The Palestine Chronology

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. alSudaniyya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries or damage, but arresting 2 fishermen. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and wound a wanted Fatah activist during a raid in Nablus, then arrest him. The IDF patrols in Tulkarm and the nearby Nur Shams r.c., as well as 1 village nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Bayt Hanina. (MNA 9/3; PCHR 9/4)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with PLO chief negotiator Erakat and senior PA official Faraj for 2 hours in Washington to discuss the Israeli expropriation of 988 acres of West Bank land, the planned negotiations in Cairo, and other issues. Later, Kerry speaks with Israeli PM Netanyahu over the phone regarding the 8/31 expropriation announcement. (AFP, AJ, YA 9/3)

The Palestinian and Israeli negotiators agree on an open-ended cease-fire deal, which PA Pres. Abbas confirms in a brief televised address. The agreement contains 3 points: Israel will permit humanitarian aid and construction material to enter Gaza; Israel will restore the fishing zone from 3 to 6 naut. mi. away from the shore, and gradually extend it to 12 by the end of 2014; and indirect negotiations will continue within 1 mo. in Cairo to deal with the remaining disputes, including Hamas’s demand for sea and airports in Gaza, and the release of recently rearrested prisoners who were released in the Shalit deal. Additionally, talks between Palestinian officials and Egyptian authorities are scheduled to take place soon with the goal of opening the Rafah crossing permanently. Israeli PM Netanyahu agrees to the cease-fire deal without putting it to a vote in the security cabinet, a move reportedly opposed by Economy Minister Naftali Bennett. Haaretz reports that over half of the security cabinet would have voted against the deal. (AFP, AJ, AP, HA, JP, MNA, NYT, WP 8/26)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF continues its assault and armed Palestinian groups continue firing projectiles into Israel until the new ceasefire goes into effect in the evening. The Israeli air force hits approximately 32 targets, while IDF troops stationed along the border fence open fire on 3 occasions, 2 with artillery and 1 with live ammunition. Six Palestinians die in the attacks, and dozens are injured. Among the targets in Gaza is the so-called Italian building, a 13-story residential and commercial complex. Though the building is mostly empty at the time of the Israeli strikes, its destruction leaves around 70 families homeless. Prior to the cease-fire, the armed Palestinian groups launch more than 180 projectiles into Israel, killing 2 Israelis and wounding 5. In the West Bank, 7 Israeli settlers attack a Palestinian nr. Jerusalem with knives and stones, leaving him unconscious. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in Nablus, 3 villages nr. Hebron, 3 villages nr. Ramallah, Jenin, 1 village nr. Jenin, and Tulkarm, arresting 17; patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 2 villages nr. Salfit. In East Jerusalem, dozens of Palestinians gather in Bayt Hanina, al-Tur, and Wadi al-Juz to celebrate the cease-fire announcement and Israeli security forces disperse the celebrations with waste water, sound bombs, and tear gas. One Palestinian is arrested in Wadi al-Juz. (MNA, REU, YA 8/26; HA 8/27; PCHR 8/28)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF continues its assault with attacks on 41 targets, killing 11 Palestinians and injuring dozens. Israeli fighter jets and drones strike targets in n. Gaza, as well as nr. Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah, while IDF troops fire smoke bombs and live ammunition across the Israel-Gaza border in 1 location and Israeli artillery shelling hits 2 others. The armed Palestinian groups fire over 100 projectiles into Israel; of which, 3 land in urban areas, 73 land in open areas, and 17 are intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. Meanwhile, Hamas executes 4 alleged collaborators with Israel in the courtyard of a mosque in Jabaliya r.c. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts patrols in Hebron and 2 nearby villages, as well as 1 village nr. Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with a group of Palestinian youth outside a checkpoint nr. Shu‘fat, and 1 Palestinian is wounded when the soldiers open fire with tear gas and rubbercoated metal bullets. (AFP, AP, HA, MNA 8/23; PCHR 8/28)

Following talks between Hamas leader Mishal and PA Pres. Abbas in Doha on 8/21 and 8/22, Hamas publicly agrees to support Abbas’s application to join the ICC. According to PLO chief negotiator Erakat, only Islamic Jihad has not yet approved the document Abbas is asking all Palestinian factions to sign before he moves forward. (AFP, AP, MNA 8/23)

