Siege of Al Ain Refugee Camp

By Alison Weir
If Americans Knew
September 19, 2007

NABLUS – I’ve been outside the Ain camp in Nablus, where the Israeli military has people under siege. They shot a crippled man early this morning and then would not allow the ambulance in to treat him. He died -- he was a civilian, not part of the resistance. I talked to the ambulance driver; his hand is bandaged because they shot it when he was trying to treat people. A few boys and young men occasionally gather to try to throw stones and the Israelis send an armored jeep out to shoot at them. I’m back at An Najah now for a radio interview, but will go back to the camp later on. Apparently the soldiers inside are going house to house terrorizing people... some people came out, saying they didn't have any food.

It appears that there are 5 or 6 people who have been hurt; I don't think any are serious, but I could be wrong.

Additional Information

1. Alison is available for interviews. She can be reached at 059 824 3771 or 054 797 2869
2. ‘Israel Raids West Bank Refugee Camp,’ Al Jazeera
3. ‘Palestinians who died following an infringement of the right to medical treatment,’ B’Tselem:
4. ‘Israel: Cease Attacking Medical Personnel,’ Human Rights Watch

Update

NABLUS – The Ain siege continues and now they're destroying homes -- at least one so far housing 10 families. The latest is that the IDF is allowing food in, but they're searching it and ruining it. I'm going back out now to see more. People inside the camp say that they still are not getting the medical care they need.

The IDF continues to round up men. One woman in the camp phoned to say that they took her husband (not a member of the resistance) in front of their children -- terrifying them. He was blindfolded and placed in handcuffs.

Today there was a nonviolnet march by the people. Quite quickly it drew fire and teargas from the military. I hurriedly retreated with everyone.