The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian working on rehabilitating a road east of Yatta and damaged the excavator he was using. Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 20 residential structures in Rujeib, a house under construction, and an agricultural shack in Battir. Israeli forces also seized a mobile home in Khallet al-Nahleh, south of Bethlehem. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian who tried to enter Israel through a hole in the separation wall near ‘Anin before arresting him. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Jenin refugee camp, Rummana, Tulkarm, and Qarawat Bani Hassan. In East Jerusalem, 44 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli settlers led by Israeli MKs from HaTzionut HaDatit (The Religious Zionist) party Bezalel Smotrich and Orit Strock harassed Palestinian residents under eviction threat in Shaykh Jarrah. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Issawiyya. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya and al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/22; MEMO 6/23; PCHR 6/24)

After meeting in a Hamas office, various political and military factions in Gaza issued a warning to Israel to ease the blockade. The factions said that if Israel does not comply, they would allow the launching of incendiary balloons and protests by the Gaza fence. (AJ, MEMO 6/23)

Iran said it had foiled a drone attack on a building belonging to the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization in Karaj City, 25 miles west of Tehran. According to the New York Times, the building was on a list of potential targets Israel had presented to the U.S. and which the Trump administration had approved for targeting by Israel. Iran later said that Israel had attacked the building to undermine the nuclear deal negotiations. (AJ, NYT 6/23; HA 6/24; AJ, AP, REU 7/6)

The U.S. seized the domain name for the news site Palestine Today and more than 30 Iranian and Iranian-linked websites, including state-run news agencies. (HA, MEE, REU 6/22; AJ 6/23)

The EU provided the PA and Palestinian banks with a loan of $425 million to help keep the Palestinian economy going as it is facing an economic crisis due to the Israeli occupation and the COVID-19 pandemic. (HA 6/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided Qarawat Bani Hassan before confronted by Palestinian residents. Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian minor near Kisan, causing injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set fire to agricultural lands planted with olive trees in Jalud, causing extensive damage. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters commemorating Nakba Day throughout the West Bank, killing 1 Palestinian in Hebron and injuring 450, including 27 in Hebron, 29 in Qalqilya, 12 in Ramallah, 18 in Nablus, 9 in Tulkarm, 6 in Jenin, 2 in Bethlehem, and 1 in Tubas using live ammunition. 13 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in Tulkarm and 9 during protests near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Shaykh Jarrah, injuring 1 journalist and arresting 1. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Tur, causing tear-gas related injuries and 1 arrest. 13 others were arrested during raids in Issawiyya, al-Tur, Silwan, and Sur Bahir. In Gaza, 17 Palestinians were killed, including 8 children, and dozens were injured, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 136 to 153, including 41 children and 2 pregnant women. The casualties included: 10 members of the same family in an Israeli air strike in al-Shati refugee camp, including 8 children; 1 infant was found in the rubble of the house and was the only survivor of the attack; 2 in an air strike on a market in Gaza City; 1 in an air strike while driving north of Gaza City; 1 in a drone strike on agricultural lands near al-Bureij; 1, and 1 injured in an air strike on al-Bureij; 1 in an air strike while riding a motorbike in al-Maghazi; 1 Palestinian succumbed to wounds sustained in an air strike on a car wash al-Zawaideh. Israel also demolished al-Jalaa tower, a 12-story building in Gaza City hosting the offices of AP, Al Jazeera, and other international media outlets along with residential apartments; Israel claimed that it also housed Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine intelligence offices, saying that made it a legitimate target; residents and workers were given 1 hour to evacuate the building. AP said their reporting capabilities in Gaza were significantly reduced while Al Jazeera called it a war crime and an act to stop reporting. Air strikes also demolished the home of senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya and severely damaged the 14-story tower al-Qahira and the 12-story tower al-Andalus in Gaza City. Shelling from land and sea also caused significant damage and injuries in Khan Yunis and Bayt Hanun. Egypt sent 10 ambulances to Gaza to pick up injured Palestinians for treatment at Egyptian hospitals. In Israel, 1 Israeli was killed by a rocket fired from Gaza in Ramat Gan, raising the Israeli death toll to 10. 6 buildings were also damaged in Ramat Gan. Rockets were also fired at Beersheba, Ashkelon, and Ashdod from Gaza, causing damage in Beersheba and Ashdod. Hundreds of Palestinian-Israelis protested in Jaffa over the Israeli police’s inability to protect them as violence has been escalating in the neighborhood and 1 minor was seriously injured by a firebomb on 5/14. 67 Palestinian-Israelis were reported arrested, including 52 in ‘Akka and 15 in Lydda. In Lebanon, hundreds of protesters gathered along the Blue Line to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and Shaykh Jarrah. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, PCHR, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/15; AP, AP, AP, AP, HA, MEE, PCHR, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/16; AP 5/17; HA 5/18; PCHR 5/20; MEE 5/21; NYT 5/26; GDN 7/28)

