BY HANAN ELMASU, BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY CONTINUING EDUCATION DEPARTMENT,
ASSISTANT TO DIRECTOR
The Health Development Information Program issued an urgent appeal on September 28, 1996, in which the following was stated:
Since clashes between Palestinians and Israeli military forces began on September 25, 1996 there have been continuous violations of medical neutrality by the Israeli army. Medical personnel have come under attack, and the sick and wounded have had their access to medical care deliberately restricted.
In one of the most serious cases, a 27 year old nurse, Bassil Naem, who worked in the delivery suite at A-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, was shot and killed by Israeli soldiers on September 26. A number of medical personnel have received injuries whilst trying to administer medical care at the scenes of the recent violence. Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, President of the Union of Palestinian Medical Relief committees, was shot while administering emergency treatment to someone suffering severe injuries and bleeding. Dr. Barghouthi received injuries to the back, shoulder, and face, from a high velocity sniper's bullet, despite being clearly visible in a doctor's white coat. Dr. Barghouthi received treatment in Ramallah hospital and was later discharged. One health professional was shot while attending to someone inside an ambulance. Israeli soldiers were clearly trying to prevent the wounded from receiving medical assistance.
Among other health workers injured are Mohammed Al Nimnim, a 40 year old ambulance driver from Gaza who received bullet wounds; Mohammed Imad, an operating theater nurse from Gaza; Mohammed A-Shemali, 40 years old, a staff member of Ramallah Hospital who was shot in the left leg; and Aamar Ahmed Khalil Da'as, a 22 year old ambulance driver working with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in Al-Bireh.
Many of those with injuries were unable to receive prompt medical treatment because the Israeli army restricted the movement of ambulances carrying life saving equipment and personnel to the sites of the clashes. In addition, those not injured during the conflict itself have also become the target of Israeli aggression. Najat Mustafa Mohammed Musa from Burin was in advanced labor and trying to reach a hospital in Nablus when she arrived at an Israeli checkpoint. Israeli soldiers detained her at the checkpoint for several hours, refusing her admission to Nablus. As a result she delivered her child in a car beside the checkpoint without appropriate medical supervision.
Earlier today two cars carrying urgently needed medical supplies were trying to reach the northern West Bank. The cars were stopped by Israeli military personnel at Beit El and near Jalazon refugee camp, and the medical supplies were removed from the cars.
Israeli authorities reopened today the Haslomian tunnel under the guard of over 2,000 Israeli soldiers and police. The re-opening sparked new protests in which several Palestinians were injured and dozens arrested. In the West Bank and Gaza, peaceful protest marches were held in which Christian leaders in Jerusalem, Ramallah, and Bethlehem protested against the Israeli authorities actions this past week. The city of Hebron remained under a strict curfew.
An Israeli official threatened that Israel is considering disarming the Palestinian police.
Palestinian child Mohammad Afaneh (10 years old) from Bet Oula in Hebron, died today after the Israeli authorities refused to allow his transfer to Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem.
West Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert announced today that his municipality is conducting digging works in three areas in the so called "Mount Scopus region", meaning the Dome of the Rock and its surroundings.
The following statistics were taken from a report issued by the Palestinian Human Rights Information Center on September 29, 1996 concerning what it deems the Israeli "Shoot-to- Kill" policy:
Seventy percent of the deaths which occurred last week were from live ammunition wounds to the head and to the chest. Preliminary statistics show that 45% of the fatalities were shot in the head, while 25% were shot in the chest.
The age groups of those killed are as follows:
Under 18: 14% From: 18 to 25: 63% From: 26 to 30: 12% From: 31 to 40: 8%
77% were under 26 years old including a four-month-old infant girl, and a three-year-old boy with leukemia who died after he was denied access to Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem from an Israeli checkpoint.
The Israeli military imposed a new closure which separated Palestinian cities from surrounding villages and refugee camps.
Israeli tanks and personnel carriers are still stationed at the entrances and around Palestinian self-rule areas. Israeli high-tech helicopter gun-ships are being used against civilians in densely populated areas.
Threat and Use of Heavy Artillery:
Curfews and Raids:
The Israeli military authorities imposed curfews on Palestinian villages and refugee camps in the West Bank including Hizma (located on the circle road linking the south and north of the West Bank), Kalandia refugee camp, Ainabous village in Nablus and Sa'ir village in Hebron.
Israeli police raids continued in Jerusalem neighborhoods through September 29 in which Israeli police fired tear gas, rubber bullets and beat Palestinian residents. Twenty-two of the injured were taken to Maqassad Hospital. Settlers attacked Anata village destroying Palestinian property.
