EmergencyNet News Service
09/26/96 - 13:05CDT
Intense Fighting Continues; Tanks and Attack Helicopters Deployed
At least ten Israelis have been killed in today's violence. Most of them appear to be IDF soldiers and officers. At least 42 other Israelis have been injured, 2 are reported by EMS sources to be in very critical condition, 11 in serious condition and the remainder are in light-to-moderate condition.
According to PLO Authority sources, at least 8 Arabs have been killed and two hunbdred (200) injured in today's violence. No other information is available at this time.
Shchem (Nablus)The IDF is moving into the vicinity of Joseph's Tomb in Shchem (Nablus) to extradite Israeli troops now trapped under a siege of PLO fire. There has been speculation that the IDF plans to pull out of Shchem following the rescue and abandon the Holy Site of Joseph's Tomb.
The Council of Settlements of Judea, Samaria and Gaza (Yesha Council) has called on the government to not set a precedent and retreat under fire, leaving a Jewish Holy Site unprotected.
This morning, Arabs attacked the site of Joseph's tomb and set an IDF vehicle on fire. The soldiers consolidated and took cover inside the site of Joseph's Tomb. The fighting escalated and the soldiers and some civilians are under siege in the site for hours. Most of today's fatalities were from the fighting at this site.
As of 16:30 Israeli time, the IDF is moving in tanks and Cobra helicopters to free the Israelis pinned-down near Joseph's Tomb.
GazaAbout 2,000 Arabs came to the Erez Checkpoint this morning and began throwing stones at IDF soldiers. They then escalated to gunfire and the situation blew out of control. This is in addition to the fighting in the Community of Kfar Darom in Gush Katif.
Hevron The rioting and attacks continue. A hand grenade was thrown at an IDF soldier stationed near the Maarat Hamachpelah (Cave of the Patriarchs).
PLO Radio PLO Authority Radio has called on Arabs not to fire upon Israelis unless it is self- defense. PLO sources also report IDF tanks positioning at the Aram Junction, south of El-Bireh. This has not confirmed by IDF or independent sources.
Current SituationFighting is still reported in East Jerusalem and throughout Judea, Samaria and Gaza. As reported earlier, all of Yesha has been classified as an Emergency Zone by Defense Minister Mordechai. Prime Minister Netanyahu is on his way back from Germany and it is expected he will call an emergency meeting of senior security officials upon his arrival.
IDF helicopters are being used to rescue Israeli troops in Gaza. Armored vehicles are being deployed in Shchem. Mention has also been made of attack helicopters being deployed in Gaza but no details have been furnished. Tanks are also being deployed in the area of Ramallah, Bet El (adjacent to PLO-cntrolled Ramallah) and Aram Junction (south of El-Bireh/Ramallah area).
Tomorrow's ConcernsThe PLO Authority Council has declared tomorrow a day of mourning for the fallen. All Arabs living in Judea, Samaria and Gaza were called on to participate in the day's general strike and to hold memorial vigils to coincide with the prayer services on the Temple Mount in the Al Aksa Mosque. Local sources tell ENN that they fear that the violence will continue to escalate as additional funerals and demonstrations are held.
Late NewsIn Ramallah, at approx. 16:30pm, IDF attack helicopters are reportedly firing upon Arab rioters in an attempt to restore order to the area.
Sources: (Galei Tzahal/Army Radio..9/26, News from Hevron..9/26, Channels 1 & 2 News Bulletins..9/26..4:00pm & 4:22pm, SNS..9/26).
"On-the-ground" information courtesy of the Israeli SNS News Service, IDF sources, and several Israeli civilians.
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