The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers began constructing a settler road to Givat Allam on land belonging to residents of Khirbet Yanun. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinians and stole sheep in Arab al-Milehat. Israeli forces also shot and killed 3 Palestinians, including 2 children, during raids in Beitunia, Tayasir, and Kafr Ein. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 7 Palestinians during raids in Dheisheh refugee camp, al-Arroub refugee camp, Beitunia, and Deir Abu Mash’al. Israeli forces also punitively demolished the family home in Deir ‘Ammar of a Palestinian who was killed by Israeli forces on 8/3, damaging nearby homes and shooting and injuring 2. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian home in Bani Na’im, displacing 20. Israeli forces also notified residents of Husan, Wadi Fukin, and al-Jaba’ that it will seize 1,500 dunams (370 acres) of land to construct a settler-only road. In Gaza, Israeli forces shot and injured 4 Palestinians trying to reach their homes in northern Gaza. Israel claimed that several Israel soldiers had been injured in 2 separate attacks involving explosives and live ammunition. Hamas its fighters had responded to a “blatant breach of the ceasefire” by Israel. 300 Palestinians who were working in Israel before 10/7 were expelled to Gaza. In Lebanon, Israeli forces attacked Aita al-Shaab. (AJ, AP, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/28)

The Gaza Media Office did not update the casualty numbers, leaving the death toll from Israeli attacks at 15,000 as of 11/27, including 6,150 children and 4,000 women, and around 35,000 injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 7,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 234 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 58 children. More than 3,174 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,431 have been injured since 10/7. 75 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.8 million Palestinians, nearly 80% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israel blockade. As of 11/18, at least 45,000 housing units had been destroyed and 233,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 60% of all housing units. 4 trucks carrying fuel and 4 carrying cooking oil entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing. The Palestinian Red Crescent said Israel prevented it from bringing fuel for ambulances into northern Gaza. 31 trucks carrying aid entered northern Gaza. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA 11/28)

30 Palestinians were released from Israeli prisons, 15 women and 15 children, on the fifth day of the prisoner exchange. 12 captives held in Gaza were released to Israel, including 10 Israeli women and 2 Thai nationals. Hundreds of Palestinians cheered the release of the captives, and members of both Hamas and Islamic Jihad were present during the handover to the Red Cross. Israel added 46 Palestinian prisoners to the list of people it is willing to exchange for Hamas-held captives, including 20 Palestinian citizens of Israel who had been arrested after 10/7 on charges of incitement. The Hadash party condemned the Israeli decision, saying it could serve as a justification for the Israeli government to revoke their citizenship. Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar reportedly visited some of the Hamas-held captives on 10/8, telling them they would not be harmed. The Palestinian Prisoners’ Society said Israel had arrested 168 Palestinians in the West Bank, while it had released 150 as part of the prisoner exchange. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AX, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 11/28; HA 11/29)

The WHO warned that more people could die from disease than from the Israeli attacks if the health and sanitation systems in Gaza are not repaired. (AJ, REU 11/28)

Egyptian intelligence director Abbas Kamal, Mossad director David Barnea, CIA director William Burns, and Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met in Doha, discussing extending the ceasefire and prisoner exchanges. Egyptian sources reported that Israel and Hamas had agreed to extend the ceasefire for an additional 2 days from 11/30. Haaretz reported that Israel is not willing to extend the ceasefire beyond 12/3. (AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, NYT 11/28; HA 11/29)

PA UN envoy Riyad Mansour addressed the UN General Assembly, saying the Israeli government’s “priority is not security, it is the destruction of the Palestinian nation,” calling on the assembly to make Palestine a full member of the UN. (AJ 11/28)

PA health minister Mai al-Kaila and Egyptian health minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar met in Cairo to discuss aid to Gaza and treatment of wounded Palestinians in Egypt. (WAFA 11/28)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant spoke with U.S. secretary of defense Lloyd Austin, discussing U.S. military assistance to Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the German newspaper Die Welt that Israel must “demilitarize” and “de-radicalize” Gaza, like Germany was after World War II. (HA 11/27; AJ, HA 11/28)

Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote on X that stopping the war on Gaza would equal the dissolution of the government coalition. (AJ 11/28; NYT 11/29)

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told UN secretary-general Antonio Gutterres that Israel should be tried in international courts for its war crimes in Gaza. (REU 11/28)

In what appeared to be a call for a permanent ceasefire, U.S. president Joe Biden tweeted, “Hamas unleashed a terrorist attack because they fear nothing more than Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in peace. To continue down the path of terror, violence, killing, and war is to give Hamas what they seek. We can’t do that.” (AJ 11/28; AJ, NYT 11/29)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke with Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, thanking him for “Qatar’s partnership and critical efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.” National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the U.S. had airlifted 54,000 pounds of humanitarian aid to Egypt for Gaza. U.S. officials said that the Biden administration had told Israel it had to avoid “significant further displacement” in its planned invasion of southern Gaza. (HA 11/27; AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, REU 11/28; AX 11/29)

U.S. senator Peter Welch (D-VT) joined senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) in calling for a permanent ceasefire. 40 U.S. senators from both parties viewed a screening of an Israeli film about Hamas’ Operation Al-Aqsa Flood at the U.S. Capitol. (AJ, HA 11/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces punitively demolished the family home in Askar refugee camp of a Palestinian accused of killing 2 Israelis on 2/26 before being shot dead a week later. 2 Palestinians were wounded by live ammunition, 5 by baton rounds, and 185 by tear gas during the raid, while 60 were forced to leave their homes and were detained at a nearby mosque during the demolition. 3 homes in the same building as the demolished apartment were damaged along with 2 nearby buildings. Israeli forces issued 2 demolition orders for homes in al-Khader and 7 stop-work orders for homes in Sarta. 22 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Kobar, Abu Dis, Zababdeh, Siris, Aida refugee camp, al-Azza refugee camp, and Beit Umar. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of al-Sudaniya; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/8; PCHR 8/10; UNOCHA 8/28)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with King Abdullah II and Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah of Jordan. (WAFA 8/8)

The Israeli Education Ministry accepted Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s refusal to fund a program that prepares Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem for higher education in Israel, canceling the program. (HA, REU 8/8; ALM 8/9)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant said during a tour of the Lebanese border with Israeli-occupied Golan Heights that if Hezbollah escalates tensions with Israel “we will send Lebanon back to the Stone Age.” (HA, REU 8/8; AJ, ALM 8/9)

Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir met with the Cypriot justice and public order minister Anna Koukkides-Procopiou in Cyprus, marking the first time an EU member-state minister has met with Ben-Gvir. (HA 8/8)

Australian foreign minister Penny Wong announced that Australia has reinstated the term “Occupied Palestinian Territories” for the West Bank and East Jerusalem and defined Israeli settlements as illegal, reversing a 2014 decision to call Israeli-occupied areas “disputed territory.” (HA, MEE, WAFA 8/8; WAFA 8/9)

Austria signed a 3-year agreement to donate $10 million to UNRWA’s health program. (WAFA 8/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up a tent near Qaryut. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian farmers and set a car on fire in ‘Asira al-Qibliya. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor during a late-night raid in Qalqilya. Israeli forces also razed land, uprooting 120 olive and almond trees in Qusra. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided ‘Asira al-Qibliya, injuring 15 with tear gas. Palestinian militants from al-Ayyash Battalion launched an improvised rocket at Israel from Jenin before it exploded near the launch site. The launch was said to be retaliation for the settler tour of the Haram al-Sharif compound (see below). In East Jerusalem, Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir toured the Haram al-Sharif compound for the third time this year. Ben-Gvir was joined by Naqab and Galilee development minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf and some 1,780 other settlers. Hamas, the PA, Morocco, and Jordan condemned the touring of the compound. Palestinians were prevented from entering the compound during the incursion. 16 Jews were arrested at the compound for praying at the site. (AJ, AJ, ALM, AN, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/27; AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/28; UNOCHA 7/29; PCHR 8/3; UNOCHA 8/11)

