AROUND THE CLOCK COVERAGE

News Update from 8:00 PM GMT to 12:00 AM GMT

Nablus Oldest Mosque Bulldozed: In order for it to open a new battlefront and to penetrate the Old City, the Israeli army bulldozers destroyed the Khadra Mosque in Nablus completely. The mosque, aside from its spiritual value is the oldest mosque in the historic city of Nablus. Over 14 Palestinians were shot dead in today’s attacks on Nablus. Hundreds more were wounded yet denied medical care.

The massacre in Jenin continues: Three Palestinians were reportedly executed after being captured by Israeli troops in Jenin. Over 100 Palestinians, mostly civilians were killed in the Jenin refugee camp’s battles. Hundreds of Israeli army tanks, currently surrounding the camp, have failed to invade the small refugee camp as residents and fighters have managed to defend the camp from numerous invasion attempts. The head of the Israeli military, Shaoul Mofaz is leading the ‘military operation’ himself against the refugees.

Three Israelis wounded: Three Israelis were wounded today when several shells fired from South Lebanon fell in the Israeli northern border. Israeli responded with heavy shelling and warplanes raids on Lebanese villages near the border.

News Update from 12 PM GMT to 8 PM GMT

Real Massacres in Palestine: Scores of Palestinians were killed and hundreds wounded in various parts of the West Bank today. So far, 30 Palestinians have been killed in Jenin’s refugee camp. News reports indicate that the death toll in Jenin is only reported from one street. In other words, there is a possibility of many more deaths in other parts of the camp. Israel’s failure to invade the small refugee camp using hundreds of tanks. F-16’s and Apache helicopters compelled Shaoul Mofaz, the head of the Israeli military to lead the attack himself. Palestinians in the camp say that despite the high death toll, the actual massacre would start if the soldiers managed to penetrate the camp, warning of another Sabra and Shatilla (where more than 4000 Palestinians were killed under then General Ariel Sharon).

Hundreds of wounded have also been reported in the camp. They have been unable to receive any medical attention, as the Israeli army is preventing any attempts to rescue the wounded. Jamal Abu Hayjan, the head of one of the resistance groups at the camp said that the camp residents and fighters have agreed to fight for their camp until the last man. A Palestinian call to the international community to interfere and to end the massacre generated little response.

Arafat’s Headquarters Under Fire: Four of Arafat’s aids and bodyguards were shot at President Arafat’s headquarters. One of those shot by the Israeli soldiers sustained serious injuries. None of the wounded were allowed to leave the compound in order to receive medical attention. Some analysts predict that this may be the beginning of the final raid on President Arafat’s compound.

14 Killed in Nablus: 14 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded in the ongoing Israeli attack in the West Bank city of Nablus. However there are growing fears that 60 people taking refuge in a building in the city all perished when the building collapsed under heavy Israeli shelling.

Internationals Protest in Bethlehem: Humanitarian organizations, medical workers and International protesters demonstrated in the front of Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity, calling on the Israeli army to allow the wounded inside the church to leave to receive medical attention. The Israeli army refused. The protesters were confronted by Israeli tanks, although no one was injured, There are currently 200 clergy, residents and fighters trapped inside the Church of the Nativity. Church authorities state that all fighters inside the church left their weapons outside the church.

Balata Bombed: With the exception of Jenin and Nablus, the refugee camp of Balata, near Nablus, has received the most intense bombing by Israeli warplanes today. Palestinians report numerous casualties, however no precise numbers can be proved at this time.

Gaza Strip Bombed: The Gaza Strip was awaiting an Israeli attack in recent days. The attack manifested today, although on a limited level, as the Tel Al-Sultan neighborhood was attacked in Rafah came under heavy shelling. Three Palestinians were killed in the attack, including a 3 year-old girl.

Israel Snubs Bush: Israel reacted to Bush’s call to withdraw from Palestinians cities “without delay”, saying that Israel has to finish military operations first. Meanwhile, chief Palestinian negotiator Sa’ab Erekat said that Bush needs to stop “playing with words”, and call for an “immediate” Israeli withdrawal.