On the diplomatic front, Abbas travels to Cairo for talks with Egyptian pres. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. After their meeting, Abbas says “my main goal is for the truce talks to resume in Egypt as soon as possible.” In an interview on Egyptian television, Abbas says that he is planning a major diplomatic initiative and that he will present the plan to U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry, who is scheduled to visit the region in the coming days. The plan reportedly includes asking the UN to set a timetable for the Israeli occupation and signing the Rome Statue on behalf of the PA, which would give the ICC jurisdiction over cases relating to the occupation. For its part, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry releases a statement after the Abbas/al-Sisi meeting inviting the Israelis and Palestinians to return to Cairo for further cease-fire negotiations. (AJ, HA, WSJ 8/23)

Israeli PM Netanyahu holds talks with UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon. Netanyahu compares Hamas to ISIS, in reference to the group’s 8/22 execution of collaborators, and blames the group for the latest escalation in violence. (AJ, HA, REU 8/23)

In the evening, 2 rockets are fired from Lebanon into n. Israel. No group claims responsibility for the attack, though Lebanese military officials suspect a small, local Palestinian group. Late at night, 5 rockets are fired from Syria into the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israeli military officials say that a Palestinian group, not Syrian govt. forces, is responsible. Between the 2 sets of rocket attacks, 8 Israelis are lightly injured. (DS, JP, REU 8/23; AFP, HA, YA 8/24)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF continues its assault, launching air strikes on approximately 65 targets, killing at least 30 Palestinians and injuring over 100. The armed Palestinian groups fire more than 150 rockets and mortars into Israel, primarily toward Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and areas in the s. One rocket lands in the Israeli settlement Mod’in Ilit in the West Bank, causing damage but no injuries, and 23 are intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. In the West Bank, IDF troops, accompanied by bulldozers, enter areas nr. Nablus, the Jordan Valley, and Ramallah to demolish 3 homes and confiscate 6 tents, leaving 63 Palestinians homeless. Late at night, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in Ramallah, Hebron, 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Jenin, arresting 7. (AA, AFP, HA, REU, YA 8/20; PCHR 8/21)

In the evening, Israeli PM Netanyahu says in a press conference that the assault on Gaza will continue, but alludes to a new, regional “diplomatic horizon.” He calls on PA Pres. Abbas to play a “significant part” in his longterm plans. Earlier in the day, a Hamas spokesperson says that the Palestinian delegation has not been instructed to return to talks in Cairo and that “the Egyptian offer was a stillborn, and it was buried today.” (AFP, AP, HA, NPR, REU 8/20)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians continue emergency relief efforts, with many more bodies found in the rubble and many people succumbing to their injuries. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activists, accompanied by MK Moshe Feiglin, tour Haram al-Sharif with Israeli security forces escorting them. Israeli police close the main gates into the area while the group is inside. They also bar access to all women and men under 50 years of age. Separately, leader of the messianic Temple Mount movement Yehuda Glick tours Haram al-Sharif with a group of settlers. (MNA 8/17; PCHR 8/21)

The Palestinian delegation and the Israeli negotiators return to Cairo to restart talks on extending the current 5-day cease-fire, which is set to expire on 8/18. Upon landing at Cairo International Airport, an anonymous Palestinian negotiator says that his side is “less optimistic than we were earlier” about reaching a deal in time and that the final point of contention is Hamas insistence that Israel agree to lift the blockade on Gaza before the talks conclude. The parties meet for 9 hours of negotiations. Meanwhile, at the start of a cabinet meeting, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says that he has given the Israeli negotiators a “very clear mandate to stand firmly on Israel’s security needs.” Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri responds, saying that lifting the blockade on Gaza would be the only way to ensure Israeli security. U.S. Pres. Barack Obama calls several foreign leaders to discuss the Israeli assault on Gaza, among other things. (AJ, AP, BBC, JP, MNA 8/17; MNA 8/18)

In a goodwill gesture aimed at facilitating the negotiations in Cairo, Israeli authorities lift the fishing ban on Gaza, allowing Palestinian fishermen to sail 3 naut. mi. offshore. (HA 8/17)

The Qatari Comm. for Rebuilding the Gaza Strip says that it will double the previously reported donation to each Palestinian family whose home was destroyed, following up on the 8/16 announcement. (JP 8/17)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF and most armed Palestinian groups maintain the cease-fire for a 3d day. In one incident, Palestinians fire 1 rocket, which is intercepted by an Iron Dome battery, and a few mortar rounds, causing no injuries. Throughout the 72-hour cease-fire, 25 Palestinians died, succumbing to injuries sustained in earlier attacks. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Salfit at night; patrols during the day in 3 villages nr. Ramallah and in Qalqilya. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/7; PCHR 8/8)

