The Palestine Chronology

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops along the n. border open fire on a group of Palestinian youth playing nr. the fence, seriously injuring 1. Later, a separate group of Israeli soldiers nearby opens fire on a group of Palestinian men approaching the border to throw stones at the soldiers, causing no injuries. Off the coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathered for a sitin protest nr. al-Shuhada Street nr. Hebron; dozens suffer from tear gas inhalation. The Shuhada checkpoint has been closed since 11/22. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Nablus, Hebron, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem late at night, IDF troops conduct raids and house searches in Ras al-Amud and Wadi al-Juz. In West Jerusalem, 3 mbrs. of the anti-Arab group Lehava torch 2 classrooms in a school where Arab and Jewish students study together and leave racist graffiti on the walls. (IMEMC, JP, MNA 11/29; HA, IMEMC, MEMO, REU 11/30; PCHR 12/4; HA 12/11)

In Cairo, the Arab League agrees to politically and financially back the Palestinians’ draft UNSC res. The financial backing would come in the form of monthly $100 m. cash donations to replace transfers of any tax revenues that Israel may punitively withhold. (AFP, HA 11/29; HA, WAFA 11/30; TOI 12/1; MDW 1/9)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a 13-year-old Palestinian in Bayt Liqya village nr. Ramallah during a patrol. Meanwhile, PA security forces kill a man in Hebron during a raid. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron during the day. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen, sinking 1 boat. (MNA, REU 10/16; PCHR 10/23)

Senior Hamas official Musa Abu Marzuq confirms that indirect cease-fire talks with Israel will resume at the end of 10/2014 in Cairo. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry calls for a resumption of the peace negotiations during remarks at a State Dept. event for ‘Id al-Adha. (AFP, REU, YA 10/16)

EU foreign affairs chief Ashton and Iranian FM Zarif hold a 2d day of talks in Vienna, and also meet with senior diplomats from the P5+1 group. The focus of the talks are remaining differences related to lifting sanctions and Iran’s uranium enrichment levels. (REU 10/17)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 nearby villages and al-‘Arub r.c, 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm. (PCHR 10/16)

International donors pledge $5.4 b. in reconstruction aid to rebuild the battered Gaza Strip at a conference in Cairo cohosted by Egypt and Norway. Qatar pledges $1 b., while Kuwait and the UAE pledge $200 m. each. U.S. Secy. of State Kerry and Abbas meet on the sidelines. (AFP, MNA, REU 10/12)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces clash with Palestinians at Haram al-Sharif, leaving 15 worshippers injured. (HA, MNA 9/24; PCHR 9/25)

Hamas and Fatah officials meet in Cairo to discuss further implementation of the national reconciliation agreement signed in 4/2014. They discuss the possible obstacles to the return of the PA unity govt. to the Gaza Strip. (AFP, REU 9/24)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with PA Pres. Abbas in New York, as world leaders convene for the UN General Assembly (UNGA). (MNA 9/24)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. IDF troops open fire on gravel collectors nr. the Gaza border fence, injuring 2. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Hebron and 2 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nearby, in Salfit and 1 nearby village, and in 1 village nr. Jenin during the day. (PCHR 9/25)

An anonymous Israeli official tells the media that indirect cease-fire talks will recommence in Cairo on 9/23. Egyptian media, meanwhile, report that Hamas and Fatah will hold talks over national reconciliation before the joint Palestinian delegation opens negotiations with the Israelis in Cairo. (HA, REU, WAFA 9/20)

An Israeli drone crashes inside s. Lebanon. The IDF says a technical malfunction, rather than a targeted attack, caused the crash. (AFP, JP 9/20)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill an unarmed Palestinian in al-Am‘ari r.c. nr. Ramallah during clashes with residents that were prompted by an arrest raid. IDF troops demolish 5 structures in a village nr. Yatta. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 5 villages nr. Hebron. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries or damage. (MNA 9/10; PCHR 9/11)

Hamas announces that indirect talks with Israel are set to resume in Cairo in mid-9/2014. (AFP 9/10)

A ship sailing to Italy from Egypt full of around 500 migrants—including Palestinians fleeing Gaza, Egyptians, and Sudanese— capsizes in the Mediterranean after another ship of human traffickers rams their vessel. Approximately 450 of the passengers are killed or unaccounted for, and the survivors are picked up by various vessels and taken to Sicily, Crete, and Egypt. The Egyptian govt. releases few details about the incident and the Egyptian media largely ignores the story. (NYT 9/15; AP, NYT 9/19)

