WB/G SITREP: THREE MORTAR SHELLS FIRED IN GAZA;

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 TEL AVIV 002938 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: THREE MORTAR SHELLS FIRED IN GAZA; ONE PALESTINIAN KILLED IN THE WEST BANK -- MAY 10, 2005 (1300 HOURS LOCAL) This is a joint ConGen Jerusalem/Embassy Tel Aviv cable. ¶1. (SBU) Summary: A Palestinian man was killed in Yatta village, near Hebron, on May 9, according to Palestinian sources, but the killers and motive remain unknown. PA police said that the man's death appeared to have resulted from a criminal act, but added that they are also investigating whether the man was killed for collaborating with Israel. In Gaza, Palestinian militants fired two mortar shells at Netzarim overnight May 9-10 and another shell at Kfar Darom May 10. Militants also fired one homemade rocket towards Sderot the evening of May 9 that landed near IDF forces southwest of the Erez Crossing. No injuries were reported in any of these attacks. End Summary. -------------- West Bank -------------- ¶2. (SBU) ATTACKS/SECURITY: -- Deaths: A Palestinian man was killed in Yatta village, near Hebron, on May 9, according to Palestinian sources, but the killers and motive remain unknown. PA police said that the man's death appeared to have resulted from a criminal act, but added that they are also investigating whether the man was killed for collaborating with Israel. -- Arrests: The IDF arrested in Nablus May 10 two Palestinians who are accused of being Fatah Tanzim members, according to Palestinian sources. -------------- Gaza -------------- ¶3. (SBU) ATTACKS: -- Deaths: Nil. -- Injuries: Nil. -- Mortars/Rockets: The IDF reported that Palestinian militants fired two mortar shells at Netzarim overnight May 9-10 and another at Kfar Darom May 10. Militants also fired one homemade rocket towards Sderot that landed near IDF forces southwest of the Erez crossing the evening of May 9. No injuries were reported in any of these attacks. -- Shootings: The IDF reported that Palestinians launched three shooting attacks at IDF and Israeli settler targets in the Gush Katif settlement bloc May 9. No injuries were reported in any of these attacks. ¶4. (SBU) BORDER CROSSINGS: -- Route Four (Salahadeen Road),the main north-south traffic artery, was open May 10, with a major detour at Netzarim Junction. -- Erez Crossing was closed for Palestinians, but open for internationals May 9. -- The Erez Industrial Zone was closed May 9. -- Sufa Crossing was closed for Palestinian laborers May 10, but was open for the import of aggregates used in construction. -- Karni Terminal was open May 10. -- Rafah Terminal was open for arrivals and departures May ¶10. -- Tel al-Sultan checkpoint was closed May 10. Toufah checkpoint was open for residents of al-Mowassi, except males aged 16-30. ¶6. (SBU) POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS: -- UNRWA reported that Hamas supporters held rallies the evening of May 9 in Jabaliya and Bayt Lahiya to celebrate Hamas electoral victories in several Gaza municipalities May ¶5. Fatah supporters blocked roads in some areas of Bayt Lahiya, but there were no clashes. The Hamas demonstrations ended peacefully after several hours. ********************************************* ******************** 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