The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, around 20 Israeli settlers attacked Kisan, throwing stones at Palestinian-owned homes, causing damage. Israeli forces razed Palestinian-owned agricultural lands near Hebron and uprooted olive trees near Dura. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians during raids in Nablus and al-Bireh; 1 Palestinian was shot with live ammunition in Nablus and tear-gas related injuries were reported in both cities. 8 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Hizma, Bethlehem, al-‘Arub refugee camp, Ramallah, and Birzeit. In East Jerusalem, 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/15; WAFA 12/16; PCHR 12/17)

The Israel Land Authority published tenders for 290 new settler housing units in the Gilo settlement near Bayt Jala. (Ir Amim 12/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers clashed with Palestinians while touring an evacuated settlement outpost south of Jenin. Israeli forces raided the headquarters of the Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees, an office of the PFLP, and the Abu Judeh Print Shop. Israeli forces also seized 1 coffee shop cart in Huwwara. 26 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around al-‘Arub refugee camp, Bayt Umar, Tubas, Kaubar, Abu Dis, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler attacked a 6-year-old boy in Silwan. 1 Palestinian began demolishing his grocery store in Jabal Mukabir and 1 Palestinian family received a demolition order for their house in Silwan. 2 Palestinians were arrested in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 12/10; PCHR 12/17)

The Tulkarm, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Hebron, governorates entered a week-long lockdown to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. (WAFA 12/10)

U.S. president Donald Trump announced that Morocco had decided to normalize relations with Israel in a deal where the U.S. reverses decades of policy to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara. As part of the deal, Morocco will open a diplomatic office in Tel Aviv and Israel in Rabat, which eventually will be turned into embassies; both will also grant overflight rights to each other. The UN recognizes the legitimate rights of the Sahrawi people to self-determination as it does the Palestinian people. U.S. officials later told Reuters that the U.S. is negotiating with Morocco to sell 4 sophisticated drones to the country. According to the prime minister of Morocco Saad-Eddine El Othmani, the king of Morocco Mohammed VI and PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke on the phone after the announcement of the normalization deal. Prime Minister El Othmani also said Morocco still rejects the U.S. peace plan and remains “supportive of the Palestinian cause.” Hamas called the normalization deal a betrayal while the PA has been silent. Moroccans protested the normalization in several cities after the announcement. It was reported by the New York Times that the U.S. also promised Morocco to facilitate an investment of $3 billion over 3 years as part of the deal. (AJ, AP, AX, BBC, GDN, HA, POL, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU 12/10; AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, REU 12/11; AJ, AJ, REU, TOI 12/12; AJ, GDN, HA 12/13)

India contributed $2 million to the UNRWA. (WAFA 12/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted and pepper-sprayed 2 Palestinians near Jinsafut. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters headed to Khirbet Humsa, where Israeli forces demolished 18 residential tents on 11/3; 4 Palestinians were hit by tear-gas canisters and needed medical attention. A video shows how Israeli forces tried to extract 1 wounded Palestinian from a Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance but were repelled by the medics. Israeli forces also delivered a stop-work notification for 1 house under construction in al-Walaja. Elsewhere, Israeli forces sealed off the eastern entrance to ‘Ayn Yabrud. Israeli forces also razed land in Ras Kaskar. Israeli forces also forced 10 Palestinian families to leave their land in the Jordan Valley so the Israeli military could conduct drills on the land. 11 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, Jericho, Jenin, Bayt Furik, al-‘Arub refugee camp, and Dura. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/24; AJ, WAFA 11/25; PCHR 11/26)

The Rafah crossing was open in both directions. (WAFA 11/21)

The World Bank said in a report that it expects that the Palestinian economy will contract by 8 percent in 2020. The report also said that the unemployment rate in Palestine is at 27.5 percent: 18.2 in the West Bank and 48.5 in Gaza. (HA, WAFA 11/24)

Norway contributed $7.5 million for various PA projects. (WAFA 11/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 1 house in Taqqua. Israeli forces also demolished 1 house in al-Khadir and seized construction material. Elsewhere, Israeli forces punitively sealed off the room of an alleged attacker in his family house. 10 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Qalandia refugee camp, Bethlehem, Hebron, Kafr Qaddum, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a and east of al-Qarara; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/21; PCHR 10/22)

