Israel releases 26 Palestinian prisoners, prompting celebrations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, Jerusalem municipality approves 942 settlement units for Gilo. (AFP, AP 8/13)
In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 2 rockets with one falling within the territory and the other landing in s. Israel but causing no damage or injuries. In response, the IDF launches an air strike at night, with no reported injuries or damage. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, injuring 3. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 villages nr. Nablus, and 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night. (JP, PNN 8/13; PCHR 8/15)
Israel releases 26 Palestinian prisoners, prompting celebrations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, including fireworks and small rallies. Eleven of those released are welcomed by Pres. Abbas in his presidential compound in Ramallah, while 15 were released directly to the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, the Jerusalem municipality approves 942 settlement units for Gilo. (AFP, AP 8/13)
Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas asks caretaker PM Rami Hamdallah to form a new govt., a task he has 5 weeks to complete. (MNA 8/13)
An Iron Dome anti-missile battery successfully intercepts a rocket launched from the Sinai apparently targeting Eilat. (HA 8/13)