There were major demonstrations in many cities worldwide in commemoration of Nakba Day and in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and those threatened by eviction in Shaykh Jarrah. (DM, DW, NAT 5/15 BBC, GDN, WAFA 5/16)

U.S. president Joe Biden spoke with both Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and PA president Mahmoud Abbas. It was the 1st time that President Biden and President Abbas have spoken since Biden took office in January. (HA, WAFA 5/15)

U.S. chair of the senate foreign relations committee Bob Menendez (D-NJ) said, after Israel demolished the building housing the offices of AP and Al Jazeera, that he was “deeply troubled by reports of Israeli military actions that resulted in the death of innocent civilians in Gaza as well as Israeli targeting of buildings housing international media outlets.” Menendez is known as 1 of the staunchest supports of Israel among the senate Democrats. Several House Democrats separately tweeted, “Apartheid states aren’t democracies,” in a reference to Israel. (AJ, AJ, HA, NYT 5/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinians near Nablus by throwing stones and physically assaulting them, causing their hospitalization. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint in Za’atra and injured 1 other; Israeli forces claimed that 2 were in a car and refused to stop at the checkpoint. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protesters at a checkpoint north of Ramallah, injuring 9 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed protesters at the Qalandia checkpoint, injuring 37 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Jenin, injuring 1 with live ammunition while others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters, injuring 2 using live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Tulkarm, injuring 1 with live ammunition; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 7 with live ammunition and 10 with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also injured 1 with a tear gas canister in Bethlehem. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Huwwara checkpoint, injuring 5 with rubber-coated bullets. 14 Palestinians were arrested, including 13 at checkpoints in Tulkarm, Huwwara, and Jenin, and 1 was arrested during a late-night raid in Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed a sit-in protest against evictions in Shaykh Jarrah, spraying skunk water at protesters and arresting 3 residents. 6 other Palestinians were arrested, including 4 at a checkpoint in Issawiyya and 2 during late-night raids in Silwan and al-Tur. In Gaza, 10 Palestinians, including 1 child, were killed in Israeli air strikes, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 20 to 30, including 10 children. The casualties included: 2, and 2 injured in an air strike on a 7-story building in al-Shati camp; 6, and at least 8 injured in 3 air strikes on apartment buildings in Gaza City; and 2 in an air strike near a chicken farm southwest of Dayr al-Balah. Additionally, Israeli air strikes damaged or destroyed dozens of buildings, including 1 14-story residential and commercial building, the Hanadi Tower west of Gaza City, 1 ice cream factory south of Gaza City, 1 health clinic and police station in Bayt Lahiya, 1 large school in Dayr al-Balah. Hamas reported that Israeli air strikes had destroyed all police buildings in Gaza. In Israel, 5 were killed by rockets from Gaza, including 2 Palestinian citizens of Israel, who were killed by a rocket fired from Gaza near Lydda, and 2 Jewish-Israelis and 1 Indian national in Ashkelon and Tel Aviv. 1 rocket fired from Gaza also damaged an Israeli pipeline in Ashkelon, igniting a large oil fire. A state of emergency was also declared in Lydda after a synagogue and some 30 cars were set on fire as Jewish-Israelis and Palestinian citizens of Israel clashed. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian-Israelis in Lydda after a protest erupted following a funeral of 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel who was killed by a Jewish-Israeli on 5/10; 12 Palestinian-Israelis were injured by stun grenades and rubber-coated bullets. Clashes also ensued in Ramla and a synagogue, a marketplace, and a Muslim cemetery were set on fire. In Acre, 1 police station and 1 restaurant were set on fire. 19 Palestinian citizens of Israel were arrested after trash bins were set on fire and stones were thrown at Israeli police in Haifa. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian-Israeli protesters in Jaffa, arresting 3; 2 police officers were reportedly injured. Clashes between Jewish-Israelis and Palestinian-Israelis were also reported in Beersheba. Israeli forces said that the Iron Dome had intercepted 85-90% of around 850 rockets fired from Gaza since 5/10. (AJ 5/10; AJ, AJ, AX, CBS, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, NYT, PCHR, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/11; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, BBC, CNN, CNN, HA, HA, HA, JP, MEMO, PCHR, PCHR, REU, REU, TOI 5/12; HA 5/18; WAFA 5/19; PCHR 5/20; MEE 5/21; NYT 5/26)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas canceled Eid al-Fitr celebrations to mourn for the Palestinians killed by Israel in the last couple of days. (MEMO 5/12)

