12 feb 2018
Israeli settlers on Sunday grazed their cattle on agricultural land owned by Palestinians in Khilet Hamad, in the northern Jordan Valley, damaging the crops.
Aref Daraghmeh, who monitors settlement activities in the Jordan Valley, said settlers allowed their cattle to graze on land planted by local Palestinians families with chickpeas.
Meanwhile, a suspicious object which exploded in al-Sakout area severely injured a cow owned by a local Palestinian farmer and led to the amputation of its leg.
The Israeli occupation army runs drill camps on a regular basis in and around Palestinian communities in the Jordan Valley area.
The occupation forces and authorities have often sought ways to empty the Jordan Valley, which makes around 40% of the West Bank area, from its Palestinian inhabitants for the benefit of illegal settlement expansion.
Aref Daraghmeh, who monitors settlement activities in the Jordan Valley, said settlers allowed their cattle to graze on land planted by local Palestinians families with chickpeas.
Meanwhile, a suspicious object which exploded in al-Sakout area severely injured a cow owned by a local Palestinian farmer and led to the amputation of its leg.
The Israeli occupation army runs drill camps on a regular basis in and around Palestinian communities in the Jordan Valley area.
The occupation forces and authorities have often sought ways to empty the Jordan Valley, which makes around 40% of the West Bank area, from its Palestinian inhabitants for the benefit of illegal settlement expansion.
Israeli police closed on Sunday evening all entrances leading to Hazma town, east of occupied Jerusalem, severely restricting access to and from the Palestinian village.
Police forces stationed nearby and allowed no one to enter or exit the village, but those holding blue ID cards.
The Israeli restrictions came in response to stone-throwing along a nearby road, Israeli forces claimed.
Police forces stationed nearby and allowed no one to enter or exit the village, but those holding blue ID cards.
The Israeli restrictions came in response to stone-throwing along a nearby road, Israeli forces claimed.
Israeli soldiers injured, Sunday, at least twelve Palestinians in Beita village, south of Nablus, in the northern part of the occupied West Bank.
Media sources in Nablus said more than ten army jeeps invaded the village from several directions, after surrounding and isolating it.
The soldiers fired dozens of gas bombs, and rubber-coated steel bullets, at local youngsters who hurled stones at the invading army jeeps.
Medical sources said at least twelve Palestinians were injured and received the needed treatment.
Fuad Maali, the Mayor of Beita, said the soldiers closed Beita Junction with sand hills, after alleging that local youngsters hurled a Molotov cocktail at a car driven by a colonist settler, living in a nearby illegal colony, built on Palestinian lands.
“Israel is now restricting the movement of 15000 Palestinians in the village,” he added.
In related news, the soldiers isolated Hizma town, east of occupied Jerusalem, and distributed leaflets warning further restrictions “should local youths continue to hurl stones at army vehicles and settlers’ cars.”
Media sources in Nablus said more than ten army jeeps invaded the village from several directions, after surrounding and isolating it.
The soldiers fired dozens of gas bombs, and rubber-coated steel bullets, at local youngsters who hurled stones at the invading army jeeps.
Medical sources said at least twelve Palestinians were injured and received the needed treatment.
Fuad Maali, the Mayor of Beita, said the soldiers closed Beita Junction with sand hills, after alleging that local youngsters hurled a Molotov cocktail at a car driven by a colonist settler, living in a nearby illegal colony, built on Palestinian lands.
“Israel is now restricting the movement of 15000 Palestinians in the village,” he added.
In related news, the soldiers isolated Hizma town, east of occupied Jerusalem, and distributed leaflets warning further restrictions “should local youths continue to hurl stones at army vehicles and settlers’ cars.”
11 feb 2018
Violent clashes broke out on Sunday evening between Palestinian citizens and the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) in Beita town to the southeast of Nablus.
Local sources told the PIC reporter that about ten IOF jeeps accompanied by a military bulldozer stormed Bir Qouza area near Beita's main entrance and prevented Palestinian citizens from leaving or entering the town.
The IOF claimed that a Molotov cocktail was earlier thrown at a settler vehicle near the town.
A large number of military vehicles and infantry soldiers later raided Beita amid heavy firing of live bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters.
