The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers closed off a street in Huwwara and threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles in Dayr Sharaf. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers fenced off a tract of Palestinian-owned land in Khirbat Makhul. Israeli forces uprooted 350 olive trees and demolished 3 residential structures south of Jericho. Israeli forces also delivered a stop-work notice for 1 house in al-Khadir and delivered a demolition notice against 1 greenhouse near Jenin. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 house and uprooted 1 olive tree in Salfit. Israeli forces also demolished 1 storage structure east of Yatta, leading to clashes with Palestinians; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian near the separation wall in Barta‘a. 16 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, and Qarawat Bani Hassan in East Jerusalem; 5 Palestinians were arrested. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/29; WAFA 12/30; PCHR 12/31)

Islamic Jihad, Hamas, and several other smaller armed resistance groups in Gaza carried out a joint military drill, including launching 8 rockets into the sea. (HA, REU 12/29)

After the U.S. state department refused to disclose who the buyer of the ambassador’s residence in Tel Aviv was, an Israeli newspaper disclosed that it was U.S. casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, who had paid $67 million for the seaside property. The U.S. will continue to lease the property until the spring of 2021. The property was sold as part of the Trump administration’s push to cement the move of the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. It was also reported that the U.S. state department had approved the sale of 3,00 guided munitions to Saudi Arabia. (HA, WP 12/29; HA 12/30; TOI 1/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up 1 tent and 1 water tank on Palestinian-owned land east of Ramallah. Israeli settlers with military escort also toured Sabastiyya, closing off parts of the town to Palestinians. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers razed a tract of land near Awarta. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 who was shot and injured by Israeli forces while near Bani Na‘im, and 6 others during raids in and around Salfit, Tuqu‘, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Jenin; during the raid in Salfit, 2 Palestinians were assaulted and 1 car was damaged. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/23; PCHR 12/24)

The Jordanian foreign ministry condemned continued Israeli excavations of al-Shuhada’ cemetery in the Old City of Jerusalem. (WAFA 12/24)

A new Federal Registration Notice by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection said that all products from Area C of the West Bank must be labelled as originating in Israel, while goods from Areas A and B must be labelled “product of West Bank.” The change was, according to the notice, made to reflect the “guidance from the U.S. Department of State that the country of origin marking requirements for goods produced in certain areas of the West Bank be updated to reflect the fact that producers in these areas operate within the economic and administrative framework of Israel.” (HA 12/23; WAFA 12/24; WAFA 12/26)

The EU contributed $22.5 million and Spain $1.22 million to the PA Ministry of Social Development for the distribution of cash aid to 115,000 vulnerable families in the West Bank and Gaza. (WAFA 12/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort toured Sabastiyya, closing areas of the town off to Palestinians. Israeli settlers also set up a mobile home on Palestinian-owned land near Hebron. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers unleashed dogs on Palestinian shepherds and their sheep in Kisan, causing injuries to several sheep. Israeli forces seized 2 Palestinian-owned tractors north of Jericho. 10 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, Salfit, Nablus, Ya‘bad, and Bayt Umar. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and levelled farmland east of ‘Abasan and Khuza‘a. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/16; PCHR 12/17)

In the 1st of 3 votes, the Knesset approved a bill that would provide funding for Israeli settlement outposts in the West Bank and would retroactively give government approval for the settlements. Palestinian-Israeli MK Aida Touma-Sliman called the bill “a war crime under the auspices of the Knesset.” (HA, WAFA 12/17; WAFA 12/22)

The UN Security Council approved appointing UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov to be its new envoy to Libya and approved Norwegian national Tor Wennesland as the UN envoy to the Middle East. Wennesland was, prior to his new role, the Norwegian special envoy to the Middle East peace process. (TOI 12/14; AJ 12/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settler set up a mobile home on Palestinian land east of Hebron. Israeli forces violently dispersed an anti-settlement protest in al-Mughayyir, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians at an olive tree planting event in Bayt Dajan, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets while 15 others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also denied Palestinians access to their land near Salfit. Palestinians clashed with PA security forces during several demonstrations against COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in and around Hebron, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 6 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Nablus, al-Bireh, al-‘Izzariya, Luban al-Sharqiyya, and Huwwara. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in the Old City and Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of al-Fukhari; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/11; HA 12/12; PCHR 12/17)

