Palestinians defy Israeli curfew
Thousands of Palestinians have defied the Israel army's around-the-clock curfew.
Masses have taken to the streets of the West Bank town of Nablus as shops and banks opened to accommodate them.
The army, which has imposed the curfew in most West Bank cities and towns for the past 40 days, remained in armoured vehicles ringing the city.
But troops did not enter Nablus and made no moves to drive residents off the streets and back into their homes.
At the edge of the town, troops allowed trucks with supplies to enter, but blocked cars. Some Palestinians said troops were firing in the air over cars to turn away those approaching the city limits.
Palestinian residents under curfew have not previously challenged the army restrictions on a mass scale. If Nablus residents effectively lift the curfew on their own, such actions could spread to other West Bank cities.
Many Nablus residents rushed to the markets, stocking up on fruits and vegetables and other necessities.
The city appeared to be almost as busy as on typical days before the curfew was imposed.
Standing at his felafel stand, Tamer Adnan said he was working despite the risk because he and his family had run out of food.
"I've been confined to my home for more than a month. I have eight children, we've eaten all we have," Adnan said.
"We need food and we must break any order to get our food. I resumed working not to fight Israel or its army, I'm just fighting to get food for my kids."
The army declined to comment on the situation in Nablus.
