This past week the Palestinians continued to demonstrate a high level of violence at the “return march” and the days afterwards: Palestinians threw IEDs and hand grenades, and tried to cross the border fence. There was also a significant rise in the number of IED balloons launched into Israeli territory (which are more dangerous than incendiary balloons).

Since the Friday march Palestinians have carried out violent activities along the fence almost every day and the night harassment unit has increased its activities.

The violence during and between the marches, which has continued for several weeks, is the result of Hamas’ strategy of controlled violence to exert pressure on Israel to agree to an arrangement on Hamas’ terms. The various types of violence were preceded by explicit threats from the Hamas leadership, which continues to threaten Israel. That includes preparations for March 30, 2019, the first anniversary of the “return marches.” However, on March 5, 2019, a security delegation arrived from Egypt to calm the situation and prevent further deterioration.

https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/app/uploads/2019/03/E_049_19.pdf