NABLUS, March 13, 2011 (WAFA) – Israeli forces Sunday reimposed curfew on Awarta, a town east of Nablus, following the killing of five settlers in the nearby Itamar settlement constructed on Awarta land.

Sources in the town said Israeli forces are now breaking doors of houses, shops and cultural centers in the town. They added that Israeli soldiers are using police dogs in searches and described the situation in the town as “really bad; the soldiers are acting in a barbaric, violent way with the residents.”

Israeli forces Saturday raided Awarta and several other villages around Nablus, declaring them closed military areas and arresting 20 Palestinians. Witnesses reported house-to-house searches as Israeli soldiers used tear gas and stun grenades to prevent people from leaving their houses.

Meanwhile, groups of Jewish settlers targeted Palestinian vehicles and passengers along the Ramallah-Nablus road.

Armed settlers also attacked Palestinian residences in Hebron city, south of the West Bank, and Beit Ummar, a town north of Hebron. The damage included several houses and a burnt vehicle. A child was reported to be wounded.

R.Q./F.J.