Acting U.S. special envoy for Palestinian-Israeli negotiations Frank Lowenstein lands in Cairo to meet with Egyptian officials to discuss a truce extension. In the evening, Hamas officials say that Israel is not responding to the group’s proposal and threaten an escalation if hostilities resume. The Palestinian delegation meets with Egyptian officials, while the Israeli envoys return to Israel to meet with PM Netanyahu and DM Ya’alon before returning to Egypt. Egyptian authorities say that Cairo will agree to permanently open the Rafah crossing on the condition that the PA’s national unity govt. runs the terminal. Overall, the Egyptian authorities are warning that the talks are making no progress. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/7)

Soon after the planned 72-hour cease-fire takes effect, it breaks down and the IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip, killing 160 Palestinians. Armed Palestinian groups resume rocket fire, launching 38 into Israel. IDF troops are primarily active in Shuja‘iya in e. Gaza City, Bayt Hanun in the n. Gaza Strip, and Khan Yunis in the s. Gaza Strip. The cease-fire breaks down after both sides accuse the other of violating it during an incident in s. Gaza. According to the IDF, 2 hours after the ceasefire began, al-Qassam Brigades fighters attacked IDF troops demolishing a tunnel, killing 2 and capturing 1. The Hamas armed wing denies reports of the capture, saying that the soldier might have been killed in clashes before the cease-fire began. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill 2 Palestinians in separate incidents. The 1st dies in clashes nr. Tulkarm during protests against the assault on Gaza, and the 2d dies in Safa nr. Ramallah in similar circumstances. In the clashes in Safa, 5 are injured by live ammunition and 10 by rubber-coated metal bullets. At Hawara checkpoint nr. Nablus, IDF troops shoot and injure 6 Palestinians with live ammunition during protests. In Hebron, meanwhile, around 50,000 residents protest the assault on Gaza, leading to clashes with IDF troops in which 90 Palestinians are injured with live fire and rubber-coated metal bullets. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Salfit and al-Jalazun r.c.nr. Ramallah at night. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). In Ni‘lin, 1 is seriously injured by a rubber-coated metal bullet; in Nabi Salih, 2 are seriously injured by rubber-coated metal bullets; and in Kafr Qaddum, 4 are wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces in ongoing demonstrations against the Gaza offensive, causing dozens of injuries. The clashes happen in Shu‘fat r.c., Issawiyya, Silwan, al-Tur, al-Suwana, Abu Dis, al-‘Izzariya, al-Ram, Qalandia, and Anata. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/1; PCHR 8/2)

U.S. officials express outrage and disappointment at the breakdown of the ceasefire. U.S. Pres. Obama calls for the release of the soldier that was reported kidnapped and says it will be “very hard to put a cease-fire back together again if Israelis and the international community can’t feel confident that Hamas can follow through on a cease-fire commitment.” White House spokesperson Earnest says that the U.S. “would encourage those who have influence with Hamas to get them back on to the terms of the cease-fire and to get them to abide by the agreements that they struck just yesterday.” Meanwhile, Kerry calls Qatari FM Khalid bin Mohammed al-Attiyah and Turkish FM Ahmet Davutoğlu and urges them to use their influence with Hamas to release the soldier. Davutoğlu tells reporters that Turkey would do what it can. Kerry also speaks with PM Netanyahu and Pres. Abbas. Talks planned in Cairo are postponed until further notice. (AFP, AP, Guardian, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/1)

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdallah speaks for the 1st time in public on the Gaza violence and accuses Israel of “state-sponsored terrorism” in a televised speech. (Guardian, HA, MNA, REU 8/1)

The IDF continues its assault of the Gaza Strip, killing 64 Palestinians, primarily in the s. Khan Yunis area. The IDF says that it is hitting “concealed rocket launchers, terror tunnels, militant compounds, and terror activity posts located within the premises of al-Wafa hospital.” Severe shortages in electricity, water, and medical supplies continue to affect Palestinians in Gaza, with the UN estimating that the total number of displaced has risen to 118,300. Palestinians kill 3 Israeli soldiers inside the Gaza Strip, and severely wound another 2, in an attack claimed by al-Quds Brigades. Armed Palestinian groups fire rockets into s. Israel at a diminished rate relative to previous days, causing no damage and killing 1 Thai worker nr. the border fence. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill 1 Palestinian man during clashes that break out after a protest in Husan village nr. Bethlehem. Clashes also break out in Silwad, and IDF troops injure 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Nablus. (AFP, AP, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/23)

