In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on farmers working on agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no casualties. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Qalqilya and Salfit at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, in 3 villages nr. Qalqilya and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in Salfit, al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night. (PCHR 12/12)
Dutch PM Mark Rutte cancels a ceremony intended to inaugurate a new container scanner donated by his govt. for Israel’s border with the Gaza Strip due to the Israeli authorities’ opposition to using the machine for resuming exports from Gaza to the West Bank. Meanwhile, the WHO releases a statement expressing concern over a humanitarian health crisis in the Gaza Strip due to a shortage in basic supplies. Over 30% of medicines and 50% of medical disposables are out of stock in Gaza. Also, the large generators used to power hospitals during 14-hour power cuts have frequent breakdowns. (HA, MNA 12/8)
UN inspectors have begun their visit to the Arak heavy water production plant. Meanwhile, Pres. Ruhani tells parliament that the success of the talks has already boosted the country’s economy, though he gives no specific figures. (AP 12/8)