WB/G SITREP: 28 PALESTINIANS, INCLUDING AN

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 TEL AVIV 002698

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE; NEA/SA/EX FOR RICHIE; DEPT FOR
DS/IP/ITA; DEPT FOR DS/IP/NEA; NSC FOR ABRAMS/DANIN; USAID
FOR DCHA, DCHA/FPP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KWBG PHUM PREL PTER ASEC CASC GZ IS
SUBJECT: WB/G SITREP: 28 PALESTINIANS, INCLUDING AN
ARAB-ISRAELI MK, INJURED IN WEST BANK BARRIER PROTESTS --
APRIL 29, 2005 (1300 HOURS LOCAL)


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


1. (SBU) Summary: Some 28 Palestinians were lightly to
moderately injured in the village of Bil,in, west of
Ramallah, during clashes with the IDF that erupted April 28
during protests against the construction of the separation
barrier on lands belonging to village residents. Among those
injured was Israeli Arab MK Mohamad Barakeh, who was
reportedly lightly injured in the leg by an IDF stun grenade.
During the course of search operations in al-Dahariya
village, near Hebron, at least two commercial stores were
badly damaged, after Israeli border policemen reportedly blew
up the doors of two stores, causing the fire. In Gaza, PA
preventive security officers arrested two members of the
al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades April 28 on suspicion of firing
rockets into Israel. The two men reportedly remain in
custody, despite a protest outside the Gaza residence of PA
President Abbas by a group of al-Aqsa members. End Summary.

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


2. (SBU) ATTACKS/SECURITY:

-- Deaths: Nil.

-- Injuries: According to Palestinian sources, 28
Palestinians were lightly to moderately injured in the
village of Bil,in, west of Ramallah, during clashes with the
IDF that erupted April 28 during protests against the
construction of the separation barrier on lands belonging to
village residents. Among those injured was the Israeli Arab
MK Mohamad Barakeh, who was reportedly lightly wounded in the
leg by an IDF stun grenade. Palestinian sources said that
undercover units of the police, disguised as Palestinians,
were among the demonstrators. The undercover police
reportedly started throwing stun grenades into the crowd as
the demonstrators approached the construction site.

-- Arrests: According to Palestinian media, the IDF arrested
two Fatah members in the village of Dar Salah, near
Bethlehem, April 28.

-- Arrests: According to Palestinian reports, the IDF
arrested two Palestinian members of Hamas in the village of
Arab Ramadin, near Hebron, April 28.

-- Attacks: According to Palestinian reports, three
Palestinians were attacked and beaten by settlers in Hebron's
Old city, April 28.

-- Attacks: According to Palestinian sources, IDF forces
encountered gunfire near Nablus roadblock of Bayt Iba, April

28. No injuries were reported.


3. (SBU) SECURITY INCIDENTS:

-- According to Palestinian sources, IDF forces entered
al-Dahariya village, near Hebron, and conductive searches in
the village, April 28. During the course of the operation,
at least two commercial stores were badly damaged after
catching fire. Border police reportedly blew up the doors of
two stores, which caused the fire.

-- According to Israeli Arab sources, about 50 Jewish
extremists made their way into the al-Aqsa compound on April
28, increasing tension on the compound. A statement released
by the Israeli Arab al-Aqsa Sponsorship Society warned
against the consequences of such actions, and said that the
Jewish extremist group Revava has already stated that on May
9 they will enter the compound.


4. (SBU) POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS:

-- According to Israeli media reports April 29, the IDF is
proposing construction of a separation barrier to divide
Hebron into two parts, the Israeli-controlled Old City, and a
PA-administered part. According to unnamed security
officials quoted in the press, the IDF has already presented
a construction plan to the Israeli Attorney-General for a
ruling. The construction of such a barrier could effectively
cut off some 30,000 Palestinians living in the Old City from
the rest of Hebron. The Israeli army has confirmed the media
reports in principle.

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


5. (SBU) ATTACKS:

-- Deaths: Nil.

-- Injuries: Nil.

-- Mortars/Rockets: The IDF reported that Palestinian
militants fired two mortar shells at IDF outposts near Neve
Dekalim overnight April 28-29.

-- Shootings: The IDF reported that Palestinian militants
launched two shooting attacks against IDF and Israeli settler
targets in southern Gaza April 28.

-- Explosions: The IDF reported that IDF soldiers found and
safely disposed of an IED south of the Kissufim Crossing
April 28.


6. (SBU) ARRESTS:

-- Israeli media reported that PA Preventive Security
Officers in Gaza arrested two members of the al-Aqsa Martyrs'
Brigades April 28 on suspicion of firing rockets into Israel.
The two men reportedly remain in custody, despite a protest
outside the Gaza residence of PA President Abbas by a group
of al-Aqsa members.


7. (SBU) BORDER CROSSINGS:

-- Route Four (Salahadeen Road),the main north-south traffic
artery, was open April 29, with a major detour at Netzarim
Junction. Abu Khouli Junction re-opened April 29.

-- Erez Crossing was open for internationals, but closed for
Palestinians laborers April 29.

-- The Erez Industrial Zone was closed April 29.

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

-- Karni Terminal was open, but operating slowly April 29.

-- Rafah Terminal was open for arrivals and departures April

29.

-- Tel al-Sultan checkpoint was closed April 29. Toufah
checkpoint was open for residents of al-Mowassi, except males
aged 16-30.


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