May 3, 2004

The IDF says it plans to step up military operations in s. Gaza over the next few days; fires on residential areas nr. Nisanit settlement in north-central Gaza and in Jenin, Rafah; shells and fires on residential areas s. of Khan Yunis. A 16-yr.-old Palestinian dies of injuries received on 5/1, when he accidentally strayed into a closed military zone nr. Bayt Lahiya. Jewish settlers lay cornerstone for new 21-unit neighborhood in Gaza’s Neve Dekalim settlement. Jewish settlers fr. Hebron beat 2 Palestinian farmers working their field in nearby Yatta, damage their crops. (HA 5/3; VOP 5/3 in WNC 5/5; AP, MA 5/4; PR 5/5; PCHR 5/6)