The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers marching through Hebron attack and injure a Palestinian man inside his shop near the Ibrahimi Mosque. Israeli forces continue raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 55th day in a row. Israeli forces also continue raids in Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 49th day in a row. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man near the Qalandia checkpoint. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian child during a raid in Sa’ir. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in al-Ram. Israeli forces also open fire at a vehicle during a raid in Nabi Salih, causing damage. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians succumb to injures sustained from Israeli forces on 3/15 in Nuseirat refugee camp and Beit Lahiya. Israeli forces bomb Juhor ad-Dik, killing a Palestinian man and injuring others. Israeli forces also bomb Rafah, injuring several Palestinians. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Ainata and Yater, killing 4 people. In Yemen, the U.S. bombs the country for the second day in a row, hitting Sanaa, Saada, Kahza, and al-Bayda, killing tens of people, including 5 children, bringing the death toll since 3/15 to at least 53 people with over 100 injured. Houthi forces respond by launching drones and missiles at the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman; the U.S. says the counterattack did not come close to hitting the aircraft carrier. (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/16; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP 3/17; UNOCHA 3/20)

More than 48,572 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 112,032 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 933 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 186 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. The Rafah Municipality says all water distribution has ceased due to a lack of fuel. (AJ, WAFA 3/16)

Hamas Political Bureau chairpersons Muhammad Ismail Darwish and Khaled Mashal meet with Russian deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bogdanov. (AJ 3/16)

U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff says Hamas gave an “unacceptable response” to the new U.S. ceasefire agreement. Hamas and Israeli negotiators are in Cairo for ceasefire talks. (AJ, HA, HA 3/16)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he will fire Shin Bet director Ronen Bar, citing a lack of trust. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who Netanyahu also plans to fire, says Netanyahu cannot fire Bar until “the factual and legal basis underlying your decision is fully examined.” The Shin Bet has been investigating Netanyahu aides for secret ties to Qatar. (AJ, AJ, AX, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU 3/16; AP, HA, HA, HA, HA 3/17)

U.S. secretary of defense Pete Hegseth says the U.S. will continue attacking Yemen until the Houthi movement announces that it will not blockade Israel from the Red Sea anymore. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz says multiple Houthi leaders are killed in the U.S. attacks. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov speaks to U.S. secretary of state Marco Rubio, urging the U.S. to stop attacking Yemen. (AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU 3/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault and injure a Palestinian shepherd in Tuba in the Masafer Yatta area. Armed Israeli settlers also force Palestinians to flee from their land in al-Juwaya in the Masafer Yatta area. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raze farmland in Wadi al-Matwi. Israeli forces continue raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 54th day in a row, setting fire to homes in the refugee camp and razing infrastructure near the Jenin Governmental Hospital. Israeli forces also continue raids in Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 48th day in a row, opening fire at an ambulance in Nur Shams and telling residents of Tulkarm refugee camp to evacuate immediately. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man and injure other with tear gas during a raid in Fawwar refugee camp. Israeli forces also arrest 6 Palestinians during raids in Beit Furik and Bayt Dajan. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Beit Lahiya, killing 9 Palestinians, including 6 relief workers from the Al Khair Foundation and 3 journalists. Israeli forces also shoot and kill a child and injure a woman in Beit Lahiya. Elsewhere, Israeli forces bomb Juhor ad-Dik, killing 3 Palestinians and injuring several others. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man in Rafah. Meanwhile, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, injuring 8 Palestinians. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Borj al-Mloukin, killing 1 person. In Yemen, U.S. forces bomb several areas of the country, including Sanaa, killing at least 32 people, including 4 children, and injuring more than 100 others. (HA 3/13; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AX, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/15; AJ, AP 3/16; AJ 3/17; UNOCHA 3/18)

More than 48,543 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,981 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 933 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 186 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. The Rafah Municipality says all water distribution has ceased due to a lack of fuel. (AJ, WAFA 3/15)

Hamas says it will only release American Israeli captive Edan Alexander if Israel starts the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. (AJ, AP 3/15)

U.S. president Donald Trump says in a post on Truth Social “To Iran: Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY! Do NOT threaten the American People, their president, who has received one of the largest mandates in Presidential History, or Worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we won’t be nice about it!” Trump reportedly authorizes a large scale-attack on Yemen beyond the attack today. (HA 3/13; AJ, NYT 3/15; AP, AP 3/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid Khirbet al-Marajim in Duma, setting fire to 6 homes and a vehicle and opening fire at homes. Israeli settlers also bring their sheep to graze on Palestinian crops in Maeen in the Masafer Yatta area. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers with a military escort raid Kifl Haris. Israeli forces continue raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 53rd day in a row, demolishing homes in the refugee camp. Israeli forces also continue raids in Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 47th day in a row. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man during a raid in Salem. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man and injure others with tear gas during a raid in Beita. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum with tear gas. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces shell a fishing boat, killing a Palestinian man. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, killing 4 children. Israeli forces also shell homes east of Rafah, injuring 3 Palestinians. (HA 3/13; AJ, AP, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/14; UNOCHA 3/18; UNOCHA 3/20)

More than 48,524 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,955 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 933 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 186 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023.

Hamas says in a statement that it has agreed to release American Israeli captive Edan Alexander and the bodies of 4 other captives with dual nationalities. Spokesperson Hazem Qassem says the decision was meant as a “positive gesture” and not as a signal that Hamas wants to renegotiate the already existing ceasefire agreement after the U.S. demand that a different ceasefire agreement be negotiated. U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff threatens Hamas in a statement, saying that if it does not accept the new U.S.-Israel temporary ceasefire proposal by the end of the Ramadan and Passover holidays then “we will respond accordingly.” Al Jazeera reports that Israel has killed 98 Palestinians in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect on 1/20. (HA 3/13; AJ, AJ, AP, AX, NYT, REU, REU 3/14)

A video of Israeli soldiers firing aimlessly at Gaza from Israel while 1 of the soldiers reads the Book of Esther wearing a clown hat circulates on social media. (HA 3/15)

AP reports that the U.S. and Israel have discussed displacing Palestinians from Gaza to Sudan, Somaliland, and Somalia with officials from those countries. Somalia says it will not take in Palestinians as the plan undermines the Palestinian people’s right to live in their ancestral land. Sudan reportedly also rejects the idea, while Somaliland says it has not had any talks on the subject. (HA 3/13; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU 3/14)

The G7 changes the standard language it uses relating to Palestine and Israel in its final draft statement from a summit in Quebac, stressing the need for a “political horizon for the Palestinian people” rather than calling for a 2-state solution. The PA calls on the world to keep the 2-state solution alive in response to the change of language. (HA 3/13; AJ, WAFA 3/14; AJ, WAFA 3/15)

U.S. secretary of homeland security Kristi Noem says a Columbia University student known for pro-Palestinian activism self-deported on 3/11 and that Immigration and Customs Enforcement has arrested a Palestinian student from the West Bank for overstaying her visa. The student was also arrested during pro-Palestine protests at Columbia University in April 2024. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says more student visas will be revoked over pro-Palestine protests. AP reports that the U.S. government has demanded that Columbia University’s Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies Department be placed under “academic receivership for a minimum of five years,” and that the university must adopt a new definition of anti-Semitism.  (HA 3/13; AJ, AX, HA 3/14; AJ 3/15; AX, NYT 3/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attack a home in al-Minya. Israeli settlers with a military escort also raid Artah. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Nablus. Israeli settlers also assault Palestinian maintenance workers working to repair electricity poles in Masafer Yatta, damaging their vehicle and stealing equipment. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers steal 13 sheep in Khirbet al-Fakhit in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli settlers also raze farmland in Iskaka. Israeli forces continue raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 52nd day in a row. Israeli forces also continue raids in Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 46th day in a row. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Ugandan citizen and 2 Ethiopian citizens, arresting 5 others who reportedly are migrant workers trying to enter the West Bank from Jordan. Israeli forces also issue an order to seize 2 dunams and 791 square meters (.75 acres) of land in Haris. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 12 Palestinians during raids in Hebron. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb a tent in Beit Hanun, killing a Palestinian child and injuring his mother. Israeli forces also bomb Gaza City, killing a 3-year-old child. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man in Maghazi. The Civil Defense exhumes 48 bodies from a mass grave at al-Shifa Hospital for proper burials. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Jennata. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Damascus, injuring 3 people, including a woman. AP reports that Israel targeted the abandoned home of Islamic Jihad secretary-general Ziyad al-Nakhaleh. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/13)

More than 48,524 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,955 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 932 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 186 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, UNOCHA, WAFA 3/13)

Israeli police ban a Waqf employee from entering the Haram al-Sharif compound for 2 months. (WAFA 3/13)

Hamas dismisses reports of talks for a temporary ceasefire, saying it is committed to the agreed ceasefire deal and moving to its second phase. The Israeli negotiation team will reportedly remain in Doha for continued talks. (AJ, AJ, AX, HA, NYT 3/13; HA, HA 3/14)

The National Campaign to Retrieve Martyrs’ Bodies says Israel is holding the bodies of 676 Palestinians, including 60 children and 9 women. (AJ, WAFA 3/13)

The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel releases the report “More than a human can bear”: Israel’s systematic use of sexual, reproductive and other forms of gender-based sexual violence since 7 October 2023, accusing Israel of “genocidal acts” against Palestinians, involving systematically destroying women’s healthcare facilities, including the main fertility clinic in Gaza, and using sexual violence as a war strategy, including rape of detainees. Commission chairperson Navi Pllay says “[t]here is no escape from the conclusion that Israel has employed sexual and gender-based violence against Palestinians to terrorise them and perpetuate a system of oppression that undermines their right to self-determination.” Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls the UN Human Rights Council an anti-Semitic and anti-Israel circus. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, UNOHCHR, UNOHCHR, WAFA, WAFA 3/13; AP 3/14)

Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar’s New Hope party merges with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party. Saar left the Likud Party in 2020 to establish New Hope. (AP, HA 3/13)

A delegation of Republican House representatives meets with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. (HA 3/13)

Columbia University says it has revoked students’ diplomas, and suspended and expelled 9 students, including the president of the Student Workers of Columbia union, as punishment for a pro-Palestine protest last year. A total of 22 students are penalized by the university. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, REU 3/13; AJ 3/14)