The FAA extends the previous day’s ban on U.S. airline flights to Ben-Gurion Airport for an additional 24 hours. (AFP, AP, JP 7/23)

In a televised speech from Doha, Hamas leader Mish‘al responds to the international calls for a cease-fire, saying that Hamas “cannot accept any proposal that does not include the lifting of the siege.” Mish‘al also calls for a “humanitarian truce” of a few hours “to evacuate the wounded and assist in the relief.” (AFP, AP, HA, MNA 7/23)

In response to an Israeli request on 7/20, the U.S. Defense Dept. agrees to resupply the IDF with arms from the War Reserves Stockpile based in Israel. Details of the sale are not reported until 7/30. (AFP, AP 7/23; Guardian 7/30)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry holds talks with UN Secy.-Gen. Ban in Jerusalem, their 2d meeting of the week. Kerry says afterward that “we have certainly made some steps forward, but there is still work to be done.” Kerry also meets with Pres. Abbas in Ramallah and then with Israeli PM Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, before returning to Cairo with no sign of an imminent breakthrough that might enable a cease-fire. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 7/23)

The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva passes a res., 29–1–17, condemning Israel’s occupation and the current assault on Gaza, as well as commissioning an investigation into potential war crimes committed during the current Gaza conflict, with the U.S. casting the sole “no” vote. Israeli PM Netanyahu calls the vote a “travesty,” while Israel’s Justice Minister Tzipi Livni responds on Facebook with the comment: “Get lost.” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay says that there is a “strong possibility” Israel is committing war crimes in the Gaza Strip. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, YA 7/23)

The IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip, killing 61 Palestinians. Local officials say targets struck include 5 mosques and a soccer stadium, in addition to other Palestinian infrastructure and multiple tunnels. Prolonged Israeli shelling of Khan Yunis kills at least 6 and wounds more than 20. Also, the IDF strikes a UNRWA-run school in c. Gaza. Palestinian fighters kill 2 Israeli soldiers overnight and fire approximately 67 rockets and mortar shells into Israel, with 18 projectiles intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. In the West Bank, an Israeli citizen shoots and kills a Palestinian man between al-Ram and Hizma checkpoint n. of Jerusalem, reportedly after the Palestinian man threw stones at the Israeli’s car. IDF troops shoot and injure 5 Palestinians in ‘Askar r.c. nr. Nablus, during clashes in an arrest raid. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces clash with Palestinians in at-Tur, Shu‘fat r.c., and Issawiyya, causing no serious injuries. (AFP, AP, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/22; PCHR 7/23)

After 1 rocket lands nr. Ben Gurion Airport, the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) bans flights to and from Israel for at least 24 hours, and the European Aviation Safety Agency advises all carriers to avoid Tel Aviv “until further notice.” Israel’s Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz, in a statement, says “there is no need for U.S. carriers to suspend flights and reward terrorism.” U.S. Secy. of State Kerry and PM Netanyahu later discuss the FAA ban on a phone call. (AFP, AP, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/22)

At a monthly meeting of the EU Council, the 28 EU FMs issue a statement that “strongly condemns the indiscriminate firing of rockets into Israel by Hamas and militant groups in the Gaza Strip” and also “condemns calls on the civilian population of Gaza to provide themselves as human shields.” Meanwhile, Secy. of State Kerry meets with Egypt’s Pres. al-Sisi in Cairo to discuss Gaza, and afterward, affirms that “there is a framework available to end the violence, and that framework was the Egyptian initiative.” Senior Fatah official al-Ahmad flies in to Cairo to also meet with Kerry. In Israel, UN Secy.-Gen. Ban meets with PM Netanyahu and at a Tel Aviv press conference, Ban condemns the rocket attacks, while the Israeli leader accuses Hamas of committing a “double war crime” of targeting Israeli civilians while using Palestinian civilians as human shields. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/22)