The Israeli public radio channel Kan reported that an Israeli delegation was in Sudan to talk about a normalization deal between the 2 countries. (REU 10/21; AJ 10/22)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo said, when asked if he had any comment about the Palestinian prisoner on administrative detention who has been hunger striking for 87 days, that he would not comment on 1 particular case, and that “Israel has the right to defend itself.” (IMEU – Twitter 10/21)

According to reporting by Politico, the Trump administration is mulling over declaring human rights organizations and other NGOs such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Oxfam anti-Semitic. According to the reporting, Secretary of State Pompeo is seeking to get through the declaration to gain favor among evangelical voters for a future run for president. The reporting cites allegations of support for the BDS movement as the justification for labeling the organizations anti-Semitic. (MRJ, POL 10/21; GDN, HA, JTA, TOI 10/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers emptied sewage and wastewater on Palestinian agricultural lands in Dayr al-Hatab near Nablus. Israeli settlers also attacked 2 Palestinian journalists from WAFA as they were reporting on settler encroachment in Dayr Istya. Israeli forces demolished 1 residential structure and 1 water well, and seized 1 vehicle and 1 power engine near Tubas. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around al-‘Arub refugee camp, Bethlehem, Qalandia refugee camp, Qalqilya, and Izzariya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities issued demolition orders for 13 Palestinian-owned houses in Silwan inhabited by 76 people. 10 Palestinians were arrested in and around the Old City and Issawiyya, including 2 Waqf guards. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/19; PCHR 10/22)

Israel handed over control of 3 power stations to the PA. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh supported the deal and said the PA “seek[s] to establish a single Palestinian power company” that will be responsible for electric supply in all the West Bank. The PA took control of another power station in Jenin in 2017. At the same time, Israel granted the Israeli company Bezeq a license to operate in the West Bank, a move that the PA Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology condemned. The PA ministry said that the move impedes the development of Palestinian telecommunication development. (WAFA 10/19; HA 10/20)

Israel reported that PLO secretary general Saeb Erakat was in critical condition as he is being treated for COVID-19 at the Hadassah University Hospital in West Jerusalem. (AJ, HA, WAFA 10/19)

The Fatah Central Committee announced that its members had approved the understandings made with Hamas unanimously. (WAFA 10/19)

The UAE cabinet approved the Israel-UAE normalization deal. (HA, REU 10/19)

U.S. president Donald Trump said that the U.S. would remove Sudan from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism if Sudan paid $355 million to American victims of terror attacks in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998. The U.S. has been pressuring Sudan to normalize ties with Israel and some analysts believed that a normalization deal was being worked on despite Trump not mentioning it in his statements. (AJ, GDN, HA, REU 10/19; BBC 10/20)

Japan donated $4.3 million to food programming in Gaza. (WAFA 10/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed tracts of Palestinian-owned land near ‘Urif. Israeli forces demolished 2 residential structures, 2 agricultural structures, and damaged water pipes near Yatta. 1 Palestinian was arrested at a checkpoint near al-‘Arub refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya and al-Tur. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles off the shore of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/18; PCHR 10/22)

PLO secretary-general Saeb Erakat was transferred from his home to a hospital in West Jerusalem for treatment of COVID-19. Secretary-General Erakat had been reported to be in stable condition since testing positive for the virus but his condition had deteriorated and called for hospitalization. Erakat had a lung transplant 3 years ago, making him more vulnerable to the virus. Several Israeli MKs complained that Israel did not seek concessions from the Palestinians in return for treating Erakat. (AJ, BBC, WAFA 10/18; HA, TOI 10/19)