New York City police arrest 98 protesters demanding the release of Palestinian student Mahmoud Khalil at Trump Tower. ICE agents raid Columbia University student housing for the second time in less than a week. No arrests are made. (AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, REU 3/13; AJ, AX, AX, HA 3/14)

Sweden says it will donate $29.5 million to UN agencies in support of Palestinians in Gaza. (AJ 3/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers and forces raid Nablus for the settlers to tour Joseph’s Tomb, causing tear-gas related injuries among Palestinians. Israeli settlers also raze tracks of farmland near Qaryut and Khallet Hassan. Israeli forces continue raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 51st day in a row, shooting and injuring a Palestinian man, razing infrastructure in nearby Qabatiya, and detaining and interrogating 70 Palestinians in nearby Arrabah. Israeli forces also continue raids in Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 45th day in a row. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man in al-Ram. Israeli forces also violently disperse Palestinians during a raid in al-Khader, causing tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces punitively demolish the family home in Qalqilya of a Palestinian man who was killed in an Israeli drone strike in August 2024. An Israeli settler is shot and lightly injured near the Ariel settlement. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian worker dies of injuries sustained from falling 5 floors at a construction site while being chased by Israeli soldiers. Israeli settlers chase a Palestinian man chanting “Death to Arabs” before shooting and injuring him. The shooter is later arrested and released to house arrest on 3/13. An Israeli soldier is filmed standing nearby the injured man without providing aid before leaving the scene. In Gaza, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man near Khan Yunis and another Palestinian man near Rafah. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/12; AJ, UNOCHA 3/13; AJ 3/14)

More than 48,515 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,941 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 932 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 186 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, WAFA 3/12)

U.S. president Donald Trump says “nobody is expelling any Palestinians” in response to a question in the Oval Office, seemingly retracting his demand that Arab countries take in all Palestinians from Gaza. Hamas, the PA, and the PLO welcome Trump’s reversal. Trump also says that Jewish Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer “is a Palestinian as far as I am concerned. He has become a Palestinian. He used to be Jewish. He is not Jewish anymore. He is a Palestinian.” Representatives from Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the PLO meet with Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, presenting him Egypt’s plan for Gaza’s reconstruction in Doha. (AJ, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 3/12; AJ, AP, REU, WAFA 3/13)

Palestinian victims of Israeli soldiers’ sexual abuse testify at the UN Human Rights Council. (AP 3/11; AJ 3/12)

CNN reports that the Israeli Military Police Criminal Investigation Division is investigating the use of Palestinians as human shields. (AJ, CNN 3/12)

Haaretz reports that Itamar Ben-Gvir ally Hanamel Dorfman is running the Israel Police and National Security Ministry despite the resignation of Ben-Gvir earlier this year. (HA 3/12)

Former Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant says in an interview that Israel knew from November 2023 that Shiri Bibas and her 2 children, who were taken captive on 7 October, had been killed in Gaza. Gallant also says that Shiri and her husband Yarden both engaged in armed combat on 7 October. Despite Hamas announcing that the 2 children and their mother were killed in November 2023, Israel continued to pretend that the family was alive until their bodies were released in January. (X 3/13)

A U.S. federal judge temporarily blocks the deportation of detained Palestinian Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil and orders that he be allowed to have private phone calls with his lawyers during a hearing in New York. Khalil is believed to be held in an ICE detention center in Louisiana. There are several large demonstrations in New York City in support of Khalil’s release. (AJ, NYT, NYT 3/12; AJ, AJ, WAFA 3/13)

Miami Beach mayor Steven Meiner introduces legislation to terminate the city’s lease with a cinema, citing the cinema’s screening of the Palestinian Israeli documentary film No Other Land, which won an Academy Award earlier this month. (AX 3/12; AJ 3/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to 3 vehicles near Umm Safa. Israeli settlers also raid Haribat al-Nabi in the Masafer Yatta area, assaulting residents and vandalizing property. Israeli forces continue raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 50th day in a row, shooting and killing 4 Palestinians, including a 60-year-old woman, and firing RPGs at 2 homes and a greenhouse. Israeli forces also continue raids in Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 44th day in a row. Elsewhere, Israeli forces also shoot and injure 2 Palestinian children during a raid in Fawwar refugee camp. Israeli forces also shoot and injure 3 Palestinians during a raid in Beit Fajjar. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Dheisheh refugee camp. Israeli forces also demolish 2 vehicle showrooms in Surda. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 34 Palestinians during late-night raids in ‘Azzun, Husan, Kafr Ein, Jalazone refugee camp, ‘Askar refugee camp, Balata refugee camp, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest one of the owners of the Educational Bookstore, Imad Muna, for the second time in a month, force the store to close, and confiscate more than 50 books. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb and kill 5 Palestinians near the Netzarim Corridor. Israeli forces also bomb and kill a Palestinian woman near Rafah. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb at least 2 sites in southern Lebanon, claiming to kill a Hezbollah commander. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/11; AJ 3/12; UNOCHA 3/12)

More than 48,503 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,927 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 931 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 186 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 3/11)

Fatah and the PA release statements saying that Hamas is not authorized nor qualified to negotiate on behalf of the Palestinian people, claiming the party is colluding with Israel. The statements are in response to Hamas directly negotiating with the U.S. on the release of an American Israeli captive and the bodies of 4 other captives. (AJ, WAFA 3/11; HA 3/12)

The Houthi movement says it has resumed the naval blockade from the Red Sea of Israel after warning it of consequences for blockading Gaza. (AJ 3/11; AJ, HA 3/12)

U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff arrives in Doha where negotiators from Hamas, Israel, Egypt, and Qatar are having ceasefire talks. (AJ 3/11; HA 3/12)

Lebanese president Joseph Aoun says Lebanon has received 4 hostages taken by Israel from Lebanon and is expecting to receive a fifth hostage on 3/12. Israel says it has agreed to hold talks to discuss the demarcation of the Lebanese-Israeli border. (AJ, AX, HA, HA, NYT, REU 3/11; HA 3/14)

Israeli defense minister Israel Katz says in a tweet that every morning in Damascus Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa “will see that the Israeli army is watching him from the peaks of Mount Hermon.” Haaretz reports that the Israeli government has ordered the military to prevent Syrian forces from entering Syrian areas within 15 miles of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and prevent long-range weapons from being deployed within 40 miles of the Golan, including all the way to southern Damascus. (AJ, HA 3/11)

Israeli environmental protection minister Idit Sliman says in an interview that the “only solution for the Gaza Strip is to empty it of Gazans,” saying “God has sent us the U.S. administration, and it is clearly telling us, it is time to inherit the land.” (HA 3/11)

Forensic Architecture says its analysis of Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza shows that it carries over 3 elements of the Israeli-designed destruction of Gaza, including converting the Israeli-created buffer zone to non-residential agricultural land, keeping the Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors free of residential buildings, and maintaining the raid routes used by Israel. (AJ, X 3/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up an outpost near Huwwara. Israeli forces continue raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 49th day in a row, ramming and killing a Palestinian man and ordering the evacuation of 2 neighborhoods in Jenin and the camp. Israeli forces also continue raids in Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 43rd day in a row, arresting 3 Palestinians. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure 3 Palestinians in Dura. Israeli forces also shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during a raid in Idhna. Meanwhile, Israeli forces seize vending stalls in ‘Anata and demolish the foundations for a home in al-‘Awja. PA forces shoot and kill Islamic Jihad member Abdul-Rahman Abu Muna in Jenin. Palestinians throw stones at a vehicle traveling near Odala, lightly injuring an Israeli child. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces issue demolition orders for vending stalls and homes in Isawiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian woman in Rafah. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Jabab and Izraa. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/10; AJ, REU, REU 3/11; UNOCHA 3/13)

More than 48,467 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,913 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 927 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 186 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (WAFA 3/10)

Islamic Jihad and Hamas condemn the PA’s killing of Abu Muna in Jenin. (AJ 3/10)

PA prime minister Mohammad Mustafa meets with Luxembourgish foreign minister Xavier Bettel in Ramallah. (WAFA 3/10)

Amnesty International says Israel’s blocking of aid and electricity to Gaza “is further evidence of Israel’s genocide against Palestinians.” (AJ 3/10)

Haaretz reports that new Israeli military chief of staff Eyal Zamir has told his army commanders to be “prepared for 2025 to be a year of war.” (AJ, HA 3/10; HA 3/14)

The Lebanese military says Israeli forces shot and wounded a soldier before abducting him to Israel from Kfarchouba. (AJ 3/10)

The White House X account tweets “Shalom Mahmoud” and quotes President Donald Trump, saying “ICE proudly apprehended and detained [Palestinian student] Mahmoud Khalil, a Radical Foreign Pro-Hamas Student on the campus of Columbia University. This is the first arrest of many to come.” A federal judge blocks the deportation of Khalil, who was arrested on 3/8, “unless and until the Court orders otherwise.” (AJ, HA, NYT 3/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attack Palestinian shepherds in al-‘Awja. Israeli forces continue raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 48th day in a row, demolishing a home in Jenin refugee camp and opening fire with a tank in nearby Wadi Burqin. Israeli forces also continue raids in Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 42nd day in a row. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man near Tarqumiyah. Israeli forces also injure a Palestinian man with a tear-gas canister to his head during a raid in al-Ram. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians during a raid in Qusra and Husan, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also raid Al-Ahli Hospital in Hebron, seizing surveillance recordings. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 13 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Silwad, and Deir Qaddis. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, killing 2 Palestinians. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/9)

More than 48,458 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,897 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 926 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 186 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (WAFA 3/9)

Israeli energy minister Eli Cohen says he has ordered the cutting off of electricity to Gaza. The order only affects the desalination plant in Dayr al-Balah as all other electricity to Gaza already is cut off. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says the government will create a migration administration to handle Palestinians leaving Gaza, as part of the Trump administration’s plan to ethnically cleanse Gaza. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, WAFA 3/9)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas promotes Khalil Ibrahim al-Khatib, known as Nidal Shaheen, to head of the Palestinian Military Intelligence, replacing Zakaria Musleh. (WAFA 3/9)