U.S. Pres. Obama authorizes air strikes in Syria, for the 1st time, and further attacks in Iraq targeting the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) group. The new target list will include ISIS’s “leadership, logistical, and operational capability,” in an attempt to “deny [the group] sanctuary and resources to plan, prepare and execute attacks.” (AP, REU 9/10)

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 air strikes on over 50 targets, killing 18 Palestinians and injuring dozens more. Also,IDF troops stationed nr. the border shell areas across the fence with artillery in 3 incidents. The armed Palestinian groups launch approximately 135 projectiles into Israel; of which, 125 land in open areas, 5 in urban areas, and 10 are intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. Israeli authorities temporarily close the Erez border crossing, except for humanitarian cases, in response to a mortar shell wounding 3 Israelis nearby, which is claimed by al-Qassam Brigades. In the West Bank, approximately 400 Israeli settlers, escorted by IDF troops, enter a village nr. Salfit to visit religious monuments. In a village w. of Ramallah, IDF troops open fire with live ammunition and tear gas on a group of stone-throwing Palestinian youth, injuring 1. Separately, IDF troops fire tear gas at Palestinian children on their way to school in a village s. of Hebron; establish 5 mobile checkpoints around Ramallah; and conduct patrols in Hebron and 2 villages nr. Jericho. Late at night, the IDF conducts 1 house search and arrest raid in a village nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces enter Wadi al-Juz to set up a mobile checkpoint and raid 2 houses. (JP, JTA, YA 8/24; HA 8/25; PCHR 8/28) 

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that OPE will continue until its goals are reached, in comments to the press ahead of a special cabinet meeting at the Israeli Defense Ministry. Also, the Israeli govt. calls up 10,000 additional reserve troops. (AP, HA 8/24; AFP, HA 8/25)

After meetings with Arab League secy.-gen. Nabil al-‘Arabi and reps. of several Palestinian factions, PA Pres. Abbas returns to Ramallah from Cairo. Abbas will meet with senior Palestinian officials to further develop his new diplomatic initiative before U.S. Secy. of State Kerry visits in the coming days. Meanwhile, Hamas leader Khalid Mishal says in an interview with Iranian TV that Hamas would not return to negotiations in Cairo. (JP 8/24; HA, ToI 8/25)

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, armed Palestinian groups and the IDF maintain the 5-day cease-fire on its final day. Palestinians in Gaza continue emergency relief efforts and, as more bodies are found in the rubble and more people succumb to their injuries, the Palestinian death toll since the beginning of OPE rises above 2,000. Overnight in the West Bank, IDF troops enter Hebron overnight and destroy the homes of the 3 Palestinians they hold responsible for the kidnapping and killing of 3 teenage Israeli settlers in 6/2014, demolishing 2 and sealing 1 with concrete. During the demolitions, local residents clash with Israeli soldiers, and several Palestinians are injured with rubber-coated metal bullets. The IDF also conducts house searches and raids in 2 villages s. of Jenin, Jenin refugee camp (r.c.), Hebron, and Ramallah, arresting or detaining 9 Palestinians. In East Jerusalem, IDF troops demolish an unlicensed home in al-Tur. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 8/18; PCHR 8/21)

Palestinian and Israeli negotiators, as well as Egyptian mediators, conduct 6 hours of talks in Cairo during the day, with the goal of extending the 5-day cease-fire that is set to expire at midnight. They also work on the outline of an agreement, based on the 8/15 Egyptian proposal, that reportedly includes the opening of some crossings between Israel and Gaza, the importation of construction materials with international supervision, and the extension of the permitted fishing area to 12 naut. mi., with larger points of disagreement being deferred to future negotiations. The Israeli negotiators leave Cairo to brief PM Netanyahu and senior defense officials in the evening. PA Pres. Abbas travels to Doha, Qatar, for talks with Hamas leader Mishal and Qatari emir Shaykh Tamim Bin Hamad al-Thani. Late at night, Palestinian and Israeli negotiators confirm that the ceasefire will be extended an additional 24 hours, at the request of the Egyptian mediators. (AFP, AJ, HA, JTA, MNA 8/18)

The Norwegian Foreign Ministry announces that it plans to cohost a conference with Egypt in Cairo for reps. of donor countries to attend so they can coordinate the reconstruction of Gaza. The conference will be held on 10/12. (HA, REU 8/18)

