News of Terrorism and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
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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.
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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).
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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).
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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
2 1 1 1
0
0
Jan-20
Feb-20
Mar-20
Apr-20
May-20
Jun-20
Jul-20
Aug-20
Sep-20
Oct-20
Nov-20
Dec-20
Jan-21
Feb-21
Mar-21
Apr-21
May-21
Jun-21
Jul-21
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.
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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..
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9
Monthly Distribution of Rocket and Mortar Shell Fire since January
2020
3,319
400
350
300 261
250
200
122
150
100 43
15 25 15
50 1 0 1 3 3 4 4 2 3 0 1 0 0
0
Fe 0
M 20
Ap 0
M 0
Ju 0
20
Au 0
Se 0
Oc 0
No 0
De 0
Ja 0
Fe 1
M 21
1
of M a 1
W 1
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Ju "
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ua
"G 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
500 158 103 196
39 24 15 29
0
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08
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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).
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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).
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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
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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."
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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
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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).
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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
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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
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permit Lebanon's social, economic and political crisis to turn into a security threat for Israel (defense
minister's media channels, July 20, 2021).
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