News of Terrorism and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (March 30 – April 5, 2022)

Stabbing attack in Gush Etzion

• At around 09:10 on March 31, 2022, a Palestinian terrorist carried out a stabbing attack in a bus near Naveh Daniel in Gush Etzion. He got on a bus armed with a screw driver and used it to stab one of the passengers. An armed civilian shot and killed him. The passenger, who was critically wounded, was evacuated to a hospital (IDF spokesman, March 31, 2022).

•   According to the Palestinian media, the terrorist who carried out the attack was Nidal Juma’ Jafara, 30, from the village of Turmus Aya, west of Hebron (al-Hayat al-Jadeeda, March 31, 2022). After the attack Israeli security forces carried out activities in the village, where about 50 Palestinians gathered and threw rocks at them (IDF spokesman, March 31, 2022).

   
Right: Nidal Jafara. Left: The scene of the stabbing attack in Gush Etzion
(Arabs48 website, March 31, 2022).

Counterterrorism activities

• In response to terrorist attack in Bnei Brak on March 29, 2022,^[1] Israeli security forces operated throughout Judea and Samaria to prevent terrorist activities and detain terrorist operatives. Five Palestinians were killed, three of them operatives of a terrorist squad with ties to the PIJ, while they were en route to carry out an attack. The fourth squad operative was detained the following day. According to Israeli Chief of Staff General Aviv Kokhavi, the Israeli security force operation prevented at least ten showcase terrorist attacks planned for Israeli territory (Haaretz, April 5, 2022). Despite the resulting tension, Defense Minister Benny Gantz said no restrictions would be placed on the movement of Palestinians for the time being.
• On April 3, 2022, the Israeli security forces detained a suspect on Israel’s toll road (a major north-south transportation artery) near the center of the country. The suspect, who was in Israel illegally, was apparently planning a terrorist attack, and was taken for interrogation (Israel Police Force spokesman’s unit, April 3, 2022).
•  On March 31, 2022, Israeli police forces instituted a search for weapons at a number of locations in the village of Salem, near Jenin. They seized an M-16 assault rifle, two hand guns, magazines and various types of ammunition, all of which had been hidden in houses in the village. Four local residents were detained for interrogation (Israel Police Force spokesman’s unit, March 31, 2022).

• In response to the tense security situation and the activities of the Israeli security forces, at the weekly government meeting PA Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh claimed that Israel regarded every Palestinian who was situated on his own land and who “defended his property” as a ticking bomb. He said Israel’s actions were very dangerous because Israelis could carry weapons and shoot Palestinians even if they were only suspicious of them (Wafa, April 4, 2022).

Rocks, Molotov cocktails and other events

• In Judea and Samaria Palestinians continued throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails at Israeli vehicles driving on the roads, IDF posts and the Israeli communities. The more prominent events were the following:^[2]
  • April 5, 2022: Shots were fired at a security vehicle in the settlement of Avnei Hefetz, southeast of Tulkarm. Israeli security forces arrived at the site. No casualties were reported (Samaria regional council spokesman’s unit, April 4, 2022).
  • April 4, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli vehicle north of Shiloh, northeast of Ramallah. No casualties were reported; the vehicle was damaged.
  • April 4, 2022: Rocks were thrown from a passing car at an Israeli vehicle at a traffic circle northwest of Ramallah. No casualties were reported; the vehicle was damaged.
  • April 4, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli vehicle on the Abud bypass road, northwest of Ramallah. No casualties were reported; the vehicle was damaged.
  • April 4, 2022: Two Molotov cocktails were thrown at an IDF force near Ofra, northeast of Ramallah. No casualties were reported.
  • April 4, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli bus northeast of Hebron. No casualties were reported; the bus was damaged.
  • April 3, 2022: Rocks were thrown at Israeli vehicles near al-Mugheir, northeast of Ramallah. No casualties were reported; the vehicles were damaged.
  • April 3, 2022: Rocks were thrown from a passing car at an Israeli vehicle near the Barkan industrial zone, southeast of Qalqilya. No casualties were reported; the vehicle was damaged.
  • April 2, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli bus east of Beit Hagai in Hebron. No casualties were reported; the bus was damaged.
  • April 2, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli vehicle near Bayt Ummar, north of Hebron. No casualties were reported; the vehicle was damaged.
  • April 2, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli vehicle near the Bayt Einun Junction, northeast of Hebron. No casualties were reported; the vehicle was damaged.
  • April 2, 2022: Rocks were thrown at Israeli vehicles between the settlements of Homesh and Shavei Shomron, northwest of Nablus. No casualties were reported; the vehicles were damaged.
  • April 1, 2022: Rocks were thrown at Israeli vehicles in Funduq, east of Qalqilya. No casualties were reported; the vehicles were damaged.
  • April 1, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli vehicle in Hawwara. No casualties or damage were reported.
  • March 31, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli bus on the Husan bypass road, west of Bethlehem. No casualties were reported.
  • March 31, 2022: Rocks were thrown at Israeli vehicles, including a bus, in Tekoa, southeast of Bethlehem. No casualties were reported; the vehicles were damaged.
  • March 31, 2022: Rocks were thrown at Israeli vehicles between Azun and the Ma’aleh Shomron Junction, east of Qalqilya. No casualties were reported; the vehicles were damaged.
  • March 31, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli vehicle near Anata, northeast of Jerusalem. No casualties were reported; the vehicle was damaged.
  • March 31, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli vehicle between the settlements of Migdalim and Tapuah, southeast of Nablus. One Israeli was wounded.
  • March 31, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli vehicle and bus near Hebron. No casualties were reported; the vehicles were damaged.
  • March 31, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli vehicle in Taqua, southeast of Bethlehem. No casualties were reported; the windshield of the vehicle was damaged.
  • March 30, 2022: Molotov cocktails were thrown at an Israeli vehicle near the al-Khader Junction, west of Bethlehem. No casualties were reported; the vehicle was damaged.
  • March 30, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli vehicle near Turmus Aya, northeast of Ramallah. No casualties were reported; the windshield of the vehicle was damaged.

