Palestinian fighters launch 3 rockets from Gaza toward Israel overnight; 2 fall short of the border and 1 lands in an open area nr. Ashqelon, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF conducts retaliatory air strikes on Hamas posts in Gaza City and nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing damage. Later in the day, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands along the border fence nr. Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, hundreds of Palestinians march through al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in mourning for the Palestinian killed in the camp on 3/17. When some mourners throw stones at an IDF post, Israeli soldiers violently disperse the demonstration; 5 Palestinians are injured. The IDF then conducts raids in the camp, detaining several Palestinians. IDF troops arrest 14 more Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Ramallah, and Bethlehem. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian’s car nr. Hebron, damaging the windshield. (JP, MNA, WAFA 3/18; PCHR 3/23)
Saturday, March 18, 2017