רמה כ ז מל ו תשר מה ו ד י ע י ן ( למ מ" ) כרמ ז מה י עד מל ו ד י ע י ן ו ל רט ו ר
News of Terrorism and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (July 14-20, 2021)
Overview
The Temple Mount, Jerusalem: On July 18, 2021, Tisha B'Av in the Jewish calendar,1 more than 1,000 Jews entered the Temple Mount, heavily secured by Israeli police. Palestinians clashed with Israeli police forces before the Temple Mount compound was opened for the Jews. The presence of Jewish worshippers ("the storming of settlers") enraged the Palestinians, who viewed it as a violation of the status quo on the Temple Mount and an Israeli provocation. Jordan, Turkey and Egypt condemned the presence of Jews on the Temple Mount, calling it a violation as al-Aqsa's historical, legal and international status, and the EU legation in the Palestinian territories also expressed concern over the event. Judea and Samaria: The Israeli security forces detained several dozen operatives from a Hamas student cell in Birzeit University who organized a visit to the recently-demolished house of Palestinian terrorist operative Muntaser Shalabi in the village of Turmus Aya. According to the Israeli security forces, some of them had been directly involved in terrorist activities. In Judea and Samaria Palestinians continued throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails at Israeli civilians, communities and vehicles on the roads. This past week rocks were also thrown at Israeli vehicles in east Jerusalem. The Gaza Strip: Mohammed al-Emadi, chairman of Qatar's National Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza, left the Gaza Strip after a visit of several days. He visited both Israel and the Gaza Strip in an effort to find a way to deliver Qatar's money to the Gaza Strip. Isma'il Haniyeh, head of Hamas' political bureau, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) leader Ziyad al-Nakhalah, congratulated the newly-elected Iranian president, Ebrahim Raisi. Raisi said the strategic connections between Iran and the Palestinian "resistance" and people were firmly established. As for the most recent round of hostilities, he said the Palestinian "victory" [sic] had turned over a new leaf in the Palestinian-Israeli confrontation, calling the "resistance" [i.e., the Palestinian terrorist organizations] strategically capable of resolving the Palestinian issue. The Palestinian Authority (PA): Contacts with the United States continue. PA Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh met with Hady Amr, deputy assistant secretary for Israeli and Palestinian
Tisha B'Av, the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av, marks the destruction of the Second Temple, of 1 which only the Western Wall ("Wailing Wall") remains. It is Judaism's holiest site., where Jews have gone to pray for hundreds of years.
118-21 2 affairs in the American State Department's Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. After the meeting Amr told UNRWA that an agreement had been reached for UNRWA-United States cooperation, and America would give UNRWA an additional $135.8 million. Coronavirus: The ministry of health in Ramallah transferred about 110,000 doses to coronavirus vaccine to the Gaza Strip. China and Egypt announced they would jointly donate 500,000 doses. Judea and Samaria
Tisha B'Av events on the Temple Mount
On July 18, 2021, Tisha B'Av in the Jewish calendar, more than 1,000 Jews entered the Temple Mount, heavily secured by Israeli police. On the eve of Tisha B'Av Hamas called on the Palestinian public to go en masse to al-Aqsa mosque to "protect and defend" it. Hamas also called for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to "keep their fingers on the trigger" (Shehab, July 16, 2021). Both Hamas and the PIJ warned Israel not to test the "firm stance of the resistance" (Filastin al-Yawm, July 16, 2021). Shortly before the Temple Mount was opened, Palestinians at the site rioted and clashed with Israeli police forces. The police entered the Temple Mount compound and dispersed the rioters.
Muslims clean the Temple Mount compound and clear the rocks thrown at the Israeli police forces during the riot (Twitter account of journalist Hassan Aslih, July 18, 2018).
Right: The Palestinian media gave extensive coverage to the entrance of Jewish visitors on the Temple Mount (Wafa, July 18, 2021). Left: The Temple Mount about to boil over (Alaa' al-Laqta's Facebook page, July 18, 2021).