In the Gaza Strip, health officials say that the death toll is rising as dozens of Palestinians die from injuries sustained during the Israeli assault and more bodies are recovered from the rubble of homes. (66 Palestinians die during the 5-day cease-fire, succumbing to injuries sustained in earlier attacks.) In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure 8 Palestinians with rubbercoated metal bullets in n. Bethlehem during clashes outside Rachel’s Tomb. In the afternoon, the IDF enters Qalqilya, where a group of Palestinian children throw stones at them. The soldiers detain 2 children. The IDF conducts 5 patrols in various areas of the West Bank during the day. After the Friday afternoon prayer, hundreds of Palestinians attend protests nr. Bayt Furik and Qalandia against the Israeli assault on Gaza. Clashes break out with IDF troops in both places and 9 Palestinians are wounded (6 nr. Bayt Furik and 3 at Qalandia). In the evening, more clashes break out during demonstrations in Silwad village and at Ofer Prison. Two Palestinians are wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets at each demonstration. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/15; PCHR 8/21)

Israeli authorities release 3 Palestinian men that IDF troops captured during the ground invasion of Gaza. (MNA 8/16)

The Egyptian press reports that mediators in Cairo have offered a “final proposal” for a longterm agreement to extend the 5-day cease-fire. The agreement will reportedly end Israel’s military offensive, ease the siege, expand the fishing zone, and increase imports into Gaza. In addition, subsequent talks will deal with other issues such as prisoner swaps and establishing an airport and seaport for Gaza. Islamic Jihad spokesperson Yousef al-Hasayneh says that a truce agreement will be signed with Israel once the 5-day cease-fire ends. Israel’s security cabinet meets in Tel Aviv to discuss the ceasefire agreement and ongoing negotiations, their 2d such meeting in 24 hours. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/15)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF and armed Palestinian groups largely hold to the new 5-day cease-fire, though Palestinians fire 8 rockets into Israel and IDF troops conduct a number of air strikes. Meanwhile, 3 Palestinians die of injuries sustained earlier in the Israeli assault. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem during an arrest raid. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Salfit at night; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron and al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas during the day. A Jewish settler runs over a Palestinian nr. Salfit and kills him. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces arrest dozens of Palestinians in Silwan, Shu‘fat, and the Old City, taking the number of those detained since the murder of Abu Khdeir to more than 600. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/14; PCHR 8/15)

Upon his arrival in Gaza from Cairo, Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya says that there is “still a real chance to clinch an agreement” for a longer-term deal. An unnamed Egyptian official tells Haaretz that “the emerging agreement will be the most detailed that has been signed between Israel and the Palestinians since the Oslo accords” and that, if successful, it “would set up a new framework of relations between Israel and a Palestinian govt., because without it there will be no way to implement the agreement’s clauses.” Islamic Jihad official Ziad al-Nahla, in Cairo for the talks, says that the long-term cease-fire is a “done deal.” (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/14)

In Tel Aviv, approximately 10,000 Israelis gather in Rabin Square to demonstrate support for the assault on Gaza and call on the govt. to stop rocket attacks. (AFP, AP 8/15)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF launches strikes on several targets, killing 10 Palestinians. The attacks come shortly after the announcement of an extension to the 72-hour cease-fire. Meanwhile, unexploded ordnance kills 6 Palestinians in Bayt Lahiya, including a reporter with the Associated Press. Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the s. coast of the Gaza Strip, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the morning; and in Hebron and 3 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nearby, and in 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/13; PCHR 8/4)

In Cairo overnight, reps. of Israel and the Palestinian delegation agree to extend the cease-fire by 5 days, shortly before the previous 72-hour cease-fire expires. Meanwhile, State Dept. spokesperson Harf tells reporters that the U.S. wants a “more sustainable, longer-term cease-fire,” with one of the goals being the disarmament of Hamas. Harf also says the U.S. is committed to the reconstruction of Gaza. Pres. Obama speaks with Netanyahu on the telephone and urges him to make a deal to end the hostilities. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/13)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF and armed Palestinian groups maintain the new 72-hour cease-fire. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Jenin, and 1 village each nr. Jericho and Salfit at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Jenin during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces conduct widespread raids in the Old City, Silwan, Issawiyya, al-Tur, Suwana, and Shu‘fat, detaining 57 Palestinians. There are clashes in al-Tur and Issawiyya, and Israeli security forces injure 26 Palestinians with rubbercoated metal bullets.