Additional Checkpoints/New Permits Further Restrictions on Movement Within the West Bank:
The siege of Palestinian cities which began on September 27 has been enforced by new Israeli checkpoints to all entrances of cities. Palestinians from surrounding areas have not been able to enter the cities which provide main health services, education and employment. The Israeli authorities also imposed new red-colored permits for movement between Palestinian cities and villages as well as refugee camps.
Three women in Nablus, and four others in nearby areas, were prevented from going to hospitals to give birth. At a northern checkpoint in Nablus, a woman from Burin village was in an ambulance in the advance stages of labor where she was held up for several hours. She was forced to give birth at the checkpoint.
Many of the hospitals are experiencing staff and medical shortages. Ambulances are being attacked by Israeli soldiers who threw out the contents and beat the medical staff.
To date, there are 1144 Palestinian injuries of which 165 are still in hospital and 23 of whom are in critical condition.
To date, there are 1158 Palestinian injuries of which 114 are still in hospital and 18 of whom are in critical condition.
Netanyahu, Arafat, Hussein and Clinton prepared to meet in Washington Tuesday while the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem were still the scenes of minor clashes between Palestinian and Israeli forces. Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, whose earlier offer to host a summit was rejected by Israel, remained in Cairo. The Egyptian president said Tuesday his absence from the summit is an indication that he is not pleased with the "obstinance of Israel". Sources said the Egyptian president wants a clearer focus for the summit and a commitment from Israel to abide by previous peace agreements.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington Monday night, proposing continuous negotiations "between Israelis and Palestinians to clear obstacles to peace”. The Israeli leader flatly refused to close the tunnel to ease the tensions, even though the United States, a staunch Israeli ally, requested that he do so. He also stated that the tunnel issue was not on the Washington Summit agenda.
Yasser Arafat arrived early Tuesday morning after spending much of Monday in an unsuccessful attempt to persuade Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to attend. Before leaving for the United States, Arafat said he would attend the summit with no pre-conditions.
Clinton met with Jordan's King Hussein, the other Arab leader invited to the summit, Monday evening. Clinton is first scheduled to meet with Netanyahu and then Arafat. Jordan's King Hussein will join all three for another meeting later in the day.
State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns said Monday that no decision had been reached on any private meetings between Netanyahu and Arafat. The summit was scheduled to last two days.
Meanwhile, in the West Bank and Gaza, the Israeli army has deployed additional tanks and armored personnel carriers in certain positions that makes it possible to strike the PA territories despite the decrease of clashes between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers. Israeli security sources explained that Israel has started implementing a plan that aims to protect Israelis and might end up in regaining the areas that were transferred to the Palestinian Authorities.
In Nablus, there are 36 Israeli tanks and armored personnel carriers stationed a few kilometers away from the city's borders. In Jericho there are 26 tanks and armored personnel carriers in the Jordan Valley area. Rallies and marches were held in the Gaza Strip, with few confrontations and no injuries.
In Hebron and Jerusalem, Jewish settlers attempted to provoke nearby Palestinians. The Jewish "Temple Mount Faithful" group attempted to enter the Dome of the Rock, but were stopped by Israeli authorities. Settlers also took to the streets in Hebron, inciting local Palestinians. Both incidents caused an elevation in tensions in both areas. Israeli soldiers attacked two Palestinian journalists, Mazen Da'na and Imad Eid, during the confrontations in the Hebron area.
Palestinian child Mohammad Sarahneh (3 years old) died today after Israeli authorities refused to allow his transfer from Hebron to Jerusalem for medical treatment.
Palestinian administrative detainees in Israeli prisons declare a hunger strike in protest of the recent incidents.
British political and media sources say that several Israeli high-ranking military officials are planning to submit their resignations in protest against Netanyahu's government handling of the recent events in the West Bank.
The Palestinian Deputy Minister of Health issued a warning of possible health disaster. The ministry reported that the Israeli army continued in not permitting Ministry of Health vehicles carrying medicines, supplies, and other hospital and emergency center requirements from moving from the Ministry of Health central medicine and supplies stores to the West Bank governorates. Despite special arrangements made by the Liaison Office for the movement of the Ministry of Health vehicles, many of the vehicles attempting to cross checkpoints have been turned back and the medical supplies carried within them confiscated by the Israeli military.
