IDF Spokesperson Announcement
For Immediate Release 15 May, 2011 17:15
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Update Regarding Riots in the Various Locations

Over the course of the day, several riots broke out in various locations,
causing friction between Israeli security forces and the rioters and
inciters:

Northern Region:

During the midday hours, hundreds of Syrian rioters infiltrated the
Israeli-Syrian border into the village Majdal Shams, and in the center of
the village violently rioted against IDF forces. In attempt to turn the
rioters back to Syria, forces fired selectively towards rioters who were
targeting security infrastructure and some were injured as a result.

Additionally, along the Lebanese border, several rioters attempted to breach
the border fence and to infiltrate into Israeli territory. IDF forces
responded by firing warning shots.

Currently, IDF forces and Israel Police forces are operating to restore
order in these locations.

In these incidents, three IDF officers and ten IDF soldiers were all
injured.

The IDF emphasizes that attempts to damage property or cause harm to
security forces will be responded to.

The IDF sees the governments of Syria and Lebanon as responsible for any
violence or provocation towards Israel that emanates from their respective
territories.

Central Region:

Multiple violent riots broke out in several locations throughout Judea and
Samaria. These riots included rock hurling, the throwing of fire bombs and
the burning of tires.

South of Ramallah, in Qalandiya, approximately 600 Palestinians are
violently rioting. During this riot, rocks were hurled, as were flares, at
security forces who have been responding with riot dispersal means.

Furthermore, throughout the day there have been several incidents during
which rioters have been seen hiding behind ambulances for cover while
hurling rocks at security forces. IDF forces have been responding with riot
dispersal means to contain these riots and thus far have been persistent in
their efforts.

Southern Region:

In the past several hours, riots have taken place in several sites in the
Gaza Strip, the most prominent of which is adjacent to the Erez Crossing.
Hundreds of Palestinian rioters are hurling rocks at IDF forces. The rioters
arrived at the humanitarian aid crossing and caused damage to its
structures. Soldiers fired in a controlled manner in the direction, and
towards the legs of the leading rioters, in order to disperse them and
prevent them from entering Israeli territory. A number of rioters were
injured as a result.

In addition, during the afternoon hours IDF forces identified a suspect
planting an explosive device along the security fence in the northern Gaza
Strip. IDF soldiers fired towards the suspects, identifying a hit.

Terrorist organizations are constantly operating with the objective to harm
Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers, and have previously attempted to execute
terrorist activities near the various crossings carrying humanitarian aid
into Gaza.
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International News Desk
Spokesperson's Unit
Israel Defense Forces
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