For unknown reasons, IDF troops on the n. Gaza border nr. Bayt Hanun fire at Palestinian farmers and houses, wounding a farmer who is at least 1,800 m fr. the border. (OCHA 8/25; PCHR 8/27; OCHA Humanitarian Monitor 8/09)
Israel announces a general easing of restrictions on movement of West Bank Palestinians during Ramadan (which began on 8/22), though Palestinian access to East Jerusalem is restricted to men over 50 yrs. old, women over 45, and children under 12. In the West Bank, the IDF violently beats a Palestinian who allegedly threw rocks at a checkpoint in Hebron; conducts late-night raids, house searches in and around Jenin town and r.c., arresting 3 Palestinians. Jewish settlers fr. Avraham Avino throw stones, empty bottles, garbage at nearby Palestinian houses; the IDF observes but does not intervene. Muhammad Ibrahim Abu Rahma, the deputy mayor of Bil‘in arrested by the IDF on 8/19, is released on bail under strict conditions, including that he agree not to participate in demonstrations, remain at least 6 km away fr. the separation wall every Friday, and make a 3-hr. visit to an Israeli police station every day. (PCHR 8/27, 9/3; OCHA Humanitarian Monitor 9/09)