Anonymous Israeli and Palestinian officials say that PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas has agreed to suspend unilateral measures against Israel in UN agencies for 2–3 months to facilitate U.S. Secy. of State Kerry’s efforts to restart negotiations. At the same time, Abbas reportedly has told Kerry that Israel must present a map of the proposed future borders of a Palestinian state to prove its seriousness. (HA 4/4)
For the third consecutive day, unidentified Palestinians fire a rocket from Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Palestinians clash with IDF forces in the West Bank in continued demonstrations sparked by the death of prisoner Abuhamdieh. In Hebron, the IDF injures 21 Palestinians with rubbercoated metal bullets, and in al-Khader nr. Bethlehem, 2 Palestinians are also injured. In Bayt Laqiya nr. Ramallah, IDF soldiers violently disperse a demonstration and seriously injure 1. In addition, the IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Jericho and Tulkarm in the morning; in and around Hebron and al-‘Arub r.c.in the afternoon; and in 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. The IDF also conducts late-night house searches and arrest raids in and around Hebron and nr. Jenin at night. (JP, MNA 4/4; PCHR 4/11)
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) says it is suspending operations in the Gaza Strip after protesters storm its headquarters, following the agency’s decision on 4/1 to stop some of its cash handouts citing a funding shortfall. (REU 4/4)