A Spokesperson for the U.S. national security advisor said chief of Palestinian affairs at the U.S. embassy in Israel George Noll had delivered a letter from U.S. president Joe Biden to PA president Mahmoud Abbas. The spokesperson would not say what the letter was about, saying it was part of the administrations outreach to “the Palestinian leadership.” (HILL, WAFA 5/11)

The Arab League secretary-general Ahmed Aboul Gheit said Israel was responsible for the escalation between Hamas and Israel, stating that “Israeli violations in Jerusalem . . . is what led to the ignition of the situation in this dangerous way.” Secretary-general Gheit’s comments came after a meeting of Arab League foreign secretaries discussing the situation. (AJ, REU 5/11)

Haaretz reported that Palestinian and Egyptian sources said that talks to end the escalation between Hamas and Israel had ended due to opposition from Islamic Jihad and Israel. Leader of Hamas Ismail Haniyeh said that the escalation was started by Israel and that Hamas is ready for “an escalation and ready for calm, on the condition that they end the aggression against al-Quds.” Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Hamas and Islamic Jihad have paid—and will pay—a heavy price for their aggression . . . It will take time. We’ll restore security for the citizens of Israel.” (AJ, HA, MEMO 5/12)

It was reported that the U.S. was delaying a UN security council (UNSC) statement addressing the Israeli aggression in Jerusalem, and escalation of the conflict between Hamas and Israel. A UNSC emergency meeting was called on 5/9 by Tunisia and 9 other countries. The state department spokesperson Ned Price said secretary of state Antony Blinken, national security advisor Jake Sullivan, and deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman had talked to their Israeli counterparts and unnamed Palestinian officials. The White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said that President Joe Biden’s “support for Israel security, for its legitimate right to defend itself and its people is fundamental and will never waver . . . We condemn ongoing rocket attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups, including against Jerusalem.” (HA, HA, REU 5/11; AP, HA 5/12)

The 57 members of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation released a joint communiqué after an emergency meeting, calling Israeli attacks on the Haram al-Sharif compound “barbaric” and said the nations consider Israel’s attacks a “serious violation of international law.” (HA 5/11)

The U.S. treasury department sanctioned 7 Lebanese people for transferring $500 million on behalf of Hezbollah. (AJ, AP, REU 5/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 13 olive trees in Hares. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling between Nablus and Jenin. Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet and others were injured by tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Tulkarm, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed protesters in Qalqilya, arresting 1. 4 Palestinians were arrested at checkpoints near Bethlehem, Qalandia, and Hizma. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters, injuring 50 using rubber-coated bullets, beatings, and tear gas near the Haram al-Sharif compound, Silwan, Issawiyya, Wadi al-Juz, and Shaykh Jarrah; 4 were arrested. In Gaza, several dozen rockets were fired at Israel and Israel fired missiles and shells at Gaza east of al-Bureij refugee camp; causing damage; 2 groups, the Nidal al-Amoudi Division and the Abu Ali Mustapha Brigades, claimed responsibility for the rockets fired at Israel, saying they were in response to the violence by Israeli right-wing activists in Jerusalem on 4/22. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/23; AJ, AJ, HA, WAFA 4/24; HA 4/25; PCHR 4/29)