The sources added that clashes erupted in several neighborhoods in the town after citizens took to the streets to confront the IOF raid.
The IOF soldiers broke into a fuel station at Beita's entrance and confiscated its surveillance cameras' records.
Local sources told the PIC reporter that about ten IOF jeeps accompanied by a military bulldozer stormed Bir Qouza area near Beita's main entrance and prevented Palestinian citizens from leaving or entering the town.
The IOF claimed that a Molotov cocktail was earlier thrown at a settler vehicle near the town.
A large number of military vehicles and infantry soldiers later raided Beita amid heavy firing of live bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters.
The sources added that clashes erupted in several neighborhoods in the town after citizens took to the streets to confront the IOF raid.
The IOF soldiers broke into a fuel station at Beita's entrance and confiscated its surveillance cameras' records.
An Israeli plane flying over the northern Gaza Strip was shot down on Sunday.
Local sources in the region claimed, according to the PNN, that Palestinian resistance shot down a small Israeli Phantom aircraft, east of Jabalia refugee camp, in the northern Gaza Strip.
However, no group has taken responsibility for the action, at the time of this report.
The Israeli occupation forces announced a freezing of work on the aircraft “Sky Rider” until further notice, after 11 aircraft of this kind were destroyed since 2017.
Local sources in the region claimed, according to the PNN, that Palestinian resistance shot down a small Israeli Phantom aircraft, east of Jabalia refugee camp, in the northern Gaza Strip.
However, no group has taken responsibility for the action, at the time of this report.
The Israeli occupation forces announced a freezing of work on the aircraft “Sky Rider” until further notice, after 11 aircraft of this kind were destroyed since 2017.
Israeli navy ships attacked, on Sunday morning, several fishing boats with live fire, and abducted two fishermen, in Palestinian territorial waters, in the northern past of the Gaza Strip.
Nizar Ayyash, the head of the Palestinian Fishermen Syndicate, said the navy fired dozens of live rounds at fishing boats, and abducted two fishermen, identified as Tareq Abdul-Bari Sultan and Aa’ed Nizar Sultan.
Last year, Israel abducted 39 Palestinian fishermen, including some who were shot prior to their detention, in addition to killing two, and wounding fourteen others.
The attack is part of constant Israeli violations against the fishermen, workers and farmers, in several parts of the besieged and impoverished Gaza Strip.
The assaults violate various agreements, including the ceasefire deal which was reach on August 26th, 2014, after the Israeli war on Gaza, which led to the death is at least at 2137, including 578 children, 264 women, and 103 elderly, while more than 11100, including 3374 children, 2088 women and 410 elderly, have been injured.
As part of Oslo agreement, signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) on September 13, 1993, the Palestinians are supposed to fish and sail within twenty nautical miles from the Gaza shore.
Israel repeatedly and unilaterally reduced the fishing zone to three nautical miles, and later increased it to nine miles, then reduced it to six.
Nizar Ayyash, the head of the Palestinian Fishermen Syndicate, said the navy fired dozens of live rounds at fishing boats, and abducted two fishermen, identified as Tareq Abdul-Bari Sultan and Aa’ed Nizar Sultan.
Last year, Israel abducted 39 Palestinian fishermen, including some who were shot prior to their detention, in addition to killing two, and wounding fourteen others.
The attack is part of constant Israeli violations against the fishermen, workers and farmers, in several parts of the besieged and impoverished Gaza Strip.
The assaults violate various agreements, including the ceasefire deal which was reach on August 26th, 2014, after the Israeli war on Gaza, which led to the death is at least at 2137, including 578 children, 264 women, and 103 elderly, while more than 11100, including 3374 children, 2088 women and 410 elderly, have been injured.
As part of Oslo agreement, signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) on September 13, 1993, the Palestinians are supposed to fish and sail within twenty nautical miles from the Gaza shore.
Israel repeatedly and unilaterally reduced the fishing zone to three nautical miles, and later increased it to nine miles, then reduced it to six.
10 feb 2018
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) on Saturday evening stormed al-Arqa town to the west of Jenin city in the northern West Bank and set up military checkpoints at the entrance to Kufeiret nearby town.
Local sources told the PIC reporter that IOF soldiers were deployed among olive fields where they started combing operations in the area. Meanwhile, other troops of the IOF stormed the town and were deployed in the streets and at the town's entrance.
