On Friday, June 14, 2019, the return march was held as usual along the Israel-Gaza Strip border. The number of participants was relatively small (about 4,300) and the level of violence was relatively low (attempts to sabotage the security fence and cross the border into Israeli territory, throwing IEDs and hand grenades). In addition, this past week two rockets were launched at Israel. One hit a yeshiva in the southern city of Sderot. Hamas denied all involvement and announced it had detained two “rogue” operatives who were responsible for launching the rocket.

Systematic arson terrorism continues, even after the money from Qatar was delivered to the Gaza Strip. This past week fires broke out near the Israeli communities close to the Gaza Strip, set by incendiary and IED balloons. The Sons of al-Zawari, the unit that launches the balloons, posted pictures of new explosive devices they had developed for attaching to balloons.

The Qatari envoy entered the Gaza Strip with $25 million for distribution to needy families, funding UN projects and purchasing fuel from Israel for the Gaza Strip power plant. However, in the meantime, the distribution of the funds to needy families has been delayed by “technical difficulties,” but reportedly will be carried out within a number of days. With the funds safely delivered, during the past week Hamas’ rhetoric has become relatively calm, and Hamas sources said a new stage in implementing the understandings was about to begin, with the objective of improving everyday life in the Gaza Strip.

The Palestinians continue to take action to disrupt the economic workshop in Bahrain. A series of protests has been announced for Judea and Samaria, the Gaza Strip and elsewhere on June 24 and 25, 2019. Reportedly, Fatah is planning a series of clashes in Judea and Samaria, which may lead to an escalation.

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