Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. The largest demonstrations are in Ramallah, where 2,000 Palestinian artists, intellectuals stage a nonviolent protest, and students attempt to open the road to Birzeit University, where spring registration begins today. In the ensuing clash soldiers fatally shoot 1 Palestinian who was standing next to Fatah tanzim leader Marwan Barghouti, raising speculation that Barghouti was the target. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Jinin, Rafah (severely damaging a mosque); bulldozes 4 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Rafah. A Palestinian assailant throws a hand grenade at an IDF post in Gaza, causing no injuries. Israel tightens the siege on Ramallah but eases blockades on Bethlehem, Hebron, Qalqilya, Tulkarm. Later in the day, after shooting nr. Qalqilya, the blockade on Qalqilya is reimposed. (HA 3/12; HA, JP [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/13; Interfax, MA, MENA 3/13 in WNC 3/14; HA 3/14; WJW 3/15; CSM 3/16; LAW 3/17)
Monday, March 12, 2001