The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized 3 tractors from Palestinian villages in the Jordan Valley. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 house under construction in Bayt Awa. Israeli forces also delivered 36 demolition notices for Palestinian homes in Farasin near Jenin; if carried out, the demolitions would displace some 200 Palestinians. 24 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Anata, Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm, Hebron, and Khirbat Makhul. In East Jerusalem, Israel summoned the PA deputy governor of Jerusalem Abdullah Siyam and 3 leading Fatah activists for questioning. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi; no injuries were reported, (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/29; PCHR 8/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a mosque and wrote racist graffiti on walls in al-Bireh. Israeli forces razed Palestinian farmland to expand an Israeli settlement near Burqin. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seized 4 animal barns in Nahalin. 11 Palestinians were arrested, including 9 during late-night raids in and around Anata, Hebron, Shu‘fat, and Jenin; 2 were arrested at a military checkpoint near Nablus. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Rafah. (HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/27; PCHR 7/29)

In the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants were said to have exchanged fire near the Lebanese border; no casualties were reported. Israel claimed that Hezbollah operatives had entered Israel, leading to an exchange of fire. Hezbollah, however, said that it had not opened fire on Israeli forces and that the Israeli claims were a publicity stunt. The Lebanese prime minister Hassan Diab later said that Israel’s conduct was a dangerous military escalation in violation of Lebanese sovereignty. (REU, REU 7/27; AJ, HA, HA, HA, REU 7/28)

The U.S. Democratic Party finalized its platform for the 2020 elections. While the platform states opposition to Israeli annexation of West Bank settlements and calls for a 2-state solution, it also dismissed progressive amendments to dealing with Israel, such as conditioning military aid and calling for an end to the occupation of the West Bank. The amendments were voted down 117-34. The platform also recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Jewish Voice for Peace called the platform “wildly out of touch with the Democratic base.” (HA 7/27; JVP Action 7/28; WAFA 7/29)

The EU said it was “deeply concerned” about the detention of PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Gheith and called for “full respect of bilateral agreements between Israel and the PLO” with regard to East Jerusalem. Governor Gheith was arrested on 7/19 during a house raid; it was the 18th time he has been arrested since becoming governor 2 years ago. (WAFA 7/28)

The EU contributed with $27 million to the PA to help pay for the June salaries for PA civil servants. The PA has only paid civil servants half their salaries, citing the refusal to receive tax revenue payments collected by Israel because it would include coordination between the PA and Israel. (WAFA, WAFA 7/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided Dayr Istya, opening fire on Palestinian residents; no injuries were reported. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Dura and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested near the Haram al-Sharif compound. 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. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians were arrested at the Erez crossing. (WAFA 7/26; PCHR 7/29)

The governor of Jenin announced that Ya‘bad would be on lockdown for 48 hours due to a spike in COVID-19 cases in the city. (WAFA 7/26)

Israel denied 2 Palestinian women access to Jordan via the Allenby Bridge because their infants had not been registered with Israel. The 2 women and their babies are residents of the West Bank. (WAFA 7/27)

The PA announced that civil servants only will be paid half their June salaries, citing refusing to receive the tax revenue payments collected by Israel because it would include coordination between the PA and Israel. Employees making $510 or less will be paid in full. (WAFA 7/26)

In Lebanon, 1 Israeli drone crashed; it is unclear why the drone crashed. (AJ, REU 7/26; HA 7/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian-owned olive and almond trees near Huwwara. Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians in Qalqilya during a raid; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinians trying to enter Israel through the separation wall near Dayr Balut; no injuries were reported. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a raid in Ya‘bad. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was shot dead in Kafr ‘Aqab and 2 apartments were set on fire; it is believed that the fire was set in the apartment of the alleged perpetrators. Israeli police did not investigate the incident as it happened on the West Bank side of the separation wall but still within the Israeli-drawn borders of the East Jerusalem municipality. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in Issawiyya; 4 were arrested during raids in the Old City and Issawiyya. 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. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 7/25; HA 7/27; PCHR 7/29)

In Israel, the protest against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued outside his official residence. (AJ, WAFA 7/26)

According to Hezbollah, Israel told the party that it did not intend to kill 1 of its members during an attack in Damascus on 7/20. The message from Israel to Hezbollah was made via the UN. (HA 7/25; HA 7/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 2 construction vehicles at a quarry north of Nablus. Israeli forces handed demolition orders for 3 houses in al-Walaja. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Shu‘fat refugee camp, Dheisheh refugee camp, Bethlehem, ‘Aqabat Jabir refugee camp, and Jalazun refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 3 Palestinian-owned stores in Silwan. Israeli undercover forces arrested 1 12-year-old on a street in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level farmland north of Bayt Hanun. 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. In Israel, Israeli police violently dispersed Israeli protesters outside the official residence of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu demonstrating against the Israeli government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy; 55 were arrested. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/23; HA 7/24; PCHR 7/29)

