Alleged stabbing incidents continue throughout the oPt and, for the 1st time this quarter, in Israel. In East Jerusalem, an Israeli civilian shoots and injures a Palestinian woman in the Old City. The Israeli police and paramedics report that she attempted to stab the Israeli man prior to the shooting, while Palestinian witnesses say she did not have a knife and that the Israeli man instigated the physical confrontation. After the incident, Israeli forces raid the woman’s home in Sur al-Bahir, and conduct late-night raids in Issawiyya and the Old City, arresting 6 Palestinians. Elsewhere, an Israeli soldier shoots and kills a Palestinian in Kiryat Gat nr. Beersheba after he allegedly attempts to stab the soldier and steal his gun. Later, a Palestinian stabs and injures an Israeli in a mall in Petah Tikva; Israeli police arrest him. Meanwhile, dozens of Palestinians gather in Jaffa, Umm al-Fahm, and Lydda to protest the Israeli occupation for the 2d day in a row. After several protesters throw stones at passing vehicles, Israeli police violently disperse them and later conduct night raids, arresting 27 Palestinians total in the 3 areas. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/7; HA, PCHR 10/8)
Across the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids and house searches and clash with Palestinian protesters, seriously wounding 1 Palestinian, injuring at least 100 others (including 2 journalists), arresting 7, and confiscating over NIS 18,500 (around $4,788). In 1 set of clashes nr. Ramallah, Israeli forces dressed as Palestinian protesters shoot and injure 2 Palestinian youths, then assault another before arresting all 3. A video of the incident goes viral and makes international headlines. Nr. Bethlehem, Palestinians attack an Israeli settler in her car, then IDF troops shoot and injure the 2 principal assailants, sparking minor clashes in the area (2 Israeli settlers are injured). Israeli settlers continue attacking and harassing Palestinians, attempting to kidnap 3 Palestinian youths nr. Hebron and shooting 2 Palestinian youths in clashes nr. Bethlehem. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/7; JP, MNA, PCHR, WAFA 10/8; PCHR 10/14)
In an interview with Palestinian media outlets, Israel’s COGAT Yoav Mordechai says that the IDF is not interested in an escalation of violence and affirms that all restrictions on access at Haram al-Sharif have been dropped now that the major Jewish holidays are over, marking the 1st time an Israeli official has directly addressed the Palestinian people since the recent escalation of violence began on 10/1. (HA, YA 10/7)