Hours after National Security Minister Ben-Gvir toured the Haram al-Sharif compound, Bahrain said it had to postpone a visit by Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant, citing King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa’s schedule. (HA 7/28; HA 7/30)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan met with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, discussing Saudi-Israeli normalization. The New York Times reported that King Salman had intervened to insist that a deal would have to include concessions to Palestine. Later on 7/28, President Biden said at a campaign event that “[t]here is a rapprochement maybe under way” in relation to the Saudi-Israel normalization talks. (White House 7/27; AJ, AP, HA, REU 7/28; NYT 7/29; HA, REU 7/30; REU 7/31)

The UN Security Council held a meeting on the situation in the Middle East, discussing the increase in violence in the West Bank. (WAFA 7/27)

The Arab League submitted written statements to the ICJ in support of Palestine. (WAFA 7/27)

In the West Bank, armed Israeli settlers with a military escort broke in to 2 Palestinian homes in Tuba and El-Abid, intimidating the homeowners and searching their belongings. Israeli forces shot and killed 3 Palestinians, claiming that 1 of them had opened fire at Israeli soldiers near Nablus; Israeli forces prevented a Palestinian ambulance from reaching the scene. The PA called the killings a war crime. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Deir Istiya, assaulting journalists and causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seized 1 tractor and 1 other vehicle in Bardala. Israeli forces also demolished agricultural structures and uprooted olive trees in az-Za’ayyem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 1 Palestinian family was forced to demolish their own home in Bayt Hanina. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/25; PCHR 7/27; UNOCHA 7/29; UNOCHA 8/11)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara. Erdoğan urged Abbas to work on reconciliation with Hamas. (ALM, MEE, WAFA, WAFA 7/25; REU 7/26)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh spoke to U.S. congressman Richard McCormick (R-GA) via video link. (WAFA 7/25)

The Knesset voted to expand the Admissions Committees Law, effectively allowing communities in Israel with up to 700 households to reject non-Jewish people from moving in. MKs from the Hadash-Ta’al and United Arab List parties voted against the law along with 2 members of Labor. (HA, WAFA 7/25; JP, MEMO 7/26; AJ, HA, MEE 7/27; MDW 7/31)

Israel and Vietnam signed a free trade agreement. (REU 7/25)

12 members of the U.S. Congress called in a letter on the State Department to prevent Israeli demolitions and property seizure in Wadi Fukin. The letter was signed by Barbara Lee (D-CA), Jan Schkowsky (D-IL), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Greg Casar (D-TX), Judy Chu (D-CA), James McGovern (D-MA), Raul Grijalva (D-AR), and Jesus Garcia (D-IL). (MDW 8/5)

U.S. secretary of defense Lloyd Austin urged his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant to “address extremist settler violence against Palestinian civilians” during a phone call. (ALM, AN, MEE, REU 7/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole 18 residential tents in Beit Furik. Israeli forces razed land planted with 210 olive and almond trees in Birin. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ramallah, Nablus, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/18; PCHR 7/19; UNOCHA 7/29)

Medical Aid for Palestinians said it will provide the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) helmets and bulletproof vests worth $24,000 to help protect medical workers in the West Bank. PRCS said medical teams had been put in danger by Israeli forces on 193 separate occasions in the first half of 2023, an increase of 310% compared to the same period in 2022. (MAP, WAFA 7/18; GDN 7/19)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant signed an order to place 3 Israeli settlers in administrative detention for attacks on Palestinians in Umm Safa and al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya in June. (HA 7/18)

