Top news stories from Israel/Palestine: October 5, 2018

What We’re Reading

Occupation/Human rights

Lost in occupation: How Google Maps is erasing Palestine,

A new report details the ways Google Maps’ mapping process in the occupied territories serves the interests of the Israeli government, while contradicting the company’s stated commitment to human rights.

Jerusalem municipality to remove UN agency for Palestinians from city,

Jerusalem’s mayor has said he plans to remove a UN agency for Palestinian refugees from the city, accusing the body of operating illegally and promoting incitement against Israel.

Gaza

As Tensions Rise With Israel, Hamas Chief Calls for Cease-Fire in Gaza,

In what appeared to be an effort to speak directly to the Israeli people, the Hamas official, Yehya Sinwar, said he did not want war with Israel, even as both sides geared up for an escalation along Israel’s volatile border with Gaza.

PA prevents Gaza from receiving Qatari fuel aid, increasing danger of violence,

Palestinian sources said Thursday that threats made by the Palestinian Authority to an Israeli gas company and to UN employees have delayed the planned transfer of emergency Qatari-funded fuel to Gaza.

Abbas's ultimatum to Hamas: ‘Four weeks to hand over Gaza’,

n talks between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas gave Hamas an ultimatum – give the PA full control of the Gaza Strip by the end of the month, or suffer the consequences, according to a statement made by an official in the PA presidency bureau to Kan news on Thursday night.

US-Israeli/Palestinian relations

US keeps aid flowing for Palestinian security forces, for now,

Although the United States has slashed funding to the Palestinian territories, the Palestinian security services continue to receive American assistance. In a recently released report, the US State Department praises the efforts by the Palestinian Authority (PA) to prevent terrorist operations against Israel.

Trump administration cites Iran, ‘Palestine’ in reconsidering international court participation,

Top Trump administration officials cited a win for Iran and a complaint brought by Palestinians in announcing a review of the U.S. relationship with the International Court of Justice.

BDS and Settement boycotts

Official Documents Prove: Israel Bans Young Americans Based on Canary Mission Website ,

Some Americans detained upon arrival in Israel reported being questioned about their political activity based on ‘profiles’ on the controversial website Canary Mission. Documents obtained by Haaretz now clearly show that is indeed a source of information for decisions to bar entry.

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