Proximity talks begin with 1 day of Mitchell shuttling between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators, securing Israeli and Palestinian pledges to refrain from actions that hinder peace as talks move forward and starting discussion on more substantive issues. Late in the day, he returns to Washington, praising the positive atmosphere of the first day of talks. From Washington, the U.S. warns that “if either takes significant actions during the proximity talks that we judge would seriously undermine trust, we will respond to hold them accountable and ensure that negotations continue.” (CSM, IFM 5/9; HA, NYT, WP 5/10)
The IDF carries out 2 air strikes on 2 smuggling tunnels on the Rafah border in retaliation for rocket fire on 5/8, causing no injuries. IDF troops on the n. Gaza border nr. Bayt Lahiya fire on Palestinian farmers working their land 500 m fr. the border fence, forcing them to leave but causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts a late-night raid on a Palestinian home nr. Bethlehem, demanding that 1 resident turn himself in for interrogation. At least 1 Jewish settler fr. Gil’ad nr. Qalqilya sets fire to 3 d. of nearby Palestinian crop land. (IDF 5/10; OCHA, PCHR 5/13)