The IDF reopens the Qarni crossing (closed 3/14) to allow import of flour and sugar, but closes it again 30 minutes later, citing unspecified security concerns. The IDF also demolishes a Palestinian home nr. Qalqilya; patrols in Qalandia r.c. nr. Ramallah, firing on stone-throwing Palestinians who confront the troops, wounding 2 conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Bethlehem, in and around Nablus. The PA security forces clash with armed AMB mbrs. demanding jobs who take over several public buildings in Gaza (including a hospital and power plant), block a main highway Abbas planned to use to leave Gaza after an official visit; at least 23 Palestinians (including at least 6 AMB mbrs.) are wounded. Unidentified gunmen fire on, seriously damage the car of Birzeit Mayor Yusuf Nasr, parked outside his home. (AFP, MM, YA 3/20; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/21; NYT 3/22; PCHR 3/23)
Monday, March 20, 2006