During negotiations between reps. of Israel and the Palestinian delegation in Cairo, Israeli officials brief the media that there are large gaps remaining between the sides. These include disagreements over the opening of Gaza’s border crossings, including Rafah, and how the crossings will be supervised. According to a Palestinian source, Hamas insists on a total end to the blockade, rather than an “easing,” and objects to limitations on the entry of construction materials like cement and steel. Anonymous Egyptian sources express optimism about the possibility of reaching an agreement before the end of the cease-fire at midnight. Hamas official Ihab al-Ghossein says he is optimistic as “this time at least it is a real negotiation.” Islamic Jihad official Hassan Abdu says there have been “positive developments.” (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/12; 8/13)

In the Gaza Strip, a new 72-hour cease-fire begins at midnight local time, and holds throughout the day. A 1-mo.-old Palestinian dies, succumbing to injuries sustained in earlier attacks. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian in a raid on Qabalan village nr. Nablus. The Israeli soldiers attack a building with grenades and heavy arms fire, before entering and shooting the man, according to residents. A Palestinian teenager is killed by Israeli ordnance nr. Tubas while tending sheep. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the morning, in 2 villages nr. Qalqilya and 1 village nr. Salfit in the afternoon; there are also 9 patrols. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/11; PCHR 8/12)

In Cairo, Israeli and Palestinian negotiators resume indirect talks mediated by Egyptian officials, with the Israeli delegation flying in and out in the same day. Hamas official al-Rishq says that his group is not opposed to placing the Rafah terminal under the control of the PA unity govt., as offered by Egypt and agreed to by Abbas. Israel reportedly agrees to several terms, including a gradual expansion of the fishing zone and easier passage for goods and people between the Gaza Strip and Israel and the West Bank. Palestinian negotiators reportedly say that they are willing to delay discussions over Gaza’s air and sea ports as long as the rest of their terms are met. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/11)

Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip continue, killing 24 Palestinians. Palestinians fire rockets into Israel, with 2 hitting Sderot and starting a small fire. There are no injuries. Iron Dome intercepts 2 rockets over Ashdod. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian child in al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron. There are no significant clashes at the time, and the Military Police Corps announces it is opening an investigation. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/10; PCHR 8/11)

Via mediators, reps. of Israel and the Palestinian delegation agree to a new 72-hour cease-fire to begin at midnight local time.Israeli officials tell the media that a delegation will head to Cairo to discuss a long-term cease-fire if the 72-hour truce holds. Hamas leader Mish‘al reiterates Hamas’s demand that ending the blockade must be a part of any long-term deal and Hamas spokesperson Abu Zuhri says that the new talks will be the “last chance” for a deal. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/10)

The IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip attacking over 30 targets with aircraft, tanks, and naval vessels, killing 17 Palestinians. Palestinians fire some 30 rockets into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Palestinian gunmen open fire on Israeli soldiers nr. Nablus, causing no injuries. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Salfit, and ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. nr. Jericho at night; patrols during the day in 8 villages nr. Ramallah, Jericho, and Salfit. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/9; PCHR 8/10)

Egyptian and Palestinian officials reportedly reach a new draft cease-fire agreement to present to Israel, which stipulates that the PA would take control of the Rafah crossing. Anonymous Israeli officials tell the media that their negotiators will not return to Cairo “as long as the shooting goes on.” Senior Hamas official Abu Marzuq says that the Palestinian delegation will leave Cairo on 8/10 unless Israel agrees to return to Egyptian-mediated negotiations. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/9)

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)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF and armed Palestinian groups largely maintain the ceasefire for a 2d day. However, in one incident, IDF troops open fire in the direction of a group of civilians inspecting a destroyed park nr. Shuja‘iya, causing no injuries. Palestinians conduct search and rescue efforts around Gaza and around 12 bodies are recovered from the rubble. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 3 villages nr. Jenin in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Nablus at night. (AFP, AP, JP, MNA, REU 8/6; PCHR 8/7)

In Cairo, indirect, mediated talks continue between Israel and the Palestinian delegation, with the goal of extending the cease-fire. There are no signs of progress, and Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq tells journalists that the group will continue to insist on ending the siege, the release of rearrested prisoners, an airport and seaport for Gaza, and safe passage between the West Bank and Gaza. (AFP, AP, MNA, REU 8/6)

