In the West Bank, the number of Palestinians infected with the COVID-19 virus rose to 31 confirmed cases. Israeli settlers visited an archeological site in Sabastiyya despite the PA closing tourist sites and banning gatherings. Elsewhere, in ‘Ayn Bus, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian-owned homes, broke windows, and vandalized a car. Israeli forces demolished 2 Palestinian-owned houses and 2 animal barns near Bethlehem, displacing 8 people. Israeli forces arrested 12 Palestinians during raids in and around Bethlehem, Huwwara, Nablus, Tubas, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested by Israeli forces. In Gaza, the fire that broke out in a bakery on 3/5 claimed another life, raising the death toll to 16. Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA , WAFA, WAFA 3/12; PCHR 3/19)
Thursday, March 12, 2020