Published: 11/12/2019
• On December 6, 2019, the return march was renewed after a hiatus of three weeks. About 4,200 Palestinians participated. Despite the presence of Hamas security operatives, routine demonstrations of violence continued near the border (throwing IEDs and Molotov cocktails and shooting firecrackers).
• On December 7, 2019, three rockets were fired at Israel from the Gaza Strip. In response the IDF attacked Hamas targets. In the weeks since the most recent escalation there have been four rocket fire attacks in which seven rockets were fired at Israel. No organization claimed responsibility for the rocket fire, but rogue organizations were responsible and not Hamas. No casualties or damage were reported but the continued rocket fire disrupts the daily lives of the residents of southern Israel, mainly in the communities near the Gaza Strip.
• This past week a senior Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) delegation arrived in Egypt to discuss a lull arrangement. Egyptian sources reported that a long-term lull is being formulated. However, senior Hamas figure Khalil al-Haya, interviewed by various media outlets, said that the reports about a long-term understanding that would lead to ending the “resistance activities” were incorrect. He said any understanding had to be based on those reached after Operation Protective Edge, and would ease the “siege” of the Gaza Strip without tying Hamas’ hands.
• On December 9, 2019, Fatah called a general strike in the Hebron district to protest Israel’s plan to build in the city’s wholesale market. The strike, enforced by Fatah operatives, was complete and included educational institutions and businesses. In the meantime, senior Fatah and Palestinian Authority (PA) figures continue to strongly criticize the Israeli plan to build in Hebron, threatening to cancel all Palestinian agreements with Israel and the United States.
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