Adam Hanieh and Hanan Elmasu from Palestinian human rights organisation Addameer report the following from the Palestian West Bank town of Ramallah, which is has been under attack by Israeli Cobra helicopters armed with rockets since approximately 1.57 pm.
(All references are to events in Ramallah unless otherwise stated, and are time-stamped in London time, GMT+1)
3:45 pm. Another rocket was heard, followed by 9 more in the region of the Muqaata (PA headquarters in Ramallah, in the middle of a heavily populated area) as Israeli Cobra helicopters attack it. Two more rockets are heard, twelve in total for this strike. The electricity has been cut off in that area. People are running to and from the Muqaata, and cries for ambulances can be heard from both there and from the Manara at the center of town. There was a march of thousands going from the Manara to the Muqaata and people were gathered to help the wounded. Another rocket is heard and a very sharp acrid smell is in the air.
3:50 pm. A fire truck is heard. People near the scene report high numbers of injuries. A lull in the helicopter attacks is noted. There is mass panic in the streets and small arms fire.
4:09 pm. Three more rockets are heard to strike the Muqaata area.
4:10 pm. Another rocket strikes the Muqaata area.
4:20 pm. Another lull in the helicopter attacks.
4.23 pm. Helicopters over Adam Hanieh's house fire four rockets towards the center of Ramallah/Muqaata area.
4.25 pm. Attack stops.
4:33 pm. Connection lost with Adam Hanieh, as he needed to be evacuated from his apartment building due to presence of nearby Palestinian security office.
4:35 pm. Hanan Elmasu reports that in the last half hour, 20 rockets have been fired at the Muqaata.
Reports will continue to be sent out this afternoon.
[ends]
Israeli rockets strike Ramallah, Gaza (The Associated Press)
http://www2.haaretz.co.il/breaking-news/Newsflash/330418.asp
Israel fires into Ramallah, seals Palestinian areas: Killing of soldiers by Palestinian mob sparks sharp Israeli response (CNN)
http://www.cnn.com/2000/WORLD/meast/10/12/mideast.violence.03/index.html