Free Republic

Heavy Israeli forces are surrounding ht Kalandia refugee camp north of Jerusalem after their attempts to enter the location met with gunfire, explosive devices and a hail of rocks and iron bars. Reinforcements were sent to the aid of the IDF and Border Guards who were under attack and used crowd dispersal measures and flares to break up the disturbance. The cause of the disturbance has not been disclosed, nor casualty figures.

The United States has denied that a session of talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority had been cancelled following the deaths of three rioters in the Kalandia refugee camp, north of Jerusalem. "I can assure you that no meeting has been cancelled," State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf told reporters. Her statement contradicted claims made earlier today by a PA spokesperson who said that "The meeting that was to take place in Jericho...today was cancelled because of the Israeli crime committed in Kalandiya today." "What happened today in Kalandiya shows the real intentions of the Israeli government," said PA Chairman...

Land Day turned violent Friday when Arabs began hurling Molotov cocktails and stones at soldiers near the Kalandia checkpoint north of Jerusalem. The riots began after Friday afternoon Muslim prayers – often a starting point for violence – when dozens of masked Arab youths began rioting at the checkpoint. Soldiers responded with teargas and deployed the "Skunk" – a vehicle loaded with canons spraying a noxious-smelling liquid. A machine that transmits high frequency sound waves was also employed. Israel Radio reported several protesters were lightly injured in the clashes and taken to the hosptial. Hamas parliament member Ahmed Atoun was...

Border Police blocked an attempt by hundreds of Arabs to march into Jerusalem Sunday. The police used stun grenades and tear gas to disperse the march, near the Kalandiya checkpoint north of Jerusalem. Stymied in their original plan, the Arabs proceeded to burn tires and hurl rocks at police (see photos below). The march was part of the rioting marking 44 years since the Arab armies’ ignominious defeat at the hands of the IDF in the Six Day War. In Samaria, hundreds of Arabs and their leftist sympathizers tried to burn down a memorial for a fallen IDF soldier. The...

IDF expands humanitarian officers program By JOEL LEYDEN It's 2 p.m. at the Kalandia checkpost on a boiling summer's day. A long, crowded line of Palestinians wait to enter Ramallah. Young Israeli combat soldiers are positioned in front of them, standing behind grey concrete barriers and above on a dusty hilltop sweating inside guard towers. The 18-year-old troops appear ready for anything. They have been trained for terrorism and war and keep a watchful eye out for the unusual. It could be a car with a sniper, a young boy holding a package or a women suicide bomber just waiting...