Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries, and arrest 2 fishermen. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land close to the border fence nr. Khan Yunis. Meanwhile, an explosive device detonates on the Gaza border nr. Jabaliya in a failed attempt to target Israeli soldiers on patrol. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Bethlehem, and 1 village each nr. Hebron, Qalqilya and Salfit at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Salfit in the afternoon, and in 4 villages nr. Jenin, al-Fawar r.c. and 2 villages each nr. Hebron, Jericho, and Ramallah, and in 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Salfit and Tulkarm at night. (JP, MNA 4/24; PCHR 4/30)
Israel announces the suspension of peace talks with the PA, following an emergency meeting of PM Netanyahu’s top-level cabinet. The decision comes in response to the announcement of a Palestinian unity govt. Israel also says it intends to deploy economic sanctions against the PA. The PLO executive cmte. releases a statement in response that describes the announcement as reaffirming Netanyahu’s “lack of commitment toward a just settlement and the 2-state solution.” Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry speaks with PA Pres. Abbas on the telephone and expresses his disappointment at the reconciliation deal. According to State Dept. spokesperson Psaki, he tells Abbas that any Palestinian govt. must support the 3 principles of nonviolence, recognition of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements. Abbas promises Kerry that the govt. will represent his policies. Separately, senior Fatah official Jibril Rajub says that the agreement is based on a 2-state solution, while, Hamas dep. FM Ghazi Hamad says that the movement wants “a Palestinian state with the 1967 borders.” Hamas PM Ismail Haniyeh speaks with the Qatari and Turkish govts. to request diplomatic and financial support for reconciliation. UN special coordinator for the peace process Robert Serry says that he welcomes the unity deal, and that Abbas had promised him the agreement would proceed on the basis of PLO commitments. (MNA, REU, ToI, YA 4/24; HA 4/25)