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution declaring that “the State of Israel is not a racist or apartheid state” by 412 votes to 9. Representatives Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Summer Lee (D-PA), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), Andre Carson (D-IN), Cori Bush (D-MO), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), and Delia Ramirez (D-IL) voted against. The resolution was presented by August Pfluger (R-TX). (AJ, HA, NYT 7/18; HA, MDW 7/19)

U.S. president Joe Biden met with Israeli president Isaac Herzog at the White House. After the meeting, Biden told New York Times columnist Tom Friedman that he urged Israeli leaders to stop the judicial overhaul and not pass reforms without a broad consensus. (ALM, MEE, NYT, NYT, REU 7/18; HA, HA, HA 7/19)

60 prominent human rights and press freedom organizations signed a letter addressed to the U.S. Congress urging representatives to pass the Justice for Shireen Act, which would require the U.S. government to investigate the Israeli killing of Shireen Abu Akleh. (AJ, MEE 7/18; WAFA 7/19)

The U.S. Department of Commerce added the Israel-owned Intellexa and Cytrox spyware companies to its blacklist of companies acting against U.S. interests. The list already includes NSO Group and Candiru. (HA, MEE, NYT 7/18)

The University of Maryland Critical Issues survey showed that 73% of Americans would favor Israel as a democracy over Israel’s as a Jewish state in the absence of a two-state solution. (Brookings 7/18; HA 7/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort assaulted Palestinians in Umm al-Akhouas in the Masafer Yatta area, injuring 10. Israeli settlers also assaulted 1 Palestinian man with a riffle in Umm Laikhous in the Masafer Yatta area when the man and others in the community confronted armed settlers who had set up tents on their land; 4 Palestinians were arrested when Israeli forces arrived. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the Haram al-Sharif compound after the morning Eid al-Adha prayer, arresting 18 Palestinians. Around 100,000 worshippers attended the prayer. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/28; PCHR 7/6; HA 7/8; UNOCHA 7/8)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant signed 4 administrative detention orders for Israeli settlers accused of attacking Palestinians in the West Bank. More than 1,000 Palestinians are imprisoned on administrative detention. (HA, TOI 6/28)

Axios reported that Somalia and Comoros will send officials to attend the next Negev Forum normalization summit as observers. (AX 6/28)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken told the Council of Foreign Relations that rising violence in the West Bank is making it “a lot tougher, if not impossible” to make a normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Blinken referred to the West Bank as Israel’s “backyard.” (AJ, ALM, HA, MEE, REU 6/28; HA 6/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers damaged 5 dunams (1.25 acres) of wheat crops with pesticides in Beit Umar. Israeli settlers also razed land in Burqa, near the Homesh settlement outpost. Initially the Israeli military prevented the work from being carried out, but stopped intervening on the orders of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Israeli forces shot and injured 13 Palestinians with live ammunition and arrested 14 during raids in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, where at least 50 Palestinian homes were raided, including the home of the Jericho governor Jihad Abu al-Assal. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting a raid in Beit Umar, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces issued stop-work orders for 17 structures in Aqraba. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. (HA, HA, QDS, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/25; PCHR 6/1; MEE 6/4; UNOCHA 6/2)

Israel said it had downed a drone crossing from Lebanese airspace. (REU 5/25)

U.S. president Joe Biden released a 60-page document on how his administration seeks to combat anti-Semitism. It was feared that the document would adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism. However, the highly controversial definition was only mentioned as being “embraced” by the administration. The IHRA definition is used to stifle criticism of Israel by conflating anti-Semitism with criticism of Israel. (HA, HA 5/25; AP, MEE 5/26; MDW 6/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor in Aida refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, tens of thousands of Israelis marched through the Old City, including the Muslim Quarter for the so-called Flag March, attacking Palestinians and Palestinian property and yelling genocidal and racist slogans such as “Death to Arabs,” “May your village burn down,” and profanities against the Prophet Muhammad. 3 journalists and 3 Palestinians were assaulted by the marchers. Israeli police also assaulted several journalists, including CNN correspondent Ben Wedeman. The U.S. condemned the behavior at the march as “outrageous and unacceptable.” National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir took part in the march. Thousands of Israeli settlers, including Negev and Galilee development minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf and MKs Dan Illouz, Amit Halevi, and Ariel Kallner toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Later Israeli forces also prevented the call to prayer before the sunset prayer from al-Aqsa Mosque. In Gaza, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting against the Flag March along the Gaza fence, injuring 5 with baton rounds and causing tear-gas related injuries. (HA 5/16; AJ, AP, MEE, WAFA 5/17; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, MEE, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/18; HA, MDW, MDW, WAFA, WAFA 5/19; WAFA 5/20; MDW 5/22; PCHR 5/25; UNOCHA 6/2)

The Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant ordered Israeli Central Command chief Yehuda Funch to authorize entry of Israeli settlers to the Homesh settlement outpost and to grant the Shomron Regional Council a plot of land to create a Yeshiva on. The move was made to prevent Palestinian landowners from successfully appealing to the Israeli High Court of Justice to have the settlers cleared from Homesh and for them to regain access to their land. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that the U.S. was “deeply troubled” by the Israeli decision, noting that the order contravened promises made by then Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon in 2004 to the Bush administration and by the Netanyahu government to the Biden administration. The French foreign ministry also condemned the move, saying it contravened commitments made by Israel at the Aqaba and Sharm El Sheikh summits in February and March. According to Axios, Israeli officials had told the Biden administration that Israel does not intend to turn Homesh into a new settlement. (WAFA 5/18; HA 5/21; AJ, ALM, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA 5/22; AX, HA, TOI 5/23; HA, WAFA 5/24)

Haaretz reported that Israeli finance minister and de facto governor of the West Bank, Bezalel Smotrich, has stressed at closer door meetings that it is Israeli policy to improve infrastructure in Israeli settlements and outposts to prepare for an additional 500,000 Israeli settlers moving to the West Bank. Smotrich also instructed government officials to draw up plans for more checkpoints between Israel and the West Bank for settlers. The U.S. responded to the reporting saying that “we view the expansion of settlement as an obstacle to peace.” The Israeli government later said that Smotrich’s statements did not represent the policies of the Netanyahu-led government. (HA 5/18; HA 5/23)

6 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives held a press conference outside of the Capitol building criticizing the Biden administration and their colleagues for not holding Israel accountable for the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh last year and for human rights violations against Palestinians in general. The 6 members, Andre Carson (D-IN), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), Betty McCollum (D-MN), and Cori Bush (D-MO), spoke alongside members of Abu Akleh’s family. (AJ, HA 5/18)

In the West Bank, thousands of Israeli settlers, including 7 cabinet ministers, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich among them, and several MKs marched to the Evyatar settlement outpost. 22 Palestinians protesting the march were injured by baton rounds fired by Israeli forces, while more than 100 suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli settlers also threw stones at vehicles near al-Khader, Bethlehem, and al-Bireh and threw stones at commercial structures in al-Khader. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor during a raid in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, 3 were injured, including 2 by live ammunition, and 5 were arrested. A video of the incident showed the minor running away from Israeli soldiers when he was shot in the back. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided al-Ein refugee camp, injuring 2 with live ammunition and 10 with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians in Beit Umar, causing tear-gas related injuries and damage to 1 vehicle. In East Jerusalem, some 1,500 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. (AJ, ALM, GDN, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/10; AJ, AP, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 4/11; PCHR 4/13 MDW 4/14; UNOCHA 4/20)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a press conference that he had rescinded his firing of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on 3/26. Gallant had continued to act as the defense minister despite his dismissal. Netanyahu also criticized the former Israeli government for its deal with Lebanon to demark the maritime borders between the 2 countries. (AP, AX, MEE, REU 4/10; HA 4/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinian shepherds near Kisan, causing injuries. Israeli settlers from the Mitzpe Yair settlement outpost killed 10 Palestinian-owned sheep in the Masafer Yatta area. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near al-Bireh, injuring 4 Palestinians and causing damage. Israeli settlers also raided Deir Balut, throwing stones at Palestinian homes and vehicles, causing damage. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man during a raid in ‘Azzun. Israeli forces also raided al-Arroub refugee camp, injuring 1 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. In Tel Aviv, thousands of Israelis protested against the Israeli government for the fourteenth  Saturday in a row. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/8; WAFA 4/9; ; HA 4/10; PCHR 4/13; UNOCHA 4/20)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant extended the closure of West Bank and Gaza crossings until the evening of 4/12, citing the killing of 3 Israelis and 1 foreigner on 4/7. Palestinians with special permits for access to the Haram al-Sharif compound and for work in Israel were also affected by the closure. Gallant also ordered Israeli soldiers to assist Israeli police in central Israel. (HA 4/8)

