The IDF closes the Erez crossing to Palestinians, which was partially reopened on 6/17; pulls out of Nablus, ending operations that began on 6/24; lifts the curfew on Palestinian areas of Hebron imposed on 6/24. Hamas mbrs. dig a tunnel underneath an IDF outpost in Gaza; detonate an explosive device, collapsing part of the concrete building, killing 1 IDF soldier, injuring at least 4; exchange fire with troops who come to the rescue; 2 Palestinian bystanders (a PA Preventive Security Force [PSF] officer, a 15-yr.-old Palestinian boy) are killed by IDF return gunfire. In response, the IDF fires 10 missiles at 2 metal workshops (alleged weapons factories) in Gaza City, destroying the buildings, causing “no major injuries.” The IDF also fires on a Palestinian truck approaching a checkpoint nr. Khan Yunis, killing 1 Palestinian. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/28; XIN 6/28 in WNC 7/1; PR 6/30; PCHR 7/1; PCHR 7/22)
Sunday, June 27, 2004