1 Palestinian man died of wounds sustained after being shot by Israeli forces at the Qalandia checkpoint on 8/16. The man, who had a hearing disability, was shot after he did not stop when told by Israeli forces. (WAFA 12/11; PCHR 12/17)

A member of Hezbollah was sentenced to 5 consecutive life sentences for killing former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri and 21 others in 2005. The man, Salim Jamil Ayyash, was sentenced in absentia by the UN-backed Lebanon Tribunal. (AJ, HA, REU 12/11)

A group of 22 Republican members of the U.S. House sent a letter to U.S. president Donald Trump urging the president to declassify a State Department report mandated by Congress in 2012 that distinguishes between Palestinian refugees born in Palestine before 1948 and those born outside of Palestine. The 22 Republicans said in the letter that they do not believe that descendants of Palestinian refugees born in Palestine before 1948 can be considered refugees and called the Right of Return a “fiction” that should “end.” (Rep. Doug Lamborn 12/11, MDW 12/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided Sabastiyya to clear the area in preparation for a settler tour; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces also raided Jaba‘, leading to confrontations with Palestinians; 6 Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 18 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Tulkarm, Jalazun refugee camp, Ramallah, Tuqu‘, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Salfit. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and levelled land east of Juhur al-Dik. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/9; PCHR 12/10)

After being exposed in a leak on 12/7, PLO executive committee member Hanan Ashrawi released a statement confirming that she had submitted a letter of resignation to PA president Mahmoud Abbas. Ashrawi met with President Abbas on 11/24 and subsequently handed her resignation on 11/26. In a statement Ashrawi said that her resignation was leaked by “senior sources,” despite her agreement with Abbas that her resignation would not be publicized until the end of the year. Ashrawi said she had resigned because she “believe[s] that it is time to carry out the required reform and to activate the PLO in a manner that restores its standing and role . . . [and because] the Palestinian political system needs renewal and reinvigoration with the inclusion of youth, women, and additional qualified professional. It is incumbent upon us all to assume our individual responsibilities and to carry out our duties with honesty and integrity, including by facilitating this needed change.” Later in the day, President Abbas accepted Ashrawi’s resignation. (HA 12/7; AJ 12/8; HA, PLO, Twitter, WAFA 12/9)

An Israeli military court allowed a plea bargain for an Israeli soldier who shot and killed a 23-year-old Palestinian man in March 2019. The Israeli soldier shot the Palestinian man while he was assisting another man who had been shot by Israeli forces while tending to his car that had broken down. According to the plea deal, he will serve 3 months community service and receive a 3-month suspended sentence for 2 years in exchange for confessing to negligent manslaughter. The lawyer representing the Palestinian family said that “[t]he army is sending a clear message that soldiers who kill or injure Palestinians will not be punished.” (HA 12/9; AJ, IN, WP 12/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed a 14-year-old Palestinian using live ammunition during a protest against a settlement outpost in al-Mughayyir; 4 were shot by rubber-coated bullets and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a seed planting event in Bayt Dajan, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum and a similar protest in Salfit; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians in Hebron, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 at a checkpoint in the Jordan Valley near Jenin and 1 during a late-night raid in Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler tried to set fire to the Church of All Nations, but only managed to cause moderate damage before being stopped by church guards; the settler was arrested by Israeli forces shortly after. PA president Mahmoud Abbas called the incident a terror attack. 1 Palestinian was arrested at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers near Bayt Lahiya and Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/4; AJ, HA, HA, HA, MEE, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/5; AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/6; GDN 12/7; PCHR 12/10; +972 12/14)

The Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud said at a virtual meeting that Saudi Arabia’s demand before normalization with Israel is a “peace deal that delivers a Palestinian state with dignity and with a workable sovereignty that Palestinians can accept.” (AJ 12/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers and military escort stormed Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, leading to clashes with Palestinians protesting the incursion; 2 Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Salfit, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 6 agricultural structures and confiscated feeding and watering equipment in Dayr Dibwan. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Dheisheh refugee camp, Bayt Jala, al-‘Izzariya, Qalqilya, Jenin, and Tubas. 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 12/3; PCHR 12/10)