118-21 3
Riots were also held in east Jerusalem. Near the Damascus Gate Palestinians threw rocks at passing vehicles. Three members of a family, including a baby, were injured and evacuated to a hospital. In the neighborhood of a-Tor Palestinians also threw rocks at Israeli vehicles. The driver of one of the vehicles was injured by flying glass (Israel Police Force spokesman's unit, July 18, 2021).
The vehicle after the attack near the Damascus Gate (United Hatzalah, July 19, 2021).
The entrance of the Jews into the Temple Mount (the so-called "storming of the settlers") enraged the Palestinians, who viewed it as a violation of the status quo and an Israeli "provocation." The Palestinian foreign ministry expressed concern over the events, as did the EU legation in the Palestinian Authority territories. Jordan, Turkey and Egypt condemned the event, which they claimed violated the historical, legal and international status of al-Aqsa mosque. The Palestinians said the following: Mahmoud Abbas' office issued a strong condemnation and warned of a "dangerous Israeli escalation as settlers stormed the open area in front of al-Aqsa mosque, protected by occupation forces, while closing the Old City to Palestinians." The office called it a "dangerous threat" to security and stability, and an attack on Palestinian sentiments. The Israeli government, according to Mahmoud Abbas' office, was responsible for the "escalation," claiming "Israeli provocations" defied the American demands to preserve the status quo in Jerusalem (Wafa, July 18, 2021). PA Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh called on the international community to put a stop to Israel's "violations", which offend Palestinian sentiments feelings, [allegedly] threaten regional and global security, peace and stability, and violate agreements in place since 1967 (Sawa, July 18, 2021). Hussein al-Sheikh, minister of civilian affairs, tweeted that the "storming" of al-Aqsa mosque had been an Israeli political decision intended to establish the "occupation's" presence, and indicated the dangerous direction the new Israeli government was taking (Wafa, July 18, 2021).
118-21 4
Mahmoud al-Habash, Mahmoud Abbas' advisor for religious matters, said Israel ("the occupier state") had no religious, historical or legal right to any part of Jerusalem or al-Aqsa mosque, and that its attempts to forcefully divide the [Temple Mount] compound would fail. He demanded that international institutions and the UN Security Council impose sanctions on Israel for the "war crimes" it committed in Jerusalem, especially its "ongoing aggression" against al-Aqsa mosque (Wafa, July 18, 2021). Hamas also reacted strongly. Muhammad Hamada, Hamas spokesman for Jerusalem affairs, said the position of Hamas was clear and that an attack on al-Aqsa mosque and [Israel's] continuing "invasions" would lead to violent reprisals from the "resistance" [i.e., the Palestinian terrorist organizations]. He called on the Palestinian people to go to Jerusalem, stand on guard in the open space in front of al-Aqsa mosque and in the alleys of the Old City, and remain mobilized in preparation for Eid al-Adha (Hamas forum, July 18, 2021). Tareq Salami, PIJ spokesman in Jerusalem, said [operation] "Sword of Jerusalem" [i.e., Operation Guardian of the Walls] would not end and the Palestinian people were prepared to defend al-Aqsa mosque and Jerusalem, regardless of the cost (Filastin al-Yawm, July 19, 2021). Palestinian reaction to a statement made by the prime minister of Israel
After the events on the Temple Mount, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett thanked the Israeli police for "preserving freedom of worship for the Jews on the Temple Mount." The statement infuriated the Muslims, and the office of the prime minister clarified the issue, saying the choice of words had been unfortunate and no change had been made in the status quo of the Temple Mount. Mahmoud Abbas rushed to issue his absolute opposition to the statement made by Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. He said it would provoke a dangerous religious struggle, for which Israel would be responsible (Wafa, July 19, 2021). Detention of Hamas operatives
The Israel security forces detained several dozen operatives of a Hamas cell in the student association at Birzeit University. They were detained in Turmus Aya, a village north of Ramallah, after they went to visit the remains of the house of Palestinian terrorist operative Muntaser Shalabi, which had been demolished by the Israeli security forces. According to the Israeli security forces some of the operatives had been directly involved in terrorist activities which included transferring funds, incitement and organizing Hamas activity in Judea and Samaria. They were taken for interrogation (IDF spokesman, July 14, 2021). Hamas condemned the detention of its Birzeit University operatives, noting they had been detained while visiting the remains of a house demolished by the Israeli security forces (Hamas website, July 15, 2021).
