Hamas has handed over administrative control of five border crossings in Gaza to the Palestinian Authority. Wednesday’s handover, the first in over a decade, is part of a deal agreed on in the latest round of Egypt-brokered reconciliation talks between Hamas and the PA-ruled Fatah political party in Cairo on October 12.

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh on Tuesday said the terror group intends to respond with violence to the deaths of seven Gaza terrorists Monday after Israel blew up an attack tunnel that stretched into Israeli territory, but suggested the response would be delayed as Palestinian factions work toward reconciliation.

“Egypt is the main reason for Palestinian restraint at the moment. If the quiet continues, it will help show that Egypt, which has been shepherding a reconciliation agreement between rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas, has been able to reign in the sides,” writes Amos Harel.

“Expect Israel to start throwing sand if the reconciliation gears acquire some momentum.  Expect also that the Trump administration will acquiesce in Israel’s actions,” writes Paul Pillar.

“Israel, and friends of Israel, must realise that the two-state solution may well disappear, but the Palestinian people will still be here,” writes Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Palestinians argue that Israel has not implemented the economic aid measures it has promised, apart from finalizing the already authorized Hebron industrial park.

Clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli forces in Bethlehem city on Wednesday following a march commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, the 1917 document which supported establishing a Jewish state on what would become British Mandate Palestine, and paved the what for the to the establishment of Israel.

Over the past few days, Israeli settlers have reportedly stolen the harvest of hundreds of Palestinian olive trees in the northern occupied West Bank, according to Palestinian sources.

“The prime minister sparked controversy when he announced he wouldn’t be speaking at the biggest Jewish American event of the year. But Bibi knows that no matter what, American Jews won’t speak out against his occupation policies,” writes Joshua Leifer.

“Arabs, peace activists and Israel’s left wing have long challenged as undemocratic the right-wing government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,” writes Isabel Kershner. “But now that criticism is being leveled by former security officials and members of the right-wing establishment itself, including veterans of Mr. Netanyahu’s own political party and his Justice Department.”

“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is confident that if he announces early elections, he would win another mandate,” writes Mazal Mualem.

The US consulate in Jerusalem launched a $10 million water project to increase Palestinian farmers’ access to treated irrigation water.