The day in Nablus begins with the sounds of jeeps and tanks announcing curfew on loud speakers, as the Israeli Army attempts to impose curfew with military force. Tanks, jeeps and covered military vehicles patrol the streets, opening fire regularly on civilians as they attempt to go about their daily lives.

Nablus citizens resist by simply doing that: going about their lives. They go out into the city to buy bread, vegetables and sweets; continue to go to school and visit friends and family.

The Israeli Army) respond with heavy military force and collective intimidation. Yesterday international activisits witnessed the detainment of ten men for no reason other than being outside; the confiscation of ten taxi drivers' identity cards and car keys for over 5 hours; indiscriminate shooting and the use of military vehicles (tanks, apcs, jeeps) to chase and intimidate the civilian population, particularly students, into staying inside; occupation of the homes of civilians; emergency vehicles being stopped and prevented access to wounded.

The soldiers targeted students when school was let out and one young boy was shot and killed. Internationals visited Rafidia hospital and saw Rami Jehid Tahseen Al'Faqyeh, an 8 year-old killed by one large caliber bullet directly to the heart. Another boy, Moaein Mleeh Sobhi Al-Minawi, 18 years-old, was shot in the head and is currently in critical condition. Thirteen more civilians were injured.

Nablus' citizens have a strong history of defying curfews. It is the only way they see possible to resist the human rights violations and collective punishment that is standard Israeli Army policy. They have decided not to be locked in their homes and held prisoner. The Israeli Occupation aims to break the Palestinian spirit. In Nablus they are not winning.

Saif +972-59335271 / +972-67328536
Susan +972-59877091 / +972-55829680
Hussain +972-59355404