As the West Bank, Gaza and 1948 areas/within the Green Line witness the passing of the 13th day of violence, death and injury, clashes have again erupted throughout the area. As a result of violence throughout the West Bank and Gaza last night, 185 Palestinians were injured, a number of which are reported to be in critical condition.
In Tulkarem, clashes erupted this afternoon following protests by Palestinians against the recent Israeli settler violence. Sami Hussein Salim Silmi, 17 years old, from Tulkarem, was shot in the heart with live ammunition by Israeli soldiers before the clashes erupted from a distance of 400 meters, killing him instantly. In addition, a total of 56 injuries were reported: 4 from live ammunition, 25 from rubber coated steel bullets, 20 from tear gas inhalation, and 6 from rocks thrown by Israeli settlers.
As a result of yesterday's settler attacks on Palestinian schools and school children, Sami Fathi Abu Jazar, 12 years old from Rafah, Gaza, was declared clinically dead after being shot in the head by live ammunition. Another 7 children were injured as a result of the attack. An AFP photographer who was at the scene reported that after the smoke of tear gas thrown at the children cleared, Sami's school mates discovered him on the ground, bleeding from a shot to the head. No shots were heard.
Protest marches took place in Rafah and Khan Younis against last night's violence and the burning and destruction of 90 Palestinian shipping trucks by Israeli settlers at the three border crossings of Gaza. Clashes erupted following the march. Karam Omar Ibrahim Qanan, 18 years old from Rafah, was shot and killed in Khan Younis by live ammunition to the head from a nearby settlement.
Recent reports confirm that rockets launched from Israeli helicopters within the past hour have destroyed another apartment complex in Khan Younis, Gaza. No further information is available.
Hundreds of children organized and participated in peaceful marches in the Jenin and Tubas areas this afternoon to protest yesterday's attacks on their schools. Residents in Jenin have formed community neighborhood watch groups to protect Palestinians from what have become regular attacks by Israeli settlers.
Thousands of Palestinians participated in a march from Ramallah's city center this afternoon to the northern entrance of the city. Clashes erupted at the entrance of the city, with at least three injuries reported so far from rubber coated steel bullets. A two-hour candle light vigil took place this evening in the center of Ramallah organized by a coalition of Palestinian women's organizations. Thousands of Palestinians filled the streets of Ramallah carrying candles and calling for an end to the excessive and indiscriminate use of force by Israel.
Earlier this evening in the village of Silwad, near Ramallah, Israeli settlers from the nearby settlement of Ofra invaded the village, destroying property and attacking homes. Clashes erupted between the villagers and settlers, with a number of injuries reported thus far. Reports of Israeli settlers attacking Palestinian cars on roads leading from Ramallah continue this evening. In one incident, settlers attacked a Palestinian car, causing the car to spin out of control. The driver of the car, Muhammad Issa Qassem, 55 year old, is reported to be in serious condition in Ramallah Hospital.
Nablus remains a closed military zone. Earlier this evening, reports that a Palestinian car being attacked by two Israeli settlers on the outskirts of the city crashed into the two settlers, killing one settler and seriously injuring the driver. No further information is available. Residents of Nablus are extremely concerned for the well-being of Khalid Al Dardouk. Khalid was driving with two other Palestinian passengers when their car was chased and attacked by Israeli settlers. The two other passengers were able to flee from the settlers. However, Khalid was seen to be apprehended by the settlers. His whereabouts remain unknown.
In Hebron this evening, Israeli settlers under the protection of the Israeli military have been attacking Palestinians in the villages of Abu Sneineh, Sa'ir, Beit Umma, Al Fawwar Refugee Camp and at Beit Anoun Junction. Several injuries have been reported, with ambulances prevented from reaching those injured.
The Israeli Military Authorities have closed 20 mosques in West Bank, including the Ibrahimi Mosque, in Hebron.
Israeli settler attacks have also been reported within villages in the Salfit area this evening. Mohammad Saleh Odwan, 38 years old from Kuful Harras, was shot and killed by Israeli settlers. Residents from the village of Jama'in report that Israeli settlers drove into Maher Muhammad Ismail Matlaq, 24 years old, from Jam'ain, shooting and killing him, and then attacking his corpse with axes. Nathir Nayef Al Haj Hassan from Jama'in village near Salfit was also shot and killed by live ammunition during clashes with Israeli soldiers. Clashes are on going in the Salfit area, with Israeli tanks and helicopters shooting down into villages.
In the 1948 areas/within the Green Line, Jewish rioters have set fire to the Zaytona Mosque in Ramleh. Palestinian residents are presently trying to put out the fire. Israeli attacks on holy sites within the 1948 areas and the West Bank have taken place throughout the week including: 1. 8 October - the burning and destruction of a mosque in Tiberias dating back several hundred years; 2. 9 October - The attempted burning and destruction of Al Ajami and Hassan Bek mosques in Jaffa, in which Palestinian residents were able to put out the fires but not before damage occurred to the mosque; 3. 10 October - the destruction of three tombs within an Islamic cemetery in Haifa. 4. 9 & 10 October - 2 unsuccessful attempts to destroy churches in the Jerusalem area.