Israeli troops tossed an explosive device inside a factory in the West Bank town of Qalqiliya, igniting a fire that killed a Palestinian man, said Palestinian witnesses.
The troops initially prevented a Palestinian fire engine from approaching, but then allowed two Israeli fire trucks to extinguish the blaze, the witnesses added. About 20 workers were inside the building at the time, and all managed to escape expect the one who was killed, the witnesses reported.
Earlier, Israeli troops arrested at least ten Palestinian activists in a raid in the West Bank. The ten are wanted by Israeli security forces for their suspected involvement in attacks against Israeli targets. Additionally, Israeli troops detained another activist near Hebron, Israel Radio reported.
The arrests came as the Israeli army lifted the curfew on Jenin for a twelve-hour period Monday, in order to allow residents to stock up on food and supplies.
In Gaza strip, Palestinians held a demonstration outside United Nations offices in the Gaza Strip in demand of unemployment benefits. Protesters also asked for exemptions on water bills for the many thousand of jobless Palestinians in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Palestinian chief negotiator, Saeb Erekat told reporters that 10 international experts have come to the area to investigate the Palestinian Authority and to examine the possibility of holding elections. According to Erekat, the specialists are from the US, Canada and Europe.
They are examining the current situation in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip to determine if election can be held despite the Israeli reoccupation of the West Bank. (Albawaba.com)
