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. -------------- 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. ********************************************* ******************** Visit Embassy Tel Aviv's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/telaviv You can also access this site through the State Department's Classified SIPRNET website. ********************************************* ******************** KURTZER