For the fifth day in a row, the Ministry’s immunization program has been brought to a complete halt because clinics could not be opened as a result of the inability transport physicians and nurses to their work posts in the primary care clinics. The interruption of the immunization program against six major diseases brings threats of epidemics of these diseases amongst Palestinian children. The Ministry was also unable to transport injured patients who required transfers from Tulkarm, Jenin, and Qalaqilia to Ramallah and Maqassed hospitals. They were all returned from Israeli checkpoints.
The Washington Summit began today in an effort to clarify Palestinian and Israeli positions and discuss measures to avoid recurrences of the violence which occured this past week. Israeli PM Netanyahu stated that he wanted to start non-stop negotiations with Palestinians after the Washington Summit.
Israeli authorities continue to enforce a tight military siege on PA territories for the fifth day now, in addition to reinforcing military presence with tanks and armored personnel carriers at Palestinian cities entrances. Palestinians were also banned from moving between Palestinian cities. Curfew was kept imposed on many areas while some confrontations took place between Palestinian and Israeli soldiers, especially in the Hebron district. Toulkarem and Nablus towns are still under a massive military siege by Israeli troops. Bethlehem city also witnessed popular rallies honoring Palestinians killed during last week’s clashes. Palestinian cities and villages are suffering severe shortages in food and medical supplies.
In Gaza, two Palestinians died today of wounds sustained during recent confrontations at Erez checkpoint. Tamer Masri (13 years old) and Sgt. Mohammad Shalayel were laid to rest in an funeral that toured the whole area of Jabalia Camp. The Israeli army has deployed further troops and armed vehicles in Rafah, at the southern end of the Gaza Strip, further undermining Palestinian and Israeli confidence. A Palestinian family, while trying to return to their home through an Israeli checkpoint, were ordered to turn back by an Israeli soldier. Unspecified security reasons for the checkpoint's closure were cited. Many other travelers are backed up, waiting to get through military checkpoints to return to their homes in the Gaza Strip and elswhere in bordering regions of the West Bank.
Soldiers and settlers from Ramot, north west of Jerusalem, attacked today Palestinian laborers who were heading to their work near settlements in the area. Israeli soldiers then arrested and beat approximately 70 Palestinians. Israeli Intelligence forces also stormed into the house of Naser Qos, the personal guard of Faisal Husseini. When they couldn't find Naser, they left him a notice to show up at the Russian Compound (Israeli Police headquarters in Jerusalem), threatening that they will come back late in the evening if he does not turn himself in.
Israeli authorities lifted the curfew on Hebron today from 5 am to 9am. Clashes erupted and resulted in few injuries. Naser Shioukhi, an Associated Press reporter, and ABC photographer Amer Ja'bari, were arrested by Israeli authorities. In another incident, a Jewish settler shot and killed this morning Ziad Mahmoud Abdul Salam al-'Imleh, a 25 year-old Palestinian from Bet Oula village in Hebron. The settler shot at al-'Imleh while the latter was heading to work near Ajour region inside the Green Line.
Israeli authorities banned Israeli and foreign journalists today from entering the Palestinian ruled areas. The ban was implemented for security reasons, Israel Army radio reported.
Israeli Military sources also stated that Israel will demand from the PA to dismiss around 200 Palestinian policemen who used gunfire against Israeli soldiers during the recent confrontations. The sources added that the Israeli army started investigations to identify the Palestinian policemen concerned. They added that the Israeli army will not allow Israeli military personnel to resume joint patrols with Palestinian policemen who shot or killed Israeli soldiers. Israeli military were able to take pictures at least in 20 cases where Palestinian police were using gunfire against Israeli soldiers, and those pictures will be forwarded to the PA to take necessary measures.
In a press conference after the completion of the Washington Summit, US President Bill Clinton stated that some progress was made but not as much as he had initially hoped. The summit failed to settle any disputes of the conflict except that peace negotiations will continue. Full peace negotiations were scheduled to resume this Sunday between Palestinian and Israeli officials, with the mediation of Dennis Ross, at Erez Checkpoint. No specific timetables or agendas were given for the negotiations, but it was stated that the first issue to be discussed would be the redeployment of Hebron.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated before leaving Washington that Israel will not compromise on any of its positions concerning the whole peace process. He also refused to give a deadline on the redeployment of Hebron and reiterated his refusal to close down the tunnel.
