown at the time of this report, but sporadic firefights continue there.
(Sources: On-scene reports courtesy of the Israeli SNS News Servive, IDF sources, and Israeli citizens.)
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