The IDF continues its ground invasion, as well as air strikes in the Gaza Strip, killing 53 Palestinians, including 8 mbrs. of a single family killed in Bayt Hanun. IDF troops face resistance on the ground, in particular from fighters in al-Qassam Brigades and al-Quds Brigades, with both groups claiming attacks on IDF soldiers and positions inside the Gaza Strip. Palestinians fire more than 40 rockets into Israel, and Iron Dome batteries intercept several over Tel Aviv while 25 land in open areas, with no reports of casualties. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure dozens of Palestinians in a number of protests in solidarity with Gaza, including at Qalandia checkpoint, outside Ofer prison, in Biddu village nr. Jerusalem, and in Shuqba village nr. Ramallah. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron at night; patrols in 3 villages each nr. Jericho and Ramallah, and 1 village nr. Salfit in the afternoon. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin). There are no serious injuries, except in Nabi Salih, where 1 is hit by a bullet, and Ni‘lin, where another is hit by a bullet. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces clash with Palestinians at Haram al-Sharif, 9 are taken to the hospital, including at least 4 injured by rubber-coated metal bullets. (AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/18; PCHR 7/19)

The Israeli security cabinet meets to discuss expansion of the ground operation, with Netanyahu saying that “since there is no way to deal with the tunnels only from the air, our soldiers are doing it now from the ground.” Meanwhile, Pres. Abbas asks France to lobby Hamas’s regional allies Turkey and Qatar to pressure the Palestinian group to accept a ceasefire. French FM Fabius meets Abbas in Cairo after flying out specifically to boost efforts at reaching a cease-fire. Abbas then heads to Turkey for talks with PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan. U.S. Pres. Obama, meanwhile, speaks with PM Netanyahu, underscoring Israel’s right to defend itself, but also stressing the risks of “further escalation.” In New York, the UNSC holds an emergency meeting at the request of Jordan, where it is announced that Secy.-Gen. Ban will head to the region the next day. Separately, EU foreign affairs chief Ashton publishes a statement, saying she is “very concerned” about the violence, “including the resumption of rocket fire into Israel and the Israeli ground operation.” (AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/18)

After concluding a 6th round of talks since the beginning of the 6-mo. interim period began on 1/20, reps. of Iran and the P5+1 powers agree to extend talks on Iran’s disputed nuclear program until 11/24. (REU 7/18)

The IDF strikes over 50 targets across the Gaza Strip, including the Interior Ministry building and a hospital, killing 23 Palestinians. Among these are 4 children, who are killed when IDF troops shell a beach nr. Gaza City, an attack witnessed by a number of international journalists. IDF troops also destroy the house of a high-ranking Hamas political figure. Palestinians fire more than 60 rockets into Israel, including rockets aimed at Ashqelon and Ashdod. Iron Dome batteries intercept 4 of the projectiles. Rockets cause damage in Ashdod and Tel Aviv, and 1 soldier is injured. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 1 nearby village at night. (AFP, AP, HA, MNA, NYT, REU 7/16; PCHR 7/17)

UNRWA says that the Gaza Strip’s health system is on the brink of collapse, with 600,000 people facing water shortages and 22,000 seeking refuge in school shelters. (AP, HA, MNA, NYT 7/16)

Israeli DM Ya’alon asks Netanyahu’s security cabinet to authorize the mobilization of another 8,000 reserve troops, adding to the approximately 30,000 that have already been called up since 7/8. (AP, HA, NYT, REU 7/16)

After Hamas rejected the Egyptian cease-fire proposal the previous day, Dep. Hamas leader Abu Marzuq meets Egyptian officials and offers terms Hamas seeks in a cease-fire deal, such as “fully lifting the blockade on Gaza, including opening all the crossings and releasing the rearrested prisoners.” (See the Quarterly Update in JPS 173 for more on Hamas’s terms.) Pres. Abbas meets with Abu Marzuq in Cairo, and separately with Egypt’s Pres. al-Sisi and FM Sameh Shoukri, as well as Arab League chief al-‘Arabi. He also speaks with Hamas leader Mish‘al by telephone. Meanwhile, Secy. of State Kerry says that the U.S. is doing “everything in our power” to end the violence, in remarks he makes on an official visit to Luxembourg. Kerry speaks with the FMs of Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Pres. Obama says that the U.S. supports Egypt’s efforts to secure a cease-fire and restoration of the 11/2012 agreement. (AFP, AP, HA, MNA, REU, YA 7/16)

IDF strikes in the Gaza Strip continue, except in the hours following the govt.’s acceptance of the Egyptian cease-fire, killing 13 Palestinians. The IDF warns 100,000 residents of the al-Zaytun and al-Shuja‘iya neighborhoods to evacuate before morning on 7/16. Palestinians fire more than 120 rockets into Israel, including dozens directed at Tel Aviv, in a barrage claimed jointly by al-Qassam Brigades and al-Quds Brigades. Nr. the Erez crossing, 1 Israeli civilian is killed by a mortar shell while distributing food supplies to IDF soldiers. Nine rockets are intercepted by Iron Dome, and the rest caused no damage or injuries. (AFP, AP, HA, MNA, REU, WAFA 7/15)