The European Union issued a statement in Luxembourg yesterday while the four leaders were beginning talks at the Washington Summit. The statement strongly criticized Israel for not honoring its commitments in the context of the Middle East peace process. The European foreign ministers called on both parties to show restraint and also demanded that Israel reconsider its position in opening the tunnel that caused the recent confrontations. The European Union statement also called on Israel to lift the closure imposed on Palestinian territories and to start redeployment from Hebron. The statement stressed that East Jerusalem is not under Israeli sovereignty. This European position is the first clear stand on the Jerusalem issue.
Meanwhile, in the West Bank and Gaza, Israeli military remained in a state of high alert, with snipers, tanks and troops still deployed at all entrances to the West Bank, with statements from the military that they were prepared to use all fire power if the summit did not go well. New orders were given today to the Israeli army to use gunfire extensively if faced with any attacks from Palestinians. A statement was also made in which the army refused to resume joint patrols with Palestinian police in the West Bank. Israeli authorities banned Palestinians holding Palestinian passports from crossing the Allenby Bridge to Jordan.
Throughout Palestinian Authority areas, all traffic movement halted at 12:00 noon today for five minutes to express support for PA head Yasser Arafat in his talks at the Washington Summit and to honor Palestinians who died during last weeks confrontations.
While officials were gathered at the Washington Summit, violence continued in various areas of the West Bank, in particular in Hebron. The following is an account recorded by PHRIC reporting the murder of a Palestinian youth in Hebron today:
Israeli soldiers shot dead Ashraf Abdul Karim Issa al-Mtur, 12, from Sa'ir village in Hebron after a settler opened fire on Mu'taz Mohammad Ali Jaradat, 14, at the Wad Khamis area west of Sa'ir village. Two other youths were injured: Ghalib Mahmoud Abbas Froukh, 17, and Ayman Hussein Mahmoud Jabbarin, 17. It was also reported that many other Palestinians are presently being detained by the Israeli authorities for their involvement in the clashes.
After the settler shot Mu'taz, villagers gathered to try to save him. Soldiers dispatched to the site opened fire randomly at residents, killing al-Mtur with two bullets to the abdomen. Froukh also sustained two bullets to the abdomen, while Jabbarin was shot in the leg.
Residents tried to take Froukh and Jabbarin in private cars to the hospital in Hebron. Israeli soldiers took Froukh out of the car. Jabbarin made it to Alia hospital but at 23:00, during a raid on the hospital, soldiers took Jabbarin as he was to be admitted for surgery. Residents later found out that Froukh and Jabbarin had been taken to Hadassah hospital in West Jerusalem and are presently in the intensive care unit.
Members of Mtur's family told a PHRIC fieldworker that they tried to look for Ashraf who they thought had gone missing after the clashes. His father was told by soldiers involved in the shooting that there was a body at the military headquarters in Hebron. He then went to the headquarters and found out that the body was his son's. At 3:00 in the morning, the soldiers released the body to the family. Ashraf Mtur was buried at dawn in Sa'ir.
Further incidents were reported of Kiryat Arba settlers shooting at Palestinians living near the settlement.
In other areas of the West Bank: the villages of Hizma and Qalandia Camp remained under strict curfew for the third day in a row. Many schools in the Jerusalem area couldn not hold regular classes because of the imposed closure. Also in Jerusalem, a large demonstration took place organized by thousands of Jewish settlers who marched from Harhoma settlement to the Old City and into the Wailing Wall area. The march was in honour of the Jewish holiday Succot. It was reported that the Jerusalem municipality allocated a sum of $30,000 in providing security for the demonstration today.
Despite the recent violence in the region, settlers in the Nablus area continued to confiscate Palestinian lands today designated for settlement expansion. Bulldozers were also reported to be beginning digging works for a new by-pass road today near the settlement of Bet El on lands confiscated from El-Bireh residents, a suburb of Ramallah. The confiscations and digging works were a result of the recent approval by the Israeli government of 3,800 new housing units to be built in the West Bank and the Jordan Valley. Israeli Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai approved 1,800 housing units to be added on to Metetyahu, a settlement west of Ramallah. The new construction is planned on an area of 508 dunums (127 acres) of confiscated land belonging to Ne’lin and Deir Qaddis villages in the Ramallah area.
The other 2,000 housing units were approved by the Israeli Civil Administration Higher Planning Council and are slotted for development in the Jordan Valley area and remaining areas in the West Bank. In another move in Hebron, Israeli Deputy Minister for Housing, Me’ir Porosh said that he had reveived approval this week for 70 new homes to be built south east of the city. The announcement followed a previous order of confiscation of 15 dunums (4 acres) of Palestinian land in the Byar al-Mahawer region, within the Hebron municipality borders, to be used for military purposes. The lands, which lie near Kiryat Arba settlement and old city areas near the Ibrahimi Mosque, belong to the family of Sa’id Hasan Da’na and the Abu Seifan families. The land owners said they were given 10 days notice to evacuate their lands.