In the evening, an Israeli official says that there is an agreement to extend the existing cease-fire by a further 72 hours, which is scheduled to end on 8:00 A.M. on 8/8. However, Hamas official Abu Marzuq contradicts this report and says there is no such agreement on an extension. (AFP, AP, JP, REU 8/6)

In the Gaza Strip, a 72-hour cease-fire begins at 8:00 A.M. local time. The IDF withdraws grounds forces, which are, according to the IDF, “redeployed in defensive positions outside the Gaza Strip.” Shortly before the cease-fire begins, al-Qassam Brigades fires a salvo of rockets, with 1 hitting a house in Bayt Sahur nr. Bethlehem, causing damage but no injuries. During the day, the cease-fire holds. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin r.c. in the morning. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/5; PCHR 8/6)

Additional Islamic Jihad and Hamas reps. join the Palestinian delegation in Cairo. Israel sends officials to join the discussions. Israel’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ofer Gendelman says that Israel is willing to agree to the rebuilding of the Gaza Strip in exchange for the disarmament of the armed groups. Meanwhile, Palestinian FM al-Maliki visits the ICC in The Hague to meet with prosecutors concerning evidence of war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza. Al-Maliki tells reporters that he had discussed a timeline with prosecutors for the PA to sign the Rome Statute. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/5)

The IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip by air, land, and sea, killing 64 Palestinians with strikes on approximately 100 targets. Attacks occur before and after a humanitarian cease-fire running from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. local time. The cease-fire is not observed in areas of Rafah where IDF ground troops are targeting and destroying tunnels. Armed Palestinian groups fire rockets over Ashdod and Ashqelon, causing no injuries. Other rockets land nr. the Gaza border, also causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian nr. Tulkarm. The IDF patrols during the day in 2 villages nr. Jericho and al-Bireh. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian man kills an Israeli when he drives an excavator into pedestrians on the sidewalk. Israeli police shoot and kill the driver on the spot and later describe the incident as a “terrorist attack.” In a separate incident, armed Palestinians open fire on an Israeli soldier nr. Hebrew University, injuring him. In Issawiyya, dozens of Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces, causing no serious injuries. At Haram al-Sharif, Israeli security forces enter to escort right-wing Jewish activists out of the area. Clashes break out with Palestinian worshippers, 10 of whom are injured by rubber-coated metal bullets and stun grenades. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/4; PCHR 8/5)

In Cairo, reps. of Israel and Hamas agree to a 72-hour humanitarian cease-fire to begin on 8/5 at 8:00 A.M. local time, with Egyptian officials urging reps. of all sides to attend further talks to negotiate a longer term cease-fire. Reps. of Hamas and Islamic Jihad meet with Egyptian intelligence officials to discuss a plan to end the violence. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, REU 8/4)

U.S. Pres. Obama signs into law a joint res. appropriating $225 m. in supplemental funding for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. The Senate and House previously passed this res. on 8/1 in 2 of the final actions taken before the 2 chambers adjourned for a 1-mo. recess in 8/2014. (AP 8/4; REU 8/5)

The IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip by land, sea, and air, killing 92 Palestinians. In one strike, 10 mbrs. of one Palestinian family in the Rafah area are killed. In another incident, an Israeli air strike on a UN-run school in the s. Gaza Strip kills 10 and wounds 30. Armed Palestinian groups continue firing projectiles into Israel, with al-Qassam Brigades firing 119 rockets and mortar rounds, causing no serious injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian child during clashes nr. Hebron. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Salfit, and al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah at night. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 8/3; PCHR 8/4)

UN Secy.-Gen. Ban denounces the Israeli attack that damages the UN school as a “moral outrage and a criminal act.” State Dept. spokesperson Psaki says in a statement that the U.S. is “appalled by today’s disgraceful shelling” and urges Israel to do more to prevent civilian casualties. The IDF says the strike was targeting Islamic Jihad operatives in the vicinity of the school. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, REU, YA 8/3)

Meanwhile, the IDF confirms that in the incident on 8/1 that led to the breakdown of the cease-fire, the soldier was killed in action rather than kidnapped, as was originally reported, and says that it is preparing for the final stage of the destruction of Hamas’s tunnels. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, REU 8/3)

A delegation of reps. from Hamas and Islamic Jihad arrives in Cairo to prepare for indirect cease-fire talks with Israeli officials, to be mediated by Egyptian and U.S. officials. Israel does not send envoys as scheduled. The Palestinian delegation, joining officials from the PA, presents joint demands for a cease-fire. (HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/3)