Bahrain’s minister of industry, commerce, and tourism Zayed Rashid al-Zayani said, while on a trip to Israel, that Bahrain will not differentiate between products originating in Israel and Israeli settlements. The comments were retracted on 12/4 when Bahrain’s state news agency BNA said the minister was misunderstood and that Bahrain would not violate UN resolutions on the issue. (AJ, ALM, TOI 12/3; HA, HA 12/4; AJ, HA, REU, TOI 12/5)

Israeli foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi and Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi met at a facility by the Allenby crossing between the West Bank and Jordan to talk about Jordanian-Israeli relations and the possibility of renewed talks on Palestinian-Israeli peace. (AJ 12/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized 1 tractor south of Hebron. 17 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Qalqilya, Hebron, Ramallah, Jenin, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Shu‘fat refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya. (WAFA, WAFA 12/2; PCHR 12/3)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas extended the COVID-19-related state of emergency for another 30 days as cases continued to rise in the West Bank. (WAFA 12/2)

The PA said it would pay its civil servants their full salaries for November plus an additional 50 percent as the PA starts repaying its civil servants who have only received 50 percent of their salaries for months. The announcement came as the PA also said it received more than $1 billion from Israel, which had been withheld by Israel since February. (AJ, REU, WAFA, WAFA 12/2; ALM 12/3)

The Israeli Knesset voted, in a preliminary vote, to dissolve itself, paving the way for a 4th Israeli election in 2 years. Among the votes to dissolve the Knesset was Kahol Lavan party leader Benny Gantz, who is currently serving as deputy prime minister and minister of defense. The bill was proposed by Yesh Atid and supported by Meretz and Labour, and eventually supported by Gantz’s party, which is part of the government it seeks to dissolve. 3 of the 4 parties that constitute the Joint Arab List also voted for the bill. The last party, United Arab List, was not present for the vote. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, TOI 12/2; HA 12/3)

The foreign ministry of the Czech Republic released a statement saying the country will open a branch of its embassy in Jerusalem, which will be manned by a diplomat. The country’s main embassy will remain in Tel Aviv. The president of the Czech Republic is a proponent of moving the country’s embassy to Jerusalem. The PA summoned the Czech Republic’s representative to Palestine to protest the decision, demanding it be reversed. (HA, REU 12/2; WAFA 12/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians during a raid in Bayt Umar, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also seized 8 sanitation trucks in al-‘Izzariya, destroyed a vending stall in al-Fawar refugee camp, and demolished 1 agricultural shed and seized 1 mobile home southeast of Hebron. 8 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Biddu, Qatanna, Balata refugee camp, Bayt Dajan, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in Sur Bahir. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan, Issawiyya, and the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmers and shepherds southeast of Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/1; PCHR 12/3)

Hamas said that its political leader Yahya Sinwar had contracted the COVID-19 virus and would be working during self-isolation. (HA 12/1)

The New York Times reported that Sudanese officials said that the country will not move forward with normalization of ties with Israel unless the U.S. Congress grants the country immunity from future terrorism lawsuits. (HA, NYT 12/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort threw stones at Palestinians protesting settlement expansion west of Salfit; Israeli forces also beat several Palestinian protesters. Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 3 Palestinian-owned homes in Ya‘bad and demolished 1 house in al-Khadir; 1 house under construction and 1 well near Halhul; and 2 shacks in Qalqilya. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Izzariya, Anata, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jericho, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Jabal Mukabir to avoid paying exorbitant Israeli demolition fees; 6 people were displaced. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level agricultural lands east of al-Bureij. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinians near the Erez crossing; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/30; WAFA 12/1; PCHR 12/3)

PA and Israeli officials met to discuss the details of transferring the $756 million to the PA in taxes owed. (WAFA 11/30)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo. According to WAFA, President al-Sisi confirmed Egypt’s support of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. (WAFA 11/30; WAFA 12/1)

A court in Israel rejected a lawsuit brought by 1 Palestinian-Israeli on behalf of his nephew and niece who have to travel outside the city of Carmiel to go to school as there are no Arabic-speaking schools in their city. The suit asked for the city to pay their expenses for traveling to the Arabic-speaking school, but the Israeli court dismissed the suit, citing the Jewish Nation-State Law saying the city’s Jewish character had to be preserved. The judge wrote in his ruling, “Carmiel, a Jewish city, was meant to establish Jewish settlement in the Galilee . . . Establishing an Arabic-language school . . . [and] funding school rides for Arab students . . . could change the demographic balance and damage the city’s character.” (Adalah, HA, HA 11/30)

