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, IDF troops deploy tear gas and rubber-coated metal bullets against Palestinians in Aida r.c. during clashes, causing no serious injuries. The IDF demolishes more than 20 Palestinian-owned structures, including residential tents and animal shelters, in the n. Jordan Valley. Separately, IDF troops also demolish a car wash outside Haris village in Salfit district. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Tulkarm at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Jenin at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with Palestinian students in Abu Dis, after an IDF raid. Meanwhile, Jewish extremists vandalize 4 cars nr. Beit Shemesh inside Israel, leaving anti-Christian and “price tag” slogans on the walls of Dayr Rafat monastery. (HA, MNA, WAFA 4/1; PCHR 4/3)
The Israel Lands Authority (ILA) publishes a tender for 708 residential units in Gilo settlement, a reissuing of a tender 1st issued in 11/2013 and then 1/2014 after they closed without offers. (HA, MNA, YA 4/1)
In the wake of the ILA’s announcement of new settlement expansion and the cancelation of the prisoner release over the weekend, PA Pres. Abbas announces that he has started the process for Palestinians to seek membership in 15 UN agencies and organizations, citing Israel’s failure to release Palestinian prisoners as planned. In response to these developments, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry calls off a 2d visit in as many days. Speaking in a press conference in Brussels, Kerry urges “both sides to show restraint,” adding that Abbas had given him “his word” that he intends to negotiate until the end of 4/2014. (HA, MNA, REU, YA 4/1)