FW: Palestine report 3/29/02

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-----Original Message-----
From: Kristen Schurr [mailto:kristenschurr@xxxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Friday, March 29, 2002 10:43 AM
To: Recipient list suppressed
Subject: Palestine report 3/29/02


Bethlehem, Palestine
Friday, 29 March 02

Troops are surrounding Bethelem where the International
Solidarity Movement of 100 is currently stationed. There is no
way in or out. The area and all checkpoints are completely
closed. A suicide bomber detonated inside a West Jerusalem
supermarket at noon today. The ensuing Israeli attack depended on
where the suicide bomber was from. She is from Dehesha refugee
camp in
Bethlehem. Her video-taped statement was released on Fatah TV
around 2pm. Israeli tanks are rolling into Beit Jala, a town
connected to Bethlehem. Thirty-five Italians are inside Dehesha
refugee camp as observers and human shields. They have been
staying at Ibdaa Cultural Center nearby for the past week.

The sound of F-16s is in the air, as is an unseasonable hail and
wind storm, which is making conditions even more chaotic. The ISM
will spend the night as human shields at Beit Jala, or in Ad doha
guarding would-be bulldozed homes, or as shields and observers
inside Dehesha.

Ramallah is under seige. Two buildings inside Arafat's compound
have been taken over. There are bodies strewn about the compound.
There are 60 internationals inside Ramallah. All power has been
cut off, but their hotel runs on a generator so they may be able
to get information out. Some internationals are riding inside of
ambulances, which are being fired upon.

There are 10 dead (eight Palestinians and two international
journalists) at Al aqsa in Jerusalem, the scene of now-Prime
Minister Sharon's arrogant visit to the muslim holy site which
marked the beginning of the second Intifada.

Kristen Schurr
Bethlehem, Palestine
cel: 011 972 56 622017