August 17, 2004
Jerusalem Post
Three Palestinians were killed in separate incidents in the Gaza Strip and West Bank on Monday – one who was shot by soldiers who suspected he was about to attack them and two others while attempting to fire a Kassam rocket into Israel.
In Nablus, paratroopers discovered a bomb factory located in a house in Nablus's Old City on Monday. They found two bombs that were to be used for attacks in Israel, another bomb that was to be detonated near security forces, gunpowder, chemicals, and a stockpile of bolts, metal parts, and screws that were to be placed in the bombs to cause greater injury to bystanders.
The soldiers arrested a suspect caught hiding in the house and later blew it up. During the operation, soldiers spotted a Palestinian in the neighboring house peering out the window and, fearing he was about to attack them, shot and killed him.
Palestinians said Zaher al-Adham, 29, was unarmed and was standing on the balcony of his home when he was shot.
The IDF Spokesman said the army has launched an investigation into the matter.
Throughout the day, clashes erupted between Palestinians and security forces operating in the city. In an attempt to disperse the rioters, soldiers fired tear gas and rubber bullets. Palestinians reported 12 wounded in the clashes.
Security officials noted that Nablus continues to be the "terror capital" of the West Bank and the launching point for many attacks, including suicide bombings.
In the early morning, 10 Palestinian fugitives were arrested in IDF raids on the West Bank villages south of Jenin, Ramallah, Beitunya, located southwest of Ramallah, Hizma, south of Ramallah, and Silwad, northeast of Ramallah.
In the Gaza Strip before dawn, air force helicopters fired a number of missiles at Palestinians attempting to fire Kassam rockets from the northern Gaza Strip into Israel. Palestinians reported two were killed in the attack and identified them as Mossa Abu Mashi and Muhammad Abu Hashesh.
According to reports, the two were standing in a cemetery near the north Gaza town of Beit Hanun when they were hit. Later, Fatah officials in Gaza claimed the two were local field commanders.
Also on Monday, shots were fired at an IDF post near Rafah; no one was wounded in the attack.
Later in the morning, security forces arrested a Palestinian terror suspect at the Gush Katif Junction. A search of his car revealed 10 Kalashnikov rifles that the suspect was apparently attempting to smuggle into the area.
Late Sunday night, two Palestinians wanted for questioning were arrested by security forces in the same area and handed over to the Shin Bet.
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