Saudi Arabia allowed Israeli airlines to fly over their airspace for commercial flights 1 day before the 1st commercial flight between Israel and the UAE was set to happen. The flight was said to be at risk of being canceled; however, according to a U.S. official, U.S. special advisor to the president Jared Kushner and Saudi officials were able to “reconcile the issue.” Special Advisor Kushner is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar this week. (AJ, HA 11/30; MEE 12/1)

The EU donated $11.15 million to the PA to help pay for medical transfers to East Jerusalem hospitals. (WAFA 11/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted and otherwise vandalized 45 olive trees near Salfit. 17 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Kaubar, Jenin, Hebron, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA 11/26; PCHR 12/3)

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

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Israel struck Syria for the 3d time in a week, hitting targets in the Albuqmal region and killing 19 people said to be Pakistani nationals. (HA 11/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers harvesting olives in Bayt Furik. Israeli forces demolished 1 house under construction near Yatta. Israeli forces also assaulted 1 Palestinian in Bidya before arresting him. 8 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Salfit. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/2; PCHR 11/5)

Egypt opened the Rafah crossing. It is planned to be open until 11/5. People entering Gaza must isolate at an isolation facility for 21 days before being able to enter the general public. (MEMO 11/1)

The Palestinian Prisoner Society said that 12 Palestinian prisoners in the Gilboa prison tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. (WAFA 11/2)

Israel’s intelligence affairs minister Eli Cohen said that Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Morocco, and Niger are “on the agenda” for normalization deals. (HA, REU 11/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized some 100 Palestinian-owned olive trees in al-Mughayyir. Israeli forces uprooted 60 olive trees and razed land in Salfit. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work orders for 3 houses in al-Khadir. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 house in Taybeh. 12 Palestinians were arrested in and around Sabastiyya, Dura, Bethlehem, Jenin, Jericho, Ramallah, and Huwwara. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Bayt Hanina. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya; during the raid, clashes erupted, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 2 miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/26; HA 10/27; PCHR 10/29)

At the UN security council, PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki called for an international peace conference to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. (WAFA 10/26)

The head of the sovereign council in Sudan, General Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan, said that Sudan had normalized ties with Israel because the country would have to wait until August or September of 2021 to be removed from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. General al-Burhan also stated that Sudan still supports a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders and urged Israel to engage the Arab Peace Initiative. (HA 10/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up caravans on Palestinian-owned land in the northern part of the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces handed stop-work orders for 7 houses south of Hebron. Israeli forces also seized 1 bulldozer and 1 truck near Tubas. 12 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Qalqilya, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided Shu‘fat, firing tear gas at Palestinians. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya; during the raids, clashes ensued between Palestinians and Israeli forces; tear-gas related injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/15; PCHR 10/22)

Israel’s civil administration’s supreme planning council approved 3,071 new settler units in 19 different settlements throughout the West Bank. On 10/14, the same planning council approved 1,877 settler units, making the total of 4,948 settler units for the 2 days combined. According to Peace Now, 2020 has surpassed all other years in approved settler units since Peace Now began counting in 2012. The total amount of settler units approved in 2020 is 12,159. The UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Nickolay Mladenov condemned Israel’s settlement expansion, as did the UK, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy in a joint statement. (AJ, HA, PCN, WAFA 10/15; AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 10/16; WAFA 10/17)

The Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud said during an event with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy that “the only thing that can deliver lasting peace and lasting stability is an agreement between the Palestinians and the Israelis,” suggesting that Saudi Arabia is not close to normalizing relations with Israel. He also said that Saudi Arabia does not have an opinion about other countries that normalize relations with Israel as the UAE and Bahrain have done. U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo had said 1 day earlier during a press conference with Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan that “[w]e hope that Saudi Arabia will consider normalizing its relationships as well. We want to thank them for the assistance they’ve had in the success of the Abraham Accords [the normalization deals made with Bahrain and UAE] so far.” (AJ, HA, REU 10/14; REU 10/15)