An Israeli delegation signed a joint declaration with Bahraini officials in Manama. U.S. secretary of the treasury Steven Mnuchin and U.S. envoy for the peace process Avi Berkowitz were also present during the signing. According to unnamed Israeli officials who spoke to Haaretz, Israel had anticipated signing a “peace declaration” during the trip, but it was decided to scale back the language due to protests in Bahrain against the normalization deal with Israel. (AJ, HA, BBC, REU 10/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian farmers and activists during an olive-picking event in Burqa, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. At the same time, Israeli settlers set fire to 5 olive trees in the area. Israeli forces also violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum; 2 were shot by rubber-coated bullets, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bayt Awa, Jalazun refugee camp, Ramallah, and al-‘Arub refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan; tear-gas related injuries were reported. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli authorities said unknown perpetrators had fired 1 rocket at Israel, landing on open land; no injuries or damage were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 10/16; PCHR 10/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian shepherds near Yatta; no serious injuries were reported. Israeli settlers also set up mobile homes on Palestinian-owned land near Bayt Dajan and set up tents on Palestinian-owned land east of Hebron. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Hebron, Jenin, and al-Bireh. In East Jerusalem, 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of al-Sudaniyya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya within the allowed fishing area; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/6; PCHR 10/8)

Israel’s justice ministry dropped its investigation into Israeli police officers who planted a gun in an East Jerusalem house belonging to a Palestinian family for Kan TV’s reality show Jerusalem District to stage a house arrest. (HA 10/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint east of Tulkarm; the man was allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at the Israeli forces. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians during a late-night raid in Jenin; 1 Palestinian was shot and injured in the stomach. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seized 1 bulldozer in Bayt Dajan. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 6 during raids in Bayt Fajjar, Jenin, and Nablus, and 1 was arrested after he allegedly tried to stab 1 Israeli soldier at a checkpoint near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested in Issawiyya. In Gaza, 1 rocket was fired at Israel, landing in an open area, and Israel fired 1 missile at Gaza, causing damage near Rafah. Israeli forces also opened fire on agricultural lands east of al-Qarara; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of al-Sudaniyya refugee camp within the allowed fishing area; no injuries were reported. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/5; WAFA 10/6; PCHR 10/8)

In the 1st installment of a 3-part interview with al-Arabiya TV, Saudi prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, a former ambassador to the U.S., criticized the Palestinian leadership for its response to the UAE-Israel normalization deal which Prince Bandar called a “transgression” and “reprehensible.” He also said that “[t]he Palestinian cause is a just cause but its advocates are failures, and the Israeli cause is unjust but its advocates have proven to be successful. That sums up the events of the last 70 or 75 years . . . There is something that successive Palestinian leadership historically share in common: they always bet on the losing side, and that comes at a price.” (REU 10/5; HA 10/6)

Saudi Arabia donated $25 million to UNRWA projects. (WAFA 10/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 2 residential structures and seized 1 Palestine TV broadcasting van near Tubas. Israeli forces also seized 1 Palestinian-owned vehicle near Tubas and demolished 1 shack in Beita. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in al-‘Arub refugee camp, Qalqilya, ‘Anata, Shu‘fat refugee camp, and Dayr Balut. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya; clashes ensued during the raid, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya within the allocated fishing zone; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 9/29; PCHR 9/30; PCHR 10/1)

At a speech to the UN General Assembly, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Hezbollah is storing missiles in a neighborhood in Beirut and that Iran is a few months away from enriching enough uranium for 2 nuclear bombs. The secretary-general of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah said that Netanyahu’s speech was made to incite the people of Lebanon against Hezbollah and that he was lying about his claims. (HA, REU 9/29)

The emir of Kuwait Shaykh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jabar al-Sabah died at the age of 91, leaving the throne to his 83-year-old brother Shaykh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, who was appointed crown prince in 2006 when Emir Shaykh Sabah took office. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU, WAFA 9/29; AJ 9/30)

The student body at Columbia University passed a referendum to recommend that the university divest from “stocks, funds and endowment from companies that profit from or engage in the State of Israel’s acts towards Palestinians.” (AJD 9/29; JP, MDW, TOI 9/30; WAFA 10/2)