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 on the Gaza Strip by land, air, and sea, killing 79 Palestinians. In the most deadly incident of the day, an Israeli air strike hits a family home in Nussayrat r.c., killing 11 Palestinians. Armed Palestinian groups fire over 90 projectiles into Israel, with Iron Dome batteries intercepting 17 projectiles. The rocket fire injures 2 Israeli civilians. In the West Bank, armed Palestinians open fire on Israeli settlement Shavei Shomron nr. Nablus, causing no casualties. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin and in Tubas at night. Jewish settlers shoot and injure a Palestinian nr. al-Khadir in the Bethlehem region. (AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/31; PCHR 8/1)

During the day, White House spokesperson Josh Earnest says the shelling of a UN school the previous day is “totally indefensible” and that “it does not appear there is a lot of doubt about whose artillery was involved in this incident.” (AFP, AP, MNA, 7/31)

 In Cairo, a Palestinian delegation including Hamas and Islamic Jihad reps. discuss a ceasefire agreement with Fatah reps. and Egyptian authorities. (AP, HA, JP, MNA, 7/31)

In the evening, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry and UN Secy.-Gen. Ban release a joint statement announcing a 72-hour cease-fire agreed to by all parties, to begin 8/1 at 8:00 A.M. local time. During that time, negotiators from all sides will discuss a longer-term agreement in Cairo. The IDF intends to continue searching for and destroying tunnels during the truce. Also, they call up a further 16,000 reservists. (AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/31)

The IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip by air, land, and sea, killing 132 Palestinians. In one attack, Israeli artillery fire hits an UNRWA school serving as a shelter for the displaced, killing at least 16. Following the attack on the power plant on 7/29, electricity in Gaza City is only available for 2 hours a day and large areas of c. Gaza have no electricity at all. In the West Bank, an armed Palestinian opens fire at IDF troops during a raid in Qublan village nr. Nablus, causing 1 injury. The IDF conducts raids during the day in Hebron and 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nearby, and 1 village nr. Salfit. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/30; PCHR 7/31)

In response to the attack on the UNRWA school, White House dep. press secy. Eric Schultz says that the Obama administration expects “a full, prompt and thorough investigation” into the shelling, but does not mention Israeli strikes in the area. UN Secy.- Gen. Ban condemns the Israeli attack on the UNRWA school “in the strongest possible terms” as “outrageous” and “unjustifiable.” PA Pres. Abbas says in a letter to Ban that Gaza has become a “humanitarian disaster area” and urges the UN to use “all tools available” to “provide relief and help to the Palestinian people.” (AFP, AP, HA, REU, YA 7/30)

Abbas continues talks with officials from Egypt, the U.S., and others, along with Hamas and Islamic Jihad, to work toward a cease-fire. Two Israeli officials visit Cairo for a few hours to discuss proposals for a truce with Egyptian officials. (JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/30)

The IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip by land, air, and sea, attacking over 90 targets and killing 104 Palestinians. One IDF strike on a UN-run school in Bayt Hanun kills at least 15, and wounds 200, mostly women and children seeking shelter. The Israeli army says it is investigating the incident and that “terrorists” opened fire at IDF personnel from the area of the school. Palestinians fire around 60 rockets into Israel, 15 of which are intercepted by Iron Dome, causing no damage or injuries (including 5 over Tel Aviv). On the ground in Gaza, al-Quds Brigades and al-Qassam Brigades claim to have killed 4 and 8 Israeli soldiers, respectively. In the West Bank, a reported 10,000 Palestinians gather in protest of the assault on Gaza and march from c. Ramallah to Qalandia checkpoint, where clashes with IDF troops break out. IDF troops kill 2 and injure more than 200 protesters, including 60 with live ammunition. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus in the morning. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces set up checkpoints to restrict access to Haram al-Sharif, leading to clashes and the arrest of 12 Palestinian youth. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/24; PCHR 7/25)

Secy. of State Kerry meets with UN Secy.- Gen. Ban in Cairo once more. Meanwhile, in Amman, PA Pres. Abbas meets with Jordan’s King Abdallah and says “there is hope for a cease-fire” along the lines of “the Egyptian initiative” before fuller negotiations about wider demands. Kerry reaches out to Turkish and Qatari diplomats in an effort to garner support from Hamas’s regional allies for his cease-fire initiative. (AFP, AP, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/24)

Rivlin is sworn in as the new pres. of Israel, succeeding Peres. (HA 7/24)

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)