In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 1 rocket into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Subsequently, the Israeli air force conducts air strikes on the Gaza Strip, hitting 5 targets, with Hamas officials identifying hits on Saraya al-Qassam Brigades training sites. There is also damage to agricultural lands and greenhouses, but no injuries. In addition, IDF troops fire on open land nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries, and also shoot at Palestinian fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and in 1 village nr. Nablus at night; patrols in Hebron and 1 nearby village and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in al-’Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Nablus at night. (AFP, HA 4/5; PCHR 4/10)
EU foreign affairs chief Ashton says that European FMs“support the efforts of U.S. Secy. of State Kerry,” in comments following a 2-day meeting in Athens mainly focused on the Ukraine crisis. Meanwhile, Israeli chief negotiator Livni says that the U.S. should change the nature of its “involvement” to be more “facilitators of bilateral negotiations,” as opposed to meeting separately with the 2 sides. (AFP, REU 4/5)