There is a general feeling of disappointment amongst Palestinians as a result of the failure of the Washington summit to resolve any pressing issues. The failure of the summit is expected to bring further tension into the region. Israeli PM Netanyahu stated in a press conference upon his return that he is committed to redeployment from Hebron, provided that Israelis living there are granted security. PA Higher Education Minister Hanan Ashrawi stated that it was clear that US President Clinton could not save the peace process and that the Israeli army is still closing the areas on Palestinians.
The major cities of the West Bank remain under strict military seige by Israeli tanks and helicopter gun ships. Military sources stated that additional military reinforcements were being deployed along the Green Line. Israeli military reinforcements were also placed along the Egyptian borders in Gaza. Jordan has closed Al-Karama Crossing into Jordan to Gazan residents until further notice. Israeli Ha'aretz newspaper quoted an Israeli officer saying that any Palestinian, who tries to cross the ‘forbidden line’ and gets close to an Israeli checkpoint, will be shot. Head of Logistics Department at the Israeli army said that the present deployment might last the whole winter. Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, a local Palestinian newspaper, reported incidents of Israeli soldiers forcing Palestinians from Hebron to drink their urine, as part of the regular humiliation tactics imposed by Israeli soldiers posted in Hebron.
Israeli special units working in the West Bank arrested today four Birzeit University students and headed towards the settlement of Halmish.
The European Union stated today that they will send a fact- finding mission to the region in order to help move along the peace process. The mission will include Troika ministers and will attempt to alleviate the present critical condition of the peace process with visits to leaders and officials of both sides. The German government also stated today that it will offer $291,060 in humanitarian aid to Palestinian victims of the recent incidents in the West Bank and Gaza; the money will be used in buying two ambulances and other emergency, medical equipment.
Palestinian officials reported that the Palestinian economy loses daily an amount of $10 million due to Israeli restrictions enforced after the recent violence witnessed in the Palestinian lands. Samir Hleili, Deputy assistant to the Palestinian Minister of Trade, stated that the recent closure caused a severe shortage in basic food items and fuel. The Palestinian Trade Union stated that approximately 23,000 Palestinian workers, who have Israeli work permits, are banned from working in Israel these days.
Israel deployed over 3,000 soldiers and police near the Al- Aqsa mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem and stopped many Palestinians from entering. Hundreds of Palestinians were arrested throughout the cities and villages of the Palestinian territories during confrontations, which continued sporadically throughout the day.
Israel reintroduced a strict closure over the Palestinian territories, this time adding an “internal closure,” whereby self-rule Palestinians cannot move from one town to another. A curfew Israel clamped on Hebron during the second day of clashes remains in force.
Israel today stated that the PA’s use of live ammunition against Israeli troops is also a "severe violation of the Peace agreements". However, it is difficult to find a basis for such statements. The recent violent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces were the first direct engagement between the two sides since the signing of the Oslo Accords. However, provision was made in the Interim Agreement for such an eventuality. The following exerpts of the Interim Agreement were taken from today’s issue of the Palestine Report, a weekly publication of the Jerusalem Media and Communication Center:
Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreements on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip: September 28, 1995
Annex 1- Protocol Concerning Redeployment and Security ArrangementsArticle XI
3. Engagement Stepsa. For the purpose of this Article, “engagement” shall mean an immediate response to an act or an incident constituting a danger to life or property that is aimed at preventing or terminating such an act or incident, or at apprehending its perpetrators.
b. Within the territory under the security responsibility of the Palestinian Council, in places where Israeli authorities exercise their security functions in accordance with this Annex and in their immediate vicinities, the Israeli authorities may carry out engagement steps in cases where an act or incident requires such action. In such cases, the Israeli authorities will take any measures necessary to bring to an end such an act or incident with a view to transferring, at the earliest opportunity, the continued handling of the incident falling within the Palestinian responsibility to the Palestinian Police. The Palestinian Police will immediately be notified, through the relevant DCO, of such engagement steps.
c. Engagement with the use of firearms in responding to such acts or incidents shall not be allowed, except as a last resort after all attempts at controlling the act or the incident, such as warning the perpetrator or shooting in the air, have failed, or are ineffective or without any promise of achieving the intended result in the circumstances. Use of firearms should be aimed at deterring or apprehending, and not at killing, the perpetrator. The use of firearms shall cease once the danger is past.
d. Any activity involving the use of firearms other than for immediate operational purposes shall be subject to prior notification to the relevant DCO.
e. If a person is injured or otherwise in need of assistance, such assistance will be provided by the side that first reaches the site. If such a person is under the security responsibility of the other side, the assisting side shall notify the relevant DCO and appropriate arrangement shall be made, pursuant to this Agreement, for treatment and hospitalization.