U.S. envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler tells CNN in relation to U.S. direct negotiations with Hamas and Israel’s displeasure with the development that the U.S. is “not an agent of Israel” and that it has its own “interest at play.” Boehler, who calls the talks with Hamas “very helpful,” says he told Israeli strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer that he will be kept informed about the negotiations. Boehler also tells Israeli Channel 11 that Hamas has offered to lay down arms for 5-10 years and not be involved in politics. Hamas official Taher al-Nono commends Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff for his role in reaching the ceasefire agreement and says he hopes Witkoff can succeed in getting to the second phase. Witkoff is expected to travel to Doha on 3/11 for negotiations. (AJ, AX, AX, HA, HA, HA, HA, REU 3/9; HA, HA 3/10)

The Israeli Defense Ministry says it will allow Syrian Druze people to obtain visas to work in the occupied Golan Heights. (AJ, HA, REU 3/9)

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says more than 1,000 people, including 745 civilians, have been killed in massacres and clashes in Latakia and the surrounding areas since 3/6. The Syrian government blames “individual actions” for the mass killings and says it will investigate the violence. (NYT, REU 3/8; AP, HA, NYT, NYT, REU 3/9; AP, REU 3/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort assault Palestinians with batons, causing injuries in Wadi Jahish in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces continue raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 47th day in a row. Israeli forces also continue raids in Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 41st day in a row. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians with tear gas and sound grenades during a raid in Kafr Qaddum. Israeli forces also raze land, uprooting olive trees in Madama. Meanwhile, Israeli forces push a Palestinian-owned vehicle down a cliff near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest journalist Ahmad Jalajel at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, killing 3 Palestinians. Later, an Israeli bombing injures 2 Palestinians in Rafah. Israeli forces also bomb Salah al-Din Street in central Gaza, injuring 3 Palestinians. Elsewhere, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, injuring 2 Palestinians. Israeli forces also bomb Beit Hanun, injuring 7 Palestinians. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Khirbet Selm, killing 1 person. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/8)

More than 48,453 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,860 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 926 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 186 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, WAFA 3/8)

Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi dismisses media reports that Hamas is willing to accept a temporary ceasefire, saying the party wants to move to the second stage of the ceasefire deal. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office says Israel will send negotiators to Doha on 3/10. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU 3/8; AJ, AP 3/9)

The OIC issues a final communique at the conclusion of its 20th extraordinary session in Jeddah, condemning the Israeli aggression against Palestinians and endorsing plans for a Palestinian unity government in Gaza. PA prime minister Mohammad Mustafa meets with Pakistani foreign minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan, and Egyptian foreign minister Badr Abdelatty separately on the sidelines of the OIC summit. (WAFA, WAFA 3/8)

France, Germany, Italy, and the UK issue a joint statement in support of the Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction plan, saying Hamas can neither govern Gaza nor be a threat to Israel again. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU, WAFA 3/8)

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrest Palestinian Algerian Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil in a raid on the university’s student housing, bringing him to an ICE detention facility. Khalil is a U.S. green card holder and his 8-month pregnant wife is a U.S. citizen. ICE tells Khalil’s lawyer that it was acting on State Department orders to revoke Khalil’s student visa and said they had revoked his green card too on the basis that he had taken part in pro-Palestine protests. Khalil led negotiations between the university and the student movement last year. Secretary of State Marco Rubio responds to reporting on the detention of Khalil, saying on X “[w]e will be revoking the visas and/or green cards of Hamas supporters in America so they can be deported.” The American Civil Liberties Union says Khalil was arrested because of his political viewpoint and the development will “chill student speech and advocacy across campuses nationwide.” (AJ, AJ, AX, HA, NYT, REU 3/9; AJ 3/10)

Qatar calls for Israel’s nuclear facilities to be brought under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency and for Israel to join the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons treaty. (HA 3/8; AJ 3/9)

A man climbs the Elizabeth Tower in London holding a Palestinian flag. The man is arrested when he is brought down from the tower. Protesters also spray paint “Gaza is not for sale” on a Donald Trump-owned golf course in Turnberry, Scotland. (AJ, HA, REU 3/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort raid al-‘Awja, stealing sheep. Israeli settlers also set up a new outpost near Jaba’. Israeli forces continue raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 46th day in a row, ramming a Palestinian vehicle and injuring the driver. Israeli forces also continue raids in Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 40th day in a row. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinian children during a raid in Ni’lin. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Fawwar refugee camp. Meanwhile, Israeli forces raid 8 mosques in the Old City of Nablus, vandalizing the imam’s quarters, walls, and carpets in Al-Nasr Mosque, including setting fire to parts of it. Israeli forces also make a Palestinian man demolish parts of his own home in Bardala. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 13 Palestinians during raids in Fawwar refugee camp, Dura, and Kharas. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb and kill 2 Palestinians and injure others near al-Mu’tasim Mosque in Gaza City. Israeli forces also bomb the Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City. In Lebanon, Israeli forces conduct 15 airstrikes within 30 minutes in southern Lebanon, including attacks in Ansar, Jabal al-Rihan, Yatar, Zeqin, and Zaraiyeh. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/7)

More than 48,446 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,852 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 926 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 186 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office says the government will limit the number of worshippers at the Haram al-Sharif compound on the first Friday of Ramadan to men over the age of 55, women over the age of 50, and children under the age of 12. Israeli authorities also do not allow Palestinian worshippers unrestricted access to the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, as is customary during Ramadan Fridays. (AJ, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/7)

A Hamas delegation arrives in Cairo for ceasefire talks. (AJ, HA 3/7)

PA prime minister Mohammad Mustafa addresses the OIC extraordinary session on Palestine, saying the Egyptian reconstruction plan for Gaza is the foundation for the liberation of the Palestinian state. (AJ, WAFA 3/7)

The Lebanese military says Israeli forces allowed Israeli civilians to visit a shine in the Abbad Houla area. (AJ 3/7)

The Houthi movement warns Israel that it will resume its naval operations against Israel in 4 days if Israel does not allow aid to enter Gaza. (AJ 3/7; AJ 3/8)

U.S. senator Peter Welch (D-VT) introduces legislation that would restore UNRWA funding. (AJ 3/7)

The Trump administration cancels $400 million in federal grants and contracts for Columbia University, claiming the university has not acted to protect Jewish students from harassment. The administration views most pro-Palestine expressions as anti-Semitic. The university suspends and bans 4 students for participating in a pro-Palestine protest earlier this week. (AJ, AX, HA, HA 3/7; NYT 3/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalize 100 olive trees and steal agricultural tools and water tanks in Haris. An Israeli settler is lightly injured when stones are thrown at his vehicle near Haris. Israeli forces continue raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 45th day in a row, demolishing 4 homes and setting fire to a building in Jenin refugee camp. Israeli forces also continue raids in Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 39th day in a row, demolishing 17 buildings in Nur Shams refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man in Rantis. Israeli forces also severely beat a Palestinian man with their rifles in al-Arroub refugee camp. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians with tear gas during a raid in Beit Umar. Israeli forces also demolish residential and agricultural structures in Khirbet al-Tawil. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 30 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Nablus, Ramallah, Salfit, and Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces assault and injure a Palestinian man in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces attack and kill 3 Palestinians and injure others with a drone in Gaza City. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/6)

More than 48,446 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,852 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 926 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 186 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (WAFA 3/6)

The Palestinian Prisoners Society says in a statement that 62-year-old prisoner Ali Ashour Ali al-Batsh died in the Naqab Prison on 3/3. (WAFA 3/6)

Doctors Without Borders says Israeli forces opened fire near its clinic in Rafah on 3/2, injuring a Palestinian man. (AJ 3/6)

Hamas spokesperson Basem Naim says the party has invited U.S. president Donald Trump to visit Palestinian prisoners released from Israeli prisons, like his meetings with former captives held in Gaza. Yediot Ahronot reports that Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff has told Israel to abide by the ceasefire until he arrives in the Middle East next week. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce says the Arab League-endorsed Egyptian reconstruction plan for Gaza is not “adequate,” saying “it is about what are the details, what is going to end – what is going to be on the ground.” Bruce also says Hamas “cannot exist in Gaza,” calling the party “monsters.” (AJ, AJ, HA 3/6; AJ 3/7)

PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh meets with German foreign and security policy advisor Jens Plotner in Ramallah, discussing the Gaza reconstruction plan and Israel’s attacks on the West Bank. (AJ, WAFA 3/6; AJ 3/7)

Israeli defense minister Israel Katz says Israel will return to attacking Gaza with “unseen intensity.” (AJ 3/6)

Axios reports that the U.S. State Department will use AI technology to revoke visas of foreign students that it perceives to be supporters of Hamas. The department calls the new program, which reviews foreign student’s social media accounts, “Catch and Revoke.” (AJ, AX, HA 3/6; HA, HA 3/7)

A Gallup poll shows that Americans’ support for Israel has dropped to 46%, the lowest point surveyed by Gallop in 25 years. Support for Palestinians was at 33%, up 6 points from 2024. (AJ, HA 3/6)

Reuters reports that Switzerland has cancelled a planned conference on the application of the Geneva Conventions to the occupied Palestinian territory due to the lack of interested participants. Switzerland had invited the 196 parties to the conventions to a conference on 3/7. Both the PA and Israel criticized the conference, with the PA saying the draft document circulated prior to it fell short of its expectations. (AJ, AP, REU 3/6)

29 of 55 members of the Copenhagen City Council vote in favor of renaming a square in Copenhagen “Palestine Square.” (WAFA 3/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers graze their livestock on Palestinian farmland in al-Farisiya, Wadi al-Faw, and Khirbet Samra. Israeli forces continue raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 44th day in a row. Israeli forces also continue raids in Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 38th day in a row, delivering 17 home demolition notifications in Nur Shams and raiding the Fatah office in Tulkarm, vandalizing property. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure 4 Palestinians during a raid in Ramallah. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian girl in the head during a raid in Qusra. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man and injure others with tear gas during a raid in al-Arroub refugee camp. Israeli forces also violently disperse Palestinians with tear gas during a raid in al-Khader. Separately, Israeli forces punitively demolish the family home of Ahmed al-Haimoni, who was arrested om 10/1/2024 in Tel Aviv after allegedly taking part in the killing of 8 people, and the family home of Muhammad Misk, who was killed in the Tel Aviv incident. Israeli forces also deliver notices to Palestinians in al-Arka that Israel will appropriate around 300 dunams (74 acres) of farmland. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrest 15 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Kafr ad-Dik, Nablus, Balata refugee camp, Tulkarm refugee camp, Ramallah, and Tuqu’. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces punitively demolish the family home in Rafat of a Palestinian man arrested on 9/11/2024 near Ramallah. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb a vehicle in Naqoura, injuring 2 people at a nearby waste dump. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/5)

