Arab violence emanating from the Palestinian Authority is continuing on what is called a "low flame" by military analysts, and it involves such attacks as last night’s bombings of an IDF vehicle in Shechem and of soldiers in the Rafiach area of southern Gaza, as well as today’s attack by an Arab woman near the Machpela cave in Hevron. In all the foregoing cases, there were no injuries.

However, such violence is not always directed against Israelis. In Shechem, the internal PA violence reached the point that 500 Arabs took to the streets yesterday (Thursday) to protest against the armed terrorist and criminal gangs that roam freely, immune from prosecution, in the city. As noted by an Associated Press reporter, "Demonstrations against fellow Palestinians are rare in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, though marches and rallies protesting Israeli occupation take place almost daily."

On Wednesday, a 36-year-old Arab mother carrying an infant was shot dead by three masked gunmen as they exited a Shechem pharmacy, where they had attempted to abduct another unidentified individual. The shooter opened fire either randomly, as he left the store, or in response to the resistance offered by the intended kidnap victim. Also Wednesday, a fourteen-year-old Arab boy was fatally injured when a device, used by PA terrorists against Israeli vehicles, exploded as he toyed with it. (IsraelNationalNews © 07/18/03)