Israeli public security affairs minister Amir Ohana condemned attacks against Jewish-Israelis in Jerusalem on 4/22, despite the fact that large crowds of right-wing Israeli activists and Israeli settlers had attacked Palestinians throughout Jerusalem, leading to more than 100 injuries. The attacks were planned by the Lehava group, which has links to right-wing Israeli lawmakers in the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party. The U.S. embassy in Israel said that the U.S. is “deeply concerned about the incidents of violence” and called on “all responsible voices” to promote calm. Jordan condemned the violence, saying that Israel as “the occupying power” in East Jerusalem must protect the Palestinian residents against the violence. The UAE also later called on Israel to protect Palestinians from “acts of violence committed by right-wing extremist groups in the occupied East Jerusalem.” (HA 4/23; WAFA 4/24; WAFA, WAFA 4/25; AP, WAFA 4/26)

Saudi Arabia announced an indefinite ban on Lebanese agricultural products after finding 5.3 million pills of the amphetamine Captagon hidden in a shipment of pomegranates. (AJ 4/28)

In the West Bank, the Palestinian Water Authority said that Israeli settlers had vandalized a reservoir in Asira, soiling the water supply for 6,000 Palestinians. 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during late-night raids in Tulkarm and Jericho, and 1 at a checkpoint east of Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrested 6 Israeli settlers suspected of attacking Palestinians; the 6 had been part of a larger group asking people on the street questions and attacking those who responded in Arabic or with an Arabic accent. Israeli forces also attacked Palestinian protesters with stun grenades and water cannons at the Damascus Gate plaza, for the 7th night in a row. 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Jabal Mukabir. 3 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City, Issawiyya, and al-Tur. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a refugee camp; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 4/19; HA, WAFA 4/20; HA 4/21; PCHR 4/22)

The Palestinian central elections committee said it provided polling stations for about 150,000 Palestinians in East Jerusalem who live in neighborhoods on the West Bank side of the separation barrier. There are still some 150,000 Palestinians in East Jerusalem who do not know if Israel will allow them to participate in the upcoming Palestinian elections, as Israel has not responded to the PA’s request to let them participate. According to Haaretz, the PA leadership discussed postponing the elections if Israel doesn’t allow all Palestinians in East Jerusalem to participate. (WAFA 4/19; ALM, HA, WAFA 4/20; WAFA 4/21)

The PA said that the Israeli president Reuven Rivlin had called PA president Mahmoud Abbas to offer him best wishes on Ramadan. (WAFA 4/19)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler struck and killed 1 Palestinian woman with their car near al-Samu’; it was unclear if the settler had rammed the woman intentionally. Israeli settlers with military escort raided Kafr Haris and Sabastiyya, closing off areas of both towns for Palestinians. Israeli forces issued demolition orders against 64 Palestinian-owned structures in Ras al-Ahmar. Israeli forces also delivered demolition notices for 2 residential structures and 2 agricultural structures in al-Jiftlik. 19 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ras Karkar, Dayr Jarir, Bayt Umar, Yatta, Tulkarm, Jenin, and Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 car repair shop, 1 garage, 2 rooms in Issawiyya, and seized vending stalls near the Haram al-Sharif compound. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a house raid in Ras Khamis. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/7; PCHR, WAFA 4/8)

Hamas declared a total lockdown of Gaza to curb the COVID-19 virus, which has been spreading at unprecedented levels. The lockdown will last until the morning of 4/16. Only food vendors and pharmacies will be allowed to remain open. In the 24 hours before the announcement, 6 people had succumbed to the virus in Gaza and 38 percent of tests were positive. 150 people were receiving care for the illness at a hospital. (HA 4/7)

