April 1, 2004

The IDF chases wanted AMB mbrs. into the admin. offices of a psychiatric hospital in Bethlehem, exchanges gunfire with them, arrests 9 (including the AMB local cmdr.), causing no injuries, but terrifying patients, detaining hospital workers. The PA, hospital officials denounce both sides for endangering the patients. The IDF also fires on residential areas outside Qalqilya; conducts arrest raids nr. Jenin. Jewish settlers fr. Efrat bulldoze 4 dunams of olive and almond trees in neighboring Palestinian village of al-Khadir. UNRWA halts food aid to Gaza, unable to restock foodstuffs because of Israel’s restrictions on entry to Gaza (see 3/26). (MM, UNRWA press release 4/1; WP, WT 4/2; PR 4/7; PCHR 4/8)