Security Info - International SOS Security Information

Situation Update West Bank-Gaza Strip

West Bank-Gaza Strip 05/01/2001

Truce Talks Underway, Violence Continues

The violence continued today as a Jewish settler was shot and killed in a roadside ambush. Responsibility was immediately claimed by Islamic militants who stated that they were retaliating for two explosions that killed three Palestinian militants and two children. Israel was blamed for the Monday night blast in an apartment building that killed the young children. Israel's defense minister said the explosions were set off accidentally by Palestinian militants preparing bombs intended for Israel. Meanwhile, in the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian policeman was killed and a female civilian critically wounded in a firefight between Israeli troops and Palestinian gunmen near the Rafah refugee camp. Elsewhere in Gaza, Palestinians fired two mortar shells at a Jewish settlement, causing no injuries. The renewed violence came as Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres started talks in the United States about a truce plan. Peres is currently in New York to begin talks about an Egyptian-Jordanian plan to arrange a truce after seven months of Palestinian-Israeli clashes. Peres told Israel television that there is an understanding with the Palestinians about a cease-fire, but no agreement yet. The Egyptian- Jordanian proposal calls for a month-long cease-fire. Israel wants a trial period of two or three months before restarting negotiations.

There are 200,000 Jewish settlers living in over 140 settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Palestinians urge Israel to dismantle the settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. Since the Israeli- Palestinian violence broke out last September, more than 480 people, most of them Palestinians have been killed.

SOS Comment

SOS members should continue to follow strict security procedures. Members should avoid all public transport like buses and taxis, including bus stations and taxi ranks. Private taxis or limousine services are strongly recommended. Members should also avoid crowded commercial districts such as outdoor markets, shopping centers (malls) and busy streets. These precautions will minimize the incidental risk posed by terrorist bomb attacks. Attacks will not target foreign interests or personnel, and are unlikely to target hotels, foreign companies' premises or quiet residential suburbs.

SOS members are advised to avoid all travel to the West Bank and Gaza Strip because of the continuing violence. Security in the region will continue to degrade before it will improve. SOS Security will continue to monitor the situation and post updates as they become available.