In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on stone-collectors close to the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun, wounding 2. Separately, IDF troops fire a shell in the Juhur al-Dik area, causing no injuries. Off the coast 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 2 villages nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers assault a Palestinian farmer in al-Khadir nr. Bethlehem. (MNA, WAFA 4/15; PCHR 4/17)
Israeli PM Netanyahu condemns the killing of an Israeli driving nr. Hebron the previous night, and blames the PA for “incitement.” U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Psaki also condemns the attack and urges “all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any action that would raise tensions.” Hamas PM Ismail Haniyeh, speaking in Gaza City, praises the shooting attack as bringing “back life to the path of resistance.” Meanwhile, Israeli and Palestinian negotiators meet again, without U.S. Special Envoy Indyk. (AFP, AP 4/15; JP 4/16)