Violent clashes lead to road block in Gaza

Gaza: Two Palestinians and four Israeli colonists were seriously wounded as a result of clashes in Nablus on Monday.

Groups of angry settlers raided Boreen, a village near Nablus and attacked the homes of Palestinian residents who used stones to defend themselves. A number of Palestinian men were arrested following the incident.

Later, the Howaraa road was blocked and authorities put on high alert when violence broke out after the Israelis destroyed two caravans, positioned on the main street. The incident was followed by more fighting in the near-by village of Boreen, where Israeli forces raided two houses and arrested a number of Palestinians. A fire broke out, but the civil defense force was refused access to put it out.

Israeli forces continue to occupy the areas of Boreen and Nablus and villagers report that Arab cars are still being attacked in revenge for the removal of the two caravans.

Residents emphasise that part of the problem is that the Israeli forces persist in backing up the Israeli colonists by offering them protection and turning a blind eye in their fight against the local Palestinians.