118-21 5
The visit was organized by the Hamas cell in the Birzeit University student association, which issued an invitation to students to participate in a visit to "the family of the hero who carried out the heroic attack at the Zaatra [Tapuah] Junction." In addition, according to the invitation, "Your presence is a national obligation" (Facebook page of the Islamic Bloc in Birzeit University, July 12, 2021).
Call to students to visit the family of Muntaser Shalabi (Facebook page of the Islamic Bloc in Birzeit University, July 12, 2021).
On July 14, 2021, a delegation of students arrived in the village of Turmus Aya. They took pictures in front of the terrorist operative's house, waved Hamas flags and hung a sign on Muntaser Shalabi's house inscribed, "The heroic prisoner, Muntaser Shalabi, who carried out the attack at the Zaatra [Tapuah] roadblock." The picture included Hamas military-terrorist operatives and the words, "Sword of Jerusalem" [i.e., Operation Guardian of the Walls]. The following day, after the students had been detained by the IDF, others arrived and had their picture taken in front of the remains of the house. They held a picture of the students who had visited the previous day (Facebook page of the Islamic Bloc in Birzeit University, July 15, 2021). Apparently Muntaser Shalabi, who holds American citizenship, and who shot and killed a young Israeli and wounded two others, is affiliated with Hamas. After the house had been demolished senior Hamas figures Khaled Mashaal and Saleh al-'Arouri called the family, and members of the Hamas cell at Birzeit University visited the village. Another indication of his Hamas affiliation is that neither PA nor Fatah representatives have come to the family's support.
118-21 6
Right: A delegation of visiting students, July 14, 2021, with green Hamas flags. Left: Islamic Bloc student activists pose in front of the house of terrorist operative Muntaser Shalabi after their comrades had been detained by the Israeli security forces. They are holding a picture of the detainees, taken at the same location on the previous day (Facebook page of the Islamic Bloc in Birzeit University, July 15, 2021). Rocks, Molotov cocktails and other events
In Judea and Samaria Palestinians continued throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails at Israeli civilians, communities and vehicles driving on the roads. The more prominent events were the following:2 July 19, 2021: A Palestinian woman armed with a knife turned herself in to the Israeli security forces at the Ariel Junction. Procedures for the detention of a suspect were carried out, including firing shots into the air. No casualties were reported. July 19, 2021: The Israeli security forces confiscated weapons and ammunition in the village of Yatta (south of Hebron). Seized were two M-16 assault rifles, ammunition magazines and a large quantity of bullets (Israel Police Force spokesman's unit, July 19, 2021). Several Palestinians suspected of possessing and using illegal weapons were also detained.
Confiscated weapons and ammunition (Israel Police Force spokesman's unit, July 19, 2021).
July 18, 2021: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli vehicle southwest of Nablus. No casualties were reported. The vehicle was damaged.
All information and reports are from Rescue Without Borders in Judea and Samaria unless otherwise 2 noted.
