Thursday, March 22, 2018

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Sabastiyya near Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no injuries, but a small fire damages a number of trees and crops. They also patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. In 3 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 3/22; PCHR 3/29)

Hamas security forces conduct a raid on the Nuseirat refugee camp hideout of a Palestinian allegedly involved in the 3/13 attempt to assassinate PA PM Hamdallah. The suspect’s name is Anas Abu Khoussa. The raid sparks a firefight, fatally injuring the primary suspect, as well as killing 1 of his deputies and 2 Hamas fighters. Abu Khoussa dies later in the day. Reports from Gaza indicate that Abu Khoussa was linked to the PA’s General Intelligence Service. The PA then issues a statement rejecting the connection and calling the reports “flimsy.” (JP, TOI 3/22)

The United Nations (UN) submits to Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs a claim for reimbursement for the losses the UN sustained in Gaza during Israel’s assault in the summer of 2014. When news of this claim is first reported, on 3/27, Israel’s ambassador to the UN Danny Danon will call it “unacceptable.” (JP 3/27)