In Syria, 6 rockets were fired from Syria at the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights; no damage was reported. Israel subsequently fired artillery and used drones to attack areas in Syria, causing damage. (HA 4/8; AJ, AJ, AP, BBC, REU, REU 4/9; AJ 4/10)

Lebanese prime minister Najib Mikati said that his government will file a complaint with the UN secretary general and the UN Security Council over the Israeli attacks on Lebanon on 4/6. Mikati also said that the Lebanese military’s investigation into the firing of rockets from Lebanon concluded that it was not carried out by a particular organization. (WAFA 4/8; HA 4/9)

A leaked memo from the U.S. Defense Department claimed that the Mossad had advocated for its officials and other Israelis to protest against the Israeli government’s judicial reforms. The Israeli government denied the reports. (NYT 4/8; AJ, HA, REU 4/9; HA 4/10; AX 4/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinians in Kisan, injuring 2 who were treated at a hospital. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound, entering al-Aqsa Mosque. (WAFA, WAFA 3/29; PCHR 3/30; UNOCHA 4/20)

Khalil Awawdeh, who in 2022 suspended a 172-day hunger strike after Israel promised to end his administrative detention on 10/2/2022, was sentenced to 16-months in prison for using a smuggled mobile phone while on hunger strike. Israel never released Awawdeh from administrative detention despite its promise to do so. (WAFA 3/29) 

Israel launched a spy satellite. The launch was overseen by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, despite Gallant being fired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 3/26. (GDN 3/28; REU 3/29; NYT 3/30)

Jewish Currents reported that progressive Democratic representative Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) and senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) circulated a letter, addressed to the Biden administration, urging it to “undertake a shift in U.S. policy in recognition of the worsening violence, further annexation of land, and denial of Palestinian rights. Only by protecting democracy, human rights, and self-determination for all Palestinians and Israelis can we achieve a lasting peace.” Democrats further called for U.S. aid not to support Israeli settlements or violate the Arms Export Control Act. The letter was co-signed by representatives Cori Bush (D-MO), Andre Carson (D-IN), Summer Lee (D-PA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI). (HA 3/29)

U.S. senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) told CNN that he has been in talks with the White House about introducing measures to hold Israel accountable, including reversing the Trump administration’s blurring of the lines between Israel and the West Bank. (HA 3/29)

The U.S. rejected Prime Minister Netanyahu’s claim that Israel had met all requirements for entering the U.S. visa waiver program. (HA, HA, MEE, REU 3/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided Huwwara, injuring 6 Palestinians and damaging property, including throwing stones at an ambulance and setting a fire truck on fire. 4 Israelis and 2 Palestinians were arrested. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian homes in ‘Asira al-Qibliya, damaging 2. Israeli forces shot and injured 6 Palestinians during a raid in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, including 4 with live ammunition and 2 with baton rounds. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor during a raid in al-Khader. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces had previously raided the compound to clear it for the settlers. Elsewhere in Jerusalem, Israeli pro-government protesters assaulted Palestinians passing by the crowd, seriously beating 1 Palestinian man. 3 Israelis were later arrested. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/27; AJ, AJ 3/28; ; PCHR, WAFA 3/30; UNOCHA 3/31)

