It has been 14 days since Israel embarked on its latest invasion of the occupied city of Nablus. The largest West Bank city, Nablus was founded back in 72 AD by the Roman Emperor 'Titus' in honor of his father, 'Flavius Vespasian,' on the site of the Canaanite ancient village of Maborta. It was called 'Flavia Neapolis', the “New City,” until 636 AD when the Arabs took the town, changing its name to Nablus, but reserving its cultural and biblical significance.

Over the past seven days, Israeli troops have escalated their attacks. Imposing a strict curfew on the old city of Nablus, Israeli soldiers wasted no time in demolishing and dynamiting historical buildings, home to dozens of Palestinian families. The troops claim that they are looking for 'wanted' men supposedly hiding in tunnels, which leaves them no choice but to damage the ancient Arab city. Palestinian Minister of Labor Ghassan al-Khateeb on Saturday appealed to the United Nations, UNESCO and the world community to move swiftly to save Nablus’ historical treasures from destruction, yet his pleas have gone unanswered.

Earlier today, Israeli troops opened fire on Palestinians throwing stones at them, killing three unarmed youngsters, including 15-year-old Bilal al-Masri, who was shot twice in the chest by an Israeli sniper apparently 'threatened' by the child’s stone throwing! Two more Palestinians were shot down as they hurled stones towards the armored vehicles used by the occupation troops: 18-year-old Ameer Arafat and 25-year-old Rawahi Shuman. Witnesses reported that the two men were shot in the chest by Israeli soldiers using live fire in order to disperse stone throwers.

The latest fatality came during the funeral of the above-mentioned martyrs, when Muhammad al-Masri, the cousin of 15-year-old Bilal, was shot in the head when along with others he defied the curfew imposed by the troops and went out in the streets in order to bury the dead. Dozens were injured during the funeral, including an Italian peace activist and a journalist, who were fired upon while marching in defiance of the occupation soldiers.

Times are very difficult for Nablus residents, who have spent their New Year's Eve under curfew, wishing the Israeli army would disappear once and for all from their ancient city that has been so grossly desecrated and destroyed.