The PA received 2 grants from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and Al Aqsa Fund of the Islamic Development Bank, amounting to $11 million for hospitals in the West Bank and Gaza. (WAFA 10/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians near Ramallah; 1 Palestinian minor was hit by shrapnel from a tear gas canister. Israeli forces also forced Palestinian workers to stop rehabilitating a road near Kisan, confiscating 1 bulldozer. 6 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, Ramallah, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Jabal Mukabir. 15 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya and al-Tur. In Gaza, rockets were fired at Israel as the UAE and Bahrain signed deals to normalize relations with Israel in Washington D.C (see below); 2 Israelis were lightly injured by debris in Ashdod. (REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 9/15; HA, HA 9/16; PCHR 9/17)

At a signing ceremony in Washington D.C., Bahrain and the UAE formalized their deals to normalize relations with Israel, breaking with the stipulations of the Arab Peace Initiative. The text of the UAE-Israel agreement mentioned the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in 1 paragraph: “Recalling the reception held on January 28, 2020, at which President Trump presented his Vision for Peace, and committing to continuing their efforts to achieve a just, comprehensive, realistic and enduring solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” The text did not mention halting Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank nor halting settlement expansion, which has also been linked to the agreement between the UAE and Israel. PA president Mahmoud Abbas called for a Day of Rage and the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders. President Abbas and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh also discussed the situation in a phone call. Palestinians protested the signing ceremony in Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Jenin, Tulkarm, and Gaza City. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/15; HA, HA, WAFA 9/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian accused of attempting to stab an Israeli soldier near the Ariel settlement. Israeli forces also blocked the entrance to Jalazun refugee camp and 1 main entrance to Salfit. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Jericho, and Hizma, and 1 was arrested at a military checkpoint east of Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces installed 2 loudspeakers on the Haram al-Sharif compound. 1 Palestinian minor was arrested and later released to 5 days of house arrest in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also made incursions to level land east of Khuza‘a. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 9/6; PCHR 9/10)

Chairman of the Hamas politburo Ismail Haniyeh met with the secretary-general of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut to discuss political and military developments in the region. Chairman Haniyeh also visited the Palestinian refugee camp ‘Ayn al-Hilwa. (AJ 9/6)

The king of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud told U.S. president Donald Trump in a phone call that his country would not normalize relations with Israel without the creation of a Palestinian state. (GDN, REU 8/6; AJ, HA 9/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with Israeli military escort toured a spring near al-Walaja. Israeli forces violently dispersed protests against the UAE-Israel normalization deal in Kafr Qaddum, Salfit, Hebron, ad Ni‘lin, causing tear-gas related injuries, and 2 were hit by rubber-coated bullets in Kafr Qaddum. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 on a street in the Old City and 1 during a late-night raid in Wadi al-Juz. In Gaza, 12 rockets were fired toward Israel, 1 causing damage to a house after it was intercepted. Israeli forces fired missiles at Gaza east and west of Gaza City and near Bayt Lahiya, causing damage and moderate injuries to 1 minor who was hit by shrapnel. Israeli forces also opened fire on agricultural lands east of Rafah and Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen on 2 separate occasions west of Bayt Lahiya and Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Israel, thousands of protesters outside of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official residence continued their calls for him to step down. (HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/21; HA 8/22; HA 8/23; PCHR 8/27)

In an apparent response to U.S. president Donald Trump’s claim that Saudi Arabia would follow the UAE and normalize ties with Israel, a senior member of the Saudi royal family, Prince Turki al-Faisal, said in an op-ed that “[t]he Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has set a price for concluding peace between Israel and the Arabs—it is the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as capital, as provided for by the initiative of the late King Abdullah.” According to the London-based newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadid, the head of the Mossad, Yossi Cohen, met with the deputy head of Sudan’s sovereignty council general Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo in a meeting brokered by the UAE. Sudan denied the claim. (AJ, HA, REU 8/21; HA 8/22)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian was shot and injured by Israeli forces at the Qalandia checkpoint. The man, who is hearing and speech impaired, did not hear that he was ordered to stop. Elsewhere, 1 Palestinian man was shot and injured in Bethlehem after he allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail near Rachel’s Tomb. 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Hebron, Salfit, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was killed by Israeli forces after allegedly stabbing 1 Israeli police officer in the Old City. Israeli settlers set fire to 13 Palestinian-owned vehicles in Bayt Safafa. 1 Palestinian started demolishing his own 3 shops in Jabal Mukabir. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired shells at Gaza, causing damage in Bayt Hanun and Khan Yunis. Incendiary balloons were launched at Israel; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Gaza City; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/17; HA 8/18; PCHR 8/19)

