Extra ordinary violations committed by the Israeli occupation forces in Nablus

Extra ordinary violations committed by the Israeli occupation forces in Nablus, West Bank

April 12^th, 2002

Report number 1

Introduction

The old city of Nablus was first established during the Cana'anite period about 4000 BC or 6000 years ago in a biblical place called Tel Balata. The original name of the city was Shekem called after its Cana'anite king. During the Roman time, a new city was built about 2000 years ago under the name of Neapoly (meaning new city). In Arabic the name became Nablus.

During different historical stages, the city was exposed to many invasions including the Persian, Crusade, Mogul, first & second world wars. Nevertheless, no attacker dared to destroy the old city and its valuable cultural artifacts until the coming of the latest Israeli invasion whose atrocities trespassed all of its predecessors.

In this regard, the following historical and cultural places have been destroyed by the current Israeli war criminals in the old city of Nablus:

First: The destruction of old buildings:

1. The mosque of Khadra:

It was established in the Mamluk period in the year 1250 AC. It was built over an area of 150 square meters using Mamluk design and architect. The mosque was totally destroyed during the Israeli attack against the old city of Nablus on 8.4.2002.

2. Al- Yasminah hotel:

It was built about 250 years ago. It comprises two floors designed according to Isalmic architect and considered an artistic artifact. It was totally demolished during the Israeli attack against the old city of Nablus on 9.4.2002.

3. Hamam Al- Shifa ( Turkish bath):

It was built during the Turkish era about 200 years ago over an area of 600 M2. It uses the four room system, that is, the change room, cold room, warm room and hot room (Saunas). It, also, has a big reception hall whose height is 18 meters. This historical site was completely destroyed by Israeli army bulldozers on 8.4.2002.

4. Khan Al- Tujar ( Traders' market):

An old market leading to the Old city ( Qasaba ) which was built 500 years ago. This market is a mixture of Islamic, Mamluk and Roman architect. It has narrow alleyways that can be walked only by pedestrians or small horse carriages. In the past, it was used as a caravansary. The Israeli army tanks and armored personnel carriers destroyed this place during the period from 5-10/4/2002.

5. The historical soap factories:

Nablus is famous of soap production known as Nabulsi soap, which is made of olive components. There are a number of soap factories in Nablus whose construction dates back to 250 years during the Turkish era. The factories comprise storage tanks made of stone, flat floors for soap drying, heating stoves and marketing exhibitions. During the current Israeli invasion, the following soap factories were destroyed:

1. Al- Masri Soap factory;

2. Al- Rantisi Soap factory;

3. Cana'an soap factory.

Second: The destruction of a unique agricultural station:

On 7.4.2002, bulldozers of the Israeli army destroyed Askar station for agricultural experiments. Established in 1935, this station is the oldest in Palestine. It is built over an area of 30 dunums. It is located near Askar refugee camp, east of the city of Nablus.

The following items were destroyed:

1. The origins of olive trees. There are about 50 types of unique olive species, there fore, it is considered the most important center in the middle east.

Report number 2

Introduction

The latest Israeli attack against the old city of Nablus was so fierce and merciless that gave no attention to historical, cultural and religious values of the place. Coming reports from eye witnesses and victims are little in compare with the size of the severe damage inflicted on the place. The destruction of buildings is nothing in compare with the heavy losses in human lives. The attention is focused now on the numbers of martyrs and on finding bodies of family members buried under rubble or on re-uniting family members who have been lost in the midst of the attack.

We, in LRC, try to pick some reports and information which focus on the losses of the Palestinian people and humanity in general as a result of the savage Israeli attack.

The following is a new set of special violations which have been depicted:

A. The old city of Nablus:

The 12 doors and entrances of the old city of Nablus were destroyed by Israeli bulldozers and armored carriers to force their way into the old city quarters. Further more, the following parts of old city quarters were also damaged either by bulldozers or fighter planes:

1. Al- Yasminah quarter: 3 old buildings dating back to 250 years were destroyed;

2. Al-Qaryoun quarter: two houses dating back to 200 years were destroyed;

3. Hamam Al- Daraj ( Bath house): located in Al- Aqba quarter and similar to Shifa Bath house – mentioned in the first report- was destroyed:

4. Al- Satun mosque: located in Al- Yasminah quarter and built during the Fatimid period, 900 years ago, over an area of 300 M2. This mosque was totally destroyed by Israeli bulldozers.

5. Roman Orthodox monastery: affiliated to Jacob’s well church in Nablus, it was built during the Roman time 1700 years ago, and renovated 300 years ago. It comprises a 400 M2 church, a court, garden and residence for priests. This holy place was bombarded with Israeli war planes and bulldozed in order to create entrances to the old city. The leader of the monastery is father Isininus who can be reached on the following telephone number: 09-2375123.

6. Aja’j mosque: located in Ras Al- Ein, Al-Qaryoun quarter in the eastern part of the old city. It was built during the Mamluk era over an area of 200 M2. It was totally destroyed by Israeli bulldozers.

7. Blacksmithers’ market: The front doors of this market were completely destroyed.

8. The onion market: located in the center of the city. The front doors of this market were destroyed .

9. The Nabulsi soap factory: it was destroyed during the Israeli attack like the other three soap factories mentioned in the first report.

10. When curfew was lifted on 12.4.2002 for two hours, local people found 13 bodies under the rubble of soap factories – mentioned in the first report- which are: the soap factory of Al-Masri, the soap factory of Al- Rantisi and the soap factory of Cana’an. The 13 bodies belong to workers who were confined to factories and failed to reach their homes during the Israeli attack.