The Israeli army shot and killed a Palestinian teenager in Bethlehem last night, when several Israeli military vehicles carried out an incursion into the town to arrest a wanted civilian. Witnesses heard repeated gunshots throughout the evening, and into the night, in the holy city, where at least four innocent by-standers were injured during the assault. It was reported that the Israeli army had intended to demolish the home of a wanted Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade activist, when neighbors intervened and clashed with the soldiers.

Meanwhile in Ramallah, Polish President, Lech Kaczynski, is scheduled to make an official visit, where he will meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The Polish First Lady is also scheduled to make a tour of Ramallah, where she will be meeting with the local Catholic pastor and attending an exhibition by Palestinian artist Sharif Sarhan, from Gaza, currently on display at the Khalil Al-Sakakini Cultural Center. Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, PLC member, is part of the official receiving delegation, accompanying the First Lady.

Ramallah has received many European dignitaries in the past few weeks, in what some analysts consider a breakaway from the official U.S. stance of limited dealings with the Palestinian Authority and its elected government. While the U.S. has had direct dealings with the President’s office, it has completely boycotted the government in its entirety. On the other hand, the Europeans have hinted that they may collaborate with some ministers in the anticipated new government, particularly in an attempt to provide some relief for the critical economic situation in the occupied Palestinian territories.