*****************
HEAR PALESTINE
*****************

Monday, 23 December 2002

NEWS
**Jenin: Occupation Special Forces Execute 2 Palestinian Activists
**3 Homes and 4 Shops Demolished in Hebron
**3 Homes Demolished South Rafah
**Bethlehem: Curfew Lifted Amidst Heavy Israeli Military Presence
**Qalqilya: Curfew Continues for Second Day Running
**Tulkarem: Tight Military Closure and Curfew
**Hundreds of Fruitful Trees Uprooted from Anin Village, Jenin
**Salah al-Din Road Re-Closed; Occupation Soldiers Arrest Residents

FEATURES
**Bethlehem: Christmas Festivities Limited to Setting Up Tree without
Decorations
**Hebron: Reports of New Bone Breaking Methods Practiced by Occupation
**Bethlehem: Sad City with Empty Streets
**Jenin: Returning Home Requires Occupation Permission

************************************************************************
Sunday, 22 December 2002
The Israeli army invaded al-Salam residential quarter in Rafah yesterday and
blew up 2 homes. Damage was inflicted on 9 other homes. One of the
demolished homes belongs to Muhammad Abdel Al, a Saraya al-Quds leader
(militant faction of Islamic Jihad) who was assassinated on May 2001 and the
other belongs to one of his relatives. Two youths were arrested from the
area and later released after an interrogation, which lasted 4 hours.
In Hebron, the Israeli occupation army demolished 6 homes and 3 green houses
in various parts of the city yesterday, under the pretext of "construction
without permit", while bulldozers carried out settlement activities in
al-Dawara and al-Adisa areas located to the east of the settlement road (60)
that cuts through the northern part of the city.
In Deir al-Balah, occupation soldiers based at al-Matahin and Abu Holi
military roadblocks south of the city opened fire at the residents who were
held at the military roadblocks while attempting to reach their homes. The
child Raed Tawahina (15 years old) was moderately wounded in the attack.
The occupation authorities had closed Salah al-Din road and the 2 military
roadblocks on Friday and reopened it yesterday morning.
In Tulkarem, occupation soldiers yesterday arrested the 2 brothers Raed and
Ayman Abu Atiq from Shweikeh suburb, north of the city, during a campaign of
raids and arrests. The occupation authorities continued yesterday for the
3rd day running to impose a curfew on the residents of Tulkarem, its refugee
camps and the adjacent Far'on Village amidst a heavy military presence,
especially around the schools in the city.
Israeli bulldozers continued to demolish agricultural routes used by the
residents around Tulkarem, mainly in al-Kufrayat area and the villages of
Shoufa, Saffarin and Beit Lid, south and southeast Tulkarem, and in Anabta
and Wadi al-Sha'ir area, east of the city.
In Qalqilya, the occupation army imposed yesterday a curfew on the residents
and prevented anyone from entering or leaving the city. The Israeli
occupation army invaded the city at dawn yesterday and declared a curfew
while firing dozens of sound bombs and teargas bombs towards the residents
and their homes.

Saturday, 21 december 2002
A Palestinian resistance fighter was killed late Saturday night and an
Israeli soldier and another settler wounded in an attack on an Israeli
settler convoy near 'Morag' settlement, south Rafah. Helicopters were used
to chase the fighter who was later shot dead during limited armed
confrontations. The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine
declared responsibility for the attack carried out by Muhsin Jaber (20 years
old) from Jabalya refugee camp.
An 11-year old Palestinian girl was killed on Saturday upon her return from
school in Rafah. Hanin Abu Sitta was hit with live ammunition in the stomach
on the first day of her midyear exams in Masbah area, south Rafah, near
'Morag' settlement'. Hanin's sister An'am, who was with her at the time said
that her sister felt pains in her stomach when she reached al-Hoz area near
her home but didn't realize that she was hit with a bullet even though they
could hear the sounds of bullets in the area. When she reached her home, her
mother lifted her shirt to find blood at the lower part of her stomach. They
immediately took her to hospital where she died affected by her injury.
In Deir al-Balah, the occupation army at dawn Saturday blew up 2 more homes
raising the number of homes demolished in the area in the past 24 hours to 8
homes in 3 military invasions. The last 2 homes belong to Adel Abu Mughsib
and Hassan al-Hmeidi, whose families were forced out and left without refuge
in the cold. The occupation army also carried out a campaign of arrests in
Wadi al-Salqa area. Members of the families of the demolished homes were
among the arrested.

