Israel and Hamas Take Steps to Avoid War After Violent Cycle

As Gaza’s rulers set new protests for Friday both sides carefully calibrate their rhetoric and actions

GAZA CITY—Palestinians in Gaza plan to renew protests against Israel on Friday at their common border but both sides are taking steps to avoid inflaming a weekslong simmering conflict into an outright war.

The demonstrations are set for the last Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a day Palestinians have for years marked to express their opposition to what they say is Israel’s illegal occupation of Jerusalem.

Still,...