Monday, April 16, 2018

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct a raid in Nablus overnight, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; 5 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Nablus; and patrol in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-Tur and the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land near Jabaliya refugee camp and Khan Yunis. They also open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Dayr al-Balah and al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya late at night, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 4/16; PCHR 4/19)

The Israeli authorities shut down border crossings in and out of Gaza and the West Bank “in accordance with instructions from the government and a situations assessment by the IDF,” according to an IDF statement. The borders are set to remain closed until after Israel’s 70th anniversary celebrations are complete at midnight on 4/19. (TOI 4/16; HA, JP 4/17)