Friday, 20 December 2002
Israeli occupation soldiers killed a resident from Deir al-Balah Friday,
wounded 7 others and demolished 3 homes during a wide-scale military
operation in the area. The Israeli army invaded the area using a large
number of heavy war machines under the cover of attack helicopters and
killed Majdi Moussa (22 years old) while he resisted the invading army using
limited tools with a group of residents. 10 of the residents were arrested
during the operation. The occupation army Friday evening invaded Deir
al-Balah for the second time in less than 24 hours. The invading army came
from 'Kfar Darom' settlement and carried out a campaign of home raids and
combing activities in the area. 3 more homes were demolished and 2 more
residents wounded in the second attack and at least 1 more arrested.
The youth Ahmad Abu Shamala (19 years old) from al-Breij refugee camp died
affected by wounds subjected a few days ago when an explosion he was
preparing with other resistance fighters went off. Muhammad Hussein who was
wounded in the same accident died last week. The two were preparing for the
expected Israeli attack following the massacre committed by the occupation
army on the second day of Id, in which at least 8 civilians were killed.
The resident Sadiqa Abu Sahloul (42 years old) died Friday affected by
bullet wounds sustained 5 months ago in Khan Younis. Sahloul was hit with a
bullet in the head around 5 months ago when the occupation army shelled her
home.
In Khan Younis, the occupation army opened fire towards the home of Jawad
Zaidan (18 years old) where condolences were taking place in Khan Younis
refugee camp. A car parked in the area was targeted. No casualties were
reported.
The Israeli army carried out a campaign of arrests in the West Bank Friday.
Over 11 people were arrested.
A tight curfew was imposed on Bethlehem, where occupation soldiers subject
residents who challenge the curfew to physical attacks.
In Hebron, Israeli settlers set fire to a clothes shop in the Hisba Market
(under Israeli military control). Residents who live near 'Kiryat Arba''
settlement reported that groups of settlers continued the night before last
to destroy property and homes in the area in front of occupation soldiers
who spread intensively in the area and do nothing to stop them.
The occupation army placed more residential areas in Hebron under curfew
Friday, lifted only for 2 hours in certain areas of the city, and subjected
the residents to racist oppressive measures.
Local sources residing near the settlement location that was established in
the center of the city and removed by the occupation army lately, reported
that occupation bulldozers continued to level a piece of land that belongs
to the Jaber family, 200 meters away from the mentioned settlement location.
An observation tower was placed on the edge of the targeted land.
The occupation army divided the Gaza Strip into three isolated parts Friday,
closing roads with sand barriers and barbed wire. Residents reported that
occupation soldiers opened fire towards anyone who attempted to move.
These measures came following the killing of an Israeli settler and the
wounding of 4 others in a Palestinian attack on an Israeli convoy near what
is referred to as the 'Kisofim' road, south Gaza Strip.
************************************************************************

NEWS
******

*Jenin: Occupation Special Forces Execute 2 Palestinian Activists*

Israeli soldiers disguised in civilian clothes executed 2 Palestinian
activists from Burqin Village, Jenin, at noon today.

Occupation "Special Forces" set up an ambush on an agricultural road between
the villages of Burqin and al-Yamoun and arrested Shaman Subuh (28 years
old), a Hamas activist "wanted" by the occupation authorities and Fateh
activist Mustapha Qashi (28 years old), not "wanted" by the occupation
authorities and then executed both of them in cold blood.