1 Israeli soldier received 3 months of community service and was demoted to the rank of private by a military court after entering a plea deal for the murder of a Palestinian whom Israeli forces acknowledged posed no danger. (HA 8/17)

Egyptian officials arrived in Gaza to negotiate a de-escalation of tension between Israel and Hamas and other Palestinian factions in Gaza. (HA, HA 8/17)

Israeli officials told Haaretz that, despite normalizing relations with the UAE, Israel is still opposed to the U.S. selling advanced weapons such as F-35 fighter jets to the UAE. However, Haaretz reported that some Israeli officials believe that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had promised to support the sale of weapons to the UAE as part of the normalization deal. In an interview with Sky News Arabia, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that both Israel and the UAE are “advanced democracies.” (AJ, HA, HA 8/18)

U.S. senior advisor to president Donald Trump, Jared Kushner, said that the U.S. will not permit Israel to annex parts of the West Bank “for some time” and said that “Israel has agreed with us that they will not move forward [on annexation] without our consent.” (AJ, HA 8/17)

At a rally in Wisconsin, U.S. president Donald Trump said that he moved “the capital of Israel [U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel] to Jerusalem . . . for the Evangelicals.” He continued that “the Evangelicals are more excited by that than Jewish people.” (HILL 8/17; IN 8/18; HA 8/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a tractor and wrote racist graffiti in ‘Urif and slashed tires on several vehicles and wrote racist graffiti on buildings in Yasuf. Israeli settlers also threw stones and paint at an Israeli border police vehicle near the Yitzhar settlement. Israeli settlers also set fire to Palestinian agricultural lands in Asira; subsequently, local Palestinians and Israeli forces clashed in the area, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also razed land east of Tulkarm. Separately, Israeli forces injured 3 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets as they were seeking to enter Israel via the separation wall near Far‘un. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hizma, Bethlehem, Salfit, Nablus, Tulkarm, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished part of their house built to accommodate their disabled son in Sur Bahir. 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during late-night raids in Issawiyya and the Old City, and 1 Waqf guard at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israel fired missiles at Gaza City, Bayt Hanun, and Dayr al-Balah, causing damage; incendiary balloons were launched from Gaza toward Israel, sparking fires. 1 unexploded Israeli shell was found at an UNRWA school west of Gaza City. Israel announced that it would stop all imports of fuel into Gaza as collective punishment for incendiary balloons landing in Israel. (AJ, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/13; HA, HA 8/14; PCHR 8/16; PCHR 8/17; PCHR 8/19)

Russia announced that it would open trade representation offices in Bethlehem, Hebron, and Nablus. (WAFA 8/13)

U.S. president Donald Trump announced that Israel and the UAE had agreed to establish full diplomatic ties and that Israel, as part of the agreement, had decided to suspend annexation of parts of the West Bank. In a joint statement from the 3 parties, it said that “Israel will suspend declaring sovereignty over areas outlined in the President’s Vision for Peace and focus its efforts now on expanding ties with other countries in the Arab and Muslim world.” Later, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that annexation is “still on the table” and a promise he is committed to. Subsequently, President Trump said, “Israel agreed not to annex parts of the West Bank. It is more than taking it off the table—they agreed not to do it. This is a very smart concession by Israel. It is off the table now.” U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman later said that annexation is “off the table now but it’s not off the table permanently. You can’t have peace and annexation at the same time.” PA president Mahmoud Abbas called the deal a “betrayal of Jerusalem, al-Aqsa Mosque and the Palestinian cause.” The PA also recalled its ambassador to the UAE. Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum said of the deal: “[t]his announcement is a reward for the Israeli occupation’s crimes . . . The normalization is a stabbing in the back of our people.” U.S. officials also said that Bahrain and Oman are likely to soon normalize relations with Israel. (HA, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 8/13; AJ, AJ, REU, REU, REU 8/14; HA 8/15; REU 8/16; AJ 8/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished parts of a settlement outpost near the Yitzhar settlement. During the demolition, Israeli settlers attacked the Israeli forces, wounding 1. Israeli settlers closed a road between Nablus and Qalqilya and threw stones at Palestinian vehicles. Israeli forces razed Palestinian-owned land in Yasuf and east of Salfit. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Tulkarm, Jenin, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces razed land and 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Jabal Mukabir. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israel fired missiles at Gaza City, Rafah, and al-Bureij, causing damage and incendiary balloons from Gaza landing in Israel. Israeli forces also opened fire at agricultural lands east of Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. Israel announced that it had reduced the Gaza fishing zone to 8 nautical miles from 15 at its maximum as collective punishment for incendiary balloons landing in Israel. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/12; HA, PCHR, PCHR 8/13; HA, HA 8/14)

