ISM Reports + BBC documentary

ISM Reports + BBC documentary

1) Report of Balata raid where I was shot _ Mark T 2) On the road in Palestine _ John R. 3) Rafah update _ Laura G. 4) When Killing Is Easy _ BBC documentary

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1) Report of Balata raid where I was shot October 27, 2003 Mark T. Nablus

Hello everyone, I'm sorry to be out of touch for the last few days.

On Friday evening, around 7:30 pm, Israeli soldiers came to the entrance of Balata Camp near Nablus as they have on several occasions over the past few weeks. The soldiers have not been conducting arrest operations, rather they have displayed a pattern of provocation, driving into and reversing out of the camp, taunting its Palestinian residents in an attempt to lure an exchange of fire from fighters. They have been met with stones from the camp's younger population and the presence of international activists and observers.

As reported earlier, we had success blocking the military vehicles by standing along the main market street of Balata Camp, sitting on the ground despite rounds of rubber bullets and live ammunition intended to scare us from our position.

Read full report at: http://www.palsolidarity.org/reports/writings/27Oct03_10_20_34NablusMarkT.htm

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2) ON THE ROAD IN PALESTINE October 30, 2003 John R. Nablus

ESCAPE INTO NABLUS

NABLUS, OCCUPIED PALESTINE (Oct 30th) -- In its popular country guide, Lonely Planet, considered by knowlegible vagabonds the world over as the last word in travel publishing, praises the Palestinian city of Nablus as being "beautifully situated between the mountains of Gerezin and Ebel. A typical bustling Arab town [note -- Nablus is indeed the largest West Bank city], with an enchanting old quarter, it is well worth a day's visit," gushes the guide.

On the other hand, the government of Israeli strongman Ariel Sharon and the brutal army and police that ride roughshod over Nablus describe this occupied metropolis 50 miles north of Jerusalem as the cradle of Palestinian terrorism.

At the military checkpoint, we stand in line in the scorching sun and choking dust for an hour behind concrete barricades laced with toothy razor wire to enter the city. Although internationals are privileged to pass right through, we choose to wait with the Palestinian workers trying to reach jobs and families on the other side. When we are finally signaled to approach, a hawk-faced Israeli soldier cradling an AK-47 flips through my passport suspiciously. I explain that I am diabetic and must pass through to find a doctor who will measure my blood sugar count but the soldier punishes us for standing in solidarity with the Palestinians by refusing us entry.

Read the full report at: http://www.palsolidarity.org/reports/writings/30Oct03_12_27_14NablusJohnR..htm

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3) Rafah Update

October 31, 2003

Laura G. Rafah, Gaza

A tank stopped at the door of Abu Ahmed's home on Ramadan's first afternoon. It turned on its loudspeaker. "Ya'hajj!" Abu Ahmed was peering at the tank from his doorway. "Ya'hajj, b'tsom, ya'hajj?" "Are you fasting?"

Enshalla, basom. Oo'into? With God's help I fast. And you?

Enshalla, insaim. With God's help, we are fasting. The accent was Bedouin, from inside Israel.

Taal, aftar maa'na. Come break your fast with us. It was almost margheb. The sky was overcast.

Wein, fi'il debaba? Taalo tiftaro maana fi'il beit. B'tkhaifish. Ma'fish ishi. Where, in the tank? Come eat with us in our home. Don't be afraid, there's no danger here. Abu Ahmed age 64? 65? - he isn't sure himself, as he leans on his cane, his third leg - offering safety to armed soldiers in the midst of their adolescence.

Sally hides behind the door and Om Ahmed and her sons stand in the doorway watching. The soldier opens the small window and waves. Then he opens the door of the tank and stands up slowly, until the upper half of his body is exposed. He is looking around him, frightened of everything outside the safety of his bulletproof tank. Abu Ahmed invites him to a meal again and the soldier looks like he wish he could leave his job right then, flee from the fear of the tank and the army and live through Ramadan, simply. He doesn't leave his tank but leaves with Abu Ahmed one packet of strawberry milk for Sally. The tank then drives to the border and begins shooting into the area.

Read the full report at: http://www.palsolidarity.org/reports/writings/1Nov03_02_48_07GazaLora.htm

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4) When Killing Is Easy Sun 2 Nov, 7:10 pm - 8:00 pm 50mins

BBC TV Channel Two

Cameraman James Miller was shining a torch onto a white flag when he was shot dead on May 2 this year in Rafah, Palestinian occupied territory.

James's friend, reporter John Sweeney investigates how James came to be shot by an Israeli bullet. A serving Israeli soldier, who watched a videotape of James' killing, is in no doubt: 'murder'.

Within seven weeks, in a three mile radius there were two more international victims of the Israeli Defence Force - American Rachel Corrie and Briton Tom Hurndall. For their families there have been many questions and too few answers .

John Sweeney investigates the state of Israel when killing is easy.

Report by John Sweeney in the Independant http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=458515

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