Thursday, August 18, 1988

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel bans "popular committees" which have assisted Palestinians during the intifadah; membership in a popular committee is made punishable by 10 years in prison. Representatives of the European Community protest Israel's deportation policy; Israel's Foreign Ministry responds that deportations are necessary to maintain order. Israel lifts 3-day curfew for parts of Gaza; 265,000 Palestinians remain under curfew [WP 8/19]. Qabatiyyah is placed under curfew for the 27th consecutive day [FJ 8/21].

Other Countries: International Committee of the Red Cross criticizes shooting of 2 Palestinians at Ansar III prison, calls removal of Palestinian prisoners from occupied territories a violation of the 4th Geneva Convention [WP 8/19].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Tammun 2 Palestinians are shot during confrontations with soldiers; in al-Am'ari refugee camp 4 Palestinians are shot during clashes; in Burayj one Palestinian isshot; in Jabalya one Palestinian is shot [FJ 8/2 1]. Red Cross officials state that 270 Palestinians were treated following beatings during the period from 15 to 17 August [WP 8/19]