The return marches in the Gaza Strip held on October 11 and 18, 2019, were characterized by varying levels of violence (relatively high on October 11 and relatively low on October 18). During both IEDs and Molotov cocktails were thrown at IDF forces and attempts were made to break into Israeli territory.

A delegation of senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) figures headed by its leader Ziyad al-Nakhalah paid a visit to Egypt and met with senior officials in Egyptian General Intelligence. A number of issues were discussed, among them the Egyptian demand to preserve the lull and the PIJ’s request for the release of its operatives imprisoned in Egyptian jails. The delegation returned to the Gaza Strip with 26 operatives who had been released. In ITIC assessment it may have been a deal in which the operatives were released in return for a commitment to the lull.

In Judea and Samaria there was an attempted vehicular attack of Israeli security forces operating in the al-Am’ari refugee camp (near Ramallah). A stabbing attack was prevented at the Te’enim Crossing (near Tulkarm). In the meantime, the routine throwing of stones, Molotov cocktails and IEDs at Israeli vehicles continues.

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