Simmering unrest on the West Bank and other areas during the past 48 hours kept Israeli forces busy and on a high state of alert for new outbreaks. Four Arab youngsters were detained for throwing rocks at Israeli vehicle on the Jerusalem-Ramallah road and six others were arrested in Nablus in the aftermath of Sunday’s disturbances at Al-Najah College where an instructor was relieved of his identity card.
A demonstration by Arab youths in East Jerusalem was failed today. Several dozen high school students attempting to organize a demonstration in downtown Gaza were dispersed without the use of force yesterday.
MAJOR CONFRONTATION IN BETHLEHEM
A major confrontation in Bethlehem ended last night when Israeli troops lifted an eight-hour siege of Frere College after Mayor Elias Freij of Bethlehem and Mayor Hanna el-Atrash of nearby Beit Sahour intervened with the Israeli authorities.
The trouble began shortly before noon yesterday when a military patrol was stoned as it passed the campus. The soldiers fired tear gas at student demonstrators who took shelter in the college buildings. The campus was surrounded by troops, a curfew was imposed in the area of the college and rood blacks were erected at the entrance to the town.
Israeli troops barred journalists from entering Bethlehem. A United Press International photographer was arrested and his film was confiscated. The news agency lodged a protest with the military press spokesman and with the Israel Press Association.
The students were permitted to leave the college this evening after they took down a Palestinian flag they had hoisted over one of the building. They were also forced to clean up the rocks and debris that littered the nearby streets and to register with the Military Government. The Military Governor agreed not to prosecute any of the students but warned that charges would be brought against them if the disturbances reoccurred.
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