Above: Israeli snipers on the hillsides, well inside the border of zones A and C, were sporadically opening fire. As we ran closer to the frontline, we had to duck as we ran across side roads, hugging shop fronts to avoid getting injured. It was like a scene from Beirut. After two years of living in Ramallah and photographing life there, I realised that I had suddenly become a war photographer.

As the Israeli snipers spread out on the hilltop above, it really felt like an invasion was imminant. Palestinians who witnessed this believed that they were fighting for their land and their lives. The atmosphere was electric. Photo by Nigel Parry

Right: A Palestinian Policeman strains his eyes to see the snipers on the hillside, Photo by Nigel Parry.

After the demonstrators had been moved well back and as bursts of automatic gunfire continued unabated, it was clear to both sides that we were in a war situation. Israeli troops continued what they had been doing during the day and angry Palestinian Police returned their fire.

There was a feeling amongst the Palestinian Police that justice was a big part of their taking a stand. They were furious at having had to stand and watch their people, armed only with stones, picked off one after another on the streets. Their opportunity to hit back was clearly very satisfying.

I remember seeing in this soldier's face a hint that he was under no illusions. While a lot of the Palestinian Police were gung-ho about the whole thing, he was issuing commands to them not to pause in the middle of the road. It would not be wise to underestimate the training and skills of the Israelis.

Left: A member of the Palestinian Preventative Security force prepares to fight the Israelis. Photo by Nigel Parry

Civilian shopkeepers in the area, who had guns they shouldn't legally have, unpacked them from their shops. Some of the weapons looked fifty years old, shotguns and the like, which raised laughs from the watching demonstrators. It was a bit disconcerting, as zero gun safety procedures being followed, and people were pointing them everywhere.

No policeman complained about this. This was a conflict the Israelis had started and every person instinctively knew his duty was to man the barricades. The continuing encroachment into the autonomous areas by Israeli troops was provocation enough.