Top news stories from Israel/Palestine: July 10, 2018

What We’re Reading

US-Israeli/Palestinian relations

Progressive Democrats increasingly criticize Israel, and could reap political rewards,

For decades it was seen as too politically risky, but this midterm cycle a growing number of Democratic candidates have begun openly criticizing some of Israel’s policies.

The false logic of slashing funds for Palestinians,

“The aim appears to be to pile pressure on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to accept the Kushner plan, which is likely to offer the Palestinians far less than the truly independent state they want and deserve,” writes Alan Eisner. “But the result will be to cause suffering to innocent Palestinians.”

Khan al-Ahmar

Opinion: The demolition of Khan al-Ahmar is more than just a war crime,

While the imminent destruction of Khan al-Ahmar is an utmost humanitarian concern and quite possibly a war crime, many are overlooking the strategic importance of this tiny hamlet for the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

High Court says state can’t clear West Bank Bedouin village before July 16,

The High Court of Justice issued a temporary injunction on Monday evening, preventing the state from carrying out plans to evacuate a West Bank Bedouin village, days after halting the controversial plan.

Gaza

An Israeli shell killed Amr Samour in Gaza, even though he wasn't a protester,

The life and death of a Palestinian parsley farmer illustrates why so many in Gaza risk their lives to protest Israel’s blockade.

'Israel's Closure of Gaza Crossing Is Like Shooting a Dying Man',

The Palestinian business community in the Gaza Strip is calling the Israeli decision to close the Kerem Shalom border crossing with Gaza to all but humanitarian aid the final nail in the coffin of Gaza’s industry and trade.

Israel announces Gaza sanctions in response to cross-border blazes,

Israel imposed sanctions on the Gaza Strip and its dominant Hamas Islamists on Monday in retaliation for attacks by Palestinians using burning kites and helium balloons carrying blazing rags.

Palestinian politics

Abbas to chair Fatah meeting amid growing tensions with U.S., Hamas,

Leaders of the Palestinian ruling Fatah faction are scheduled to meet in Ramallah on Sunday to discuss US President Donald Trump’s yet-to-be-unveiled plan for peace in the Middle East and various initiatives to improve the economic situation in the Gaza Strip.

BDS and Settlement boycotts

Ireland Set to Pass Bill Banning Goods from Israeli Settlements,

The bill recently received the support of Ireland’s second largest party, the conservative Fianna Fail, making its approval more likely.

Israeli politics

Israeli President Warns Jewish-only Communities Undermine Zionist Vision,

The Nation-State Bill allows ‘discrimination and exclusion based on ethnic origin,’ Rivlin said in a damning letter. The Knesset legal advisor agreed: there’s ‘no equivalent clause in any constitution in the world.’