More than 48,440 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,845 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 926 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 186 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, WAFA 3/5)

Ir Amim says Israel demolish an unprecedented 181 homes and dozens of other structures in East Jerusalem in 2024. (AJ, AP, HA, WAFA 3/5; HA 3/6)

The Palestinian Prisoners Society says more than 9,500 Palestinians were being held in Israeli prisons at the beginning of March, including more than 350 children, 3,405 held on administrative detention, and 1,555 abducted from Gaza. (WAFA 3/5)

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt says the U.S. is holding direct talks with Hamas, adding “I am not going to detail them here, there are American lives at stake.” The Wall Street Journal reports that the talks started last month in Doha where Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler negotiated the release of American Israeli captive Sagui Dekel Chen. Boehler met with Hamas Political Bureau deputy chairperson Khalil al-Hayya later in the week. Axios reports that Israel learned of the direct talks from other channels, not the U.S., and that Israeli strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer then expressed anger with the development in a call with Boehler. President Donald Trump posts on his social media platform Truth Social “Shalom Hamas means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose. Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is Over for you. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted! I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.” Trump also threatens “the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!” Trump does not point out that Israel is holding hundreds of Palestinian bodies as part of a long-standing policy. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem responds to Trump’s post, saying that the U.S. is obligated to pressure Israel into moving to the second phase of the ceasefire. Reuters reports that U.S. and Egyptian officials discussed moving to the second phase of the ceasefire deal during a meeting in Cairo. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AX, BBC, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU 3/5; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU 3/6; AX 3/7)

The PA calls on the international community to impose sanctions on Israel to force it to stop demolishing refugee camps in Jenin and Tulkarm, stop it from building 1,000 new settlement units in East Jerusalem, and allow aid into Gaza. The PA cabinet commends the Egyptian proposal for Gaza reconstruction presented to the Arab League on 3/4. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 3/5)

Denmark, France, Greece, Slovenia, and the UK, all members of the UN Security Council, hold a joint press conference calling on Israel to “immediately let humanitarian aid flow into the Gaza Strip” and on the parties to “find a way forward to the next phases of the ceasefire agreement and hostage release deal.” The group says Hamas should not be allowed to govern Gaza and that Palestinians must not be displaced from Gaza. The foreign ministers of the UK, France, and Germany also issue a joint statement calling on Israel to abide by international law and allow aid to enter Gaza. (AJ, REU 3/5; AJ, AJ 3/6)

Qatar condemns the Shin Bet for making false accusations suggesting that Qatar supplied Hamas with aid, saying Qatar, in coordination with Israel, provided humanitarian support to Palestinians in Gaza. (HA 3/4; AJ, HA, HA 3/5)

Israel swears in Eyal Zamir as the new military chief of staff. U.S. Central Command commander Michael Kurilla attends the ceremony. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU 3/5)

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich is in the U.S. for meetings at the Treasury Department, saying in a post on X that he was blacklisted by the Biden administration. Treasury secretary Scott Bessent and Smotrich release a joint statement saying the 2 countries will continue “deepening economic cooperation, fostering innovation, and strengthening financial and trade ties.” (AJ, AP, NYT 3/5; AJ 3/6)

The Hind Rajab Foundation files a legal complaint in Germany against the Israeli soldier Shay Friedman, who it says is in Germany and has committed war crimes in Gaza. (AJ 3/5)

New York City police raid and evacuate a sit-in protest at Columbia University, claiming they had received a bomb threat. 9 pro-Palestine protesters are arrested. (AJ, HA 3/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers bring their sheep to graze on Palestinian farmland in al-‘Awja. Israeli settlers also raid a mosque in Kisan. Israeli forces continue raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 43rd day in a row, shooting and killing 3 Palestinians, including Hamas commander Isser Saadi, and injuring 4 others, including a child. Israeli forces also continue raids in Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 37th day in a row. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man near the Homesh checkpoint. Israeli forces also assault a Palestinian man in Hebron. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolish commercial structures in Dahariya. Israeli forces also seize an excavator in Salfit. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 10 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Anabta, Bethlehem, Burqin, Tulkarm, and Rujeib. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities demolish a Palestinian home in Bayt Hanina. In Gaza, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man near Dayr al-Balah and shoot and injure a Palestinian child near Rafah. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Qana, claiming to assassinate Hezbollah commander Hashem Khader. (AJ, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/4; WAFA 3/5; UNOCHA 3/6)

More than 48,405 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,835 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 926 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 186 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (UNOCHA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 3/4)

The Israeli military says it will not investigate Israeli soldiers who expelled Palestinians from their homes near the Beit Arye settlement without authorization to do so. (HA 3/4;HA 3/5)

The Arab League holds an emergency summit in Cairo, discussing the future of Gaza. The final communique from the meeting calls for the resumption of peace negotiations aimed at ending the Israeli occupation and establishing a sovereign Palestinian state, rejects all forms of displacement of Palestinians, calls for international financial backing for the reconstruction of Gaza, the implementation of the second and third phases of the Gaza ceasefire, for the UN Security Council to deploy peacekeeping troops in the West Bank and Gaza, and supports Palestine’s decision to form an interim Gaza administration comprised of Gaza-based officials and a transition toward the PA taking control in Gaza. The Arab states support an Egyptian plan for the reconstruction of Gaza that is divided into 3 phases. First, a 6-month phase that would cost $3 billion and would see Salah al-Din Street cleared of rubble, the construction of temporary housing, and restoration of partially destroyed homes. Second, a 2-year phase that would cost $20 billion, including continued rubble removal, the establishment of utility networks, and building of homes. Third, a 2.5-year phase that would cost $30 billion, including building housing for all of Gaza’s population and establishing an industrial zone, fishing and commercial ports, and an airport. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry says the interim managers of Gaza have been chosen. The PA commends the reconstruction plan. Hamas expresses support for the plan, calling for Palestinian elections as soon as possible. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes says President Donald Trump “welcomes input from our Arab partners in the region,” stating that Trump “stands by his bold vision for a post-war Gaza.” Trump’s vision includes ethnically cleansing Gaza, displacing Palestinians to other countries. Later in the day, Hughes says that the “current proposal does not address the reality that Gaza is currently uninhabitable and residents cannot humanely live in a territory covered in debris and unexploded ordnance.” The Israeli Foreign Ministry criticizes the summit for not condemning Hamas and says Trump’s plan should be encouraged, saying it has not been given a “fair chance.” (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/4; AJ, HA, NYT 3/5)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas welcomes the plan laid out at the summit, says he will establish a new role for a vice president of the State of Palestine and the PLO, that the call to ethnically cleanse Gaza has been “categorically rejected,” and that he is ready to hold presidential and parliamentary elections if circumstances allow. Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa says at the summit that Syria always has been and always will be one of the foremost backers of the Palestinian cause, calling the proposal to ethnically cleanse the Palestinian people “a smear in the face of humanity by all measures.” UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres also attends and addresses the summit, supporting the plan. Abbas meets with al-Sharaa, Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Lebanese president Joseph Aoun on the sidelines of the meeting. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/4; WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/5)

Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar says Hamas and Islamic Jihad must fully demilitarize and the captives must be released before Israel will agree to moving to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with U.S. secretary of state Marco Rubio, discussing the Gaza ceasefire and Iran. (AJ, REU 3/4)

Israel bars members of the International Labor Organization’s fact-finding committee from entering the West Bank. PA minister of labor Inas al-Attari meets with the committee members in Amman to discuss Israeli violations of Palestinian labor rights. (WAFA 3/4)

The U.S. unfreezes $95 million in aid to the Lebanese army. (AJ, AX 3/4)

The U.S. State Department reinstates the “foreign terrorist organization” designation for the Houthi movement. (AP, REU 3/4)

President Trump says on Truth Social that he will stop all federal funding for colleges, schools, and universities that allow what he considers to be illegal protests, saying “agitators will be imprisoned/or permanently sent back to the country from which they came. American students will be permanently expelled or, depending on on [sic] the crime, arrested.” The policy post is likely a direct reference to pro-Palestine protests at U.S. universities. (HA, HA 3/4; AJ 3/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces continue raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 42nd day in a row. Israeli forces also continue raids in Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 36th day in a row. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinian children in Odala. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian child during a raid in Biddya. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shoot and injure a child in Shuqba. Israeli forces also violently disperse Palestinians during a raid in Beit Umar, causing tear-gas related injuries. Separately, Israeli forces demolish a date factory and a shop north of Jericho. Israeli forces also seize 2 vehicles in Jalazone refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces issue a demolition order for a school in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around al-Arroub refugee camp, Deir Abu Mash’al, Jalazone refugee camp, Bethlehem, Jericho, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a farm in Isawiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, killing 2 Palestinians. Israeli forces also bomb al-Mawasi, injuring 3 Palestinians. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinians in Rafah, and a child in al-Qarara. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli forces bomb a boat, killing 2 Palestinians. In Haifa, a Druze man is killed after he stabbed and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured 4 others. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb an area east of Janta near the Syrian border. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb a site near Qardaha. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/3; NYT 3/4)

More than 48,397 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,824 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 922 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 186 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (WAFA 3/3)

Israel cuts off power to 2 water desalination plants in Rafah. (AJ, WAFA 3/3)

40-year-old Palestinian prisoner Khaled Abdullah dies in the Megiddo Prison. Abdullah, who was abducted and placed in administrative detention on 11/9/2023, had no prior health issues. He is the 61st Palestinian prisoner to die in Israeli custody since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, WAFA 3/3; UNOCHA 3/6)

Hamas official Osama Hamdan reiterates that Hamas is committed to the ceasefire agreement despite Israeli violations and says Israel is trying to bring the “situation back to square one.”  Hamdan says Israel has violated the ceasefire 962 times, including killing 116 Palestinians and not allowing the agreed to aid to enter. (AJ, AJ 3/3)

The UN says it has not seen evidence to back Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim that Hamas is stealing aid entering Gaza. Canada, Germany, Turkey, and Spain call on Israel to allow aid to enter Gaza again after Israel announced on 3/2 that it would not allow any to enter. (AJ, WAFA 3/3)