An Israeli planning commission approved 540 new settlement units in Har Homa in East Jerusalem between the city and Bethlehem. The Jerusalem District Planning Committee will need to give the final approval to 540 units on 4/21. The PA condemned the decision. (HA, WAFA 4/7; MEMO, TOI 4/8)

1 Palestinian prisoner in administrative detention suspended his 47-day-long hunger strike after being promised that Israel would set a date for his release. (WAFA 4/7)

Palestinian human rights activist Issa Amro was acquitted of all charges in a Palestinian court. He had been charged with insulting higher authorities, causing public strife, and disturbing public order after writing criticism about the PA. (Twitter 4/7; Twitter 4/8)

Right-wing Israeli politician and leader of HaTzionut HaDatit (Religious Zionist Party) Bezalel Smotrich wrote on Twitter, “I heard that after Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, may he live a long life, said that a true Muslim must know that the Land of Israel belongs to the Jewish People, Ahmad Tibi opened his mouth against him. So, Ahmad, a true Muslim must know that the Land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people, and over time Arabs like you, who do not recognize that, will not remain here. Rabbi Shmuel and tens of thousands of his students, including us, will make sure that happens.” Smotrich’s comments about Palestinian-Israeli politician Ahmad Tibi drew condemnation from pro-Israel organizations in the U.S., including the Anti-Defamation League and AIPAC offshoot Democratic Majority for Israel. (HA, HA 4/7)

Jordanian king Abdullah II said that “the sedition has been buried,” in reference to the alleged plot against him from 4/3, where his half-brother Prince Hamzah bin Hussein was placed under house arrest for steering the plot. The Jordanian government has banned all national outlets from covering the issue. U.S. president Joe Biden assured Abdullah II of his support in a call. (AJ, AP, REU 4/6; AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU 4/7)

The U.S. announced that it will resume providing aid to the UNRWA, which has been cut since 2018. In its 1st aid package, the U.S. will provide $150 million to the UNRWA, $75 million in economic and development assistance to the West Bank and Gaza, and $10 million for “peacebuilding programs” through the USAID. The U.S. also sent $15 million in assistance to the West Bank and Gaza to help with their COVID-19 response in March. The Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Gilad Erdan condemned the U.S. decision to resume aid to UNRWA, saying that Palestinian refugees are not “real” refugees. (AJ, ALM, AX, HA, NYT, REU, USAID, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/7; GDN, WAFA, WAFA 4/8; WAFA 4/12)

The U.S. also said it was ready to lift “sanctions that are inconsistent with the JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action]” on Iran. The announcement came as indirect talks about the U.S. rejoining the Iran nuclear deal, brokered by the EU, were underway in Vienna. (HA 4/8)

Axios reported that the U.S. has asked Israel to provide the water to Jordan it requested last month, but that Israel is said to withholding due to prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s personal feud with King Abdullah II, which has been growing in recent months and straining the 2 countries’ relationship. (AX 4/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers demolished part of a Palestinian-owned house in Hebron. Israeli settlers also stole 40 olive saplings in Jalud. Israeli forces razed 5 dunams (1.2 acres) of land, including 20 olive trees, in Ras Karkar. Israeli forces also seized an agricultural structure east of Yatta. 1 Palestinian was severely injuried after stepping on an unexploded ordinance left behind by Israeli forces east of Jericho. 13 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bethlehem, Tuqu‘, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Nablus, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/17; PCHR 3/18)

Haaretz reported that the Israeli Jerusalem municipality had asked the court for local affairs to reactivate demolition orders against 70 structures in al-Bustan, which would displace 1,500 Palestinians. The Israeli municipality wants to place a tourism park named The King’s Garden where the 70 structures are located, but plans for the structure demolitions have been suspended during the negotiations between residents and the municipality. Now, the municipality wants to push forward with its plans without a settlement. (HA 3/17; HA, WAFA 3/18)