Israel’s security cabinet votes 6–2 in favor of accepting the Egyptian cease-fire proposal from the previous day, and the IDF stops all strikes for several hours. PM Netanyahu says that if Hamas rejects the initiative, Israel will have “legitimacy” to take further action “to restore quiet.” PA Pres. Abbas, in Cairo for talks with Egyptian pres. al-Sisi, calls for the acceptance of the proposal. However, Hamas rejects the text, describing it as “an initiative of kneeling and submission,” and both the armed Palestinian groups and the IDF continue hostilities. Hamas spokesperson Abu Zuhri says that the group was ignored by Egyptian mediators, with Islamic Jihad official Khalid al-Batsh commenting that “initiatives shouldn’t be proposed through media outlets, but rather through the obvious channels, which are resistance factions and their leaders.” An unnamed senior PLO official says that “the Egyptians coordinated the initiative with Abbas and ignored Gaza,” and thus “Hamas leaders felt humiliated by the fact that the proposal was released without them being consulted about its contents ahead of time.” (AFP, AP, HA, MNA, REU, WAFA 7/15; PCHR 7/16)

After Hamas rejects the deal, Netanyahu vows to “significantly expand our offensive,” saying that the group “will pay for its decision.” Meanwhile, Dep. DM Danny Danon describes the Israeli govt.’s response to the Gaza crisis as a “failure” and Netanyahu fires him. (AFP, AP, HA, REU 7/15)

Suspected Salafi jihadists fire 3 rockets from the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, into Israel, wounding 4 civilians in Eilat. (REU 7/15)

In Vienna, reps. of Iran and the P5+1 powers continue their negotiations leading up to the 7/20 deadline for a comprehensive agreement on Iran’s disputed nuclear program. U.S. Secy. of State Kerry says they “have made progress . . . but there’s still more work to do.” Iranian FM Zarif says that Iran wants to “arrive at a solution everyone can be happy about.” The key issues remaining are Iran’s centrifuges and its uranium enrichment capacity over the next 10 years. (ALM, NYT 7/15)

The IDF strikes targets across the Gaza Strip on the 2d day of OPE, killing 39 Palestinians. Fatal strikes take place in al-Maghazi r.c., Bayt Hanun, Gaza City, Nussayrat r.c. and Bayt Lahiya. Among the dead is an Islamic Jihad commander, killed in a strike on his home in Bayt Hanun along with 5 civilians. Palestinians fire 82 rockets and mortar shells into Israel, with 48 rockets striking Israel and 21 intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. There are no injuries directly caused by projectile fire, but there is some damage to property. Rockets land in and around Dimona, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem. M-75 rockets are fired at Tel Aviv, as well as Nevatim military airport, 44 mi. away from Gaza City. Al-Qassam Brigades, al-Quds Brigades, and Ali Abu Mustafa Brigades (PFLP) all claim responsibility for rocket and mortar fire. Al-Qassam Brigades fighters attempt an attack via the sea, emerging close to Kibbutz Zikim for the 2d day in a row. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, YA, WAFA 7/9; PCHR 7/10)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that “we have decided to further intensify the attacks on Hamas and the terror organizations in Gaza” and that “Hamas will pay a heavy price for the firing of rockets at Israeli civilians.” Hamas leader Khalid Mish‘al, in a press conference in Doha, Qatar, says that calm can be achieved through “an immediate halt to the aggression and bombings.” He also reiterates that he does not know who carried out the killing of the 3 Israeli settler teenagers in the West Bank. Meanwhile, PA Pres. Abbas accuses Israel of a “genocide” in Gaza and “a war against the Palestinian people as a whole.” He also describes diplomatic efforts at avoiding further hostilities, saying that Palestinian officials are talking to Egypt’s Pres. al-Sisi and UN Secy.-Gen. Ban. Egyptian foreign ministry spokesperson Badr Abdelatty says that “there is no mediation, in the common sense of the word,” but that Cairo is making “diplomatic efforts” aimed “at immediately stopping Israeli aggression and ending all mutual violence.” (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, YA, WAFA 7/9)