Prime Minister Netanyahu says he “fully” supports U.S. president Donald Trump’s plan to ethnically cleanse Gaza, saying the “time has come to give them the freedom to leave. The time has come to give them the freedom to choose.” Netanyahu also tells the Knesset that if Hamas does not release the captives, “there will be consequences that you cannot imagine.” MK Itamar Ben-Gvir calls for “mass starvation” of Hamas, saying “Gaza must endure hell. And hell also means bombing all the aid depots that Hamas hold.” Defense Minister Israel Katz speaks with U.S. secretary of defense Pete Hegseth, who reaffirms the “unbreakable bond” between the 2 countries. (AJ, HA 3/3)

ICJ judge Yuji Iwasawa is elected the new president of the court, replacing Lebanese judge Nawaf Salam who has become the Lebanese prime minister. (AJ 3/3)

Nominee for U.S. ambassador to the UN Elise Stefanik tells the ADL that the UN is “a deep den of anti-Semitism, infected with the same rampant anti-Israel and anti-American hate and moral rot that has polluted America’s higher education system.” (AJ, HA 3/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attack Palestinians in Asfi, injuring 2. Israeli settlers also raid Susiya in the Masafer Yatta area, assaulting Palestinians and destroying solar panels and water tanks. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers bring their sheep to graze on Palestinian farmland in Khirbet al-Farisiya. Israeli forces continue raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 41st day in a row, injuring a Palestinian infant with tear gas. A Palestinian journalist documents how Israeli forces used an apartment in Jenin as a military base, vandalizing it and spray painting a Star of David on a wall. Israeli forces also continue raids in Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 35th day in a row, ramming and injuring a Palestinian man and demolishing homes in Nur Shams refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces assault a Palestinian man during a raid in Awarta. In East Jerusalem, 500 Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound on the second day of Ramadan. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Beit Hanun, killing 2 Palestinians and injuring another. Israeli forces also bomb Khan Yunis, killing a woman and injuring 2 others. Elsewhere, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, killing 3 Palestinians and injuring 2 others. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/2; AJ 3/3; UNOCHA 3/6)

More than 48,394 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,803 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 922 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 186 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will block the entry of all aid to Gaza and tells his cabinet that Israel will adopt the U.S. proposal for a temporary ceasefire during the month of Ramadan, reneging on the ceasefire deal agreed with Hamas. Israel is reportedly considering cutting off water and electricity as its next move and will wait on resuming its active genocide until after U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff visits next week. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes says the U.S. supports Israel’s decision on the “next steps” regarding the ceasefire. Hamas calls the decision “cheap blackmail” and a “coup” against the ceasefire deal. The PA urges the international community to compel Israel to rescind the decision. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan condemn Israel for blocking aid to Gaza. The EU condemns Hamas’s refusal to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire. Hamas has made clear that it wants to move to the second stage of the ceasefire as agreed when the ceasefire was first announced. Egypt calls on the EU to pressure Israel into moving to the second phase. 5 Israeli human rights groups petition the Supreme Court to block the Israeli order to bar aid from entering Gaza. Oxfam condemns Israel’s “reckless act of collective punishment.” (NYT 3/1; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/2; AJ, HA, HA, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/3)

Prime Minister Netanyahu thanks the Trump administration for “sending us all the munitions that were being held up [by the Biden administration]. This way he is giving Israel the tools we need to finish the job against Iran’s terror axis.” (AJ 3/2)

The Palestinian Israeli film No Other Land wins the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Palestinian filmmaker Basel Adra says at his acceptance speech, “my hope to my daughter that she will not have to live the same life I am living now, always fearing settlers, violence, home demolitions, and forcible displacements that my community is living and tasting every day under Israeli occupation,” calling on the world to “take serious actions to stop the injustice and to stop the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people.” (NYT 3/2; AJ, AP, HA, WAFA 3/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attack Palestinians and their property during a raid in Bruqin. Israeli settlers also set fire to a vehicle during a raid near Silwad. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers open fire at homes in al-Juwaya in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli settlers also vandalize residential tents and damage a tractor during a raid in al-Nasariyah. Israeli forces continue raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 40th day in a row. Israeli forces also continue raids in Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 34th day in a row, demolishing homes in Nur Shams. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure 3 Palestinian children during a raid in Beit Furik. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Beit Ula. Meanwhile, Israeli forces assault Palestinians during a raid in Fawwar refugee camp. Israeli forces also vandalize Palestinian vehicles during a raid in Abwein. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid the Haram al-Sharif compound on the first day of Ramadan. In Gaza, Israeli forces demolish a home north of Khan Yunis. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/1)

More than 48,388 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,803 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 922 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 186 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, WAFA 3/1)

The first phase of the Gaza ceasefire expires as Israel refuses to move the second phase. Israel says it will adopt a temporary ceasefire proposal by the U.S. which covers the month of Ramadan and the Passover holiday. Hamas refuses a proposal to extend the first phase while continuing to release the captives, saying it wants to complete the agreement and move to the second phase. (AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT 3/1)

PA prime minister Mohammad Mustafa meets with Egyptian prime minister Mostafa Madbouly in Cairo, reviewing the Egyptian proposal for the future of Gaza ahead of the upcoming Arab summit where the proposal will be discussed. At a press conference, Egyptian foreign minister Badr Abdelatty says Egypt will train the Palestinian forces that will be deployed in Gaza during the reconstruction. (HA, WAFA 3/1; AJ 3/2)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas appoints Al-Abd Ibrahim Khalil as the new commander of the Palestinian National Security Forces and appoints Akram Thawabta as the new chief of the Civil Defense. (WAFA, WAFA 3/1)

The EU calls on Israel to comply with international law in its operations in the West Bank, saying Israel must allow Palestinians to return to their homes. The EU also calls on Israel to prevent settler violence and stop settlement expansion and demolitions. (AJ, HA, WAFA 3/1)

Israeli prime minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz say they have ordered the Israeli military to defend the Druze community in the Jaramana area south of Damascus, saying “if the regime in Syria harms the Druze, it will be harmed by us.” (AP, HA 3/1; HA, NYT 3/2; HA 3/3)

U.S. secretary of state Marco Rubio says he has signed a declaration to fast-track $4 billion in military assistance to Israel, saying the Trump administration has approved nearly $12 billion in military aid since 1/20. (HA 3/1; HA, NYT 3/2)

The PKK announces it will implement a ceasefire with Turkey. (AJ, NYT 3/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort raid Halhul assaulting and injuring 2 Palestinians who refuse to leave their land. Israeli settlers also steal 15 sheep in al-‘Awja. Israeli forces continue raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 39th day in a row. Israeli forces also continue raids in Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 33rd day in a row, forcing Palestinians to leave their homes at gunpoint, firing warning shots at Red Crescent crews in Nur Shams, and setting fire to homes in al-Manshiyya. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man and injure others with tear gas during a raid in Dura. Israeli forces also violently disperse Palestinians during a raid in Dura al-Qar’, causing tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during raids in Hebron, as-Samu, Beit Umar, Khirbet Yirza, Qarawat Bani Hassan, and Nablus. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, killing a Palestinian man. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces open fire at Palestinians fishermen, injuring 2. (AJ 2/27; HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/28; UNOCHA 3/6)

More than 48,365 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,780 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 922 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 186 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023.

4 Palestinian families, comprised of 34 people, flee their homes in ‘Ain al-Hilweh due to continued Israeli settler violence. The community has been terrorized by settlers who erected an outpost nearby a month ago. (UNOHCA 3/6)

Hamas reiterates its commitment to the ceasefire deal and urges the international community to pressure Israel to move to the second phase. (AJ 2/27)

The State of Palestine submits a written plea to the ICJ asking for an advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations not to obstruct humanitarian and development assistance in the occupied Palestinian territory. Qatar also submits a plea to the ICJ, urging it to clarify Israel’s obligations to allow UN agencies to operate in occupied territories. PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh meets with Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh, discussing the upcoming Arab summit in Cairo. (AJ 2/27; WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/28)

Haaretz reports that Israeli soldiers forced Palestinians near the Beit Aryeh settlement to evacuate without the knowledge of the Israeli military leadership. (HA 2/28)

Haaretz also reports that the Israeli Ministerial Committee for Legislation is expected to approve a bill that would enable the annexation of Israeli settlements surrounding Jerusalem on 3/2. The bill proposes the establishment of “metropolitan Jerusalem,” including the Ma’ale Adumim, Givat Ze’ev, Erfat, and Ma’ale Mikhmas settlements as part of Israeli-controlled Jerusalem. (HA 2/28)

The Guardian reports that COGAT presented UN officials with a plan that would tighten Israel’s control of aid to Gaza even more than before 10/7/2023, in which aid would be distributed to Israeli-vetted recipients in areas of Gaza under Israeli control. The proposal, presented earlier this week, would make UNRWA’s work in Gaza impossible as aid would only be allowed through Israeli crossings. (GDN 2/28; HA 3/1)

Lebanese prime minister Nawaf Salam tours South Lebanon, calling on Israel to immediately withdraw its troops. (AJ 2/27; HA 2/28)

The U.S. State Department approves a $3 billion arms sale to Israel, including $2 billion in bombs and warheads, $676 million in bomb guidance kits, and $295 million in bulldozers and related equipment. (AJ 2/27; AP, HA 2/28; HA, HA 3/1)

A jury in Illinois convicts a 73-year-old American man of the murder of a 6-year-old Palestinian American boy who he stabbed 26 times on 10/14/2023 in the boy’s home near Chicago. (AJ 2/27; HA 3/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid and vandalize a Palestinian home in Beit Kahil and set up an outpost near the town. Israeli forces continue raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 38th day in a row, shooting and injuring 2 Palestinians, including a doctor. Israeli forces also raid Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 32nd day in a row. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man and injure a child in Balata refugee camp. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man in Bayt Rima. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shoot, injure, and arrest a Palestinian man during a raid in Qusra. Israeli forces also demolish a restaurant and sports facilities in Nahalin. Separately, Israeli forces issue notices that Israel will seize 5 dunams (1.25 acres) of land near Tammun. PA forces arrest Tulkarm Battalion commander Kamal al-Khatib in Nur Shams refugee camp. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, injuring a child. Between Haifa and Tel Aviv, Israeli police shoot and kill a Palestinian man after he allegedly rammed and injured 13 people at a bus stop. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Deir Qanoun and Hermel, killing 1 person and injuring another in Hermel. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/27)