Italy contributed $8.1 million for UNRWA core programming. (WAFA 8/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured 1 other near Kafr Haris. According to the Israeli military, the 2 had thrown a Molotov cocktail at the Israeli forces; the governor of Salfit said that the 2 had done nothing wrong and were hanging out with friends when they were attacked. During the funeral procession for the deceased Palestinian man, Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed in Kafr Haris; 1 Palestinian was hospitalized after being hit by a rubber-coated bullet to the neck. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum and Asira; 2 people were injured by sound bomb canisters in Asira, leading to fractures and an amputation of 1 finger; in Kafr Qaddum, 1 Palestinian was hit by a rubber-coated bullet; tear-gas related injuries were also reported. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work orders for 2 homes under construction in al-Khadir. 2 Israeli soldiers were injured by Israeli settlers while dismantling an Israeli settlement outpost near the Yitzhar settlement. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during late-night raids in and around Yatta, Hebron, and Jalazun refugee camp; and 3 at checkpoints near Nablus and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was closed to curb the spread of COVID-19; no date was set for its reopening. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a house raid in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/10; PCHR 7/16)

According to the Saudi Arabian news channel al-Arabiya, 1 senior member of Hamas, Mohammed Omar Abu Ajwa, defected and fled to Israel for which he allegedly had been spying on Hamas for more than 10 years. Hamas denied al-Arabiya’s report. (HA 7/12; HA 7/14)

In a letter to the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, the foreign ministers of Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, and Sweden demanded that he accelerate the process of formulating possible responses to Israel annexation. The 1st request for Foreign Policy Chief Borrell to do so was made on 15 May at an unofficial meeting. (HA 7/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 2 Palestinians west of Salfit. Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 1 shack, 1 room, 1 house, 1 residential tent, 1 tin residential structure, and 1 water well in al-Twana. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nahalin, Aida refugee camp, Hebron, ‘Araba, and Bayt Duqqu. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Gaza City; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Khan Yunis. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/30; PCHR 7/2)

A Palestinian family of 18 lost an appeal in an Israeli court to prevent their eviction. The court told them they have until 8/16 to leave their house in Silwan and pay the KKL-Jewish National Fund $5,800. The 1st application for the eviction of the family was filed in 1991 and asserted that the father of the family had abandoned the property. The court found that the family had failed to prove ownership of the building. (HA 7/1)

The secretary of state of the Vatican summoned the ambassadors of the U.S. and Israel to express the Holy See’s concern over Israel’s intentions to annex parts of the West Bank. (REU 7/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian near Khan al-Ahmar, who was taken to a hospital in Jericho. Israeli forces began expanding a settler-only road built on Palestinian-owned land connecting 2 Israeli settlements near Nahalin. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work orders for 2 houses near Yatta and 1 water well and 1 agricultural structure near Salfit. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered an eviction order to 1 Palestinian living on 6 dunams (1.5 acres) of land in al-Khadir, near an Israeli settlement. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, Bayt Umar, and Yatta. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Silwan to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. 17 Palestinians were arrested, including 9 during late-night raids in Issawiyya and 8 at Bab al-Rahma in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/21; WAFA 6/22; PCHR 6/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 13 buildings in 2 settlement outposts; 6 settlers were arrested. Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian property in Aqraba, damaging animal barns and solar panels and stealing goods. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 at a military checkpoint west of Salfit, and 6 during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Salfit, Nablus, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 2 apartments and 4 storage units in Shu‘fat refugee camp. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during raids in al-Tur; 2 others were arrested while visiting a brother at the Russian Compound detention center. In Israel, Israeli authorities reported that 1 rocket was launched from Gaza; no injuries or damage were reported. Israel subsequently fired 3 missiles from a drone at open land east of Juhur al-Dik; no injuries or damage were reported. (HA, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/15; WAFA 6/16; PCHR 6/18)