118-21 7
July 18, 2021: Ten Molotov cocktails were thrown at Israeli vehicles southwest of Bethlehem. No casualties or damage were reported. July 15, 2021: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli vehicle northwest of Ariel. No casualties were reported. The vehicle was damaged. July 14, 2021: During an Israeli security forces activity in the Silwan neighborhood of east Jerusalem several masked Palestinian terrorists threw Molotov cocktails and shot fireworks at an Israeli vehicle. Two Palestinians were detained for interrogation (Israel Police Force spokesman's unit, July 14, 2021). July 14, 2021: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli bus east of Jerusalem. The bus driver was injured by flying glass and evacuated to a hospital. July 14, 2021: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli vehicle in a drive-by attack in east Jerusalem. Police forces at the site reported two people injured. July 13, 2021: Rocks and three Molotov cocktails were thrown at an IDF post west of Hebron. No casualties or damage were reported. Significant Terrorist Attacks in Judea and Samaria since January 20203
20 18 16 14 14
12 10 7 8 6 6 6 6 4 4 3 3 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 0 0 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 ------Jul Jul Jan Jan Jun Jun Oct Feb Apr Feb Apr Sep Dec Aug Nov Mar Mar
May May Eid al-Adha
Before the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha (the Feast of the Sacrifice) began on July 20, 2021, the social networks were inundated with calls for Muslims to pray at al-Aqsa mosque. On the first day about 100,000 Muslims came to the mosque. Hamas flags were carried and Palestinians shouted, "We will sacrifice our lives for al-Aqsa mosque." They also shouted their support for Muhammad Deif, the
3A significant attack is defined by the ITIC as involving shooting, stabbing, a vehicular attack, the use of IEDs, or a combination of the above. Stones and Molotov cocktails thrown by Palestinians are not included.
118-21 8 commander of Hamas' military-terrorist wing, and hung a large Hamas banner with slogans such as "We are the men of Muhammad Deif" and "The sword of Jerusalem will liberate the prisoners" (QudsN Facebook page, July 20, 2021).
Right: More than 100,000 Muslim worshippers gather on the Temple Mount for the Eid al-Adha prayer (Twitter account of journalist Hassan Aslih, July 20, 2021). Left: Hamas flag on the Temple Mount (al-Qastel Facebook page, July 20, 2021
Banner in support of Hamas and Muhammad Deif hung on the Temple Mount (QudsN Facebook page, July 20, 2021). Israel's South
Rocket and mortar shell fire into Israel
Since the ceasefire ending Operation Guardian of the Walls went into effect on May 22, 2021, no rocket or mortar shell hits have been identified in Israeli territory..
118-21 9
Monthly Distribution of Rocket and Mortar Shell Fire since January 2020
3,319 400 350 300 261 250 200 122 150 100 25 43 50 15 1 0 1 3 3 15 4 4 2 3 0 1 0 0 0
-20 -20 -20 -20 -20 -20 -20 -20 -20 -20 -20 -20 -21 -21 -21 -21 -21 -21 -21 Jan Jul Jan Jul Feb Mar Apr May Jun Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Feb Mar Apr May Jun
"Guardian of the Walls"
Annual Distribution of Rocket Hits
4000 3,852
3500 3319
3000
2500
2000 1,403 1500 1,159 1,119 974 925 1000 783 787 845
375 373 308 500 158 196 103 39 24 15 29 0
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Operation "Cast Lead" Operation "Eitan Cliff" Operation "Cloud Pillar" "Guardian of the Walls" Attempted Palestinian infiltration into Israeli territory
On July 15, 2021, IDF fighters detained two Palestinians who tried to cross the border security fence in the southern Gaza Strip and enter Israeli territory. They were unarmed and taken for interrogation (IDF spokesman, July 15, 2021).
118-21 10
Developments in the Gaza Strip
Foreign aid for the Gaza Strip
A delegation from the EU arrived in the Gaza Strip to examine the situation in general after the most recent round of hostilities, and the rebuilding and humanitarian situation in particular (al-Quds, July 13, 2021). The Jordan Hashemite Charity Association sent a humanitarian aid convoy to the Gaza Strip in coordination with the Jordan army. It consisted of sixteen trucks containing medicines and medical equipment, food and humanitarian equipment (Amun, July 15, 2021). The civil defense administration in Gaza took possession of a firetruck donated by the UAE, sent with the aid of and in coordination with Muhammad Dahlan. The firetruck will help extract the wounded and extinguish fires in multi-story buildings. It was the first time in 20 years a firetruck was delivered to the Gaza Strip (ministry of the interior in Gaza Facebook page, July 19, 2021).