A military barrier was erected at Jenin-Yabad road near Kufeiret junction. The soldiers blocked traffic and checked the IDs of the inhabitants.
Local sources told the PIC reporter that IOF soldiers were deployed among olive fields where they started combing operations in the area. Meanwhile, other troops of the IOF stormed the town and were deployed in the streets and at the town's entrance.
A military barrier was erected at Jenin-Yabad road near Kufeiret junction. The soldiers blocked traffic and checked the IDs of the inhabitants.
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) on Saturday announced that Israel attacked 12 Syrian and Iranian targets in Syria in what it described as large-scale raids.
According to the IOF, the targets in Syria included three air-defense batteries and four Iranian sites.
An Israeli army spokesman told journalists the Syrians and Iranians were “playing with fire”, but insisted Israel was “not looking to escalate the situation”.
Earlier on Saturday, an Israeli fighter jet crashed after coming under fire from Syrian air defenses during attacks against “Iranian targets” in the war-torn country.
Syria fired anti-aircraft missiles at the F-16 fighter plane, causing the pilots to eject, the Israeli army spokesman said.
According to the IOF, the targets in Syria included three air-defense batteries and four Iranian sites.
An Israeli army spokesman told journalists the Syrians and Iranians were “playing with fire”, but insisted Israel was “not looking to escalate the situation”.
Earlier on Saturday, an Israeli fighter jet crashed after coming under fire from Syrian air defenses during attacks against “Iranian targets” in the war-torn country.
Syria fired anti-aircraft missiles at the F-16 fighter plane, causing the pilots to eject, the Israeli army spokesman said.
Israeli soldiers assaulted and briefly detained, Saturday, three Palestinian workers from ‘Aida refugee camp, north of the West Bank city of Bethlehem, causing various cuts and bruises, before they were rushed to a local hospital.
The soldiers chased a group of workers, who were trying to enter occupied Jerusalem, in an area in the al-Walaja village, west of Bethlehem.
Eyewitnesses said the soldiers detained three of the workers, all from Abu Srour family, and repeatedly beat them up, before abducting and briefly detaining them.
After their release, the three were rushed by Palestinian medics to Beit Jala hospital, and their wounds were described as moderate.
The soldiers chased a group of workers, who were trying to enter occupied Jerusalem, in an area in the al-Walaja village, west of Bethlehem.
Eyewitnesses said the soldiers detained three of the workers, all from Abu Srour family, and repeatedly beat them up, before abducting and briefly detaining them.
After their release, the three were rushed by Palestinian medics to Beit Jala hospital, and their wounds were described as moderate.
Israeli soldiers abducted, late on Friday at night, two young Palestinian men near the northern West Bank city of Jenin, and one near Tubas, in northeastern West Bank.
The WAFA Palestinian News Agency has reported that dozens of soldiers invaded Zabbouba village, west of Jenin, and fired dozens of rubber-coated steel bullets at local youngsters, who protested the invasion, and at surrounding homes.
WAFA added that the soldiers also abducted two young men, who remained unidentified at the time of this report, and took them to Salem nearby military base.
In addition, the soldiers abducted Eyad Fayyad ad-Dibik, while walking in a mountain area, near his village, Tayasir, east of Tubas, and took him to an unknown destination.
The WAFA Palestinian News Agency has reported that dozens of soldiers invaded Zabbouba village, west of Jenin, and fired dozens of rubber-coated steel bullets at local youngsters, who protested the invasion, and at surrounding homes.
WAFA added that the soldiers also abducted two young men, who remained unidentified at the time of this report, and took them to Salem nearby military base.
In addition, the soldiers abducted Eyad Fayyad ad-Dibik, while walking in a mountain area, near his village, Tayasir, east of Tubas, and took him to an unknown destination.
9 feb 2018
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) forced on Friday a group of Palestinian farmers to leave their agricultural lands in Madama town south of Nablus.
The IOF warned the farmers of planting or working in the land, the PIC field reporter said.
The farmers were given 20 minutes to leave the lands or they will be attacked.
The IOF warned the farmers of planting or working in the land, the PIC field reporter said.
The farmers were given 20 minutes to leave the lands or they will be attacked.