The PA and India signed a memorandum of understanding for Indian contributions of $36.1 million for 1 hospital in Bayt Sahour and contributions for the national printing press and 2 schools. (WAFA 9/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian during clashes in Jericho. Israeli forces also sealed the entrance to Asira. Elsewhere, Israeli forces razed land in Jalud to expand a nearby settlement, and demolished residential tents and agricultural structures in Kisan. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 who were shot by live ammunition and injured by Israeli forces near the entrance to Kafr Malik; 2 during raids in and around Jalazun refugee camp and Bayt Umar; and 1 at the Allenby border crossing. In East Jerusalem, 7 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City and Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/24; PCHR 10/1)

Fatah and Hamas leaders said they have agreed to the 1st Palestinian elections since 2006. Fatah official Jibril Rajoub said that “[w]e have agreed to first hold legislative elections, then presidential elections of the Palestinian Authority, and finally the central council of the Palestine Liberation Organization.” A member of the Fatah Central Committee also said that “[w]ithout Jerusalem, there will be no elections.” It is unclear how national elections will include East Jerusalem as Israel refuses to let Palestinian East Jerusalemites participate in Palestinian elections. The 2 factions also agreed to a common vision of action to end the dispute between the 2; the vision would be presented on 10/1. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 9/24)

Foreign ministers of Jordan, Germany, Egypt, and France held a joint press conference in Amman, calling for resumption of Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations. The 4 foreign ministers also praised the UAE and Bahrain’s normalization deals with Israel. (AJ 9/24)

At the UN General Assembly, the king of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa said, via video link, that Bahrain’s normalization of ties with Israel will help facilitate a 2-state solution and that Bahrain still adheres to the parameters stipulated in the Arab Peace Initiative. (AJ 9/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently suppressed a protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 4 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed during a raid in al-‘Arub refugee camp, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli authorities closed al-Ibrahimi Mosque for Muslim worshippers during the Jewish New Year holiday. Israeli forces delivered notices to residents in Duma that Israel will seize 803 dunams (198 acres) of Palestinian-owned land. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya; during the raid, clashes with Palestinians erupted, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of al-Fukhari; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Israel, according to Israeli authorities, Israeli forces arrested 4 Palestinians who had crossed the Gaza fence into Israel, 1 of whom was carrying a knife. The Israeli authorities did not say whether the 4 were arrested or sent back to Gaza. (TOI, WAFA 9/19; WAFA 9/20; PCHR 9/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian teen and injured 2 others during a raid in Dayr Abu Mash‘al. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters demonstrating against settlement expansion southeast of Tulkarm, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolished 1 wall and issued demolition orders for 1 pond and 1 barn in Hizma. Palestinians protested against the UAE-Israel normalization deal in Turmus ‘Ayya. Officials from the PA, PLO, Fatah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad participated; Israeli forces injured 7 using rubber-coated bullets, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Qalandia refugee camp, al-Ram, Jenin, Tubas, Tulkarm, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces shelled multiple areas of Gaza, causing damage. According to Israeli officials, incendiary balloons sent from Gaza toward Israel started 28 fires. Palestinians in Gaza protested the Israel-UAE normalization deal in Gaza City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing damage to 1 boat and minor injuries to 1 fisherman. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/19; AJ, REU, WAFA 8/20; PCHR 8/27)

The Sudanese foreign ministry fired its spokesperson after he said on 8/18 that Sudan was looking forward to normalizing ties with Israel, a claim that the foreign ministry denied that same day. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said that “Saudi Arabia considers Israel’s unilateral policies of an annexation and building settlements as an illegitimate and detrimental to the two states solution . . . Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to peace as a strategic option based on the Arab Peace Initiatives.” The Arab Peace Initiative stipulates normalization with Israel is predicated on the establishment of a Palestinian state. U.S. president Donald Trump said later that same day that he expects Saudi Arabia to follow the UAE and normalize ties with Israel. (AJ, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU 8/19; AJ 8/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 house and 1 water well, displacing 5 Palestinians west of Jenin; and demolished 1 house in Bayt Iksa. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seized 3 water pumps from Bayt Umar. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Hizma, Nablus, Jenin, Jericho, and Yatta. In East Jerusalem, 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp and Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/10; PCHR 8/13)

