Saturday, July 15, 2017

Israeli forces keep Haram al-Sharif closed for a 2d day in a row, following the deadly attack in the Old City on 7/14. Islamic Waqf officials say that Israeli troops are stationed at all the sanctuary’s entrances. The atmosphere outside the sanctuary becomes increasingly tense, with intermittent confrontations and violent incidents. In nearby Silwan, Palestinians throw Molotov cocktails at Israeli forces on patrol, lightly injuring 1. In the West Bank, unidentified assailants open fire on an Israeli plated vehicle driving nr. Ramallah, lightly injuring the Palestinian driver. IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian and confiscate a car during late-night raids nr. Hebron; and patrol in and around Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, PNN, TOI, WAFA 7/15)

Following the 7/14 deadly attack at Haram al-Sharif, Israeli PM Netanyahu announces a series of security measures to be implemented at the sanctuary: metal detectors will be installed at every entrance, surveillance cameras will be installed around the perimeter, and “more security measures will be taken . . . later on.” He also says that the sanctuary will be “gradually reopened” beginning at noon on 7/16. Jordan’s King Abdullah then phones Netanyahu to stress the importance of maintaining the status quo at Haram al-Sharif. (HA, MNA, TOI 7/15; HA 7/16)