In the West Bank, IDF troops opens fire on protesters outside Ofer detention center nr. Ramallah, injuring 13 Palestinians, 7 with live ammunition and 5 with rubber-coated metal bullets. The demonstration was called to protest Israel’s refusal to release a 4th group of prisoners and approximately 500 participated. IDF troops also clash with stone-throwing protesters in Silwad village nr. Ramallah, wounding 2 with live ammunition. The IDF patrols in Hebron and 2 villages nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in Hebron and 7 nearby villages, and 1 village each nr. Jericho and Ramallah at night. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara). There are no serious injuries.Jewish settlers destroy more than 300 grape vines in al-Khadir nr. Bethlehem while separately,settlers attack and wound 1 Palestinian farmer nr. Nablus. (MNA 4/4; PCHR 4/10)
U.S. Secy. of State Kerry says that the U.S. is evaluating its role in the peace process, telling reporters during a visit to Morocco that it is “reality check time,” and that “this is not an open-ended effort.” Unnamed officials speaking to U.S. media say that Pres. Obama believes that Kerry’s efforts may be “reaching [their] limit.” Kerry’s remarks are subsequently clarified by State Dept. dep. spokesperson Marie Harf, who tells reporters that “there are limits to the amount of time and effort the U.S. can spend if the parties themselves are unwilling to take constructive steps.” In Jerusalem, U.S. Special Envoy Indyk meets with Palestinian chief negotiator Erakat. Erakat tells journalists that if Israel releases the prisoners as agreed, the Palestinians will not join dozens more conventions that are available to them. “The focus,” Erekat says, is not to “undermine the American efforts.” Separately, Indyk also meets in Jerusalem with Israeli chief negotiator Livni. (AFP, AP, HA, REU, YA 4/4)