Significant Terrorist Attacks in Judea and Samaria since January 2020^[3]

The Friday prayers on the Temple Mount

• On Friday, April 1, 2022, Ramadan eve, tens of thousands of Muslims went to al-Aqsa mosque for the Friday prayers (about 30,000, according to waqf estimations). Reinforced Israeli police forces deployed throughout the Old City and around al-Aqsa. No special events were reported (Israeli media, April 1, 2022).
• Despite the tension, every day Israel allows Muslim worshippers onto the Temple Mount, and pictures are published in the Palestinian media. They also publish pictures of Israelis who visit the Temple Mount during Ramadan (Shehab Twitter account, April 4, 2022).

   
Muslims pray on the Temple Mount (Palinfo Twitter account, April 1, 2022).

Clashes and riots

• On Friday, April 1, 2022, there were clashes and riots throughout Judea and Samaria between Palestinians and Israeli security forces in locations which included Nablus, Qalqilya and Hebron. The Palestinian Red Crescent claimed it had treated about 200 people who had either inhaled teargas or been shot with rubber bullets. One Palestinian was shot to death in Hebron. The IDF investigation found he had thrown a Molotov cocktail at IDF fighters, who responded with gunfire (Israeli media, April 1, 2022).
• The ministry of health in Ramallah reported the Palestinian who had been killed by Israeli fire was Ahmed Yunis Sidqi al-Atrash, 29, from Hebron. He was a released prisoner and a Hamas operative who had spent nine years in an Israeli jail. His uncle, Akram al-Atrash, was head of Hamas’ military-terrorist wing and was killed by the IDF in 2002. Ahmed al-Atrash’ funeral was held in Hebron, and his body was wrapped for burial in the Hamas flag. Many people who attended the funeral were waving Hamas flags (Ma’an, April 1, 2022). Hamas issued a mourning notice for the “death of its shaheed”, Ahmed Yunis al-Atrash (Palinfo Twitter account, April 1, 2022).
• The Palestinian media called al-Atrash “the Molotov hero,” because on many occasions he had thrown Molotov cocktails at IDF forces in Hebron (QudsN website, April 1, 2022). An undated picture was issued showing him throwing a Molotov cocktail (Ma’an, April 1, 2022).

  
Right: The Hamas mourning notice issued for Ahmed al-Atrash (Palinfo Twitter account, April 1, 2022). Left: Al-Atrash throws a Molotov cocktail in Hebron (Ma’an, April 1, 2022).

• Hamas sent its condolences to the Palestinians in Judea and Samaria and said it stood with them in their “struggle” against the IDF (Hamas Telegram channel, April 1, 2022). The PIJ also issued condolences, claiming the event “proved Israel’s cruelty towards the Palestinian people.” The PIJ called for “armed resistance” [i.e., shooting attacks] that would deter Israel (PIJ Telegram channel, April 1, 2022).