In the Gaza Strip, an Egyptian-brokered truce between Israel and Islamic Jihad is secured. A leader of the Palestinian group, Khaled al-Batsh, writes on Facebook that “intensive Egyptian contacts and efforts” mean a restoration of “the agreement for calm . . . in accordance with understandings reached [on 11/21/12] in Cairo,” a reference to the end of Operation Pillar of Defense. Hamas Dep. FM Ghazi Hamad says that Egypt deliberately ignored the govt. in Gaza and communicated directly with Islamic Jihad, a claim corroborated by an anonymous Egyptian security official. Following the cease-fire, the Popular Resistance Cmte. (PRC) fires 8 rockets into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In response, the Israeli air force conducts air strikes against 4 sites in Rafah and Jabaliya, targeting a PRC training camp and Izzeddin alQassam Brigades sites, causing damage but no injuries, except in Rafah, where 3 civilians are injured. In the West Bank, IDF troops wound 2 Palestinians during a clash with mourners at a funeral in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon; patrols in 3 villages, al-‘Arub r.c. and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron at night. (AFP, HA, MNA, REU, WAFA 13/3; PCHR 3/20)

Israeli science minister Yaakov Peri says that unless Palestinians agree to an extension of peace talks, it would be difficult for Israel to go ahead with a scheduled 4th prisoner release. Israeli FM Lieberman says that “negotiations should be extended to the end of the year at least.” Separately, Israeli authorities approve construction permits for 387 housing units in Ramat Shlomo settlement in East Jerusalem, part of the 1,500 unit-plan approved in 2/2012 by the Jerusalem municipality. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry tells the House Foreign Relations Cmte. that PM Netanyahu’s insistence on a public statement of recognition from the Palestinians of Israel as a Jewish state is “a mistake.” (AIC, AFP 3/13; JP 3/14)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the morning, patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries except in Bil‘in, where 1 is struck by a tear gas canister and in Nabi Salih, where 5 are wounded by bullets. (PCHR 3/13)

Israeli PM Netanyahu tells Israeli television that the govt. would give up “some settlements” in the West Bank as part of a peace agreement, but that he would “ensure the number will be as small as possible,” if talks progress that far. Meanwhile, U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Jen Psaki tells reporters that the U.S. recognizes Israel as a Jewish state but that Palestinian recognition is not a precondition in peace talks. (JP, REU 3/7)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry visits Jordan for talks with King Abdallah in Aqaba on the Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. (AFP, REU 3/7)

In clashes between Muslim Brotherhood supporters and Egyptian security forces across the country, including Suez, Alexandria, and al-Arish, 3 protesters are killed and 48 wounded. An Egyptian official says 17 police officers are wounded in the clashes in Cairo. (AFP, REU 3/7)

Iranian Foreign Ministry official Hamid Baidinejad says that representatives of Iran and the P5+1 countries have held “substantive and useful” talks in Vienna in preparation for the next meeting of chief negotiators on 3/18. EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton confirms the Iranian official’s assessment of the talks, via a statement from her office in Brussels. (AFP, REU 3/7)

In response to the Israeli allegations regarding the ship intercepted in the Red Sea on 3/5, Iranian FM Zarif rejects Israeli allegations, calling claims of Iranian involvement a “lie.” Senior Islamic Jihad official Khalid al-Baths denies the group’s involvement in the seized missile shipment. (AFP, AP, REU 3/7)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces kill 1 Palestinian and wound 6 when protesters gather at the border fence. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 4 nearby villages, and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and Jenin at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning; in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Tulkarm in the afternoon; and in Salfit and 1 nearby village, and al-‘Arub r.c. at night. (REU 1/25; PCHR 1/30)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry says that he intends to present his framework for final negotiations within a few weeks, according to an Israeli businessman who hears Kerry’s speech at a Davos meeting of “Breaking the Impasse,” a conference of Israeli and Palestinian business people. (See document D1 in JPS 169 for more on Breaking the Impasse.) In Davos, Kerry meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu, who tells Israeli journalists that he has no intention of evacuating any settlements. Meanwhile, the PLO’s 12-mbr. Executive Cmte. meets in Ramallah and agrees on recommendations to pursue options in various UN agencies, regardless of the state of the ongoing negotiations, according to cmte. mbr. Hanna Amirah. Any recommendations need to be approved by PA Pres. Abbas. (MNA 1/25; HA, JP 1/26)