Medical sources reported that the 2 men were targeted with heavy bullets at
short range throughout the body and arrived to the hospital dead.

A tight military closure continues to be imposed on the Burqin Valley, the
only (rough) route the residents have been able to use lately to reach Jenin
city from surrounding villages.

The occupation army invaded Jenin city this morning from 2 entrances, north
and south. A number of tanks and armored jeeps were used in the invasion of
the western part of the city, where Israeli soldiers raided several homes
and carried out searches.

2 tanks invaded the industrial area, north of the city, forcing dozens of
workshop owners to close their shops and go home.

The occupation army informed the foreigners in Jenin to leave the city in
preparation for a wide-scale operation by the occupation army, which could
last for a long period of time.

Observers see the cold-blooded execution that took place today as the start
of the Israeli operation in Jenin.

Israeli soldiers and war machines, and Israeli Special Forces" (Musta'ribin)
disguised in civilian clothes and cars spread intensively in the fields and
between the villages surrounding Jenin.

On the roads from Toubas to the northern Jordan Valley area, the Israeli
occupation army escalated oppressive measures against the residents at
'Cobra' military roadblock. No one was allowed to cross through the military
roadblock. Occupation soldiers held dozens of cars and mini trucks carrying
vegetables for long hours, allowing a very limited number of cars to cross,
under provocative conditions and oppressive measures.

************************************

*3 Homes and 4 Shops Demolished in Hebron*

The Israeli army demolished 3 homes and at least 4 shops under the pretext
of "no construction permit" in Hebron this morning. Israeli soldiers broke
into several homes in various parts of the city and in Yatta and Smou'
towns, south Hebron.

An Israeli military force accompanied by bulldozers and demolition machines
invaded a residential quarter east of the city and imposed a tight siege
before demolishing a home that belongs to the resident Zakariya al-Zarou, as
well as a water well. Israeli military forces also demolished a home that
belongs to the resident Hani al-Rajabi (200 m2) as well as 2 cow farms that
belong to the same family and 2 car garages.

Israeli bulldozers also demolished 4 shops in Farash al-Hawa area, west of
the city. These belong to Karama family. A number of workshop and garage
owners were handed demolition orders under the same pretexts.

Occupation soldiers brutally raided and searched a number of homes in Yatta
and al-Smou' towns, south of Hebron.

Occupation soldiers yesterday demolished 6 homes in addition to a number of
green houses in various parts of Hebron city. 15 other homeowners were
ordered to evacuate in preparation for demolition.

************************************

*3 Homes Demolished South Rafah*

The Israeli occupation army this afternoon demolished 3 homes, southwest
Rafah. An armored vehicle supported by 3 tanks demolished 2 homes that
belong to Falouji and al-Agha families in al-Barahima area, near the borders
south Rafah.

The soldiers did not allow the families to collect their belongings and
without warning demolished their homes leaving them (over 30 people) without
refuge oe any of their belongings.

Occupation soldiers at a later stage demolished a third home that belongs to
the resident Ziad Id from Yibna refugee camp and forced the family out under
the threat of weapons.

30 homes were demolished in Rafah this month only.

************************************

*Bethlehem: Curfew Lifted Amidst Heavy Israeli Military Presence*

The curfew was lifted in the city of Bethlehem today "until further notice",
however heavy military presence was reported throughout the city and its
surroundings and an extremely sad atmosphere overcomes the city a few days
before Christmas.

The streets of the city are almost completely empty from its people, shops
are mostly closed and no decorations that usually fill the city at this time
of year can be seen anywhere.

Occupation soldiers continue to carry out collective punishments in the city
and raid and search homes randomly.

The city goes through the third Christmas under Israeli military occupation,
siege, isolation and breaches of human and religious rights. This year,
however, Israeli oppressive punishment measures reached an unprecedented
level in the history of the city.

************************************

*Qalqilya: Curfew Continues for Second Day Running*

A curfew continues to be imposed on the city of Qalqilya for the second day
running.

Most students challenged the curfew today, went to their schools and
attended their end of year exams.