Israel’s high court of justice ordered the Israeli government to explain why there has not been an investigation into the construction of unauthorized settlement units in the Hayovel settlement outpost. Peace Now petitioned the high court of justice in 2018 and no construction has resumed in the settlement outpost since the petition. (HA 6/16)

In a press conference, senior Hamas official Salah al-Bardawil called for united Palestinian resistance against Israel as plans for annexation of parts of the West Bank intensify. Al-Bardawil also called for meetings between Hamas and the PLO. (AJ 6/15)

Reuters reported that sources had told the news agency about plans to build a 5-mile settler bypass road in East Jerusalem to connect settlements in the south, central, and north West Bank. (AJ, REU 6/15)

According to reporting by Al Akhbar, Israel approved a $50 million transfer from Qatar to Gaza. (HA 6/15)

The Israeli cabinet approved a $2.3 million budget for an Israeli settlement in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights named after U.S. president Donald Trump. The plans for Trump Heights were announced in 2019 but had not yet been funded. Israel is planning to build 120 settlement units there. (AJ, HA 6/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed 350 dunams (86.5 acres) of land northwest of Jericho and prevented farmers in Kisan from plowing their land. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian homes in Burin; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces handed a demolition notice for a house southwest of Hebron. 17 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Nablus, Salfit, Tulkarm, Abu Dis, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 6 structures (2 of which were residential): 5 in Jabal Mukabir and 1 in Silwan. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during house raids and 1 Waqf guard at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza City; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/2; PCHR 6/4)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu told settler leaders during a meeting that Israeli annexation of the West Bank will be promoted independently of the U.S. peace plan, according to Haaretz sources. (HA 6/2)

The Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi told members of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee that Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank would “not go unanswered” and would “diminish all chances for a lasting and comprehensive regional peace.” (HA 6/2)

The French government contributed $9 million to the PA 2020 budget. (WAFA 6/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian at a cemetery in ‘Aqabat Jabir refugee camp during clashes after a raid; Palestinians had allegedly thrown Molotov cocktails and stones at the Israeli forces. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian using rubber-coated bullets near the separation wall in Far‘un. Elsewhere, Israeli forces handed demolition orders for 2 houses near Salfit. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in ‘Azun. In East Jerusalem, 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians during a raid in al-Tur, leading to tear-gas related injuries. (WAFA, WAFA 5/3; WAFA 5/4; PCHR 5/7)

Israel’s defense minister Naftali Bennett approved changes to the structure of the al-Ibrahimi Mosque/ Tomb of the Patriarchs without approval from the Hebron municipality, which violates the Oslo Accords. (HA, WAFA 5/4)

The PA and Israel agreed to reopen some crossings between Israel and the West Bank to allow Palestinian workers to go to Israel. The crossings are scheduled to be open 5/3 and 5/4. (AJ 5/3)

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, the governor of Salfit ordered a temporary lockdown of Qarawat Bani Hassan because a resident of the town tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian farmer working his land south of Jenin; the settlers stole 1 horse during the attack. Israeli forces violently dispersed he weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum; 2 people were injured by rubber-coated bullets, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces limited the number of worshippers who were allowed to gather at the Haram al-Sharif compound due to fears of the spread of the COVID-19 virus. A few hundred worshippers were allowed to pray outside on the compound. Israeli forces arrested and beat up 1 Palestinian minor in the Old City. (HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 3/20; 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, Israeli settlers uprooted some 100 olive trees and some 60 vine trees in Husan. In Beita, clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces erupted when Israeli settlers sought to seize land; dozens of Palestinians were injured, including 2 from live ammunition, 10 from rubber-coated bullets, and more than 50 from tear gas inhalation. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Salfit, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces injured a Palestinian minor in a school yard in Issawiyya using rubber-coated bullets, fracturing the boy’s arm. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/2; HA, PCHR 3/5)

In Syria, Israeli jets struck a vehicle in Qunaytra. The Israeli army claimed that it was responding to sniper fire. (HA 3/2)

Israel held its general elections for the 3d time in less than a year. Neither of the 2 coalition blocs managed to get an outright majority. Avigdor Lieberman’s Yisrael Beitenu won 7 seats and could be the kingmaker. The Arab Joint List received a record 15 seats in the election. (Guardian, HA, HA; 3/4; HA 3/6)