The Israeli high court of justice blocked a punitive demolition of the family home of an alleged Palestinian attacker who is accused of killing an Israeli soldier on 5/12 during a raid in Ya‘bad. The majority opinion cited “serious damage to a number of basic rights, including property rights and human dignity.” Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the decision a “miserable ruling.” (HA 8/10)

Prime Minister Netanyahu said in an interview that Israel had not annexed parts of the West Bank yet because the U.S. had not given him their final approval. Netanyahu said that U.S. president Donald Trump had been preoccupied by other issues and had put Israeli annexation on hold. (JP 8/11)

After daily protests since the massive explosion in the Beirut port on 8/4, Lebanese prime minister Hassan Diab and his cabinet resigned. Lebanese president Michal Aoun asked the prime minister to stay in a capacity as caretaker until a new government is formed. (AJ, REU 8/10; HA, REU 8/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian bicyclist near Turmus ‘Ayya, injuring 2, including 1 that needed medical treatment. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jalazun refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Jabal Mukabir to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees; 5 people were displaced. 6 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 7/18; HA 7/19; JP, REU 7/22; PCHR 7/23)

The PA extended the ban for travel between governorates for 1 more week to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (WAFA 7/18)

In Israel, Israeli protesters were violently dispersed by Israeli police in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as they were calling for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s resignation in light of the corruption cases brought against him. (AJ, REU 7/18; HA 7/19)

In the West Bank, 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 6 during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Ya‘bad, Yatta, and al-Fawar refugee camp; 1 was arrested at a checkpoint near Nablus and 1 was arrested near Qalandia. In East Jerusalem, 8 Palestinians were injured in Issawiyya as Israeli forces raided the neighborhood, leading to confrontations with Palestinians; 2 Palestinians were arrested. (WAFA 7/11; PCHR 7/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers shot and injured 2 Palestinians in Bidya, causing light and moderate injuries. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 1 by hitting him with a tear gas canister to his face. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian working on his land in Jiftlik and confiscated his bulldozer. Israel started construction of 164 settlement units in the Neve Daniel settlement near Ramallah. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in al-‘Arub refugee camp and 1 at a checkpoint near Khan al-Ahmar. In East Jerusalem, 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, 3 rockets were reportedly fired at Israel, who fired 5 rockets at Gaza; no damage or injuries were reported in Israel, but damage was reported in Gaza. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen north of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/5; AJ, WAFA 7/6; PCHR 7/9)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas extended the state of emergency declaration in light of the rise in COVID-19 cases. (WAFA 7/5)

In the West Bank, Palestinians clashed with Israeli soldiers in Hebron, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also seized 4 trucks, claiming they were carrying stolen water from a water pipe near Hebron. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seized 2 excavators near Nablus. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Tulkarm, al-Fawar refugee camp, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinian families demolished their own houses under construction in al-Tur to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles off the coast west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. Israeli naval forces also arrested 4 Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles northwest of Rafah. (WAFA 7/2; PCHR 7/9)

The secretary-general of the Fatah Central Committee Jibril Rajub and the head of the Hamas political bureau Salah al-Arouri held a joint press conference formulating a plan of action to counter Israeli plans to annex parts of the West Bank. The 2 confirmed that the factions have had conversations on the issue previously. The chairman of the Joint List in Israel Ayman Odeh also joined the virtual conference. (AJ, HA, TOI, WAFA 7/2)

The PA finance minister Shukri Bishara said that the PA would cut wages for some 132,000 public employees by 50 percent, but not to less than $507 a month. The PA is facing a financial crisis due to not receiving tax revenue collected by Israel and from the COVID-19 crisis. (REU 7/2)

A fire broke out at an Iranian nuclear facility in Natanz. Iran refused to disclose the reason for the fire, but 3 Iranian officials told Reuters that it was caused by cyber sabotage. Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz neither denied nor confirmed Israel’s involvement, saying “[n]ot every incident that transpires in Iran necessarily has something to do with us.” (AJ 7/2; AJ 7/3; AJ, REU, REU 7/5; HA 7/11)