HaMoked reported that data from the Israeli Prison Service showed that on 3/1 Israel was holding 971 people in administrative detention, 967 of whom were Palestinians and 4 of whom were Israeli Jews. (HA 3/27; HA 4/2)

Israelis protested against the Israeli government’s plans to overhaul the judicial system. The protests escalated after Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant was fired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 3/26 following Gallant’s calls for a freeze on the legislation. The Israel airports trade union closed down Ben-Gurion International Airport for all incoming and outgoing flights. Later other unions followed, closing down several embassies around the world. Israeli president Isaac Herzog also issued a statement directed at Netanyahu calling on him to freeze his pursuit for control over the judicial branch of government. Later in the day Netanyahu survived 2 no-confidence votes in the Knesset, 59-53 and 60-51. In the evening Netanyahu announced a pause to his government’s plans “to give a real opportunity for real dialogue.” To appease National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who had threatened to resign if the legislation was paused, Netanyahu promised him that he will establish a national guard under Ben-Gvir’s command. The New York Times reported that U.S. officials had intensely pressured the Netanyahu government to pause the legislation. (HA 3/26; AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, AP, AX, BBC, GDN, HA, HA, HA, MEE, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA 3/27; ALM, AP, NYT 3/28; AX, HA, MEE, REU 3/29; NYT 3/31)

The White House banned U.S. federal agencies from using commercially available spyware that poses national security and human rights risks. The executive order follows a report that more than 50 U.S. government employees in 10 countries have been targeted by spyware. Previous hacks of the phones of U.S. government personnel in Uganda were linked to the Israeli NSO Group and its Pegasus spyware. (MEE, WP 3/27; HA 3/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian home in Sinjil, causing severe damage. The sleeping family managed to escape the fire unharmed. Israeli settlers also set fire to Palestinian-owned crops and threw stones at vehicles near Huwwara, causing damage. Israeli forces placed dirt mounds on several roads leading to Deir Sharaf. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-nights in Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces forcefully removed Palestinian worshippers from the Haram al-Sharif compound to clear it for Israeli settler tours. (REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/26; WAFA 3/27; PCHR 3/30; UNOCHA 3/31)

The Israeli military issued notices that it will seize 218 dunams (54 acres) of Palestinian-owned land for military purposes in Jinsafut, Funduq, and Hijja. (WAFA, WAFA 3/26)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant after Gallant called on Netanyahu to freeze the judicial overhaul legislation. The firing prompted mass protests in Israel overnight into the next day. The White House national security council spokesperson said that the Biden administration was “deeply concerned” about the dismissal of Gallant. (AJ, AP, AX, NYT 3/25; AJ, AX, AX, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, NYT, REU 3/26; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEE, REU 3/27)

Israel and the UAE signed a free trade agreement removing or reducing tariffs on 96% of goods traded between the 2 countries. The trade agreement was an extension of the 2 countries’ normalization deal. (REU 3/26; ALM 3/27)

The 6 foreign ministers in the Gulf Cooperation Council sent a letter to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken urging him to respond to Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich’s comments on 3/19 that the Palestinian people do not exist. The UAE also independently condemned the Israeli repeal of the 2005 Disengagement Law from 3/20. (TOI, TOI, WAFA 3/26)

Association football’s global governing body FIFA announced that it had canceled the draw for the U-20 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be held in Indonesia on 3/31, after Bali governor Wayan Koster refused to host the Israeli U-20 team which had qualified for the tournament. Koster cited Israeli violations of Palestinian human rights as the reason for refusing to host the Israeli team. The tournament is scheduled to be held in Indonesia between 5/20 and 6/11. Later on 3/29 FIFA stripped Indonesia of their hosting rights. (REU, TOI 3/26; AP 3/28; BBC 3/29; GDN, WAFA, WAFA 3/30)