November 2, 2003

Israel increases to 10,000 the number of entry permits to Palestinian laborers fr. Gaza (though only 6,200 are able to enter) but tightens restrictions on who may obtain the permits (must be over 35, married, with children, with a magnetic card and valid work permit, approved by Israeli security). The IDF reinforces roadblocks around Balata r.c., fires on residential areas, prompting Palestinian youths to throw stones at the military vehicles; soldiers open fire on the stone-throwers, wounding 5 youths, a 53-yr.- old bystander. A Palestinian woman gives birth at a checkpoint after IDF soldiers deny her passage to a hospital. A Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. (NYT, WP 11/3; PR 11/5; PCHR 11/6)