Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on a number of Palestinian boats sailing in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade. Meanwhile, IDF troops stationed along the border fence violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering near Jabaliya refugee camp to cheer on the boats and to continue the Great March of Return; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 90 are injured. The killing brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 159. Separately, Israeli firefighters put out 9 small fires in southern Israel that were reportedly sparked by incendiary balloons and kites flown from Gaza. In East Jerusalem, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif to commemorate Sukkot. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in the Old City and al-Tur. In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, TOI, YA 9/24; MNA 9/25; PCHR 9/27)
Monday, September 24, 2018