The French Development Agency and the PA signed a $11.6 million agreement to support PA health, water, energy, and civil society sectors. (WAFA 7/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces evacuated a settlement outpost near Nablus. Israeli forces delivered 1 stop-work order for 1 house, demolition orders for 1 house and 4 agricultural structures in al-Walaja, and a demolition order for 1 house in Twana. Israeli forces also demolished a structure under construction which would have served as a COVID-19 testing facility in Hebron. Israeli settlers threw stones on Palestinian vehicles traveling on a main road in the northern part of the West Bank. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Yatta, al-‘Arub refugee camp, al-Bireh, al-Am‘ari refugee camp, Jalazun refugee camp, Tubas, and Bayt Awa. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned house under construction in Jabal Mukabir. Israeli forces also arrested the directors of Yabous Cultural Center and the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music and seized documents from both institutions. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles off the shore of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmers southeast of Gaza City; no injuries were reported. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/22; National, PCHR 7/23; HA 7/24)

At the UN Security Council, the Chinese ambassador expressed deep concern “about reports of the [Israeli] plan to annex part of the occupied Palestinian territories.” (HA, JP 7/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 car wash in Bayt Umar, 2 residential tin structures in Bani Na‘im, and 1 house under construction in Qarawat Bani Hassan. Israeli forces also uprooted more than 200 olive trees in Dayr Istya. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bayt Jala, Jalazun refugee camp, and Hebron. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/21; PCHR 7/23)

In an interview with the Guardian, Jordanian prime minister Omar Razzaz said that if Israeli annexation of the West Bank closes the door for a 2-state solution then he would support a 1-state solution with equal rights for Israelis and Palestinians. (AJ, Guardian, HA 7/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in al-Khadir. Israeli forces raided Jenin, dismantling a PA COVID-19 checkpoint and injuring 1 Palestinian using live ammunition during clashes at Jenin refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces injured 1 Palestinian using live ammunition during clashes at Jalazun refugee camp. Israeli forces seized a Byzantine-era baptismal font from a church in Tuqu‘. Israeli forces also seized 700 dunams (173 acres) of Palestinian-owned land for an Israeli national park near Bethlehem. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Yatta, Bethlehem, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Shu‘fat ad Wadi al-Juz. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen northwest of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of al-Bureij, no injuries were reported. (TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/20; PCHR 7/23)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with the Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukri in Ramallah. (WAFA, WAFA 7/20)

An Israeli court remanded the PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Gheith for 7 days. Governor Gheith was arrested on 7/19; it was the 17th time he has been arrested by Israeli forces since being named governor in 2018. Gheith had previously been released after 2 days but this time his lawyer told Agency French Presse that he is being probed over “planning an act of terrorism.” (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YAHOO 7/20)

Syrian state media reported that Israel fired missiles from Israel-occupied Golan Heights toward Damascus, but that the missiles were intercepted. Israeli media later reported that some missiles had not been intercepted and 5 people had been killed and 11 injured in the attacks. Hezbollah later said that 1 of their members had been killed in attacks. (HA, REU 7/20; HA, HA, JP 7/21; AJ, HA 7/23)

Austria contributed with $8.8 million for UNRWA programs. Separately, the EU donated $4.6 million to UNRWA to help deal with the agency’s COVID-19 response. (WAFA, WAFA 7/20)

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

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

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

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up 6 tents on Palestinian-owned land in Beita. Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest against Israeli settlement expansion in Asira, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 1 Palestinian was arrested at a checkpoint in Anata. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested at the Haram al-Sharif compound and released the same day under condition of not returning to the compound for 15 days. 1 Palestinian Waqf guard was arrested at the Haram al-Sharif compound and released under the condition that he does not return for 7 days. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya within 3 nautical miles; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/17; PCHR 7/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned house in Dura. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in Jabal Mukabir. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles off shore; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Juhur al-Dik; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/15; PCHR 7/16)

In Iran, 7 ships at the Bushehr port were burned, no casualties were reported and it is unclear how the fires started. A number of suspicious explosions and fires have broken out in Iran in the last 25 days. (HA 7/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers destroyed 70 Palestinian-owned olive trees in Sa‘ir. Israeli forces delivered an order to seize 1.5 dunams (0.4 acres) of Palestinian-owned land near Yasuf and demolition notices for 3 Palestinian-owned houses and 5 animal barns east of Hebron. Israeli forces also demolished 1 shack and 1 wall surrounding a parking lot in Tulkarm and razed some 10 dunams (2.5 acres) of land near Kisan. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces delivered eviction notices for 7 families in Issawiyya. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles off the shore; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/13; PCHR 7/16)