Taking possession of the firetruck (ministry of the interior in Gaza Facebook page, July 19, 2021). The money from Qatar
On July 16, 2021, Mohammed al-Emadi, chairman of Qatar's National Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza, left the Gaza Strip after a visit of several days. While in Gaza he met with the Hamas leadership, including Yahya al-Sinwar, head of the Hamas political bureau in the Gaza Strip. His visit was part of a series of visits to Israel and the Palestinians to find a way of resolving the delivery of the money from Qatar to the Gaza Strip (Sawa, July 16, 2021). Senior PIJ figure Muhammad al-Hindi said he rejected the possibility of another round of military hostilities in the Gaza Strip, stating the situation in Israel made it impossible. He claimed Israel was now weighing its steps carefully regarding the Palestinian organizations. No one, he said, wanted another military confrontation, but in the final analysis Israel would have to find a way to deliver the money from Qatar to the Gaza Strip, and in this case the PA's position would not be important (Paltoday, July 17, 2018).
118-21 11
The lull agreements
The Ma'an news agency reported that in light of the recent measures instituted by Israel to ease the delivery of goods through the crossings, the possibility of escalation had diminished. According to Egyptian sources the Israeli security delegation which recently visited Egypt was angry because Egypt was not exerting sufficient pressure on Hamas and the other terrorist organizations for a prisoner exchange deal. According to the report, Israel rejects Hamas' demand for the release of prisoners convicted by Israel of involvement in the murder of Israeli soldiers and civilians (al-Araby al-Jadeed, July 17, 2021). Relations with Iran
Isma'il Haniyeh, head of Hamas' political bureau, spoke on the phone with Ebrahim Raisi, the newly-elected president of Iran, and congratulated him on his election. Haniyeh noted the close relations between Hamas and Iran, and told Raisi about the results of Operation "Sword of Jerusalem," i.e., Operation Guardian of the Wall, and the "victory of the resistance." He also thanked Iran for its support of the Palestinians. Raisi thanked Haniyeh and said the strategic ties between Iran and the Palestinian "resistance" and people were firmly established. As for the most recent round of hostilities, he said the Palestinian victory had turned over a new leaf in the confrontation with Israel, and the "resistance" was now a strategic possibility for resolving the Palestinian issue (Filastin al-Yawm, July 13, 2021). PIJ leader Ziyad al-Nakhalah also spoke with Raisi and congratulated him on winning the presidential election (al-Mayadeen, July 13, 2021). Shehab's Facebook page removed
The Facebook page of the Hamas-affiliated Shehab news agency was removed by the platform's administration because its reports "violated community standards." According to Facebook, it had already been explained to the Shehab team that they would not be allowed to support groups, leaders or individuals involved in violence. The Palestinian websites criticized the measures taken by Facebook. Hisham Qassem, head of Hamas' media department abroad, condemned what he called Facebook's "double standard" regarding Palestinian content while allowing the presence of Israeli pages [allegedly] calling for racism and hatred. Hamas spokesman Abd al-Latif al-Qanua claimed it was a serious violation of freedom of expression, adding that Facebook's decision was identical to Israel's failed attempts to silence the voice of the Palestinian people (Shehab, July 13, 2021). The Palestinian Authority (PA)
PA-United States relations
On July 13, 2021, PA Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh met in Ramallah with Hady Amr, deputy assistant secretary for Israeli and Palestinian affairs in the American State Department's Bureau of
118-21 12
Near Eastern Affairs. According to reports, they focused on strengthening the ties between the PA and the United States, Palestinian demands of Israel and rebuilding the Gaza Strip. Shtayyeh stressed the need for building trust before a serious political process could begin, including asking Israel to allow voting in east Jerusalem so that the PA could declare a new date for holding elections. He also raised the issues of Israel's deducting funds from the tax revenues collected for the PA, the passage of the law proposed by Defense Minister Benny Gantz for freezing the funds the PA transfers to the families of terrorists,4 and the sharp decrease in the foreign aid the United States gives the PA. Amr said the American administration was looking for ways to improve the lives of the Palestinians and strengthening joint action with the PA (Wafa, July 13, 2021). UNRWA announced that during Amr's visit an agreement had been signed for UNRWA-United States cooperation, which included an additional American donation of $135.8 million to complement the $150 million already given the agency by the Biden administration in April 2021, and $33 million in May 2021 after Operation Guardian of the Walls (UNRWA website, July 17, 2021). Note: Aid for UNRWA was halted under Trump and reinstated by Biden. Online meeting of the countries belonging to the Non-Aligned Movement
Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki gave a speech during an online meeting of the non- aligned countries. He claimed the international community had failed to take responsibility and force Israel to obey international humanitarian law. He condemned the [alleged] "crimes of Israel," especially in Jerusalem, and stressed the importance of a peaceful political solution. He also called for a united effort to make Israel take "responsibility" for its ongoing "crimes" against the Palestinian people (Wafa, July 14, 2021). Mahmoud Abbas meets with the chairman of the Palestinian monetary authority
Mahmoud Abbas met in his office in Ramallah with Firas Milhem, the chairman of the Palestinian monetary authority, and his deputy, Muhammad Manasra. Milhem gave Mahmoud Abbas the annual monetary authority report for 2020. He noted the main points of the report and the programs proposed to strengthen and improve the Palestinian banking system. Mahmoud Abbas praised the activity and achievements of the Palestinian monetary authority, especially under the shadow of the coronavirus outbreak (Mahmoud Abbas' Facebook page, July 15, 2021).
For further information, see the July 20, 2021, bulletin, " The Palestinian Authority (PA) found a 4 creative way to continue transferring monthly payments to Palestinian terrorist prisoners, the wounded and the families of shaheeds."
118-21 13
Mahmoud Abbas and Firas Milhem (Mahmoud Abbas' Facebook page, July 15, 2021). Mahmoud Abbas meets with families from east Jerusalem
Mahmoud Abbas met in Ramallah with a delegation of families from Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan who had received eviction notices. Also present at the meeting were senior Fatah figure Mahmoud al-'Alul and Fadi al-Hidmi, Palestinian minister of Jerusalem affairs. Mahmoud Abbas told the families he objected to Israel's "policy of eviction" and claimed the matter was his top priority in his meetings, telephone conversations and the communiqués he sent to world leaders. He said he would not permit the eviction of Palestinian families from their houses and the PA would support them with every means at its disposal (Mahmoud Abbas' Facebook page, July 14, 2021).
Mahmoud Abbas meets with a delegation of residents from Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan (Mahmoud Abbas' Facebook page, July 14, 2021). Palestinian reaction to the opening of the UAE embassy in Israel
On July 14, 2021, Israeli President Isaac Herzog and the UAE ambassador to Israel formally opened the UAE embassy in Israel with a festive ceremony, leading to condemnation from Palestinians who claimed it expressed solidarity with the [alleged Israeli] attack on the Palestinian people and their history. The Palestinians claimed states which have normalized relations with Israel are partners in the occupation (Filastin al-Yawm, July 14, 2021). Hamas said opening the embassy was a serious attack on the Palestinian people and the other regional nations opposing normalization with Israel. According to Hamas, opening the embassy encouraged Israel to continue its [alleged] "crimes" and the
118-21 14 situation had to be stopped from deteriorating (Hamas website, July 14, 2021). PIJ spokesman Tareq Salami called normalization with Israel "treason and a crime" (Filastin al-Yawm, July 14, 2021). Investigation into the death of Nizar Banat
Regarding the al-Haq investigation into the circumstances of the death of political activist Nizar Banat, after having been detained by the Palestinian security forces, al-Haq director Shaawan Jabarin said so far the PA and its security forces had refused to cooperate with the independent legal committee investigating the issue established by al-Haq and the human rights authority. He said the committee would publish its findings in the coming days, adding that if the guilty parties were not brought to trial, al-Haq would appeal to the International Criminal Court. He said by ignoring international laws and conventions the PA would cause the UN and international institutions to relate to it as an "occupied state " (Felesteen, July 15, 2021). On July 17, 2021, a protest demonstration was held in the center of Ramallah. Demonstrators shouted their condemnation of the PA's security coordination with Israel and waved signs calling for Mahmoud Abbas' immediate resignation and PA elections (Palinfo Twitter account, July 17, 2021).