Tension at the Damascus Gate

•   Since the beginning of Ramadan on April 2, 2022, every evening after the prayers there have been clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces at the Damascus Gate. The Palestinians gather near the gate, the “traditional” assembly site on Ramadan evenings, where they throw rocks, Molotov cocktails, iron bars and various objects at police, who have detained a number of rioters (Israel Police Force spokesman’s unit, April 3, 2022).

   
Right: A large crowd of Palestinians near the Damascus Gate (Shehab Twitter account, April 4, 2022). Left: Palestinians riot near the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem (QudsN website, April 3, 2022).

• Ahmed al-Ruweidi, advisor to Mahmoud Abbas for Jerusalem affairs, claimed Israel was escalating the security situation in Jerusalem. He warned Muslim worshippers on the Temple Mount would be attacked because of settler incitement during Ramadan. He also condemned the Israeli security presence in Jerusalem and the clashes at the Damascus Gate, accusing Israel of exacerbating the situation in Jerusalem, and calling for pressure to be exerted on Israel to stop its “aggression” against the residents of east Jerusalem (al-Hayat al-Jadeeda, April 3, 2022). The Israeli media reported that Mahmoud Abbas had instructed Fatah operatives to prevent, at all costs, escalation on the Temple Mount and its surroundings (Israeli TV Channel Kan 12, April 4, 2022). Mahmoud Abbas was prominently quoted by the Hamas-affiliated Shehab Twitter account in order to provoke internal Palestinian criticism (Shehab Twitter account, April 3, 2022).

• On April 3, 2022, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid paid a visit to the Israeli police headquarters in Jerusalem and also went to the Damascus Gate (Israeli media, April 3, 2022). His visit to the gate increased tensions and led to a wave of condemnations. Many spokesmen regarded the visit, which they called a “break-in,” as provocation, and accused Israel of responsibility for escalation. Some of the reactions were the following:
• The PA foreign ministry issued a statement strongly condemning the Israeli foreign minister’s “provocative break-in” of the Damascus Gate area. It also condemned Lapid’s statement during the visit that reinforced Israeli security forces would be deployed in Jerusalem during Israeli holidays to provide security for the Jews. The PA foreign ministry called the remarks “incitement” against the Palestinians and an example of Israeli apartheid (PA foreign ministry Facebook page, April 3, 2022).
• Fatah spokesman Muhammad Rabi’ condemned Lapid’s visit and the promises of “extremist Jews” to enter the Temple Mount compound. He warned that Israel’s “methodical, planned disturbances” during Ramadan were liable to ignite the territories and turn the confrontation into a religious war that would undermine Israeli-Palestinian security (Wafa, April 4, 2022).
• Hamas issued a strong condemnation stating that Lapid’s visit to the Damascus Gate and the shots fired at Palestinians after his visit were dangerous escalation and “proof” that Israel was determined to carry out its plots against Jerusalem and al-Aqsa mosque. According to Hamas, Israel would bear responsibility, and the Palestinians would defend Jerusalem and al-Aqsa with every means at their disposal (Hamas website, April 3, 2022).
• Tareq Izz al-Din, PIJ spokesman in Judea and Samaria, claimed the visit of the” occupation’s foreign minister” was provocation and would definitely lead to dangerous escalation. He said Israel would bear the responsibility for an attack on the holy sites during the “holy month” (Filastin al-Yawm, April 3, 2022).
• The PIJ’s military-terrorist wing issued a video threatening Israel and claiming that any Israeli violation of the status quo in Jerusalem would be considered “a declaration of war” and that every [option] was open (Jerusalem Brigades website).

Rocket and mortar shell fire into Israel

• This past week no rocket or mortar shell hits were identified in Israeli territory.

Monthly Distribution of Rocket and Mortar Shell Fire since January 2020

Annual Distribution of Rocket Hits

Hamas delegation visits Qatar

• A delegation of the Hamas leadership, led by Isma’il Haniyeh, head of Hamas’ political bureau, met with Mohammed Bin Abd al-Rahman, the Qatari foreign minister. The delegation updated him on recent developments, among them the escalation in the security situation, the killing of three Palestinians in Jenin and the conditions of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. The issue of the Qatari funds for the Gaza Strip was also raised, and the members of the delegation thanked Qatar for renewing its donations (Hamas Telegram channel, April 3, 2022).