Article IV
5. Arms, Ammunition and Equipmenta. In the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, uniformed police officers may carry arms, and plainclothes policemen on duty who hold special accreditation may carry personal light arms concealed in their clothing, in accordance with this Agreement.
g. In this Annex, the term “weapons” includes firearms, ammunition and explosives of all kinds.
The following data was issued by Al-Haq today concerning the events which have occurred since 24 September 1996. All information is based on al-Haq's documentation, unless otherwise indicated. Documentation is still being carried out in the field. The events that started on the morning of 24 September resulted in a series of violations of Palestinian human rights, particularly the right to life, the right to physical safety, and various economic and social rights.
Killings by the Israeli Security Forces:
63 Palestinians and one Egyptian soldier were reported killed by the Israeli security forces. The vast majority were killed by live ammunition fired into the upper part of the body. At least 16 children were killed. The breakdown of the statistics is as follows:
Gaza Strip West Bank Civilian 19 25
Military 11 6
Unknown -- 2
Total 30 33
The following is a breakdown of the West Bank killings by area:
Ramallah: 18; Jerusalem: 4; Bethlehem: 2; Nablus: 2; Tulkarem: 1; Hebron: 3; Jericho: 3.
Injuries: Around 1,600 persons were admitted to Palestinian government hospitals. Many other injured persons were treated in first aid stations opened in the field, as well as in private hospitals or clinics. Many of the injured were wounded by high velocity bullets, which produce wounds similar to those caused by dumdum bullets, and a large number were shot in the upper part of the body.
Medical Personnel: One nurse, Basel Ibrahim N'ayem aged 25, was killed in the Gaza Strip. At least five other medical personnel were injured in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip while treating injured persons in the field.
Journalists: At least five journalists were injured by the Israeli authorities while on duty. Members of the Israeli security forces beat at least five journalists: four in Hebron and one in Jerusalem, while they were documenting events.
Curfew and Siege:
Area Time Declared Lifted Hebron city 27 Sept. (morning) still in effect Beit Ummar/ Hebron 27 Sept. (afternoon still in effect Al-Fawwar Camp/ Hebron 27 Sept. 30 Sept. `Aroub Camp/ Hebron 27 Sept. still in effect Parts of Halhoul/ Hebron 28 Sept. 30 Sept. (early morning) Qalandia/ Ramallah 28 Sept. 2 Oct. Hizma/ Ramallah 28 Sept. 2 Oct. (early morning) Za'tara/ Bethlehem 30 Sept. still in effect Baqa al-Sharqiya/ Nablus 27 Sept. still in effect Huwwara/ Nablus 29 Sept. still in effect 'Aynabous/ Nablus 29 Sept. still in effect
In the early hours of 26 September 1996 the Israeli authorities imposed a military siege on the towns and villages of the West Bank by declaring Area C (Palestinian controlled areas) to be a closed military areas. Area C is about 70 per cent of the entire area of the West Bank and its closure consequently isolates all Palestinian population centers, regardless of whether they are located in Areas A, B, or C. The siege is still in effect.
Economic and Agricultural Losses:
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture, the agricultural sector lost at least 1.5 million US dollars per day from the combined effects of the internal siege and the strict closure of Israel and Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank and from the Gaza Strip. According to the Palestine General Federation of Trade Unions, the closure of Israel and Jerusalem prevented 32,000 workers from proceeding to their work (17,000 from the Gaza Strip and 15,000 from the West Bank). In addition, 20,000 Palestinians who normally work illegally inside Israel and Jerusalem were also unemployed. During the current period of closure and siege the rate of unemployment is estimated to have risen to 70% in the Gaza Strip and 55% in the West Bank. The PGFTU has also quantified the total losses to the Palestinian economy caused by the siege and closure as amounting to about 10 million US dollars per day.
Al Haq will report on the exact sequence of events and final statistics will be published in a longer report to be issued by al-Haq in the coming few days.
This represents the end of the summary overviews of the situation on the ground. As of 7 October 1996, the situation in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem has calmed down and peace talks have resumed between the Israeli and Palestinian sides.