Spotlight on the Israel-Palestinian Conflict (June 17 – 25, 2024)

The southern arena: This past week IDF activity focused on Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip and on the Netzarim Corridor in the central Gaza Strip. Three IDF soldiers were killed in two incidents. Terrorist operatives continued firing rockets at the cities, towns and villages surrounding Gaza. For the first time since November 2023, a UAV was shot down at the Gaza border.

The hostages and a ceasefire: No progress was made to secure an agreement for a ceasefire and the release of the hostages. Senior Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad members continued to defend their joint negotiating positions and blame Israel for the stalemate.

Aid for the Gaza Strip: The pier constructed by the United States military established off the coast of the Gaza Strip resumed operations. According to reports, Egypt agreed with the UN to deliver humanitarian aid through the Kerem Shalom Crossing instead of the Rafah Crossing.

Hamas’ foreign relations: According to reports, the Hamas leadership may move from Qatar to Iraq. Isma’il Haniyeh met with the acting Iranian foreign minister. A senior Hamas official visited Russia.

Israel, Judea and Samaria: An Israeli civilian was shot dead in Qalqilya; the incident is being treated as a suspected terrorist attack. IEDs exploded near Bat Hefer, no casualties were reported. The Israeli security forces continued counterterrorism activities in Judea and Samaria.

The Palestinian Authority: At a PLO Executive Committee meeting, Mahmoud Abbas accused Israel of a policy of “displacing Palestinians.” Armenia recognized a Palestinian state.