Contacts to calm the situation

• The Lebanon-based al-Akhbar, quoting “Palestinian sources,” reported that given the general concern and Israel’s warnings to Palestinians about firing rockets from the Gaza Strip, on April 3, 2022, there were contacts between the Palestinian organizations and the Egyptian mediators. The Arab media quoted Israeli reports stating that Hamas asked the PIJ not to fire rockets at Israel after three of its operatives had been killed in Jenin. Senior PIJ figure Ahmed al-Mudallal said “all options were open” to defend al-Aqsa and the holy sites, but claimed the residents of east Jerusalem were capable of preventing Jews from entering al-Aqsa mosque (Filastin al-Yawm, April 3, 2022).
• Husam al-Dajani, a political commentator from the Gaza Strip, said the Gaza Strip could not currently enter a war without considering political issues. Recently, he said, there had been talks about calm, projects related to calm and 20,000 Gazans leaving the Gaza Strip to work in Israel (al-Ghad, April 3, yea).

Interview with Isma’il Haniyeh

• Isma’il Haniyeh was interviewed by a Kurdish TV channel in Doha. He said Hamas had no interest in waging a war during Ramadan, but if a war did happen to break out they would defend themselves. Asked which countries contributed to the rebuilding of the Gaza Strip, he said Qatar was the main donor, but there were others, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. He confirmed that Iran provided for the strategic needs of the “resistance” [i.e., the terrorist organizations] with military, technical and financial support. He complained it was difficult to deliver missiles and UAVs to the Gaza Strip because of measures taken by Israel and Egypt, however, he boasted that engineers in the Gaza Strip had developed their own missiles and UAVs. Regarding the Iranian attack on Irbil, he called it part of a regional conflict which included the “struggle” between Israel and Iran. He said Israel attacked Iranian targets in Syria and collaborated with the United States against Iran both overtly and covertly, and it was possible that Iran would respond in the same way. He said he did not know if there were sites in Iraq that belonged to Israel which were considered targets by Iran, noting that in the near future he would visit Iraq and Kurdistan (Rodeo, April 2, 2022).

Land Day events in the Gaza Strip

• March 30, 2022, Land Day, was marked by the Gazans with various events which passed in relative quiet. Pictures of the events are the following:

  
Right: The rally held in the Gaza port. Left: Yahya al-Sinwar, head of the Hamas political bureau in the Gaza Strip, at the rally (al-Risalah Twitter account, March 30, 2022).

   
Boats near Khan Yunis after the rally in the city for Land Day (Twitter account of journalist Hassan Aslih, March 30, 2022).

 
Hamas cartoons for Land Day: Armed attacks against Israel will continue (al-Risalah Twitter account, March 30, 2022).

The PA budget for 2022

• PA Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh held an ad hoc government meeting to discuss the Palestinian budget for 2022, where it was approved. PA revenues for the coming year are estimated at $4.7 billion, its expenses at $5.8 billion, and the deficit at $558 million. Fifty-four percent of the budget was allotted to health, education and welfare, and for 2,800 new positions in the PA. Allotments of $1.9 billion went to the Gaza Strip and of $250 to east Jerusalem (Muhammad Shtayyeh’s Facebook page, March 31, 2022). The budget was referred to Mahmoud Abbas for final approval.

   
The PA government meeting for final budget approval (Muhammad Shtayyeh’s Facebook page, March 31, 2022).

• On March 29, 2022, Muhammad Shtayyeh signed an agreement with France for the receipt of €29 million. The funds will finance water infrastructure projects in the Gaza Strip and Ramallah, and the preservation and reconstruction of an archaeological site in the Gaza Strip (Muhammad Shtayyeh’s Facebook page, March 29, 2022).

The UN Human Rights Council (HRC)

• The HRC appointed Francesca Albanese, an Italian attorney, as its human rights envoy to the Palestinian territories. In the past she worked in UNRWA in Jordan, and equated the Palestinian nakba with the Holocaust, accused Israel of apartheid, genocide, ethnic cleansing and war crimes. A year ago she admitted that her personal opinions regarding the Palestinian issue were likely to cloud her objectivity (UN Watch March 20, 2022).
• In the meantime, in its report on the human rights situation in the Palestinian territories, the HRC passed four proposed resolutions criticizing Israel, three of them dealing with the Palestinians (UN HRC, March 25, 2022).