60,000 COVID-19 vaccines provided by the WHO COVAX program to the PA arrived in Israel. 40,000 will be shipped to the West Bank and 20,000 to Gaza. PA health minister Mai al-Kaila said the PA will wait to use the AstraZeneca vaccines until the WHO confirms that they are safe to use. Many EU countries have suspended using the AstraZeneca vaccines after 1 otherwise healthy Danish woman died and 3 Norwegian health workers were in severe condition from blood clots after receiving the vaccine. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, WAFA 3/17)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Israeli police officers in a Palestinian-Israeli area of Israel that they should bring criminals to their “breaking point” and that they will catch them and “put them behind bars, maybe kill some of them.” (HA 3/17)

During a televised speech, Lebanese president Michel Aoun told prime minister-designate Saad Hariri to form a government or resign so that someone capable can take the position. (AJ, AP 3/17)

UAE newspaper The National reported that it had obtained a 4-page internal memo from the U.S. Biden administration dubbed The US-Palestinian Reset and Path Forward. The memo suggests that the Biden administration will roll back Trump administration policies on Palestine, including reestablishing diplomatic contacts with the PA and restarting U.S. financial assistance to Palestinians, including a $15 million COVID-19 aid package. (NAT 3/17; AJ, HA 3/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 1 Palestinian-owned agricultural structure in Kafr al-Dik. Israeli forces delivered demolition orders for 7 Palestinian-owned homes in Ma‘in. 17 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around al-Khadir, Husan, Hebron, Nablus, Tulkarm, Abu Dis, ‘Azun, Beita, Ramallah, al-Bireh, Sabastiyya, and Jenin refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces seized, for a 2d time, tents sheltering a family whose house was demolished in Issawiyya. 11 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya, Shu‘fat refugee camp, and al-Tur; confrontations erupted during the raids in Issawiyya, leading to tear-gas related injuries and damage to property. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/4; PCHR 3/11)

Israeli authorities allowed changes to the structure of al-Ibrahimi Mosque, allowing the construction of an elevator to the designated Jewish area of the mosque. (WAFA 3/4)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas extended the COVID-19-related state of emergency for another 30 days. (WAFA 3/4)

According to Haaretz reporting, the Shin Bet has been threatening some Palestinian activists with administrative detention if they run in the Palestinian Legislative Council elections. Haaretz confirmed that at least 1 Palestinian activist was arrested and put in administrative detention for 4 months after announcing that he would run in the elections. (HA 3/4)

Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen and Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss a joint COVID-19 plan. Prime Minister Frederiksen had, prior to the trip, praised Israel’s vaccination campaign and said that Denmark is considering opening a vaccine factory with and/or in Israel, leading her own left-wing coalition to denounce her trip. The EU expressed dismay at the 2 European leaders’ trip, saying that cooperation on COVID-19 response was an EU issue 1st and foremost. (POL, POL 3/1; GDN, HA, REU 3/2; GDN, POL 3/3; AP, DR.DK, HA, POL, REU, TOI 3/4)

U.S. vice president Kamala Harris spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss the ICC investigation into Israel. Vice President Harris expressed support for the normalization deals between Israel, the U.S., and several Arab and African countries during the Trump administration. (REU 3/4; AJ, HA, TOI 3/5)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz told FOX News that Israel is constantly updating preparations to strike Iran. Defense Minister Gantz also said that Hezbollah has hundreds of thousands of missiles. (AP, AJ, FOX, HA 3/5)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler rammed his car into 1 Palestinian east of Qalandia, causing injuries. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian houses and vehicles in Jalud, causing damage to the windows of several houses and vehicles. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized cars and houses in Huwwara. Israeli forces demolished parts of a Palestinian-owned house in Battir and 3 houses in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also raided ‘Ayn Yabrud and fired tear gas canisters, causing damage to 1 building and leading to tear-gas related injuries. 19 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, al-Khadir, Hebron, Tell, Nablus, Balata, Tulkarm, Jenin, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces injured 2 Palestinians during a house raid in Issawiyya and 5 Israeli soldiers were injured in subsequent clashes in the area; tear-gas related injuries were also reported. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 at the Haram al-Sharif compound, and 6 during raids in the Old City, al-Tur, and Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire and sprayed water at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza, causing damage to 1 boat; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/2; MEMO 3/3; PCHR 3/4)