Right: Demonstrators in the center of Ramallah. Left: Sign calling for Mahmoud Abbas to resign (Palinfo Twitter account, July 17, 2021). EU solidarity and support with the Palestinians in Area C
The PA's Wafa news agency published pictures of a visit held by EU ambassadors and consuls to show their solidarity with the residents of Khirbet Humsah al-Foqa in the Tubas region of the northeastern Jordan Valley5 (Wafa, July 19, 2018).
On overview 4, 2020, the Israeli civilian administration demolished tents and shacks where 11 5 Palestinian families lived in Khirbet Humsah al-Foqa, in the northeastern Jordan Valley (Area C).
118-21 15
EU ambassadors and consuls show their solidarity with Khirbet Humsah al-Foqa (Wafa, July 19, 2021). Cancellation of Barcelona-Beitar Jerusalem friendship game
The Barcelona football6 team announcement it would not hold its friendship game against Beitar in Jerusalem; in response the owners of the Beitar Jerusalem team cancelled the match. Jibril Rajoub, a member of Fatah's Central Committee and chairman of the Palestinian football association, expressed satisfaction in an interview, saying he viewed the cancellation as a Palestinian achievement. He called Beitar Jerusalem "a racist fascist team," noting the Palestinians had invested considerable effort in cancelling the match. He said he had sent a communiqué to the president of the Barcelona team complaining that the stadium where the game was supposed to have been held had been built on a Muslim cemetery (Jibril Rajoub's Facebook page, July 19, 2021).
Jibril Rajoub interviewed by Palestinian TV (Jibril Rajoub's Facebook page, July 19, 2021). Left: Cartoon commenting on the cancelation of the game (Alaa' al-Laqta's Facebook page, July 16, 2021).
I.e., soccer6
118-21 16
The Coronavirus
Delivering vaccines to the Gaza Strip
Mai al-Kayla, PA minister of health, announced that 110,000 doses of the Sputnik V and Pfizer vaccines were sent from Ramallah to the vaccination center in the Gaza Strip (Wafa, July 14, 2021). The Chinese legation in Austria reported that China and Egypt would jointly donate half a million doses of the vaccine to the Gaza Strip (Twitter account of the Chinese legation in Vienna, July 19, 2021).
Sputnik V vaccines delivered to the Gaza Strip from Ramallah (ministry of health in Ramallah Facebook page, July 14, 2021).
As of July 17, 2021, 226,300 doses of the vaccine have been delivered to the Gaza Strip and 97,151 Gazans have been vaccinated (Filastin al-Yawm, July 17, 2021).
Israel's North
Before dawn on July 20, 2021, two rockets were fired from Lebanon into Israeli territory. One was intercepted by the Iron Dome aerial defense system and the other fell in an open area. No casualties or damage were reported. The IDF responded with artillery fire targeting south Lebanon. According to the IDF spokesman, so far it is unknown who fired the rockets (IDF spokesman, July 20, 2021). The rockets were fired a few hours before Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett was supposed to visit Israel's north. UNIFIL forces reported that their systems tracked the launches from the region of Qleileh in southwest Lebanon. UNIFIL said they were in contact with both sides to prevent escalation. The Lebanese army announced the finding of a 122mm rocket and three rocket launchers in the Qleileh region (UNIFIL website and al-Jazeera TV, July 20, 2021). In response to the rocket fire Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Israel would not allow attacks on its sovereignty or security and anyone who tried would pay the price. Defense Minister Benny Gantz said Lebanon was responsible, because it allowed terrorist attacks against Israel to be carried out from its territory. He said Israel would respond to any attack on its sovereignty in accordance with its own interests at the relevant time and place. He added that Israel would not
118-21 17 permit Lebanon's social, economic and political crisis to turn into a security threat for Israel (defense minister's media channels, July 20, 2021).
118-21