In the West Bank, PA governors imposed lockdowns of several governates and cities, including Hebron city, Abu Falah village, and Nablus governate for 5 days, and several towns and villages in the Bethlehem governate for 7 days, to curb the spread of COVID-19. Later, the PA said it would impose a 5-day lockdown in the West Bank starting 7/3. Palestinians protested in Ramallah against Israel’s plans to annex parts of the West Bank. Israeli settlers razed land in ‘Ayn Bus and southeast of Qalqilya. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Jalazun refugee camp, Birzeit, Kafr al-Dik, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 house in Jabal Mukabir and 1 residential shack in Issawiyya. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around al-Tur, Silwan and Bayt Hanina. In Gaza, Palestinians in Gaza City protested the planned Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/1)

According to Haaretz sources in Gaza, Hamas’s military wing tested long-range missiles. (HA 7/1)

Israel’s foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi told Israel’s Army Radio that, “[i]t seems unlikely to me that this [announcement of plans for annexation of parts of the West Bank] will happen today . . . I reckon there will be nothing today.” Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously announced that annexation of parts of the West Bank would begin on 7/1. (AJ, HA, REU 7/1)

The Syrian, Russian, and Turkish president issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s attacks on Syria and U.S. president Donald Trump’s decision to recognize the occupied Golan Heights as part of Israel. (AJ, HA 7/1)

In an op-ed in the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, UK prime minister Boris Johnson warned Israel against annexation of parts of the West Bank, saying that it would be a violation of international law and that the “UK will not recognize any changes to the 1967 lines, except those agreed between both parties.” (HA, YNET, REU, WAFA 7/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided and surveyed a bedouin community adjacent to the Israeli settlement Ma’ale Adumim in preparation for annexing the area. 1 Palestinian woman died of the COVID-19 virus, marking the 8th COVID-19-related death in the Palestinian territories and 4th in the West Bank, excluding East Jerusalem. The district of Bethlehem started a 48-hour lockdown to combat the rise in COVID-19 cases. 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around al-‘Arub refugee camp, Jenin, Ramallah, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/29; PCHR 7/2)

U.S. assistant to the president and special representative for international negotiations Avi Berkowitz and U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman met with Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz to discuss annexation of parts of the West Bank. According to Haaretz sources, Defense Minister Gantz told the 2 that 7/1 “is not a sacred date” for moving forward with annexation. Shortly after those details were reported, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “The issue [annexation] is not up to Kahol Lavan [Gantz’s Blue and White party]. They are not a factor either way.” (Axios, HA, HA, REU 6/29)

A letter by 4 progressives in the U.S. House, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Betty McCollum (D-MN), to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo being circulated among other representatives was obtained by the Jewish Insider. The letter warns the State Department that the 4 will “pursue conditions on the $3.8 billion in U.S. military funding to Israel.” (Jewish Insider 6/29; HA 6/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up caravans near Madama. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles traveling near Qalqilya. Israeli forces demolished 2 Palestinian buildings under construction in Anata. Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed at a checkpoint near al-Fawar refugee camp, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 at a checkpoint near Nablus and 1 during a raid near Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested in and around al-Tur, Issawiyya, and Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. Off the shore of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen northwest of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/25; PCHR 7/2)

In what seemed to be another push to normalize Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the UAE had signed a deal with Israel to cooperate on COVID-19 issues. However, shortly after Netanyahu’s announcement, UAE state media and a spokesperson from the UAE foreign ministry said that the deal was signed between 2 private companies in the UAE and 2 private companies in Israel. (AJ, NYT, REU 6/25; HA 6/26)

U.S. officials told Reuters that the White House meetings on Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank this week did not end up with a final decision on the U.S. position on the matter. (HA, REU 6/25)

189 Democratic members of the House signed a letter to the Israeli government expressing concern over potential efforts to unilaterally annex parts of the West Bank. (Ted Deutch, WAFA 6/25)

Germany contributed with $3.3 million in financing for the Salfit Sewerage Project. (WAFA 6/25)

