Nablus Incursions -Curfews

Nablus Incursions -Curfews

Saif reports from Nablus that tanks are moving into the city from the east and west directions and from the Rojeeb area. Amman St is closed and 2 tanks are are blocking the entrance to the Mohafada government building. The city of Nablus has been separated, with no movement possible between east and west. Soldiers are opening fire on anything that moves. 3 people are reported to have been injured. Ramallah is under curfew today. Reports are that a family is being held hostage in the Al-Tireh area and that snipers have positioned themselves at the windows of the home. Clashes in Balata Refugee Camp, Nablus

Sunday, May 18th, clashes erupted between the Israeli Occupation Force (IOF) and at least 80 Palestinian youth of the Balata refugee camp near Nablus. IOF entered Balata in an armored personnel carrier (APC) and a jeep at 4.25 AM. One hour later, Israeli soldiers entered and occupied a house of a Palestinian family on the outskirts of Balata.

At 6.00 AM a heavily amoured caterpillar and three additional jeeps arrived on the scene. Soon thereafter clashes erupted between stonethrowing youth of Balata and the IOF, who responded by firing several warning shots. The clashes intensified during the morning attracting more youths who joined in the stone throwing. The IOF responded by detonating shock grenades, shooting at the surrounding walls, and firing towards the ground in attempt to scatter the youth.

At 9 AM the IOF left the occupied house and pulled back under the cover of a tank and a jeep firing warning shots and shock grenades.

At 10 AM the IOF withdrew from the area and relocated to the outskirts of the camp. One tank, a bulldozer, and an armored personnel carrier continued their operations within a small field on the east side of the camp where children engaged in further stone throwing. Two miliatry jeeps maintained a roadblock near the original site of the clashes where Palestinian citizens expressed a concern regarding the detainment of at least one youth.

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