Updated: The Palestinian Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip has reported, Friday, that Israeli soldiers shot 27 Palestinians, including one who suffered a very serious gunshot injury to his head and one in his abdomen, in several parts of the coastal region.
Dr. Ashraf al-Qedra, the spokesperson of the Health Ministry in Gaza, said one Palestinian was shot with a live round in his head, east of Jabalia, in northern Gaza, and was rushed to the Shifa Medical center in Gaza city.
He added that the Palestinian was rushed to surgery and remains in a very serious condition at the Intensive Care Unit.
Dr. Al-Qedra stated that the soldiers also shot six other Palestinians with live fire, after the army attacked protesters near the border fence, in northern Gaza.
Furthermore, the soldiers shot four other Palestinians with live fire, including one who suffered a serious injury in his abdomen, and three who were shot in the pelvis and legs, east of al-Boreij, in central Gaza.
The army also attacked protesters In Jabalia, in northern Gaza, and shot nine Palestinians.
It is worth mentioning that hundreds of residents marched in several parts of the coastal region, especially on Palestinian lands in border areas, east of Khan Younis and Gaza city, and near Beit Hanoun Terminal (Erez Crossing) in northern Gaza.
Eyewitnesses said the soldiers, stationed on military towers across the border fence, and many who barricaded themselves behind sand hills, fired dozens of live rounds, including shots fired by army sharpshooters.
Soldiers Seriously Injure A Palestinian With A Live Round In The Head In Gaza
Dr. Ashraf al-Qedra, the spokesperson of the Health Ministry in Gaza, said Israeli soldiers shot thirteen Palestinians with live rounds, including a young man who suffered a very serious head injury, after the army, stationed across the border fence, attacked protesters marching on their lands, in several parts of the coastal region.
Dr. al-Qedra said the soldiers shot the young man with a live round in his head, east of Jabalia, in the northern part of the coastal region, causing a life-threatening injury.
He added that the young man was rushed to surgery at the Shifa hospital, in Gaza city, and remains in a life-threatening condition.
The soldiers also fired live rounds, rubber-coated steel bullets and gas bombs at dozens of protesters, east of Khan Younis, in the southern part of the coastal region, in addition to east of Gaza city, and near Erez (Beit Hanoun) Crossing, in northern Gaza.
Eyewitnesses said Israeli sharpshooters were deployed behind sand hills, and at military towers, across the border fence. Video
Dr. Ashraf al-Qedra, the spokesperson of the Health Ministry in Gaza, said one Palestinian was shot with a live round in his head, east of Jabalia, in northern Gaza, and was rushed to the Shifa Medical center in Gaza city.
He added that the Palestinian was rushed to surgery and remains in a very serious condition at the Intensive Care Unit.
Dr. Al-Qedra stated that the soldiers also shot six other Palestinians with live fire, after the army attacked protesters near the border fence, in northern Gaza.
Furthermore, the soldiers shot four other Palestinians with live fire, including one who suffered a serious injury in his abdomen, and three who were shot in the pelvis and legs, east of al-Boreij, in central Gaza.
The army also attacked protesters In Jabalia, in northern Gaza, and shot nine Palestinians.
It is worth mentioning that hundreds of residents marched in several parts of the coastal region, especially on Palestinian lands in border areas, east of Khan Younis and Gaza city, and near Beit Hanoun Terminal (Erez Crossing) in northern Gaza.
Eyewitnesses said the soldiers, stationed on military towers across the border fence, and many who barricaded themselves behind sand hills, fired dozens of live rounds, including shots fired by army sharpshooters.
Soldiers Seriously Injure A Palestinian With A Live Round In The Head In Gaza
Dr. Ashraf al-Qedra, the spokesperson of the Health Ministry in Gaza, said Israeli soldiers shot thirteen Palestinians with live rounds, including a young man who suffered a very serious head injury, after the army, stationed across the border fence, attacked protesters marching on their lands, in several parts of the coastal region.
Dr. al-Qedra said the soldiers shot the young man with a live round in his head, east of Jabalia, in the northern part of the coastal region, causing a life-threatening injury.
He added that the young man was rushed to surgery at the Shifa hospital, in Gaza city, and remains in a life-threatening condition.