In the West Bank, a Fatah-organized anti-annexation protest in Jericho drew large crowds and several prominent speakers, including PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, UN envoy for Middle East peace Nickolay Mladenov, and other foreign diplomats. Israeli forces prevented Palestinians from other parts of the West Bank from reaching Jericho, leading to clashes in the northern part of the Jordan Valley where 8 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces using rubber-coated bullets and tear gas. Israeli settlers threw stones on Palestinian vehicles traveling between Nablus and Jenin, causing damage. Later, Israeli settlers raided Nablus, leading to confrontations between Palestinians and the Israeli forces escorting the settlers; 1 Palestinian was injured by rubber-coated bullets, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 16 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Jalazun refugee camp, Kobar, Ramallah, Jenin, Tubas, Tulkarm, and Bayt Fajjar. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were hospitalized after Israeli forces fired tear gas outside their house in Issawiyya. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east of al-Maghazi; no injuries were reported. (HA 6/21; HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/22; WAFA, WAFA 6/23; PCHR 6/25)

According to Haaretz sources, the Trump administration is considering green-lighting an Israeli plan for annexation of parts of the West Bank which would be rolled out over several installments rather than in 1 sweep. The plan is perceived as able to curb some of the criticism that Israel has received from several staunch supporters of Israel within the Democratic party since announcing its annexation plans. (HA 6/21)

120 Republican members of the U.S. House signed a letter to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing their support for Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank. The letter said that the Republican lawmakers believe that “Israel has the right to make sovereign decisions independent of outside pressure.” The signatories represent a majority of the 198 republicans in the House. (HILL 6/22; HA 6/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for residential structures, 1 stable, and 1 stone wall; a stop-work notice for a water well and fencing in al-Walaja; and demolished and seized 5 tin structures in Sawahara al-Sharqiyya. 19 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Hebron, al-‘Arub refugee camp, al-Fawar refugee camp, Nahalin, Nablus, and Bardala. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 house in Silwan, displacing a family of 9. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters demonstrating against the killing of an unarmed Palestinian man on 5/30; 6 people were arrested. Another 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. In Israel, Israeli forces violently dispersed hundreds of Palestinian citizens of Israel protesting against the planned demolition of an 18th-century Muslim burial ground in Jaffa. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/9; TOI 6/10; PCHR 6/11)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh told journalists that if Israel moves forward with annexing West Bank territory, the PA would declare an independent state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital. Prime Minister Shtayyeh further stated that the PA had sent a counterproposal to the U.S. peace plan to the Quartet. (AJ, HA, REU 6/9)

The Israeli high court of justice ruled the “Law for the Regularization of Settlement in Judea and Samaria [the West Bank]” unconstitutional. The law was approved in 2017 and allowed use of Palestinian-owned land to build settlements and legalize settlement outposts. (HA, NYT, REU 6/9; WAFA 6/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces prevented the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee from doing restoration work in al-Ibrahimi Mosque. Israeli forces also delivered demolition orders for 6 Palestinian-owned homes in al-Tira. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided al-‘Arub refugee camp, firing tear gas and sound bombs at Palestinians; no injuries were reported. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ya‘bad, Jalazun refugee camp, Hebron, and Qabatiya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east of al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/28; PCHR 6/4)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Israel Hayom newspaper in an interview that Palestinians living in the Jordan Valley “will remain Palestinian subjects” after Israel’s impending annexation. There are over 50,000 Palestinians living in the parts of the West Bank that Israel is planning to annex. Netanyahu also said that he does not consider what the Trump administration calls a Palestinian state an actual state as it will remain under Israeli control. (HA, Israel Hayom, TOI 5/28)

The EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah expressed concern over the rise in demolitions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in 2020 compared to the number of demolitions in the same period in 2019. (WAFA 5/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued to seal and conduct house raids in Ya‘bad for the 5th day in a row after 1 Israeli soldier was killed during a late-night raid on 5/12. Dozens of Palestinians were temporarily detained during the raids. Israeli forces also raided al-‘Arub refugee camp, leading to clashes with Palestinians, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli settlers cut down some 40 olive trees in Nahalin. Israeli settlers also assaulted 1 Palestinian near ‘Aynbus. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi, Dayr al-Balah, and Juhur al-Dik; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/16; PCHR 5/21)

