Israeli Military Imposes Curfew on Asira

Israeli Military Imposes Curfew on Asira, Shoots One Boy

Town of Asira Under Curfew for Last Week - Soldiers ransack village, shoot one 14 year old boy.

For the last 7 days, the Israeli Military has been heavily present in Asira, imposing an almost constant curfew on the 12,000 or so residents with a steady stream of noise grenades, gunfire, and deafening sirens. Witnesses describe an atmosphere of constant intimidation, with jeeps constantly roaming the streets, chasing residents into their homes any time they venture out for food, school, etc. Cars, phone booths, and other objects have been smashed or completely destroyed and physical abuse has become regular -- in one case soldiers allegedly shot a neighborhood cat (presumably to intimidate those watching).

During one exceptionally long lull in the curfew, many families sent their children to school, only to find the soldiers surrounding it, forcing the children home. Parents rushed to the scene to escort their children, and were threatened and harrassed by soldiers, leading to a scene witnesses described as "chaotic".

ISM activists in Asira have been assisting residents where possible -- escorting families with sick children to local medical care, etc.

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