Saturday, February 16, 2019

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis to throw stones, chant slogans, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations; there are no serious injuries reported. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian and issue 3 arrest summons during late-night raids near Bethlehem and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm and Qalqilya. In northern Israel, a Palestinian demolishes his own warehouse in Umm al-Fahm in order to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (MNA, MNA 2/16; MNA 2/17; PCHR 2/21)