Sunday, February 11, 2018

In 3 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, injuring and then arresting 2 fishermen. In the West Bank, IDF troops raid an air-conditioning factory in Tulkarm, damaging some materials and causing a work stoppage. They also arrest 14 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids near Tulkarm, Hebron, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Salfit; and patrol near Hebron. A raid near Nablus sparks minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, following several reports of Palestinians throwing stones at Israeli forces and settlers, the Israeli authorities close the roads between Hizma and Issawiyya. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Abu Dis. (WAFA 2/11; WAFA 2/12; PCHR 2/15)

In an interview with Israel Hayom, U.S. pres. Trump says that he is not sure Israel and the Palestinians are interested in reaching a peace agreement. Specifically, he responded to a question about the U.S. promise to release a peace plan: “We are going to see what goes on. Right now, I would say the Palestinians are not looking to make peace, they are not looking to make peace. And I am not necessarily sure that Israel is looking to make peace. So we are just going to have to see what happens.” (HA, IHY, TOI 2/11)