The governor of Missouri Mike Parson signed the Anti-Discrimination Against Israel Act, requiring state contractors with contracts worth more than $100,000 to pledge not to engage in boycotts of Israel and Israeli products. (EI 7/16)

In the West Bank, the PA announced a 14-day ban on movement between West Bank governorates, closures of non-essential businesses, and a ban on all movement between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. The new restrictions were imposed as the death toll from COVID-19 rose to 39 Palestinians in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Yatta and al-Fawar refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Silwan to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees; 6 people were displaced. In Israel, Israeli forces demolished 1 wedding hall in al-Tira, leading to confrontations with Palestinian citizens of Israel; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles off the shore; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/12; PCHR 7/16)

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 vandalized 13 Palestinian-owned vehicles, puncturing tires and spraying racist graffiti, in Luban al-Sharqiyya. Elsewhere, near Burin, Israeli settlers set fire to olive trees. Israeli settlers also set up mobile homes, creating a settlement outpost in al-Sawiya. Israeli forces seized 2 Palestinian-owned bulldozers, 1 in Qalqilya and 1 near Ramallah. Israeli forces also uprooted some 200 olive trees in Yasuf. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered a notice for seizure of 3.5 dunams (0.8 acres) of Palestinian-owned land to expand a checkpoint near Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 house in Silwan and 1 store in Wadi al-Juz. 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, WAFA, WAFA 7/8; HA, PCHR, WAFA 7/9)

The EU announced $25.1 million in humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. (WAFA 7/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up 1 tent on Palestinian-owned land near Bethlehem. Israeli forces razed land to make way for a settler-only road near Huwwara. Israeli forces also delivered a punitive demolition order for the family house on an alleged assailant in Ya‘bad. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 30 structures and houses in Issawiyya. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, ‘Ayn Yabrud, Kaubar, Baytin, Hebron, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Kafr Aqab. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen northwest of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/6; PCHR 7/9)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh called on Israel to close all crossings to the West Bank to curb the spread of COVID-19. Prime Minister Shtayyeh further stated that Israel was preventing the PA from setting up COVID-19 checkpoints in the West Bank and that the PA would bring the issue to the UN. 1 Palestinian died in the West Bank of COVID-19, bringing the death toll in the West Bank since the outbreak to 20. (HA 7/6)

Israel launched a reconnaissance satellite which will provide Israeli military intelligence advanced imagery. (AJ, REU 7/6)

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

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

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian agricultural lands near Huwwara. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (PCHR 7/9)

2 days after a fire broke out at a nuclear facility in Natanz, Iran, an explosion occurred at an electric power station in Ahvaz and chlorine gas leaked at a petrochemical plant in Bander Imam Khomeini, lightly injuring 70 people. Like the incident on 7/2, there was speculation that the incidences were sabotage. (HA 7/4)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the West Bank, Israeli forces razed a plot of Palestinian-owned land in Bayt Iksa. Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian-owned land east of Ramallah, burning 40 olive trees. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem and al-‘Arub refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Sudaniyya and north of Khan Yunis; 2 boats were damaged. (WAFA, WAFA 6/28; PCHR 7/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian-owned fields near Burin. Israeli forces prevented Palestinians from entering Bardala for a planned protest against annexation of parts of the West Bank. 1 Palestinian was beaten and arrested at a checkpoint in Qalandia. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands west of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA 6/27; PCHR 7/2)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh ordered a full ban of all forms of public gatherings due to a rise in COVID-19 virus cases throughout the West Bank. The governor of Bethlehem declared a 2-day lockdown of Bethlehem city and surrounding areas starting 6/29. (WAFA, WAFA 6/27)

U.S. assistant to the president and special representative for international negotiations Avi Berkowitz met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss annexation of parts of the West Bank. (Axios 6/29)

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Israel conducted air strikes in the Syrian city Dayr al-Zur, killing 6 people, including 4 Syrian nationals. (HA 6/28)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian was hospitalized after being attacked by Israeli settlers near Duma. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Haris, Kafr Qaddum, and Hebron; 9 were injured by rubber-coated bullets in Kafr Qaddum, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during raids in and around Nablus and 1 after being pulled over while driving near Hebron. In Gaza, Israeli forces conducted air strikes that caused damage, firing 2 rockets after claiming that 1 rocket was fired from Gaza toward Israel. Israeli forces also opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/26; WAFA 6/27; PCHR 7/2)

The UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, Michael Lynk, urged the EU to make “a decisive menu of counter-measures” to back up its threats to Israel against annexation of parts of the West Bank. (REU 6/26)

