Heavy fighting in Al-'Ain Refugee camp. Palestinian and Israelian fatalities

ISM, 18/09/07. Last night saw heavy fighting in Al-'Ain Refugee camp (Nablus) between Palestinian fighters and the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF). At least one Palestinian youth has died, with others wounded. One Israeli soldier also died, with others wounded. Human rights workers went to the camp with medial teams to assist the wounded. They reported being fired upon by IOF soldiers while inside the ambulance. When they left the ambulance, they were not allowed inside the camp. The soldiers confiscated the keys to the ambulance, preventing it from moving. The IOF have also physically attacked several journalists and fired tear gas at journalists and medical relief workers.

Inside the camp, there are reports of tear gas, rubber bullets, and sound bombs all being fired onto rooftops at youth throwing stones.

A 17-year-old Palestinian boy was dragged by the IOF out of the camp to the roadblock.  He was put in an ambulance as the IOF checked IDs of all ambulance workers.  After some time, the IOF soldiers brought an army medic to check if the boy was still alive.  After he showed signs of life, the ambulance was allowed to leave and seek medical care for him.  However, the other medical relief teams are still unable to enter the camp or get those wounded inside out.

Curfew has been imposed on the camp and with no human rights groups permitted to enter, people are rightly worried about the conditions inside. Human rights workers still attempting to enter the camp have reported the a bulldozer has been driven into the camp, signaling an intention to demolish homes.

For more information call the ISM Media Office at:
02-2971824 or 0599943157