Analysis
Spotlight on the Israel-Palestinian Conflict (May 7-15, 2024)

The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center (ITIC)
15.5.24

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Spotlight on the Israel-Palestinian Conflict (May 7-15, 2024)
The southern arena: This past week the IDF expanded its activities in the Gaza Strip and is currently focusing on eastern Rafah and the Jebalya refugee camp. The activity in the al-Zeitoun neighborhood in Gaza City ended on the morning of May 15, 2024. Meanwhile, the Palestinian terrorist organizations continue firing rockets at the cities, towns and villages surrounding the Gaza Strip and the cities in Israel’s south. For the first time in five months Beersheba was attacked by rocket fire. Five IDF soldiers were killed and several others injured in the fighting in the Gaza Strip.
The issue of the hostages: The negotiations in Cairo stalled even after Egyptian efforts for a breakthrough. The Hamas delegation left Cairo and returned to Qatar. Hamas accused Israel of not taking the negotiations seriously and claimed the Israeli delegation’s participation was meant as a cover for its action in Rafah.
Aid for the Gaza Strip: With the closure of the Rafah Crossing following the IDF takeover, international and Palestinian figures warned that the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip would deteriorate. Meanwhile, UNRWA distributes aid in its centers throughout the Gaza Strip.
Israel, Judea and Samaria: This past week no terrorist attacks were carried out and the intensity of IDF activities declined. A number of detentions and counterterrorism activities were carried out in the Hebron and Nablus areas. A Lion’s Den terrorist operative was killed in the Balata refugee camp.
The Palestinian Authority (PA): After a majority vote in the General Assembly, the PA’s status was upgraded and its request to be accepted as a full member will be reexamined. Muhammad Mustafa, PA prime minister, continued his political activities to recruit support and financial aid for the PA and humanitarian aid for the Gazans. He emphasized the PA’s difficult financial situation because of Israel’s deduction of the tax revenue it collects for the Palestinians. Senior Fatah member Jibril al-Rajoub, who denied the October 7th, 2023 attack and massacre, continued to promote Israel’s delegitimization in FIFA, the international soccer association.