WB/G SITREP: AUGUST 10, 2005 (1700 HOURS LOCAL) --

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 JERUSALEM 003626

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

NEA FOR FO; NEA/SA/EX FOR AUSTIN-FERGUSON; DEPT FOR
DS/IP/ITA; DEPT FOR DS/IP/NEA; NSC FOR ABRAMS/DANIN/MUSTAFA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PTER PBTS PHUM KWBG KPAL IS ASEC
SUBJECT: WB/G SITREP: AUGUST 10, 2005 (1700 HOURS LOCAL) --
IDF ENTER TULKARM ON ARREST RAID, GUNMEN FIRE AT ISRAELI
CAR NEAR HEBRON


This is a joint ConGen Jerusalem/Embassy Tel Aviv cable.


1. (SBU) SUMMARY: In the West Bank, the IDF entered Tulkarm
for an arrest operation on August 9, seizing two alleged
Hamas members and leaving three Palestinian youths injured in
stone-throwing clashes during the operation. Gunmen shot and
lightly injured two Israeli settlers in a car near Hebron on
August 9. In Gaza, UNRWA reported that one rocket was fired
at Tel Qatif overnight August 9-10. No injuries or damage
were reported as a result. More than 300 armed and masked
members of al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades demonstrated in Gaza City
August 9, according to UNRWA, demanding salaries and the
release of one of their members. End Summary.


West Bank
--------------


2. (SBU) ATTACKS/SECURITY:

-- Deaths: Nil.

-- Injuries: Gunmen shot and lightly injured two Israeli
settlers in a car near Hebron on August 9, according to
Israeli radio.

-- Injury: A Palestinian was beaten up and lightly injured at
a checkpoint in al-Khadr village, near Bethlehem, August 9,
after arguing with a soldier about being allowed to pass,
according to Palestinian security sources.

-- Injuries/Arrests: The IDF entered Tulkarm for an arrest
operation on August 9 in which two alleged Hamas members were
seized, according to Palestinian security sources. Three
Palestinian youths were injured in stone-throwing clashes
during the operation, the sources say.

-- Arrests: The IDF arrested three alleged PIJ militants in
Nur al-Shams Camp, near Tulkarm, August 9, according to
Palestinian newspapers.

-- Arrests: The IDF arrested three Palestinians in Hebron for
possessing knives, according to an IDF press release.

-- Arrest: Israeli police arrested a right-wing settler
couple in Sa Nur settlement pursuant to an administrative
detention order, according to Israeli media.

-- Incursion: The IDF entered Bethlehem August 9 and
conducted searches, but left without making arrests,
according to Palestinian security sources.


3. (SBU) POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS:

-- PA President Abbas met with Hamas leaders in Gaza August
9, with both sides agreeing to hold further discussions on a
date for PLC elections, but with Hamas still arguing that
Abbas, proposed January date is too late.


--------------
Gaza
--------------


4. (SBU) ATTACKS:

-- Deaths: None reported.

-- Injuries: None reported.

-- Mortars/Rockets: UNRWA reported that one rocket was fired
at Tel Qatif overnight August 9-10. No injuries or damage
were reported as a result.

-- Shootings: The IDF reported four instances of shooting at
IDF soldiers in Gaza during the afternoon and evening of
August 9. No injuries were reported.

-- Explosions: None reported.

-- Arrests: None reported.


5. (SBU) INCURSIONS/DEMOLITIONS: None reported.


6. (SBU) BORDER CROSSINGS:

-- Erez Crossing was open for Palestinians. Approximately
300 Palestinian laborers entered Israel on August 10.
-- The Erez Industrial Zone was open.

-- Sufa Crossing was closed for Palestinian laborers, but
open for the import of aggregates used in construction.

-- Karni Terminal was partially open August 10.

-- Abu Khouli internal crossing opened at 0600 on August 10
and was due to remain open until 2000.

-- Rafah Terminal was open in both directions, but closed to
Palestinian males between the ages of 16 and 35 traveling
from Gaza to Egypt.


7. (SBU) POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS:
-- More than 300 armed and masked members of the Al Aqsa
Martyrs Brigades demonstrated in Gaza City August 9,
according to UNRWA. The demonstrators dem