 I live in Rafah but have gone to Gaza City to report on the factional fighting. On Tuesday, I was stopped by three militants at a roadblock close to the Palestinian Legislative Council. I was walking on one side of the street and another young guy was on the other side. The gunmen shouted "Stop! Stop!". They made us raise our hands and approach them slowly. They were Palestinian, definitely, from the accent, but I couldn't see their faces because they wore masks. They formed a triangle around me - two in front, and one behind. I said, "Do you know who I am?" One of those in front said, "We don't care", and shot two bullets into the ground near my feet. "Let's shoot him in the legs," said the other. I showed them my ID and my news card. One of them then told me to go - they didn't want to see me, he said. I was reluctant to move away because I've heard they can shoot you once you turn your back. I could see them shaking and I felt anything could have happened. So for a few metres I faced them as I walked away and kept eye contact. Then they shouted "Go, go!". They kept the other guy - I don't know what happened to him. Some groups are targeting men with beards and women with veils I never expected Gaza to be like this. I think the men were my age or a bit older. They are working for suspicious people - maybe not even for Hamas or Fatah but for their own reasons. I've heard some groups are targeting men with beards and women with veils. I actually went back into Gaza City this morning because I heard on the radio and from a friend that it was OK again. But it wasn't. I saw a roadblock, empty streets and felt the tension. I was there for a very short time. Here in Rafah it is quiet, but it's still not safe to go around. Funerals have been going on this afternoon. The militants have taken positions in Rafah so roadblocks could be their next step. I've been feeling very depressed since that incident on Tuesday. What if I'd ended up being paralysed by that stupid young man?
Story from BBC NEWS: Published: 2007/05/18 16:58:43 GMT © BBC MMVII back to news headlines |