More than 48,365 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,780 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 922 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 186 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, UNOCHA 2/27)

Fatah secretary-general Jibril Rajoub meets with Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara, discussing Palestinian reconciliation. (AJ 2/27)

Egypt says negotiations for the second stage of the Gaza ceasefire have begun in Cairo. Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar says an Israeli delegation has traveled to Egypt to see if there is common ground to negotiate an extension of the first phase. Former War Cabinet member Benny Gantz says Prime Minister Netanyahu is dragging out phase one for his own “political interests.” Defense Minister Israel Katz says Israel will not leave the Philadelphi Corridor and will keep it as a buffer zone. Katz also says that the U.S. has approved Israeli plans to occupy parts of Syria, beyond the Golan Heights, and southern Lebanon indefinitely. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, HA, NYT, REU 2/27; AJ 2/28)

The GCC condemns the Israeli airstrikes on Syria on 2/25. (AJ 2/27)

Israeli environmental protection minister Idit Sliman and Israeli MKs, including Itamar Ben-Gvir, take part in Gaza resettlement conference in Jerusalem. Sliman calls for the “full transfer” of Palestinians from Gaza. Ben-Gvir says that “everyone knows I was right regarding encouraging emigration” from Gaza. (AJ, HA 2/27)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man succumbs to injuries sustained in an Israeli airstrike on Nur Shams refugee camp on 12/24/2024. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian family in Deir Balut. Israeli settlers also assault Palestinian shepherds in al-Maniya. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers erect an outpost near Khirbet Samra. Israeli settlers also uproot 100 olive trees in Jaba’a. Israeli forces continue raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 37th day in a row. Israeli forces also raid Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 31st day in a row, issuing demolition notices for 11 homes in Nur Shams refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian child in Qalqilya. Israeli forces also violently disperse Palestinians with tear gas during raids in al-Khader, Odala, and ‘Usarin. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolish 18 residential tents in Khallet a-Dabe’ and issue stop-work orders for homes in al-Deirat in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also demolish a home under construction in Beit Ijza. Separately, Israeli forces issue an announcement saying Israel will seize 8 dunams (2 acres) of land in near the Karmiel settlement in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also raid a school in Dura, arresting 2 students, and arrest more than 50 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jericho, and Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, a Palestinian child dies of hypothermia in Gaza City. Israeli forces bomb a site in Gaza, claiming a rocket was fired from it. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Qasr, killing 1 person and injuring another. (AJ, AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/26; UNOCHA 2/27)

More than 48,348 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,761 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 921 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 187 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (UNOCHA 2/26)

Israel releases 642 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Hamas releasing the bodies of 4 Israeli captives. The majority of the Palestinians should have been released on 2/22, but Israel delayed the release, citing dismay at the scenes around the release of Israeli captives. 445 of the Palestinians were forcibly disappeared from Gaza, 46 are women and children, and 115 are serving long sentences. 43 of the 115 serving long sentences are released to the West Bank and East Jerusalem, 97 are exiled, and 11 are returned to Gaza. Many of the released prisoners are emaciated and injured. The released Palestinians are forced to wear shirts with text in Arabic saying, “I pursue my enemies until they are eliminated.” (AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA 2/26; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AP, HA 2/27)

A 34-year-old Palestinian man abducted from Gaza dies in Israeli custody. Physicians for Human Rights in Israel issues the report Torture of Medical Workers in Israel, saying Israel arbitrarily detains Palestinian healthcare workers in Gaza, subjecting them to abuse, including sexual abuse. (AJ, PHRI, WAFA 2/26)

The PA says Israel is planning “a series of racist and provocative measures” for the month of Ramadan, including limiting the number of worshippers allowed at the Haram al-Sharif compound. It says that only Palestinian men over the age of 55 and women over the age of 50 will be allowed to travel from the West Bank to East Jerusalem for prayers. (AJ, WAFA 2/26)

UN high commissioner for human rights Volker Turk says at the presentation of a new human rights report on the Palestinian territory that Israel showed unprecedented disregard for human rights in its attacks on Gaza, noting that “[n]othing justifies the appalling manner in which Israel has conducted its military operations in Gaza which consistently breached international law.” (REU 2/26)

France expresses concern over the Israeli raids in the West Bank which have displaced more than 40,000 Palestinians. (AJ, WAFA 2/26)

UAE presidential advisor Anwar Gargash says there needs to be a path for a 2-state solution to raise funds for the reconstruction of Gaza. (AJ 2/26)

U.S. president Donald Trump posts an AI-generated video on his social media platform Truth Social, showing a vision of the future of Gaza called “Trump Gaza,” which resembles cities in the UAE and where Trump dances at a nightclub and sips drinks on a beach with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu while South African billionaire Elon Musk throws cash in the air. The soundtrack to the video features lyrics saying “Donald is coming to set you free. No more tunnels, no more fear. Trump’s Gaza is finally here.” (AJ, AX, HA, HA, NYT 2/26)

New York governor Kathy Hochul orders the City University of New York to remove a job listing for a Palestine studies lecturer. (AJ 2/26)

More than 500 media and film personalities condemn the BBC’s decision to remove the documentary Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone, calling the campaign against the documentary “racist” and “dehumanizing.” (AJ 2/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stab and injure a Palestinian herder in Khirbet Ibziq. Israeli settlers also assault Palestinians and vandalize their property during a raid in al-‘Awja. Israeli forces continue raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 36th day in a row, blocking Palestinians from entering the camp. Israeli forces also raid Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 30th day in a row. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raid Nablus, shooting and killing a Palestinian man, injuring 11 with live ammunition and several others with tear gas, and entering the Imam Ali Mosque, destroying doors and confiscating surveillance footage. Israeli forces also demolish a home in Kafr ad-Dik. Meanwhile, Israeli forces seize a bulldozer in Qibya. Israeli forces also arrest 10 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tubas, Halhul, Fawwar refugee camp, Zababdeh, Yatma, and Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 2 mobile homes in al-Bustan neighborhood of Silwan. The mobile homes were inhabited by Palestinians whose homes were demolished 3 months ago. Israeli forces also demolish a home and agricultural structures and uproot trees in Isawiya. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolish a home in Jabel Mukaber. In Gaza, 6 Palestinian children die due to cold weather. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb the Bekaa Valley, killing 2 people and injuring 2 others. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Kisweh and Deraa, targeting Syrian military bases and reportedly killing 2 people. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 2/25; AJ, AP, AP 2/26; UNOCHA 2/27)

More than 48,348 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,761 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 919 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 186 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, UNOCHA 2/25)

Hamas says it has reached a deal to free the 620 Palestinian prisoners who were supposed to have been released on 2/22. The deal, which was made after a Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya met with Egyptian officials in Cairo, will see the 620 Palestinians released in addition to the release of more women and children on 2/27 as Hamas hands over the bodies of 4 Israeli captives. (AJ, HA, REU 2/25; AJ, AP, HA 2/26)

The PA warns that Israel is planning to only allow 10,000 Palestinians a day to pray at the Haram al-Sharif compound during the month of Ramadan. (WAFA, WAFA 2/25)

Israeli defense minister Israel Katz orders the confiscation of PA funds that Israel alleges are used for payments to Palestinian prisoners, transferring the $131.5 million to Israeli “victims of terrorism and their families.” (HA 2/25)

At the UN Security Council, PA ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour says “Israel’s plan is clear in Gaza, in East Jerusalem, and in the rest of the West Bank. Get rid of Palestinian demography to seize Palestinian geography,” adding “it will never happen.” U.S. acting deputy ambassador to the UN Dorothy Shea says, “any plan for reconstruing in Gaza must ensure Hamas is fully removed from power and held accountable for its October 7 terrorist massacre.” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric says Israel must allow temporary shelters to enter Gaza, citing the deaths of 6 Palestinian children from hypothermia. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA 2/25; WAFA 2/26)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells AIPAC that Israel is fighting a war “between civilization and barbarism,” saying his goal is “total victory.” Netanyahu also says Israeli forces will remain in West Bank refugee camps “as long as necessary.” (HA 2/25)

Syrian community leaders meet to discuss the future of Syria with new government officials. A communique from the meeting says Israel must immediately withdraw from Syria. Israeli defense minister Katz says the attacks on Syria today are part of Israel’s new policy to demilitarize southern Syria. (AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT 2/25)

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid says Egypt should take responsibility for managing Gaza for 8-15 years in exchange for debt relief. (AJ, AP, HA 2/25)

U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff says in a speech to the American Jewish Committee that the U.S. will host a summit with real estate developers to discuss the future of Gaza. Witkoff also says that Syria and Lebanon could normalize ties with Israel. Wifkoff announces that he will delay his visit to Israel scheduled for 2/26, saying he may travel to the Middle East on 3/2 depending on how the second stage ceasefire negotiations are going. (AJ, HA, HA 2/26)

U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee chairperson Brian Mast instructs committee staff to refer to the West Bank as “Judea and Samaria” in all official correspondence, communications, and documentation. (AX, HA 2/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to an agricultural structure near Yatta. Israeli settlers also steal a residential tent, a water tank, and other belongings during a raid in Khirbet Humsa. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers injure several sheep during a raid near Kisan. Israeli forces continue raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 35th day in a row, Palestinians in the camp report that Israel appears to be preparing to stay in the camp long term. Israeli forces also raid Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 29th day in a row, razing infrastructure. Elsewhere, Israeli forces assault a Palestinian and seize a vehicle in Sa’ir. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian child and demolish an agricultural facility in Qabatiya with explosives. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians during a raid in al-Khader, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also vandalize Palestinian vehicles during a raid in Beita. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 16 Palestinians during raids in and around Silwad, Nablus, Sa’ir, Surda, Beit Rima, and Kobar. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb 2 sites in Gaza, claiming that rockets were fired from them. South of Hebron, Israeli forces demolish al-Araqeeb village for the 236th time since 2010. In Haifa, Israeli police arrest Palestinian comedian Nidal Badarny on charges of “mocking” Israeli captives. Badarny is released later in the evening.  (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/24; AJ, HA, UNOCHA 2/25)

