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Exchange of fire
Israeli sources confirmed that an exchange of fire took place on January 1 between Israeli occupation forces and Palestinian police in the Khan Younis region. The crossfire occured when a Palestinian allegedly came _too close_ to Israeli soldiers who then opened fire at him. In retaliation, Palestinian police are said to have opened fire at three Israeli checkpoints in South Gaza. No casualities were reported in any of the incidents.
Blasted tunnels
Two large tunnels were blasted last week in the Rafah region by the Israeli army. These are the latest to be destroyed in a series of blastings which began several months ago in which five others were blasted. The tunnels, which run along the Egyptian border have been claimed by Israel to be used for smuggling goods and weapons between the Palestinians and Egypt. The PA has denied such claims saying that have been closed from the Palestinian side for a considerable amount of time.
Control over hospitals?
The administrative board of al-Maqassed Charitable Hospital has expressed its indignation and rage over Israeli accusations that the PA participated in the hospital's latest elections and their assigning of an Israeli legal investigator to look into the matter. The Israeli Interior Ministry apparently sent a letter to the hospital informing them of the new measures claiming that the conditions of the elections were unclear. The hospital denied all accusations claiming that this is merely an Israeli attempt to take control over the hospital.
Chemical attack
Settlers from the Avino Abraham settlement in Hebron attacked Hebron municipality employees by throwing an unknown chemical substance at them. One employee, Nidal Hirbawi, whose condition is still uncertain was hospitalized from the chemical's effects. Israeli police was immediately informed of the incident but refused to take any measures.
No produce in Jerusalem
Israeli soldiers have refused to allow farmers from villages in Bethlehem to sell their produce in Jerusalem. Apparently, the farmers were to be permitted to enter Jerusalem only during the month of Ramadan. However, Palestinian sources have reported that the farmers were chased through the hills bordering Jerusalem by Israeli soldiers and their produce destroyed.
Shuhada street closed
Israeli central region commander Uzi Dayan has issued orders to close al-Shuhada street in Hebron after repeated demands by Israeli settlers who claim that the street causes security problems for the 400 settlers living in Hebron. Al-Shuhada street, which is the buffer zone between H1 and H2 was partially opened to public transportation. The second phase of opening was to take place in the next few days. Later on in the week, a military order was issued to close down the Hosh Shaheen street in the main market of the Old City of Hebron as well.
New arrangements for workers
Israeli government officials recently revealed that Israeli security authorities will be implementing new security measures on Palestinian workers in the near future. These measures include new identification procedures, such as the use of special devises to check the identity of the person through the palm of his hand and his eyes. Israeli security expects these new measures to take effect as early as next April. The procedures will be carried out at all crossing junctions, but especially for Gazans passing through the Erez crossing to work inside Israel.
PA punishes CBS
As a result of a 60-minute program entitled _Brother against Brother_, the PNA informed the director of CBS that their crew will no longer enjoy free movement inside PA areas or in meeting with Palestinian officials. The reason for the PA decision given by presidential advisor Bassam Abu Shareef is due to the _distorted_ images of the Palestinians and the PNA portrayed in the program. Abu Shareef accused CBS that their program aimed at concealing facts about occupation measures and their efforts to obstruct the peace process and spread corruption throughout the territories. Abu Shareef also warned Palestinians to be cautious in assisting in such programs after expressing regret for the participation of some Palestinians in the program.
Death of a prisoner
26-year old Muhammed Saleem of Jayous in the Qalqilya area died from head injuries sustained in an accident on January 5 after the police car he was in toppled over. Saleem was apparently being transported to another prison when Israeli police took on a pursuit of another car on the bypass road east of Qalqilya. The police car rammed into two Palestinian cars injuring seven of their passengers and two of the policemen. Saleem, who was arrested a week earlier from his home was taken to an Israeli hospital but died soon after.
Ramadan frenzy
The department of traffic control in the Palestinian Authority has reported a noticeable increase in the number of car accidents since the start of the month of Ramadan. According to traffic police in the Ramallah and Nablus area, a considerable increase has been reported between the hours of 2:00 pm and sunset, that is, when those observing the Mulsim fast are allowed to break their day-long fast. Speculators have attributed this disturbing statistic to the faster's eagerness to get home in time for the evening meal and to his fatigue throughout the day due to lack of food and water.
Detention renewed
Israeli authorities renewed the administrative detention of Dr. Ibrahim Abu Salem for the fifth time last week. Dr. Salem, who is a professor at a religious college in Jerusalem has been in administrative detention for one year and eight months.
Alayan released
Israeli authorities released Islamic Jihad prisoner Itaf Alayan on January 6 after serving three months in administrative detention. Alayan, who went on a hunger strike for 40 days in protest of her arrest, apparently has been released as part of a deal with Israeli authorities to ensure that her term would not be renewed.
Confiscated land
An 80-acre piece of land was confiscated in Gaza last week by the Israeli army, eyewitnesses say is in preparation for the expansion of one of the settlements in the area, presumably Gosh Qatif. Bulldozers were seen clearing the land near the shore off of Khan Younis. The owner of the land, Yahya al-Farah submitted a letter to the Palestinian-Israeli laison office to protest against the expropriation of his land.
Attacks on al-Aqsa
An Israeli terrorist attack on worshippers praying in al-Aqsa mosque during the holy month of Ramadan was recently revealed. According to the Israeli newspaper Yediot Ahranot, two Jewish terrorists were planning to open fire on worshippers from a rented apartment overlooking al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock but were caught before the actual assault which they had planned to carry out on Friday, the holiest day of the Muslim week.
Martyrs' day
Palestine officially celebrated martyrs' day on January 7. In honor of all Palestinian martyrs who died in the name of their country, a number of festivals and marches were organized throughout Palestinian areas. Several national figures also gave speeches during the festivals in which they praised the steadfastness of the Palestinian people.