A day after receiving criticism from Palestinian NGOs about the COVID-19 vaccination distribution, the PA admitted that some vaccines earmarked for health workers had gone elsewhere. 1,200 of 12,000 vaccines had been given to the Palestinian national football team, government ministers, presidential guards, and members of the PLO executive committee. 200 were sent to Jordan to be given to members of the royal court. (AJ, AP 3/3; SKY 3/4)

As the Lebanese pound reach a new record low amidst the country’s economic crisis, protests began in several places throughout the country, with road closures and burning tires. (AJ 3/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli authorities announced that it would seize 193 dunams (47.7 acres) of Palestinian-owned land near Dayr Dibwan for settlement expansion. 17 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Rujeib, Qalqilya, Ramallah, Rummana, Sawahara al-Sharqiyya, Aida refugee camp, Nablus, and Qusra. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinian was arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA 2/25; PCHR 3/4)

Israel imposed a general closure for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, closing all checkpoints for the Jewish Purim holiday. The closure was scheduled to be in effect from midnight on 2/25 to the night of 2/28. (HA 2/25)

The board of the Jewish National Fund voted to allocate $11.6 million to purchase land in the West Bank. (HA 2/25)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Bahrain’s prime minister Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa spoke on the phone about the U.S. plan to reengage diplomatically with Iran about its nuclear program. (AP, HA 2/25)

Israel said that an Israeli-owned ship was attacked by 1 or 2 missiles in the Gulf of Oman. Other reports said that the damage done to the ship was caused by a blast, to which the cause had not been determined. Israeli defense officials claimed that the missiles were fired by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. No injuries were reported, and the ship was able to continue to the UAE to repair the damage. Iran denied attacking the ship. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 2/26; REU 2/27; AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU 2/28; AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU 3/1)

Haaretz reported that 2 U.S. senators, Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Rob Portman (R-OH) were circulating a letter to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken calling on him to take a more forceful stance on the ICC’s investigation of Israel and Hamas, in order to shield Israel. The pro-Israel group J Street said it was circulating their own letter, calling Cardin and Portman’s letter an “unnecessary act of political posturing,” saying the U.S. state department already rejected the ICC’s decision. J Street also criticized the Cardin and Portman letter for using “distributed territories” instead of “occupied territories” to describe the West Bank. (HA 2/25)

The U.S. attacked what the Pentagon said were Iranian-backed militia groups in eastern Syria, killing 17 people. The Pentagon said the strikes were in retaliation for 1 missile fired at a U.S. facility in Irbil, Iraq, which killed 1 U.S. national and injured 6 others on 2/15. (REU 2/25; AP, BBC, CNN, HA, REU 2/26)

Japan donated $39.7 million to UNRWA, $30.2 million for UNRWA core programming, and $9.5 million for expanding school services in Gaza. (WAFA 2/25)

In the West Bank, 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during raids in and around Tulkarm and Anabta; 2 were arrested at the Qalandia checkpoint. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a raid in Issawiyya. In Israel, 1 44-year-old Palestinian prisoner died in the Israeli Rimonim prison; no official reason was given for his death, but the Palestinian Prisoners Society noted that he had health problems and had received the 1st dose of a COVID-19 vaccine 3 days prior to his death. (WAFA, WAFA 1/20; AJ, PCHR 1/21)

1 Palestinian man from the West Bank was indicted by Israel for smuggling drones into Gaza allegedly to be used by Hamas to film Israeli movement along the Gaza fence. (HA 1/20)

The Israeli ministry of housing and the Israeli land authority issued tenders for 2,572 new settler housing units, including 2,112 in the West Bank and 460 in East Jerusalem. (AJ, AP, PCN, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/20; WAFA 1/21)