More than 48,346 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,759 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 918 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 186 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. UNICEF says 547,200 children have been vaccinated for polio on the third day of the vaccination campaign. (AJ, WAFA 2/24)

The Palestinian Prisoners Society says Musab Haniyeh, a 35-year-old from Gaza, died in an Israeli prison in January, despite having no prior health problems. Haniyeh was brought to Israel from Gaza on 3/3/2024. The organization also says that Israel is not providing adequate clothing and bedding for the harsh winter conditions in Ofer Prison and that Israel has arrested 365 Palestinians during the past 35 days during raids in Jenin and Tulkarm. It calls for an international investigation into Israeli “executions” of Palestinian prisoners, saying at least 59 Palestinians have died from “systematic torture” in Israeli prisons and detention camps since 10/7/2023. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/24; AJ 2/25)

The Jenin municipality says Israel has demolished around 120 homes in Jenin refugee camp. The Red Cross expresses concern over the displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank, saying Palestinians urgently need humanitarian aid. Islamic Jihad says Israel’s mass evacuations and deployment of tanks to the West Bank “confirms the occupation’s plans to annex the West Bank by force.” Brazil issues a statement calling on Israel to stop raids in the West Bank, condemning the use of tanks and the displacement of 40,000 Palestinians from refugee camps.  (HA, NYT 2/24)

Hamas head of foreign relations Mousa Abu Marzouk tells the New York Times that Hamas’s political leadership was not aware of the specific plans for the attack on 10/7/2023 but that they had endorsed the overall strategy of attacking Israel militarily. (NYT 2/24)

Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar attends the first EU-Israel Association Council meeting in more than 12 years, meeting with the foreign minister of 20 EU countries. Before the meeting, Saar meets with EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Kaja Kallas, who says the EU is “watching developments and cannot hide our concern when it comes to the West Bank,” and that the EU supports the PA returning to Gaza, supports the return of all displaced Palestinians to Gaza, and supports the 2-state solution. Saar says at the press conference with Kallas that he does not want EU-Israel relations to be “held hostage” to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (AJ, HA, REU 2/24)

Israel bars the Irish and French EU parliamentarians Lynn Boylan and Rima Hassan from entering Israel. Boylan says in a statement that “Europe must now hold Israel to account.” Boylan had planned to meet with PA officials and members of civil society organizations. Israeli interior minister Moshe Arbel says Hassan is barred because she “consistently works to promote boycotts against Israel in addition to numerous public statements both on social media and in media interviews.” The PA calls the Israeli decision “outrageous,” saying Israel is preventing EU officials from witnessing the atrocities it commits against Palestinians. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA 2/24; AP, HA, WAFA 2/25)

Israel says that CDU leader Friedreich Merz, who is set to be chancellor after his party won the most votes in the German elections, invited prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Germany during a phone call. Merz says “I have promised myself that we will find a way to ensure that he [Netanyahu] can visit Germany and leave again without being arrested.” The ICC says Germany is legally obligated to arrest Netanyahu, saying it cannot “unilaterally determine the soundness of the court’s legal decisions.” (AJ, AJ, HA, REU 2/24)

Reuters and the Washington Post report that the Trump administration has rescinded orders that require the government to report potential violations of international law by U.S. allies involving U.S.-supplied weapons. (HA, HA 2/24; AJ, AJ 2/25)

The American organization Democracy for the Arab World Now asks the ICC to investigate former U.S. president Joe Biden, former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin for “their assessorial roles in aiding and abetting, as well as intentionally contributing to, Israeli war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.” (AJ 2/24)

Danish police arrests 20 people and violently disperses protesters outside of the Maersk headquarters in Copenhagen. Protesters, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, were demonstrating against Maersk transporting weapons and weapon components to Israel. (AJ 2/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli tanks are deployed for the first time in more than 20 years, entering Jenin. Raids in Jenin continue for the 34th day in a row, with Israeli forces imposing a 48-hour curfew on nearby Qabatiya and demolishing infrastructure, property, and electric and water lines there. Israeli forces also raid Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 28th day in a row, seizing and demolishing homes. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man in Nablus. Israeli forces also violently disperse Palestinians during a raid in Qusra, causing tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces expel 5 Palestinian employees at the Ibrahimi Mosque. Israeli forces also arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in Deir al-Hatab and Nablus. PA forces violently disperse a pro-Hezbollah demonstration in Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces violently disperse a funeral in Isawiya, causing tear-gas related injuries. In Gaza, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man near Gaza City. In Tamra, Palestinians demonstrate and strike against Israeli police inaction in addressing violent crime in their community. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb the Baalbek area and Tyre, injuring a child in Tyre. (AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/23; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA 2/24; UNOCHA 2/25)

More than 48,399 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,753 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 918 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 186 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, WAFA 2/23)

Hamas says it will not engage in ceasefire talks until Israel releases the more than 600 Palestinian prisoners who should have been released in the exchange on 2/22, saying the “mediators must ensure that the enemy adheres to the terms of the agreement.” The Palestinian Prisoners Society calls the Israeli decision “state terrorism against the prisoners and their families.” Egypt and Qatar reportedly press Israel to release the prisoners. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes says the U.S. supports the Israeli delay in releasing the prisoners, calling it an “appropriate response” to the “barbaric treatment” of Israeli captives, likely referring to unsubstantiated claims that Palestinian militants killed 2 Israeli children who were held captive. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is prepared to resume the war “at any moment.” U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff tells CNN that phase 1 of the ceasefire deal needs to be extended and that he will travel to the Middle East on 2/26. Democrats party leader Yair Golan says Netanyahu is “openly violating the [ceasefire] deal and blowing up Phase A [1],” saying “there are no real negotiations on Phase B [2], just spin and the neglect of the hostages’ lives.” (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU 2/23; HA, HA, HA, NYT 2/24)

Israeli defense minister Israel Katz boasts in a statement that Israel has forcibly displaced more than 40,000 Palestinians from Jenin refugee camp, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp, saying the camps are empty of residents. Katz also says UNRWA activities in the camps have been stopped and that Israel “will not return to the reality that was in the past. We will continue to clear refugee camps,” saying soldiers will remain in the camps to prevent the return of Palestinians. The PA calls the deployment of Israeli tanks to the West Bank a systematic continuation of genocide, displacement, and annexation. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 2/23; AJ, HA 2/24)

Prime Minister Netanyahu says that Israel will not allow the new Syrian government to have troops south of Damascus. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU 2/23)

Around 450,000 people attend the funeral of former Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut, 5 months after Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike. Israeli fighter jets fly at low altitude over the funeral. Defense Minister Katz says those who threaten Israel will “specialize in funerals,” commenting on the fighter jets. The funeral is attended by Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU 2/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers and soldiers raid Deir Dibwan, stealing around 800 sheep, 3 horses, 2 donkeys, and water tanks from Palestinians. Israeli settlers also set fire to a home and a vehicle in Jaba’ near Jerusalem. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces continue raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 33rd day in a row, bulldozing infrastructure and placing barbed wire around homes in Jenin refugee camp. Israeli forces also continue raids in Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 27th day in a row. Elsewhere, Israeli forces bomb a home in Yasid near Nablus. Israeli forces also arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in Nablus, Jenin, Jericho, and al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/22)

More than 48,329 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,753 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 918 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 186 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. UNRWA says a polio vaccination campaign will begin today and end on 2/26. (AJ, WAFA 2/22)

Hamas releases 6 Israeli captives, including 2, Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, who have been held for more than 10 years, while Israel delays the release of more than 600 Palestinian prisoners. Israel says the release is delayed due to “humiliating handovers” and “until the release of the next hostages is guaranteed.” The Israeli decision is likely a response to scenes in Gaza where 1 of the Israeli captives kissed the forehead of 2 Palestinian militants during the ceremony for his release. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU 2/22; WAFA 2/23; UNOCHA 2/25)

Hamas official Basem Naim says in an interview that Hamas, even before 10/7/2023, had expressed its willingness to step down from governing Gaza and allow for a Palestinian unity government or a Palestinian technocratic government to take control. Naim says Hamas has welcomed the Egyptian proposal to form a committee that will be tasked with governing all aspects of life in Gaza in coordination with the PA. (AJ, AJ 2/22)

Israeli ambassador to the UN Danny Danon demands an emergency session of the UN Security Council to discuss the dubious Israeli claim that 2 child captives were killed by Hamas militants using “their bare hands.” Hamas calls the accusation “false,” “baseless,” and a “fabrication.” It said in November 2023 that the 2 children and their mother were killed in an Israeli airstrike. Relatives of the 3 deceased captives say Israel never informed them about any such details before publicly announcing them. (AJ 2/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalize an agricultural structure and olive trees during a raid in Kafr Qaddum. Israeli settlers also set fire a vehicle and vandalize a home near Yatta. Israeli forces raid Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 32nd day in a row, shooting and killing a 13-year-old Palestinian girl. Israeli forces also continue raids in Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 26th day in a row, bringing additional troops to the area. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and kill a 12-year-old Palestinian boy in Hebron. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian child with a baton round and injure others with tear gas during a raid in Kafr Qaddum. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians during raids in Beita, Tell, Qaryut, Yatma, Qusra, and Marah Rabah, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also arrest 9 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, the Jordan Valley, Bani Na’im, Silwad, Jalazone refugee camp, and Surda. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault Palestinians making their way to the Haram al-Sharif compound, preventing some from reaching it for Friday prayers. In Gaza, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian woman east of Rafah. (AJ, AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/21; AJ 2/22)

More than 48,319 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,733 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 918 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 186 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023.

