WB/G SITREP: SETTLERS INJURE TEN PALESTINIANS IN

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 TEL AVIV 004213 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: SETTLERS INJURE TEN PALESTINIANS IN GAZA -- JULY 6, 2005 (1300 HOURS LOCAL) This is a joint ConGen Jerusalem/Embassy Tel Aviv cable. ¶1. (SBU) Summary: In the West Bank, the IDF arrested two youths July 5 on suspicion of throwing a firebomb at an Israeli car near Nilli settlement, east of Highway 443. IDF forces demolished 17 structures in the West Bank villages of Beit Furik and Ein al-Bida, both in the Jordan valley, on July 5. The structures were reportedly built without permits from the Israeli authorities. In Gaza, as many as 10 Palestinians were injured, one of them critically July 5, after being run down by a settler vehicle just outside Kfar Darom. According to UNRWA, the settlers entered the area in order to obtain signatures from the Palestinians residents validating the settlers' title to land in the area. A group of Palestinians gathered and the settlers reportedly gunned the engine, crashing their vehicle through the crowd and escaping the area. The IDF arrived on the scene subsequently to protect the Palestinian residents from further attack. Following the incident, Palestinian militants fired a barrage of seven missiles and mortar rounds on and around the settlement. End Summary. -------------- West Bank -------------- ¶2. (SBU) ATTACKS: -- Deaths: Nil. -- Injury: Nil. --Arrests: Palestinian sources reported that the IDF arrested two youths on July 5 on suspicion of throwing a firebomb at an Israeli car near Nilli settlement, east of Highway 443. -- Security Incidents: Palestinian media reported that shots were fired at an Israeli car near Qalqilia on July 5. No injuries were reported. --Demolitions: According to Palestinian media, IDF forces demolished 17 structures in the West Bank villages of Beit Furik and Ein al-Bida, both in the Jordan valley, on July 5. The structures were reportedly built without permits from the Israeli authorities. ¶3. (SBU) POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS: -- PA Minister of Interior Nasir Yusif released a statement describing his July 5 meeting with Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz as positive and productive. The two sides reportedly discussed security coordination for Gaza disengagement and the handover of Bethlehem and Qalqilia. PA sources, however, report that the Israelis plan to keep certain parts of Bethlehem under their control. Yusif and Mofaz are scheduled to meet again next week. -- President Abbas departed for Syria July 6. He reportedly intends to meet with Syrian President Asad and the heads of the Palestinian factions based in Damascus. President Abbas will visit Lebanon on July 8 before returning to the West Bank on July 9. -------------- Jerusalem -------------- ¶4. (SBU) DEMOLITIONS -- Demolitions: Israeli and Palestinian sources reported that the IDF demolished four homes under construction in Jerusalem's Beit Hanina district on July 5. The homes were being constructed without building permits, according to reports. The municipality issued the demolition orders. -------------- Gaza -------------- ¶5. (SBU) ATTACKS: -- Deaths: Nil. -- Injuries: UNRWA reported that as many as 10 Palestinians were injured, one of them critically, on July 5 after being run down by a settler vehicle just outside Kfar Darom. According to reports, the settlers entered the area in order to obtain signatures from the Palestinians residents validating the settlers' title to nearby land. A group of Palestinians gathered and the settlers reportedly gunned the engine, crashing their vehicle through the crowd and escaping the area. The IDF arrived on the scene subsequently to protect the Palestinian residents from further attack. Following the incident, Palestinian militants fired a barrage of seven missiles and mortar rounds on and around the settlement (see "Mortars/Rockets"). -- Mortars/Rockets/Shootings: The IDF and UNRWA both reported that Palestinian militants fired a total of five mortar shells and two anti-tank rockets on southern Gaza settlements neighboring IDF outposts overnight July 5-6. Militants also fired five Qassam rockets into Israel during the same period. No injuries were reported in any of these attacks. -- Explosions: The IDF reported that IDF soldiers found and safely disposed of an IED two kilometers south of Kissufim Crossing. ¶6. (SBU) BORDER CROSSINGS: -- Route Four (Salahadeen Road),the main north-south traffic artery, was open July 6, with a major detour at Netzarim Junction. -- Erez Crossing was open July 5. 4,398 laborers and 502 merchants crossed into Israel. -- The Erez Industrial Zone was open July 5. 553 laborers entered. -- Sufa Crossing was closed for Palestinian laborers July 6, but was open for the import of aggregates used in construction. -- Karni Terminal was open July 6. -- Rafah Terminal was open for arrivals and departures July ¶7. As of July 6, the IDF increased the number of passengers processed per day from approximately 150 to 500-600. -- Tel al-Sultan checkpoint was closed July 6. 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