Thursday, October 24, 2013

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. IDF troops also conduct a limited incursion nr. al-Maghazi in c. Gaza to level land, before withdrawing. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Jericho and Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in Tulkarm and 1 nearby village, and 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin and Ramallah at night. Jewish settlers attack farmers in Burin village nr. Nablus, injuring 1. In East Jerusalem, Jewish right-wing extremists escorted by Israeli police tour the al-Aqsa compound. (MNA 10/24; PCHR 10/31)

An unnamed Israeli official confirms that the govt. will press ahead with plans to build in the so-called settlement blocs and East Jerusalem, claiming that such construction is in accordance with agreements reached as talks recommended. Meanwhile, the Financial Times reports that the PA has sent letters to 50 countries urging them to clamp down on companies doing business with West Bank settlements, citing an unnamed Palestinian official. (HA, FT, REU 10/24)

The White House hosts a meeting of Senate cmte. leaders’ aides as part of a drive to get new sanctions targeting Iran delayed. At the same time, dep. national security adviser to Pres. Obama Ben Rhodes tells a conference in Washington that the U.S. will not be easing sanctions until Tehran takes “concrete steps.” (REU 10/24)

Gunmen kill an Egyptian policeman in al-Arish, while separately, an explosive device injures 2 border guards nr. Rafah. (MNA 10/24)