The Belgian parliament passed a resolution urging the government to take concrete action to prevent Israel from annexing parts of the West Bank. The resolution passed 101-0 with 39 abstentions. (TOI, WAFA 6/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces prevented Palestinians from reaching a rally against annexation and Palestinian officials from reaching a meeting in Fasayil in the Jordan Valley, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolished 1 house under construction in Bayt Sira and 1 house in Beitunia. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered an eviction notice to 1 Palestinian in al-Khadir. Israeli settlers destroyed 85 Palestinian-owned olive trees near Bardala. 22 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, ‘Azun, Jenin, Awarta, Nablus, Baytin, Ramallah, Hebron, and Qalandia. In East Jerusalem, Israeli setters seized a tract of Palestinian-owned land in Issawiyya. Israeli forces also demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in Bayt Hanina. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/24; PCHR 6/25)

The Jerusalem district court denied a request by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate to void the sale of its property in the Old City to the settler group Ateret Cohanim, ending a 16-year-long legal battle. (HA 6/26)

U.S. president Donald Trump aide Kellyanne Conway told reporters that President Trump will have “a big announcement” about the U.S. position on Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank after White House officials met for a 2d day in a row to discuss the issue. Conway also characterized concerns over potential reactions in the Middle East to Israeli annexation as overblown. (AJ 6/24; HA 6/25)

At a virtual UN Security Council meeting, the UN secretary general António Guterres called on Israel “to abandon its annexation plans.” After the meeting, the current and incoming EU members of the UN security council—Germany, Ireland, France, Estonia, Belgium, and France, as well as the UK and Norway—released a joint statement supporting Secretary General Guterres’s “grave concern.” Separately, more than 1,000 European parliamentarians from 25 counties signed a letter denouncing Israel, saying “[a]cquisition of territory by force has no place in 2020 and must have commensurate consequences.” Meanwhile, U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo told reporters that decisions about annexations are “for Israelis to make.” (AJ, BBC, German Foreign Ministry, HA, REU, REU, WAFA 6/24; AJ 6/25)

At an extraordinary meeting hosted by Sweden and Jordan to fundraise for UNRWA, 75 governments and non-governmental organizations pledged $130 million to the UNRWA budget. (WAFA 6/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian at the Container checkpoint near Bethlehem. Israeli forces claimed that he had attempted to ram Israeli soldiers with his car, a claim his family dismissed as he was on his way to pick up his sister for her wedding. Later, Israeli forces violently dispersed protests in the deceased man’s hometown of Abu Dis, leading to tear-gas and rubber-coated bullet related injuries. Israeli forces did not provide any medical attention to the man for at least 30 minutes after he was shot. Israeli settlers attacked 3 Palestinians in Ras Karkar and sealed of a main road between Nablus and Jenin. Elsewhere, settlers set fire to Palestinian-owned agricultural lands planted with almond trees in Burqa. Israeli forces assaulted 2 Palestinians in Hebron. Israeli forces also seized historical artifacts in Bayt Umar and equipment from a smith workshop in al-Sawahara. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jericho, Bethlehem, Kobar, and Qalandia. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian house in Silwan. 10 Palestinians were arrested by Israeli forces in Silwan and Issawiyya during late-night raids. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. In Israel, about 1,500 people protested against annexation of parts of the West Bank; among the speakers at the protest were several retired Israeli generals. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/23; AJ, HA, PCHR, TOI 6/24; PCHR 6/25)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz said at a press briefing that Israel “won’t keep waiting for the Palestinians” in relation to peace talks and annexation. He further stated, “We won’t get into the Palestinians’ deep shit . . . The Palestinians continue to reject dialogue and to remain in their ‘deep shit.’” (HA 6/23)

The Syrian army said that Israel conducted air strikes in at least 3 different areas of Syria, killing 2 soldiers and wounding 4 others. According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 7 people were killed in the attacks. (AJ, HA, REU, TOI 6/23; AJ 6/24)

Senior aides to U.S. president Donald Trump began discussing Israel’s plan to annex parts of the West Bank. (REU 6/23)

In a report submitted to the UN Security Council 1 day ahead of its biannual meeting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the UN secretary general António Guterres called on Israel to abandon its annexation plans and called annexation a “most serious violation of international law.” (AJ 6/23)

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

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

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

In the West Bank, Israeli 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, PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh announced a 5-day lockdown of the Hebron district and a 48-hour curfew in the Nablus district after both districts saw a rise in COVID-19 cases. Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians as they were raiding in Maghir; 1 Palestinian was shot in the head by a rubber-coated bullet. 1 Palestinian was arrested at a military checkpoint near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own house in Silwan to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi and east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 6/20; PCHR 6/25)