Thursday, January 2, 2014

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces shoot a Palestinian nr. Jabaliya r.c., who the military says was part of a group damaging the border fence. He dies the next day of his injuries. Later, Palestinians fire a rocket into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, an elderly Palestinian man dies after inhaling tear gas fired by Israeli troops in Kafr Qaddum village nr. Qalqilya the previous day. The IDF conducts house searches in 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin in the morning, 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages al-‘Arub r.c. and al-Fawar r.c.s nr. Hebron at night. (MNA, REU, ToI 1/2; PCHR 1/9)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry arrives in Israel to begin a visit for talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders and ideas for a proposed framework agreement to shape a final deal. It is Kerry’s 10th such trip since taking office. Immediately upon arrival, Kerry meets with PM Netanyahu in Jerusalem, and the 2 leaders hold a joint press conference. Kerry tells reporters that both sides will “have to make tough decisions.” Netanyahu says that “there is growing doubt in Israel that the Palestinians are committed to peace.” Meanwhile, PLO Secy.-Gen. Rabbuh says that the Palestinians are not interested in a “worthless” framework agreement. (HA, JP, REU 1/2)