Unidentified Palestinians fire a single mortar shell from the Gaza Strip into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. It is the 1st such attack since the 8/26 open-ended cease-fire and no faction claims it. Hamas authorities reportedly arrest those responsible. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries or damage. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron and Tulkarm at night; patrols in al- ‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces arrest 22 Palestinians on charges of throwing stones and Molotov cocktails. (AFP, MNA, REU 9/16; JP 9/17; PCHR 9/18)
UN Coordinator for Middle East Peace Robert Serry announces that the UN has brokered a deal to enable reconstruction work in the Gaza Strip, satisfying Israel’s conditions that materials would not be diverted to Hamas. The agreement entails a strict, UN-enforced monitoring system, and gives the PA and the private sector lead roles in the rebuilding. (HA, REU 9/16)