The soldiers also fired live rounds, rubber-coated steel bullets and gas bombs at dozens of protesters, east of Khan Younis, in the southern part of the coastal region, in addition to east of Gaza city, and near Erez (Beit Hanoun) Crossing, in northern Gaza.
Eyewitnesses said Israeli sharpshooters were deployed behind sand hills, and at military towers, across the border fence. Video
Israeli soldiers shot, Friday, three Palestinians with live fire, injured another with shrapnel from a concussion grenade, and caused dozens to suffer the effects of teargas inhalation, in several parts of the northern West Bank governorate of Nablus.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRC) said the soldiers attacked dozens of protesters, who marched near Huwwara military roadblock, south of Nablus, and shot five with live rounds.
It added that the soldiers also shot another Palestinian with a live round in his leg, near Beita junction, south of Nablus, before he was rushed to Rafidia hospital.
Another Palestinian was injured by shrapnel from concussion grenades, in Madama village, also south of Nablus.
In addition, the soldiers shot a photojournalist, identified as Najeeb ar-Razem, with a rubber-coated steel bullet in his arm, in Nablus.
Dozens of Palestinians suffered the effects of teargas inhalation and received the needed treatment by local medics.
It is worth mentioning that the soldiers also closed the main entrance of Beita town, attacked and removed reporters, and declared the area a “closed military zone.”
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRC) said the soldiers attacked dozens of protesters, who marched near Huwwara military roadblock, south of Nablus, and shot five with live rounds.
It added that the soldiers also shot another Palestinian with a live round in his leg, near Beita junction, south of Nablus, before he was rushed to Rafidia hospital.
Another Palestinian was injured by shrapnel from concussion grenades, in Madama village, also south of Nablus.
In addition, the soldiers shot a photojournalist, identified as Najeeb ar-Razem, with a rubber-coated steel bullet in his arm, in Nablus.
Dozens of Palestinians suffered the effects of teargas inhalation and received the needed treatment by local medics.
It is worth mentioning that the soldiers also closed the main entrance of Beita town, attacked and removed reporters, and declared the area a “closed military zone.”
Updated: Israeli soldiers attacked, Friday, dozens of nonviolent protesters in Ni’lin, Budrus and Bil’in villages, in the Ramallah and al-Biereh governorate, in central West Bank, causing many to suffer the severe effects of teargas inhalation.
Mohammad Amira of the Popular Committee against the Annexation Wall in Ni’lin, said the protesters nonviolently marched from the village, while chanting against the ongoing Israeli occupation and oppression, and against the illegal U.S. recognition of unified Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Amira added that the protesters also chanted for the freedom of all detainees, especially Ali Salah Amira, only 14 years of age, who was abducted by the soldiers during a nonviolent procession two months ago.
The soldiers fired dozens of gas bombs, rubber-coated steel bullets and sponge-tipped bullets, at the nonviolent protesters causing scores to suffer the effects of teargas inhalation.
Furthermore, the soldiers attacked a similar nonviolent procession in Budrus village, causing dozens to suffer the effects of tear gas inhalation.
Media sources said the soldiers resorted to the excessive use of force against the nonviolent protesters.
The soldiers also assaulted dozens of Palestinian, Israel and international peace activists in Bil’in village, west of Ramallah.
The nonviolent protesters marched from the village towards the Annexation Wall, near Abu Lemon area, while chanting against the Israeli occupation and escalations, and Israel’s ongoing illegal colonialist activities.
They also carried Palestinian flags, and posters of many imprisoned nonviolent activists, including ‘Ahed Tamimi and Monther Amira, and chanted for freedom, liberation and independence.
Mohammad Amira of the Popular Committee against the Annexation Wall in Ni’lin, said the protesters nonviolently marched from the village, while chanting against the ongoing Israeli occupation and oppression, and against the illegal U.S. recognition of unified Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Amira added that the protesters also chanted for the freedom of all detainees, especially Ali Salah Amira, only 14 years of age, who was abducted by the soldiers during a nonviolent procession two months ago.
The soldiers fired dozens of gas bombs, rubber-coated steel bullets and sponge-tipped bullets, at the nonviolent protesters causing scores to suffer the effects of teargas inhalation.
