Friday, January 18, 2013

Islamic Jihad military wing al-Quds Brigades warns that it will respond if Israel continues to violate the post-Operation Pillar of Defense cease-fire agreement. Spokesperson Abu Ahmad says that the group is giving Egypt a chance to maintain the terms of the truce. (MNA 1/18)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians close to the border fence nr. Jabalya, wounding 1, and in a similar incident, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians close to the border fence nr. Bayt Lahiya, injuring 1. The IDF also opens fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF fatally shoots a Palestinian teenager in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem during clashes in the camp. The IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Jericho and Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night. Israeli soldiers attack the weekly nonviolent demonstrations held by Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, al-Nabi Salih, Budrus), 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), and 1 village nr. Hebron (Susia). In total, 3 Palestinians in Budrus and 2 in Kafr Qaddum are wounded by rubber-coated steel bullets. In addition, Palestinian activists establish a new tent protest village nr. Bayt Iksa close to Jerusalem, calling it al-Karamah (‘‘Dignity’’). Around 400 Palestinians perform Friday prayers in the open area. (MNA 1/18; PCHR 1/23)