Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Qalqilya and in Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah at night; patrols in Salfit and 1 village nr. Hebron in the morning, in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 1 village and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, 1 village each nr. Jenin and in Nablus at night. Palestinians partially destroy an unmanned checkpoint nr. Nablus in response to the confiscation of Palestinian lands and killing of Moataz Washaha on 2/27. Jewish settlers assault 2 Palestinian shepherds nr. Tuqu‘ in the Bethlehem region, causing minor injuries. (MNA 3/1; PCHR 3/6)
Two rockets fired from inside Syrian territory land on Mt. Hermon in n. Israel, according to Israeli military sources. The IDF attributes the projectiles to stray fire, but according to a senior officer cited by the Israeli media, the IDF is aware of at least 3 separate incidents where Syrian soldiers intentionally targeted Israeli targets. (HA 3/5)
Iranian pres. Hassan Ruhani tells his country’s defense officials that the decision not to pursue nuclear weapons is a question of principle, not just international treaties. Ruhani is reiterating a policy 1st set in 2005 by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei banning nuclear weapons. (AP 3/1)
Egypt’s new interim govt. is sworn in. It is the 6th govt. since former pres. Husni Mubarak resigned his position in reaction to the popular uprising in 2011. The priorities of the new cabinet are preparations for the presidential and parliamentary elections, and dealing with the urgent problems facing security and provision of basic services. (AP, REU 3/1)