Invading Israeli Forces Clash with Palestinian Activists near Jenin

30 September 2007

Jenin – Ma'an – More than twenty Israeli military vehicles on Sunday invaded the town of Kafr Dan, west of the northern West Bank city of Jenin, and stormed several homes allegedly in search of 'wanted' Palestinians.

Palestinian activists attempted to block the invading forces.

Local resident Nadir Salah told Ma'an's reporter that the Israeli troops ordered Palestinians, through loudspeakers, to evacuate their homes and gather in the streets.

The soldiers separated men from women and interrogated the men about the location of so-called 'wanted' Palestinians.

Eyewitnesses reported that the Israeli troops besieged the home of Islamic Jihad activist twenty-two-year-old Ala' Mas'ud and seized him.

Confrontations erupted between Palestinian youths and the invading soldiers.

Palestinians pelted Israeli troops with stones and the soldiers retaliated with sonic bombs, tear gas and rubber bullets. One Palestinian youth was reported to have choked on the tear gas.

A spokesperson of Fatah's Al-Aqsa Brigades announced that its fighters clashed with the Israeli forces. No casualties were reported.