Top news stories from Israel/Palestine: August 31, 2018

What We’re Reading

Occupation/Human rights

Israeli Border Police Detain Head of Anti-occupation Group Breaking the Silence, Two Activists in West Bank,

The group’s executive director, Avner Gvaryahu, and communications director, Achiya Schatz, were detained for questioning by border police. Attorney Michael Sfard was also detaiend for questioning.

Israel continues to deny travel permits to Gaza cancer patients,

Despite its acknowledged humanitarian responsibility toward the residents of Gaza, a ruling by the Israeli Supreme Court to allow five cancer-stricken relatives of Hamas members to travel for treatment is a notable exception to policy.

Israeli rightwing party aims at one million settlers,

At a festive toast on Aug. 26 ahead of the Jewish New Year that starts next week, HaBayit HaYehudi Chairman Naftali Bennett told West Bank settlement leaders that he envisioned having 1 million settlers by the end of the coming Jewish year.

US-Israeli/Palestinian relations

U.S. aid cuts won’t end the ‘right of return,’ Palestinians say,

A decision to end all U.S. funding for the United Nations program aiding millions of Palestinian refugees will not bring an end to their belief in their “right to return” to land that is now part of Israel, Palestinians said Friday.

Jordan can't afford to lose UNRWA battle,

The row over UNRWA, including its funding, may strain bilateral relations between Jordan and the United States, as Amman rallies international partners to step in and compensate for the suspension of US funding.

Germany to Boost Funds to UNRWA Amid Reports of Cuts by U.S.,

Germany is preparing a “substantial” increase in its contributions to the cash-strapped UN agency for Palestinian refugees amid reports that the United States plans to withhold a large share of its funding, according to a letter seen by DPA.

Court Orders Closure of Jerusalem Gallery for Hosting Breaking the Silence,

After the gallery hosted a lecture last year by the executive director of the Israeli veterans’ anti-occupation group Breaking the Silence, the municipality, under pressure from Culture Minister Miri Regev, has been working to shutter it.

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