Settlers, army clash at Gaza checkpoint

KISUFIM CROSSING - Eight people were injured and 13 more arrested Saturday night, as Gush Katif settlers clashed with IDF and police officers at a Gaza Strip border crossing to protest Israel's closure of the territory, marking the latest in a surge of violent clashes between settlers and forces. About 400 Gush Katif residents descended on the Kissufim Crossing in the latest flock of demonstrators who have in recent days tried to enter the Gaza Strip despite a military closure intended to keep right-wingers out. Opponants of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's Gaza pullout plan also plan to march to Gaza by the thousands to try to break into the territory by force. Israel declared Gaza a closed military zone last week following weeks of violent clashes with rightists who have tried to fortify the area ahead of Israel's planned withdrawal in August. Security forces issued new rules that require Israeli drivers to present ID cards and entry permits in order to enter the area so that non-residents cannot enter. Nazi graffiti sprayed during clashes Clashes broke out on Saturday between protesters and security forces, with settlers even climbing on top of several police cars. Police also said settlers caused heavy damage to an army checkpoint and sprayed graffiti, including swastikas. Settlers attacked forces that arrived to reinforce the officers, injuring one IDF officer and one policeman suffered light injuries. The protesters say eight people were injured in total during the clases, and police reported damage to a police car and a light post. At a checkpoint inside Gaza, Gush Katif residents trying to leave Gaza to participate in the protest, including right-wing Knesset Member Benny Elon (National Union), were turned back by security forces. "It's too bad the army isn't turning it's attention towards people who are firing mortars and Qassam rockets at Gush Katif and the western Negev, rather than against us," said Elon. IDF forces say they closed the road following reports of a drive-by shooting in the area. No injuries or damage were reported. Residents waited calmly for a while, but as time went on and reports came in from Kissufim, settlers lost their patience, got out of their cars and demanded passage. Clashes began at the checkpoint when soldiers requested backup, and an enlarged force prevented settlers from moving past the checkpoint. Kisufim Crossing was opened about 2 a.m. after tempers calmed, but a large contingent of IDF and police remained, as did several dozen settlers with protest signs.

Settlers, army clash at Gaza checkpoint

Hundreds of Gush Katif residents protest new rules at Kisufim Crossing; eight injured