Furthermore, the soldiers attacked a similar nonviolent procession in Budrus village, causing dozens to suffer the effects of tear gas inhalation.
Media sources said the soldiers resorted to the excessive use of force against the nonviolent protesters.
The soldiers also assaulted dozens of Palestinian, Israel and international peace activists in Bil’in village, west of Ramallah.
The nonviolent protesters marched from the village towards the Annexation Wall, near Abu Lemon area, while chanting against the Israeli occupation and escalations, and Israel’s ongoing illegal colonialist activities.
They also carried Palestinian flags, and posters of many imprisoned nonviolent activists, including ‘Ahed Tamimi and Monther Amira, and chanted for freedom, liberation and independence.
Israeli soldiers attacked, Friday, dozens of Palestinian protesters, who marched at the main entrance of al-Biereh city, in central West Bank, and shot four in addition to causing many to suffer the effects of teargas inhalation.
Media sources said the soldiers violently attacked the protesters, and started firing live rounds, rubber-coated steel bullets, gas bombs and concussion grenades.
They added that the soldiers shot four Palestinians with rubber-coated steel bullets and caused many others to suffer the effects of teargas inhalation.
The protest is part of ongoing marches, for the tenth consecutive week, against the illegal U.S. recognition of occupied Jerusalem as the unified capital of Israel.
Media sources said the soldiers violently attacked the protesters, and started firing live rounds, rubber-coated steel bullets, gas bombs and concussion grenades.
They added that the soldiers shot four Palestinians with rubber-coated steel bullets and caused many others to suffer the effects of teargas inhalation.
The protest is part of ongoing marches, for the tenth consecutive week, against the illegal U.S. recognition of occupied Jerusalem as the unified capital of Israel.
Israeli soldiers resorted, Friday, to the excessive use of force against nonviolent Palestinian protesters in the al-Mazra’a al-Gharbiyya village, west of Ramallah in central West Bank, injured dozens and detained many journalists.
Media sources in Ramallah said the protesters marched in the village, heading towards their lands, which were illegally confiscated by Israel for the construction and expansion of its colonies.
The soldiers resorted to the excessive use of force against the protesters, and fired may live rounds, gas bombs, concussion grenades and rubber-coated steel bullets.
Medical sources said the soldiers shot one Palestinian with a rubber-coated steel bullet, and caused dozens to suffer the effects of teargas inhalation.
The soldiers also attacked and detained many reporters and photojournalists and prevented them from documenting the unfolding events.
The head of the Committee against the Annexation Wall and Colonies, government minister, Waleed Assaf, said the protest comes against the ongoing attempts to complete a segregated road on Palestinian lands.
He added that the road leads to the illegal colonialist outposts of Ateret, Halamish and Telmon, and aims at linking them together by separating Ramallah from its suburbs, and isolates 4000 Dunams of Palestinian lands.
“We are practicing our right to nonviolent resistance, to defend our lands and property,” Assaf said, “We will continue our legitimate struggle against this illegal occupation and its colonialist activities.”
In related news, the soldiers blockaded the main entrance of Beita village, south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus, and declared it a closed military zone.
Media sources in Ramallah said the protesters marched in the village, heading towards their lands, which were illegally confiscated by Israel for the construction and expansion of its colonies.
The soldiers resorted to the excessive use of force against the protesters, and fired may live rounds, gas bombs, concussion grenades and rubber-coated steel bullets.
Medical sources said the soldiers shot one Palestinian with a rubber-coated steel bullet, and caused dozens to suffer the effects of teargas inhalation.
The soldiers also attacked and detained many reporters and photojournalists and prevented them from documenting the unfolding events.
The head of the Committee against the Annexation Wall and Colonies, government minister, Waleed Assaf, said the protest comes against the ongoing attempts to complete a segregated road on Palestinian lands.
He added that the road leads to the illegal colonialist outposts of Ateret, Halamish and Telmon, and aims at linking them together by separating Ramallah from its suburbs, and isolates 4000 Dunams of Palestinian lands.
“We are practicing our right to nonviolent resistance, to defend our lands and property,” Assaf said, “We will continue our legitimate struggle against this illegal occupation and its colonialist activities.”
In related news, the soldiers blockaded the main entrance of Beita village, south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus, and declared it a closed military zone.