Wednesday, May 8, 2019

In the West Bank, dozens of Palestinians suffered from tear gas inhalation near a school in Hebron after Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nablus and 1 Palestinian was arrested at a checkpoint near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested after a fight broke out between Palestinians and Israeli settlers. There were also reports of Israeli forces harassing Palestinians making their way out of the Haram al-Sharif compound. (WAFA, WAFA 5/8; MNA, MNA, WAFA 5/9)

All Gaza and West Bank crossings into Israel were closed except for medical and other emergencies for the 3d day in a row. Israeli authorities announced the closure on 5/6, citing Israeli celebrations of Memorial Day and Independence Day. (HA 5/6)

The PA announced that it sent 15 truckloads of medical supplies to Gaza. (WAFA 5/8)

UN humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories Jamie McGoldrick told reporters that 1,700 people in Gaza are in risk of needing amputations due to lack of funds to undertake complicated operations. He further stated that the high number was due to Israeli lethal response to the Great March of Return, where 29,000 Palestinians were wounded in 2018; 7,000 of the wounded were hit by gunshots from Israeli snipers. (HA 5/9)

In Jordan, all cabinet ministers tendered their resignations as Jordan’s King Abdullah prepares to reshuffle the government after he fired several security officials reported to be plotting against the regime. King Abdullah said that the security officials were replaced because of incompetence and some used their position for personal gain. (HA 5/8)

U.S. president Donald Trump imposed further sanctions on Iran via executive order. The U.S. move follows Iran’s announcement that it would begin to enrich uranium in 60 days if the signatories of the Iran nuclear deal did not uphold their commitments. (AJ 5/7; HA 5/8)