For the 5th consecutive Friday, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at protests against U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Bil‘in near Ramallah, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Hebron, and patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. (MNA, WAFA 1/5; PCHR 1/11)
Axios reports that the U.S. has frozen $125 million in aid to UNRWA, following U.S. pres. Trump’s threats to condition support for the agency on Palestinians’ participation in his peace initiative. The sum comprises one third of annual U.S. support for the agency, and it was set to be delivered on 1/1. A State Dept. official later denies the story. “Just because they were expecting the money on the 1st, and they did not get it at that time, does not mean it was suspended or canceled. Deliberations are ongoing, and we have until mid-January to make a final decision.” (AX, FP, TOI 1/5; JP, REU, TOI 1/6)