Date: Thu, 27 Nov 2003 05:58:33 -0700

Today, Thursday, Nov.26, the Israeli military invaded the Jenin Refugee Camp in the early pre-dawn hours and placed Jenin and Jenin Camp under illegal curfew. Starting between 4:30 and 5:30 AM, at leat 2 dozen Israeli military vehicles poured thru Jenin and into the Camp. We visually confirmed a column of 11 APC {Armed Personnel Carriers} and 3 Humvees right before dawn. There were also many other tanks, APCs, jeeps and Humvees in the city and Camp, as well as helicopters overhead. On this, the last day of the Islamic holiday of Eid, a day for visiting family, curfew was initiated throughout Jenin and the Camp. Two Jenin ISM activists walked thru the empty city streets and entered the Camp around 8 AM, where we found a very large and aggressive Israeli military presence. We heard many {uncomfirmed} reports that 3 people had been shot and wounded, with one of them arrested. There were tanks, APCs and Hummers all over the Camp, and at all entrance and exit points. The stonethrowers were present. The Israelis had occupied an unknown number of houses and used them as sniper towers, and points of observation. They set off many dozens of concussion grenades in our time there, and reportedly blew in the doors of many houses to gain entry. There was also live gunfire and teargas. Many Camp residents expressed to us their anger at not being able to celebrate the last day of Eid, and their further indignation at the overwelming size of the Israeli invading force. The scene was chaotic and fear-inspiring. We linked up with several Palestinian journalists and walked with them. After awhile soldiers got out of a Hummer and tried to arrest us {ISM}. With the aid of Camp residents, a false story and the journalistic presence, we avoided arrest and found refuge in a Camp residents home. The IDF left Jenin and the Camp at around noon. The people here are angry, unsure if curfew is lifted, unsure if its safe to leave their homes and visit. Large groups of young men are wandering the streets, most shops are closed.

Happy Eid!!!In Struggle, Ben, Jenin ISM