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn in as U.S. president and vice president in an inauguration ceremony closed to the public due to domestic terror threat at the Mall in Washington D.C. Outgoing president Donald Trump did not attend the inauguration. The Democratic party also took control of the Senate after 3 democrats were sworn in, giving the party control of the House, the Senate, and the White House. PA president Mahmoud Abbas and several other PA officials expressed optimism for what a Biden administration would do to curb Israeli maximalist policies. A Hamas spokesperson also expressed hope that a Biden administration would “correct the historical course of wrong and unjust American policies towards our people.” (AJ, BB, GDN, HA, JP, NBC, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA 1/20; AP 1/21)

The UAE signed an agreement with the U.S. to buy 50 F-35 fighter jets and 18 armed drones as part of the normalization deal between Israel, the U.S., and the UAE. (HA, REU 1/20; REU 1/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in al-Mughayyir, injuring 1 Palestinian with rubber-coated bullets and 1 Palestinian with tear gas canister shrapnel; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian man using live ammunition at a checkpoint near Qusra. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Twana and Kafr Qaddum; 5 were injured by rubber-coated bullets in Kafr Qaddum and tear-gas related injuries were reported during both protests. Israeli forces also sealed off al-Twana. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya and al-Tur. In Israel, Palestinian citizens of Israel protested in Umm al-Fahm against the Israeli police’s inaction in dealing with violence in their community. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/15; PCHR 1/21)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas signed a presidential decree setting dates for Palestinian elections. The elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council are scheduled to be held on 5/22 and presidential elections on 7/31. The decree was signed after weeks of meetings between chairman of the Palestinian Central Election Committee Hanna Nasser and Hamas and Fatah leadership. It remains unclear how the elections will be carried out given the Israeli-controlled physical barriers between Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank. Elections for the PLO National Council are scheduled for 8/31. Hamas welcomed the presidential decree. (AJ, HA, HILL, NYT, WAFA 1/15; AP, GDN, HA, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WSJ 1/16; AJ, SG, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/17; WAFA, WAFA 1/19)

An Israeli court froze the bidding process for an Israeli settlement in East Jerusalem after a petition by Palestinian residents and Ir Amim. The residents and human rights organization complained that 40% of the planned housing would be for Israeli citizens only, forbidding Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem from buying the property. At the same time, the Israeli ministry of housing and the Israel land authority opened the bidding process for the construction of 1,257 new settler units in the Givat Hamatos settlement in East Jerusalem. (HA, PCN 1/15; TOI 1/19 MEE 1/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles at several places in the Nablus area. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian near Bethlehem, claiming that he threw a knife at an Israeli soldier; Israeli forces later raided his hometown Bayt Umar, leading to clashes; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces also demolished 1 agricultural structure in al-Khadir, delivered a stop-work notice for an agricultural road east of Tubas, demolished and uprooted 3,400 olive and grape trees in Dayr Balut, and delivered demolition notices for 13 commercial structures near Jenin. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently removed Palestinian and international activists planting olive tree saplings east of Halhul. 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during raids in Nabi Saleh, Tulkarm, and Nablus; 1 was arrested by the separation barrier west of Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers vandalized Palestinian-owned vehicles in the Old City. 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya and Silwan. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/5; PCHR 1/7)

At a Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia reconciled with Qatar after a 3.5-year dispute where the quartet of countries claimed that Qatar is sponsoring terrorism, an allegation Qatar has denied. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 1/5; REU 1/6; AJ, AJ, REU 1/7; REU 1/8)

Iran put out a “red notice” request through Interpol for the arrest of U.S. president Donald Trump and 47 other U.S. officials in connection with the assassination of Iranian general Qassim Soleimani, who was killed on 1/3/2020 at the Baghdad airport by U.S. forces. (AJ 1/5)

A newly elected republican congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL) said that she would fly an Israeli flag outside her office because Palestinian American Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) has an office next to hers. A spokesperson for Rep. Tlaib called it a publicity stunt said that Tlaib hopes Rep. Cammack would focus on solving issues for her constituents. (FOX, FWD, MEMO, TOI 1/7; JP 1/8)