more from palestine

["John O'Neill" <johnfergaloneill@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Another email from an ISN member in Palestine

fraternally

John

Friends,

So much has happened since I left Jerusalem, will try to summarise as
briefly as possible.

Nablus is large city in north centre of West Bank, was invaded last week by
force of 150 israli tanks, city under curfew, army engaging in large scale
destruction.

Tried to get as close as we could in taxi from jerusalem, but couldnt get
through on main roads so had to take small road into mountains south of
city. Got out at small village and were brought up on rough track over
mountain and reached village of Iraq Borin at sunset. We stayed there for
the night. Village completely cut off by army...roads dug up...cant even get
water truck in...short of food, medicines etc...people still insisted on
preparing large meal for us. They have to bring supplies over mountain
tracks on donkeys and horses. Three men in village assasinated recently by
army who said they were involved in terror attack, needless to say no such
thing as trial, evidence etc.

At 3.30am woken by huge explosion, army had demolished home of suicide
bomber in nearby village of Tel. Saw it next day. Family being punished six
months after event. Father in 60s and 4 brothers arrested...continuing cycle
of revenge.

Got into Nablus next afternoon. City like ghost town. Tanks constantly
cicularing on main roads, regular explosions. Most shops broken into or
looted. Any time people come out of homes and soldiers see them they fire at
them. In Old City soldiers conducting house to house searchs arresting large
groups of men.  Saw them march group of men up steet, arms tied with
plastic.

Also occupying homes and holding families as hostage/human shields.  Went to
three occupied homes, soldiers wouldnt let us give food to families or talk
to them. In one case elderly woman in home, soldier thought it was very
funny telling us she was cooking for them, would not even let us see her.
For fist time I felt real hate, wanted to wipe smirk off his face.

stayed night in Balata refugee camp just outside Nablus. Was night when
walking out, tanks racing around streets, ploughing them up.
Stayed in house marked for destruction by army cos son died in military
operation.  Army have marked many houses for destruction ..basically those
of any wanted man, activists or those who died in military operation or
suicide bombing. It is policy of massive collective punishment which
punishes the innocent and multiplies the desire for revenge.

Spent much of yesterday bringing food and medicine to families stranded in
their homes by curfew. Had bit of hassle with soldiers at one
checkpoint...one of them, in tank was either drunk or on drugs. Belgian man
working in city told us most pharmacies in city looted...many soldiers on
drugs. Soldiers often display contradictory emotions like one who got real
annoyed when we watched them stopping ambulance, told us to 'fuck off' then
came back and said he was sorry! One of their favourite tactics is to stop
an ambulance with seriously ill or injured person or woman expecting child
for hours on end.

Yesterday evening were sent out to Al Farrah refugee camp 17km from Nablus.
Had to walk 10 km cos road blocked by about 8 makhsoon (Unmanned Road
Blocks). No Palestinians could go with us cos of travel restrictions. As we
passed through Askar refugee camp, two tanks roared down main street firing
guns, launching sound bombs and tear gas. Everyone scattered, we stood on
sidewalk, hands in air. Soldier in tank laughed at us and waved. when tanks
left, Kids in camp in very angry mood, threw things at us etc. Older boys
took us into shop until situaion had calmed.

Road out from camp passed through beautiful countryside...Wadi Bedan...Huge
gorge lined with pine forests...hard to believe we were in same country as
we walked in the peaceful dusk above the gorge, no people near us except
shepherd leading goats along opposite slope.

After 10km walk reached village and car brought us rest of way to Al Farrah.
Staying in home marked for destruction by army despite fact that case is
still being discussed in Israeli high court... army often simply ignores
court decisions and orders. 3 related families lived in house. One brother
was Hamas suicide bomber. No family member charged or imprisoned in relation
to this bombing but army has still made it clear it will destroy home. House
now emptied also most houses around it...houses tightly packed in camp. When
houses destroyed by army, often destroy nearby houses as well, sometimes
fail to evacuate people .  We're staying in house hoping presence will
discourage army from destroyiong house or at least to take care not to
damage neighbouring houses by using too much explosives.

Will probably stay here for few days until situation calms down a bit. Have
access to email here.

Yet again thanks for all messages.

Colm





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