Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land near Dayr al-Balah and Khan Yunis. They also open fire on Palestinian shepherds near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot, injure, and then arrest a Palestinian driver near Ramallah, allegedly when he ignores their commands to stop. The IDF arrests 19 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrols near Hebron throughout the day. (PCHR 3/1)
The Israeli authorities shut down border crossings in and out of the West Bank and Gaza ahead of the Purim holiday. As announced on 2/25, they plan to keep crossings closed until midnight on 3/3. (JP, MNA 2/27)
With the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem closed in protest for a 3d day, Israeli PM Netanyahu’s office releases a statement announcing the freeze of a recent Jerusalem Municipality program to collect taxes on church-owned property not directly used for worship as well as a new bill percolating in the Knesset that church leaders say would allow the government to take over church properties leased to private companies. Netanyahu says that he plans to appoint a “professional team” to find a resolution to the taxation issue. After the announcement, church officials say they will reopen on 2/28. (EI, REU, WAFA 2/27; HA, MNA, WAFA 2/28)