IDF troops at the Sufa crossing fire across the border into Gaza for no apparent reason. Palestinians fire an antitank missile at an IDF observation post nr. the Gaza border fence n. of Bayt Hanun, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF patrols, raids stores in Ithna nr. Hebron, firing tear gas and percussion grenades at stone-throwing Palestinian youths who confront the troops, then raids and searches an elementary school, detaining children, beating several; sends undercover units into Jenin to ambush and arrest a carload of 3 Palestinians; imposes a curfew on Hawara s. of Nablus; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around Tulkarm town and r.c., and in Hebron, Nablus. In Gaza City, unidentified gunmen kidnap BBC correspondent Alan Johnston. Around 1,000 newly graduated Fatah security mbrs. demonstrate in Rafah demanding immediate positions in the PA security forces. ESF, Fatah mbrs. exchange fire in Bayt Hanun, causing no reported injuries. In Gaza, some 500 family mbrs. of Palestinians held by Israel hold a rally calling for more PA and international action to secure a prisoner release. (WP 3/12; OCHA 3/14; PCHR 3/15)
Monday, March 12, 2007