Riots near Old City; Israeli Offensive Continues as Sharon Meets Powell

In Jenin, the true story is only beginning to unfold, as Israeli military forces continue to prevent press access to the refugee camp. Several international human rights activists, trying to provide medical and other humanitarian relief to the area, have tried to enter the city and the camp, only to be denied by Israeli forces.

The 20 internationals spent the night in a nearby village, where refugees from the camp and released detainees have been forced to set up a temporary camp. Reports that these individuals have been collecting paint a horrifying picture of Israeli destruction and torture.

According to this group, more than 150 Palestinian men were left naked near a village on the outskirts of Jenin after being taken away by Israeli soldiers from the camp. Nearly 600 other Palestinians were dumped near the Salem checkpoint outside of Jenin city, with no place to go given the military imposed curfew on Jenin. The detainees tell stories of being beaten and left in the cold without once being questioned.

According to one report from the internationals near Jenin, a Palestinian UNRWA employee was detained at a checkpoint for three days without food. The account reports that the right side of his face is paralyzed due to severe beating.

In another account from Jenin, a Palestinian man was taken from his home and used as a
human shield by Israeli soldiers. His back and neck are reportedly burned by cigarettes.