Wednesday, September 4, 2019

In the West Bank, Israeli authorities issued 3 military orders to seize Palestinian-owned land for settlement expansion in Bayt Jala, Tuqu‘, and Rashidiyya. Israeli forces closed down Palestinian stores and schools in Hebron in anticipation of a visit by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Zawata; tear-gas related injuries were reported. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Nablus. Israeli settlers raided Madama village, burning herbs and damaging olive trees. The raid led to clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces; 1 Palestinian was injured by a tear gas canister to his head and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/4; PCHR, WAFA 9/5)

Prime Minister Netanyahu visited Hebron, declaring that Israeli settlement in Hebron is a victory for Israel in light of the “horrible massacre 90 years ago.” Netanyahu’s visit was condemned by the PA spokesperson calling the visit a dangerous escalation. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/4)