At the UN-sponsored peace conference in Switzerland, Syria’s opposing sides hold their 1st face-to-face meeting, though only speak to each other through UN-Arab League joint special envoy Brahimi. The meeting lasts for 3 hours, with Brahimi describing it as “a good beginning.” Meanwhile, 5 rockets from Syria hit the Hermel region of Lebanon, an attack claimed by Jabhat al-Nusra in Lebanon and Abdullah Azzam Brigades. There is some damage, but no casualties. (AP, DS, REU 1/25)

Anti-govt. and pro-regime marches in Cairo and other Egyptian cities lead to street violence and clashes that kill 29 people. (REU 1/26)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Tulkarm in the morning, in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night. (PCHR 1/23)

Israeli PM Netanyahu visits Jordan’s King Abdallah II in Amman, to discuss developments in the peace process. It is the 1st such meeting since 2/2013, and, according to his office, Netanyahu focused on security arrangements, particularly on the West BankJordan border. (AFP, AP 1/16)

Egyptian state media reports that the new constitution was approved by more than 90% of voters in the referendum held on 1/14, a development seen as likely to advance DM Sisi toward a presidential bid. The state news agency voter turnout estimate shows 40% in Cairo and Alexandria, with only 20–25% turnout in w. and s. provinces. (AP, REU 1/16)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces open fire on open farmland nr. Dayr al-Balah, causing no injuries. Separately, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion nr. Bayt Lahiya to level land. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 3 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron at night; patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers throw rocks at a vehicle belonging to the PA Ministry of Health nr. Nablus, causing light injuries. (MNA 1/14; PCHR 1/16)

Reports surface in the Israeli media attributing Israeli DM Ya’alon with remarks describing U.S. Secy. of State Kerry as “obsessive” and “messianic.” The comments, made to associates in private, are condemned by the U.S. State Dept. Following a meeting with Netanyahu, Ya’alon issues an apologetic statement. The next day, Kerry tells reporters at a press conference in Kuwait that he would not let “one set of comments undermine peace efforts.” (AFP, HA, JP 1/14; HA 1/15)

The PLO Executive Cmte. meets in Ramallah, presided over by Pres. Abbas, and releases a statement that says the peace process will likely collapse unless it is based on relevant internationally-recognized terms of reference. (WAFA 1/14)

A referendum is held in Egypt on a new constitution, with the Muslim Brotherhood boycotting the vote and holding protests. Some 160,000 soldiers and 200,000 police officers are deployed to secure polling stations. Two small bombs explode, 1 in Cairo and 1 in Mahalla, causing no injuries. Clashes between supporters of former pres. Morsi and security forces leave 11 dead in Cairo, Giza, Bani Suef, and Sohag. (AFP, AP, REU 1/14)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels attack Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 2 villages nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 3 villages and al-‘Arub. r.c. nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Salfit at night. (PCHR 1/9)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry conducts further talks with Pres. Abbas in Ramallah and Israeli PM Netanyahu in Jerusalem, the 3rd day of discussions with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. Speaking in Ramallah, Kerry tells reporters that progress is being made toward a “framework agreement.” (AFP, REU, WAFA 1/4)

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry summons the Qatari amb. in Cairo to protest the Gulf state’s recent statement of concern about the increasing number of casualties during anti-coup protests. Qatar also condemned the 12/24 decision to designate the Muslim Brotherhood a “terrorist organization.” (AP 1/4)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces launch air strikes on 3 targets, causing no damage or casualties. Separately, Israeli forces open fire on 1 Palestinian collecting metal close to the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun, wounding him in the leg. Separately, during a protest, Israeli forces wound another Palestinian civilian close to the border fence with live ammunition. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, in 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Jericho at night. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 2 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in and Ni‘lin), 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian woman attempts, and fails, to stab a border police officer nr. Nablus Gate. (JP, MNA, YA 1/3; PCHR 1/9)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with Israeli FM Lieberman in the morning, before meeting Netanyahu again, and then heads to Ramallah for talks with PA Pres. Abbas. Israeli media reports that in discussion with Kerry, Lieberman states his opposition to the return of Palestinian refugees to the West Bank. In Ramallah, meanwhile, Kerry’s visit is met with a demonstration by hundreds of Palestinians protesting against the U.S. official and the peace process. (AFP, JP, ToI 1/3)

In Egypt, clashes between supporters of ousted pres. Morsi and security forces leave 17 people dead, and 62 wounded, with 17 mbrs. of the security forces also injured. An anonymous govt. official says that 258 protesters were arrested. The violence took place in a number of cities, including Cairo, Giza, Ismailia, Fayoum, and Alexandria. (AP, REU 1/3)