Hamas hands over the body of Israeli captive Shiri Bibas a day after handing over the wrong body. Hamas says it is committed to the ceasefire agreement, that a mistake happened, and that it will be investigated. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, NYT, REU 2/21; AJ 2/22; UNOCHA 2/25)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds a meeting with Israeli military officials in a seized Palestinian home in Tulkarm refugee camp. Netanyahu also orders more Israeli troops and enhanced Israeli activities in the West Bank. The PA and the OIC condemn the actions by Netanyahu. Tulkarm governor Abdullah Kmeil warns that Israel has the intent to commit genocide in the Tulkarm refugee camps. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 2/21; WAFA 2/22)

Defense of Children International – Palestine condemns Israel’s killing of 2 Palestinian children, calling the actions of Israeli forces “reckless and indiscriminate.” The group also says that Israeli forces shot and injured an 8-year-old Palestinian girl on 2/11 in Sa’ir, saying she will suffer from lifelong vision loss. (AJ 2/21)

Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, UAE president Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Qatari emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Kuwaiti emir Meshal al-Ahmad Al Saban, Bahraini crown prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Jordanian king Abdullah II, and Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman meet in Riyadh, discussing a joint Arab plan for Gaza. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU 2/21; HA 2/23)

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi meets with Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, telling him that “the Palestinian issue [is] at the core of the Middle East issue, China will continue to stand firmly with Arab brothers and make efforts to correct historical injustice thoroughly, and restore lasting peace in the region at an early date,” according to a Chinese statement. Also at the G20, Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan meets with South African foreign minister Ronald Lamola, discussing the South African genocide case against Israel. (AJ 2/21)

U.S. president Donald Trump tells Fox News in an interview that he does not “know why Israel ever gave that [Gaza] up,” calling it a great location. Trump also calls Gaza “not livable,” expresses disappointment that Jordan and Egypt will not take part in the ethnic cleansing of Gaza, saying that he will not force the issue, and says Prime Minister Netanyahu is “a very angry man” over the situation with the Israeli captives. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT 2/21)

Northern Ireland first minister Michelle O’Neill says she will not attend the yearly St Patrick’s Day event at the White House on 3/17, citing President Trump’s call for “the mass expulsion of the Palestinian people from Gaza.” (AJ, AP 2/21)

The BBC removes the documentary Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone, publicly stating that the withdrawal is due to the 13-year-old narrator being the son of Gaza’s deputy minister of agriculture Ayman al-Yazouri. (AJ 2/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers demolish an agricultural structure and steal equipment in Bani Na’im. Israeli settlers also raze Palestinian farmland, destroying crops, in Shaab al-Butum. Israeli forces raid Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 31st day in a row. Israeli forces also raid Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 25th day in a row, ramming a Palestinian car, killing the driver and injuring a passenger. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian child during a raid in Shabtin. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Shuqba. Meanwhile, Israeli forces assault and injure 2 children in Khirbet Yirza. Israeli forces also violently disperse Palestinians in Turmus ‘Ayya with tear gas. Separately, Israeli forces punitively demolish the family home in Salfit of a Palestinian killed in Holon last year. Israeli forces also demolish a home in Majdal Bani Fadel. Meanwhile, Israeli forces deliver notices to Palestinians to clear farmland in Duma. In Gaza, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man in Gaza City. In Bat Yam, 3 buses explode in parking lots; no one is injured. Israel says it has found 2 other explosive devices that did not detonate. In Lebanon, Israel forces bomb a site on the Syrian border. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/20; AJ, AJ, AP, WAFA 2/21)

More than 48,319 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,749 women, and around 111,733 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 916 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 184 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. 48,319 111,749 (AJ, UNOCHA, WAFA 2/20)

Hamas and Islamic Jihad release the bodies of 4 captives to Israel. Hamas says 3 of the captives, a mother and her 2 children, were killed in an Israeli airstrike in November 2023, a statement the group also made at the time. Islamic Jihad says the fourth captive was killed in an Israeli airstrike, a claim Israel denies, saying he was killed by his captors. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims that the body of the mother of the 2 children is not right body, calling it a “cruel and evil” violation of the ceasefire deal. The Gaza Media Office later says her remains appear to have been mixed with the remains of other casualties at the site where she died in the Israeli airstrike. U.S. envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler says “[i]f I were them [Hamas], I would release everybody or they are going to face total annihilation.” UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres condemns the “parading and displaying of the coffins of the deceased Israeli hostages by Hamas.” The bodies of 665 Palestinians are currently held by Israel.  (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AX, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU 2/20; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU 2/21; UNOCHA 2/25)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas addresses the 12th session of the Fatah Revolutionary Council in Ramallah, saying he will continue to work to ensure the State of Palestine assumes responsibility in Gaza and that the territorial integrity of Palestine is protected. (AJ, WAFA 2/20)

Islamic Jihad secretary-general Ziyad al-Nakhalah meets with Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran. (HA 2/20)

Israeli defense minister Israel Katz orders the Israeli military to “increase the intensity of activities to thwart terrorism in the Tulkarm refugee camp and in the refugee camps in Judea and Samaria [the West Bank] in general.” Prime Minister Netanyahu says Israel will deploy 3 extra battalions in the West Bank. (AJ, HA, REU 2/20)

U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff says at the Saudi Arabian investment summit held in Miami that the “issue with phase two [of the ceasefire deal] is that there is supposed to be an end to the war . . . and I think the Israelis have a red line, which is you cannot have Hamas in government. And so, it is hard to sort of square that circle,” adding he is optimistic about the second phase. Witkoff also says President Donald Trump’s plan to displace Palestinians in Gaza to other countries is about providing opportunities to the Palestinians the U.S. wants to displace. Israeli Channel 13 reports that Prime Minister Netanyahu is demanding that the Hamas leadership be exiled abroad if the second phase of the ceasefire is to take place. (AJ, HA, HA, REU 2/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up a new outpost near the Tayasir checkpoint. Israeli settlers also bring their sheep to graze on farmland in al-‘Awja. Israeli forces continue raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 30th day in a row, shooting and injuring a Palestinian woman in Jenin refugee camp and preventing Palestinians from returning to the camp. Israeli forces also continue raids in Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 24th day in a row. Tulkarm’s deputy governor Faisal Salama says Israel has destroyed 50 homes and 280 shops during the raids. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and kill 3 Palestinians and destroy a home with an anti-tank missile in al-Far’a refugee camp. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian child during a raid in Beita. Meanwhile, Israeli forces assault 6 Palestinians at the Beit Furik checkpoint. Israeli forces also assault several Palestinians during a raid in al-Arroub refugee camp. Separately, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians with tear gas during raids in Tell and Qusra. Israeli forces also demolish 3 structures and raze farmland in Hizma, demolish a home in Khallet al-Eidah, and raze farmland in Za’atra. Meanwhile, Israeli forces deliver punitive demolition notices for 2 homes in Rafat and Hebron. Israeli forces also arrest 30 Palestinians during raids throughout the West Bank. In Gaza, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian child east of Rafah. Israeli forces also kill 1 Palestinian and injure others in an airstrike near Rafah. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Ayta ash Shaab, killing 1 person. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/19; UNOCHA 2/25)

More than 48,297 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,287 women, and around 111,733 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 914 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 183 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. Oxfam says 80% of Gaza’s water infrastructure has been destroyed, including all 6 water treatment plants. (AJ, AP, HA 2/19)

Israeli media films Israeli prison guards moving Kamal Adwan Hospital director Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya from one cell to another at the Ofer Prison. Abu Safiya, shackled at his hands and feet, tells Israeli Channel 13 that he does not know his charges or the reason for his imprisonment. Abu Safiya’s family calls the video “psychological terrorism.” (AJ 2/19; AJ 2/20)

5 Israeli reservists are charged with abuse and causing serious bodily harm to a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman detention camp. According to the charges, the Palestinian man was raped by the 5 soldiers with a sharp object, causing him to needed prolonged medical care, surgery, and blood transfusions. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU 2/19)

Israel says it will conduct a military exercise in northern Gaza on 2/20, the same day the bodies of 4 Israeli captives are scheduled to be released to Israel. (AJ 2/19)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas chairs a meeting of the Fatah Central Committee, briefing members on international engagement on Israeli violations in Palestine and the PA’s preparedness to resume responsibilities in Gaza. (WAFA 2/19)

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid says the new Israeli demand that Hamas leave Gaza is “a means to obstruct” the second phase of the ceasefire. (AJ 2/19)

In a call with U.S. national security advisor Mike Waltz, Lebanese president Joseph Aoun calls on Israel to leave the 5 military posts it still occupies in Lebanon and to release the Lebanese people it has detained while occupying parts of the country. (AJ, AP, HA 2/19)

Emirati state media reports that UAE president Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan told U.S. secretary of state Marco Rubio in a meeting that the UAE rejects the idea of displacing Palestinians from Gaza. (AP, AJ, HA, REU 2/19)

A U.S. State Department spokesperson tells AJ Jazeera that the U.S. has issued waivers in the pause on U.S. foreign assistance, including for “lifesaving humanitarian assistance” to Gaza. Meanwhile, the Washington Post reports that security assistance to the PA has been frozen, that some programs have already been canceled, and that a meeting between PA officials and U.S. officials on operations in Jenin has been postponed. (AJ, HA, WP 2/19)

The Knesset passes a law allowing authorities to deny entry to Israel to people deemed to have denied the 10/7/2023 attack or have expressed support for international prosecution of Israeli soldiers. The Knesset also advances a bill that would penalize people who aid the ICC with up to 5 years in prison. (AP, HA, HA 2/19; AJ 2/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at a vehicle and 2 homes in Wadi Rahhal. Israeli settlers also set fire to vehicles in Susiya. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set fire to 4 water distribution pumps and vandalize a greenhouse in Beit Lilo. Israeli forces raid Jenin and Jenin refugee camp for the 29th day in a row, bringing water tanks and temporary structures for Israeli soldiers. Israeli forces also raid Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp for the 23rd day in a row, demolishing 14 homes in Tulkarm refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Deir Abu Mash’al. Israeli forces also injure 2 Palestinian children, assaulting 1 of them and hitting the other one with a tear-gas canister in Meithalun. Meanwhile, Israeli forces assault a Palestinian man during a raid in Nabi Salih. Israeli forces also violently disperse Palestinians with tear gas during raids in Qusra and al-Khader. Separately, Israeli forces demolish a home in Kafr ad-Dik, a home in Umm al-Kheir, and 6 homes in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also seize a home in at-Tayibe. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrest 18 Palestinians during raids in and around Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and ‘Azzun. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 4 homes in Jabel Mukaber. In Gaza, Israeli forces shoot and kill 2 Palestinians, including a child, near Rafah. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Sasa.  (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/18; WAFA 2/19)

More than 48,291 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,881 children and 12,287 women, and around 111,722 have been injured since 10/7/2023. In addition, 14,222 Palestinians who have been missing are presumed dead. 911 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 183 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,579 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 92% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. Israel allows 2 bulldozers to enter Gaza. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 2/18)