May 29, 2004

The IDF closes all checkpoints around Nablus; raids neighboring Balata r.c., where Palestinian gunmen fatally shoot 1 IDF soldier; bulldozes 25 Palestinian homes in Rafah. The IDF also stages a late night raid on Tulkarm r.c., firing on residential areas. During the raid, there is an explosion on the main road through the camp that injures 1 Palestinian, who is evacuated to a local hospital. The IDF raids the hospital, arrests the injured man. Overnight, the IDF also halts, searches car outside Arafat’s Ramallah compound, arresting 3 Palestinians, including a bodyguard of PLO Exec. Comm. secy. and fmr. PM Mahmud Abbas. (WP 5/30; WP 6/1; HA 6/2; PCHR 6/3)