A heavy military presence is reported in the city where arrests have taken
place today. Military reinforcements were carried out at the entrance to the
city. No one is allowed in or out.

Farmers could not reach their land in villages surrounding Qalqilya today
due to tight military measures in the area.

The Qalqilya-Nablus routes witness heavy Israeli military presence.

************************************

*Tulkarem: Tight Military Closure and Curfew*

The occupation army lifted the curfew in the city of Tulkarem until the
evening today, but continues to place under tight military closure. No one
is allowed in or out of the city.

Occupation soldiers continue to carry out home raids and searches in
Shweikeh suburb. A military roadblock was set up at the eastern entrance to
the suburb, where soldiers confiscate cars and identity cards.

Nour Shams refugee camp is placed under tight military siege. Entrances are
closed with tanks and sand piles.

Al-Kufriyat area continues to be placed under tight military closure.

Wide-scale bulldozing activities continue to be carried out along Tulkarem
for the establishment of the "dividing wall".

************************************

*Hundreds of Fruitful Trees Uprooted from Anin Village, Jenin*

Occupation bulldozers today uprooted hundreds of fruitful olive trees from
Anin Village, west Jenin. 6 giant bulldozers were used to destroy the trees
that stretch over an estimated area of over 30 dunums (1dunum=1000m2).

************************************

*Salah al-Din Road Re-Closed; Occupation Soldiers Arrest Residents*

The Israeli army this afternoon closed Salah al-Din Road that links north
and south Gaza Strip.

At least 2 residents were arrested between Abu Holi and al-Matahin military
roadblocks on Salah al-Din Road.

************************************************************************

FEATURES
***********

*Bethlehem: Christmas Festivities Limited to Tree without Decorations*
By Hamid Jad (Al-Ayam daily newspaper)

Abdallah Hijazi, deputy general director of the Ministry of Tourism and
Archeology confirmed yesterday that Christmas festivities this year would be
limited to setting up a Christmas tree without decoration or even lights, in
the courtyard of the Nativity Church. Religious tradition would also be
limited to a march behind the convoy of Patriarch Michel Sabah, which would
take off from the entrance of the city to the Church where Christmas
midnight mass will be held.

Hijazi accused the Israeli side of not complying with promises concerning
the lifting of the tight siege imposed on the city of Bethlehem during
Christmas. The Israeli President also made promises to the Pope lately
concerning the Bethlehem siege. Hijazi stressed that all entrances to the
city of Bethlehem continue to be placed under tight military closure that
prevents the residents of the West Bank from reaching the city to celebrate
Christmas.

He added, "Occupation soldiers are present at the entrances of the city and
do not allow foreign worshippers or tourists from entering the city."

Hijazi pointed out that the city of Bethlehem received during the year 1999
around one million visitors who gathered in the Nativity Courtyard and over
30,000 to celebrate the year 2000. The city hosted at the time dozens of
music groups and international groups that came to the city to celebrate
Christmas and New Years.

Hijazi pointed out that the city did not celebrate Christmas in the past 2
years and that Israeli measures imposed on the city of Bethlehem this year
are considered tighter and tougher than those of the previous years. The
occupation authorities have not shown the least amount of respect for the
holiness of the city of peace and impose an unprecedented siege on the city.

Hijazi considered the indirect moral losses inflicted on the tourism sector
as a result of Israeli measures worse than the direct financial losses
estimated at over $700 million since the beginning of the Intifada.

************************************

*Hebron: Reports of New Bone Breaking Methods Practiced by Occupation*

Several witness reports came out of the city of Hebron recently concerning
new methods of torture practiced by occupation soldiers in the city, placed
under curfew for the past over 40 days amidst a settlement campaign of home
demolition, land confiscation and settlement construction.

A number of Palestinian youths revealed on Voice of Palestine yesterday that
Israeli soldiers detained them and then forced them to take part in a
"lottery" in which a body organ is chosen to be broken. The youths reported
that the soldiers then changed their minds and gave them the choice instead
between three organs (nose, leg or arm) to be broken.

