The Palestinian Authority (PA)

Coronavirus: The incidence of active coronavirus cases in the Gaza Strip declined this past week although the rate of infection remains high. Medical sources say they can cope with the situation and call on Gazans to be vaccinated. In Judea and Samaria the decline in the number of coronavirus cases continues. Clashes in Jerusalem: This past week tension in east Jerusalem between the Palestinians and Israeli security forces rose, mainly near the Damascus Gate. On April 25, 2021, the Israeli police announced they would remove the barriers; since then relative quiet has prevailed, although the situation is still volatile. Palestinian Authority (PA) elections: After Fatah splintered into three political factions with separate election slates, and the public opinion polls do not predict a landslide victory for any candidate put forward by Mahmoud Abbas, the PA is currently weighing the possibility of cancelling the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) elections. Read more...

Coronavirus: In the Gaza Strip the scope of the infection decreased although the rate of positive tests is high (37%), and the number of Gazans hospitalized, including those in serious or critical condition, is very high. Increasing the strictness of preventive measures is under consideration. In Judea and Samaria there has been a decrease in infection but medical sources note it does not indicate an improvement in the situation. The Gaza Strip: This past week rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel territory, one on each of two consecutive days. No casualties or damage were reported. Judea and Samaria: There was relatively quiet this past week, with the exception of Palestinians who rioted against police at the Nablus Gate in east Jerusalem. Read more...

Coronavirus: The number of active cases in the Gaza Strip continues rising sharply. Senior public health figures are worried by the Gazans' disdain for health guidelines and restrictions and threaten they will impose a general lockdown. In Judea and Samaria the number of active cases continues declining. Terrorist attacks: This past week Palestinians continued throwing rocks and a larger than usual number of Molotov cocktails and IEDs at Israeli vehicles driving on the roads in Judea and Samaria. Palestinian Authority (PA) elections: Preparations continue for holding elections in the PA territories. The Gaza Strip: An Egyptian security delegation paid a visit to the Gaza Strip and met with senior Hamas figures. The Palestinian Authority (PA): The Biden administration announced its intention to renew economic aid to the PA, reversing the last three years of American foreign policy. Read more...

Coronavirus: In the Gaza Strip the number of active cases spiked significantly this past week, and a lockdown is being considered. In Judea and Samaria there was a significant decrease in coronavirus infection, although hospital occupancy is still high. Terrorist attacks: On March 23, 2021 (election day in Israel) a medium-range rocket was fired from the Gaza Strip at Beersheba, the largest city in Israel's south. The PA: Election preparations continue. The slates of the contending factions for the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) have been closed. PA budget, 2021: The PA announced it will continue paying prisoners and released prisoners, transferring the funds through post office bank branches in Judea and Samaria and through the department of prisoners and released prisoners' affairs in the Gaza Strip. Read more...

Coronavirus: In Judea and Samaria the number of active cases continues to rise. The ministry of health in Ramallah also noted a rise in hospital occupancy and in serious and critical cases. The Palestinian Authority (PA) announced the lockdown would be extended to April 3, 2021. Vaccinating Palestinians has begun and social media users have criticized its lack of transparency. Terrorist attacks: The Gaza Strip has been relatively quiet. The Gaza Strip: Following an appeal from the families of the three fishermen who were killed off the Khan Yunis shore, Mahmoud Abbas declared them shaheeds (Wafa, March 17, 2021). That may mean they will be eligible for monthly payments from PA. The PA: Preparations for the elections continue. Read more...