In Syria, 7 people were killed during air strikes in eastern Syria; the perpetrator of the air strikes was not identified. (HA, TOI 5/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and wounded 3 Palestinians who allegedly threw an explosive device at a military checkpoint in Abu Dis. 4 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces during clashes that erupted admist a raid in ‘Aqabat Jabir refugee camp, including 1 by live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently suppressed anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum and al-Sawiya, leading to 3 Palestinians injured from sounds bombs and rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 8 residential and agricultural structures in Nahalin and demolished 1 residential structure east of Ramallah, displacing 8 Palestinians. Israeli forces also sealed-off Ya‘bad in their continued harassment of the town since an Israeli soldier was killed during a raid on 5/12. 2 dunams (0.5 acres) of Palestinian-owned crops caught fire east of Yatta after Israeli forces fired flare bombs in the area. 3 Palestinians were arrested at a military checkpoint near Nablus; 1 vehicle was seized. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles northwest of Gaza City, injuring 2 Palestinians and damaging 1 boat. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/15; AJ 5/16; PCHR 5/17; PCHR 5/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed at al-Fawar refugee camp, leading to 6 Palestinians suffering tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work orders for 22 structures in the Salfit area. In East Jerusalem, 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in Issawiyya and the Old City; 1 was arrested during a daytime raid in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 4/27; PCHR 4/30)

A court in Jerusalem ruled to seize $128 million in PA tax revenue for payments to families of Israelis killed by Palestinians. (WAFA 4/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up tents and caravans at a settlement outpost in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian at the Ni‘lin junction; 1 other man traveling with the deceased fled the scene. Israeli authorities alleged that the men had thrown stones at Israeli settler vehicles. Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed after Israeli forces raided Burin; tear-gas related injuries were reported. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh announced new measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, including banning movement between governorates; banning all unnecessary movement outside of homes; and forbidding workers in Israeli settlements from going to work. The PA also announced that it will release some of its prisoners as a measure to curb the spread of COVID-19. 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 at a checkpoint near Abud and 4 during raids in al-Fawar refugee camp and al-Zawiya. In East Jerusalem, the Islamic Waqf announced that it is closing the Haram al-Sharif compound for Muslim worshippers and visitors, according to the Waqf, Israel had also promised not to allow Jewish worshippers into the compound. Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed during a raid in Issawiyya; tear-gas related injuries were reported and 2 Palestinian minors were arrested. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 2-3 nautical miles west of Jabalia; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 3/22; HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/23; PCHR 3/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers fenced off a 12-dunam (3 acres) plot of Palestinian-owned land in Bayt Umar. Israeli forces razed 5 dunams (1.2 acres) of Palestinian-owned land west of Bethlehem. 3 Palestinian families were issued stop-work orders for construction on their homes near Qalqilya. Some 50 Israeli settlers with Israeli force escort toured an archeological site in Sabastiyya. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Awarta, Dura, Ramallah, Madama, and Jalazun refugee camp. During a raid in Salfit, Israeli forces confiscated 50,800 NIS ($14,000) from 3 different families. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished part of a Palestinian-owned home in Jabal Mukabir. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 2 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/4; PCHR 3/5)

In the West Bank, some 190 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces as they were protesting Israeli settler incursions in Beita, including at least 1 by live ammunition, 53 by rubber-coated bullets, and other by tear gas inhalation; 2 Israeli soldiers were lightly wounded by stone throwers. Israeli forces also injured 6 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets and tear gas during the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum. Israeli settlers raided Huwwara, leading to confrontations with local Palestinians; some 20 vehicles were damaged and several stores had their windows broken. Israeli forces broke up the confrontation; however Israeli settlers returned to the village until the Israeli forces again removed them. 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Qalandia, and Hebron; and 2 during a raid near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family began demolishing their own home in Shu‘fat to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces and Palestinians also clashed in Shu‘fat refugee camp during a raid. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 at a checkpoint and 1 during a house raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting near Khuza‘a, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/28; WAFA 2/29; PCHR 3/5)