The youths reported that they chose their noses. So, Israeli soldiers broke
their noses.

Another incident was reported when occupation soldiers stopped a car and
asked the driver to choose if he wanted his car broken or his leg. "At first
I thought they were not being serious, so I chose by leg, and then they
broke my leg," the man told Voice of Palestine reporter in Hebron.

Several reports confirmed that such oppressive racist measures were
practiced several times against the residents of Hebron lately.

One youth said, "I was taken from inside my shop in Bab al-Zawiya to a
settlement, then they forced me to chose a paper, and then they broke my
shoulder and then beat me with their machine guns."

Another youth reported on Voice of Palestine today, "They took me in a jeep
to an empty isolated area, broke my arm and beat me severely, which resulted
in other fractures."

A taxi driver in the city has an identical story.

************************************

*Bethlehem: Sad City with Empty Streets*

WAFA - The streets of Bethlehem are almost empty, the shops are closed and
sadness overcomes the residents of the city just before Christmas.

The streets are completely empty except for the few heading to the Church of
Nativity to pray amidst an atmosphere of sadness and misery as a result of
the ongoing occupation of the city and crimes committed against its
residents.

The resident Suha Asfour who was in front of the Church of Nativity with her
3 children said she brought her children to the church in order to help them
get over their fear from occupation soldiers as a result of the measures
they witness them practice. She said, "I wanted to make them happy and to
feel the Christmas celebrations."

Her 9-year old daughter said with a tone of fear in her voice, "We will go
out and pray despite the presence of their military machines."

The resident Bashir Handal, a gift shop owner said, "We have now opened our
shops for the past 3 days until 4:00 pm, as is allowed by the occupation
authorities, but no one has bought Christmas trees or decorations or Santa
Close outfits."

Bashir said that the reason, apart from the bad economic situation, people
find it hard to get in a festive mood amidst what is taking place from daily
crimes against the residents.

************************************

*Jenin: Returning Home Requires Occupation Permission*
By Muhammad Ballas (Al-Ayam daily newspaper)

In vain, the old lady Naifa al-Abed tried yesterday to convince 2 occupation
soldiers to allow her to reach her home located along the Jenin-Nablus road,
south Jenin. She did not succeed.

The occupation army lately tightened the military siege imposed on the city
since several months, and intensified presence at the main and side
entrances that lead to the city, which is surrounded by ditches, sand piles
and military roadblocks. Israeli soldiers carryout harsh oppressive measures
against the residents and armored machineries and army patrols chase any car
or person that tries to by pass the imposed closure.

The old lady was forced to walk long distances until she was faced with an
Israeli tank based a few meters away from her house.

She then struggled in trying to convince two Israeli soldiers to allow her
to reach her home, which is only dozens of meters away, but it was useless.

The soldiers insisted that she required a permission from the "civil
administration" (occupation authorities) to cross the street and return to
her home.

The woman tried for over an hour, while other residents tried to help her in
convincing them, but they refused.

The old lady was then forced to look for another route in the hopes that she
would manage to reach her home.

The occupation authorities adopted a new policy lately that prevents anyone
from using the main roads between cities in the West Bank except after
obtaining permission from the "civil administration". A limited number of
buses are also given permission to use the roads between certain hours.

Even those who obtain permission are not guaranteed entry or exit from a
city, since such decisions are taken according to the mood of the soldier
present. There have been several reports of residents denied crossing
despite them having permissions that allow them to cross.

A long queue of cars was held on the Nablus-Jenin road, amidst oppressive
and humiliating measures. Males were forced to take their tops off in the
cold and their identity cards confiscated for a long period of time before
most were denied movement.

Among the cars that queued on the road, were Red Crescent ambulances who had
cases in need for immediate medical attention but this did not concern the
soldiers who intentionally delayed everyone's movement.

Ambulances were searched tightly and patients forced out. A few ambulances
were allowed to cross while others were prevented.