The Palestine Chronology

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 settlers cut down 42 olive trees and demolished 1 Palestinian-owned wall in Yasuf. Israeli settlers also set up caravans on Palestinian-owned land in the northern Jordan Valley. Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians during raids in Beita; injuries from rubber-coated bullets and tear gas were reported. Israeli forces also prevented Palestinians from working their land in Atuf and seized 2 bulldozers. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Jenin, Tulkarm, Yatta, Nablus, and Dheisheh refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians in Issawiyya; 1 Palestinian child was shot in his face with a rubber-coated bullet. 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in al-Tur, Issawiyya, and the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/6; PCHR 12/10)

Saudi prince and former ambassador to the U.S. and the UK Turki al-Faisal al-Saud criticized Israel harshly during his remarks at the Manama Dialogue security conference in Bahrain. He called Israel a “Western colonizing” power and said Palestinians were “incarcerated in concentration camps under the flimsiest of security accusations.” Prince Turki al-Faisal’s remarks came right before the Israeli foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi, who joined the conference via video link. Foreign Minister Ashkenazi expressed regret toward Prince Turki al-Faisal’s remarks and said that he did not “believe that they reflect the spirit and change taking place in the Middle East.” While Prince Turki al-Faisal does not hold an official position in Saudi Arabia, his comments were perceived as surprisingly harsh given Israel’s normalization deals with Bahrain and the UAE, which is suspected of having the tacit approval of Saudi Arabia and given the all-but-confirmed rumors about Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu flying to Saudi Arabia to meet with Saudi crown prince Muhammed bin Salman on 11/23. (AJ, BB, FT, HA, Twitter 12/6)

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 settlers raided Silat al-Dahir, vandalizing Palestinian-owned houses and vehicles. Israeli settlers also razed Palestinian-owned land and planted their own crops in ‘Urif. Israeli forces delivered 1 demolition order for 1 agricultural shed in al-Walaja and 1 commercial barrack in Qalqilya, and delivered 1 stop-work order for 1 house under construction in Bayt Awa. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians in Bayt Umar, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Yatta and 2 at checkpoints near Nablus and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during raids in the Old City and Bayt Hanina. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/19; PCHR 11/26)

PA civil affairs minister Hussein al-Sheikh said, after a meeting with Israeli officials, that Israel has agreed to pay the PA the money it owes in tax revenue, about $890 million. (NYT, WAFA 11/19; HA 11/20)

The U.S. state department issued new guidelines of how to refer to products produced in Gaza and the West Bank as secretary of state Mike Pompeo was visiting Israel and Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Under the new guidelines, products imported to the U.S. from Area C of the West Bank would have to be labeled “Made in Israel.” Products can no longer be labeled “Made in West Bank/Gaza,” so products made in Gaza should be labeled “product of Gaza” and products made in Area A and B of the West Bank should be labeled “product of West Bank.” In a statement by Secretary Pompeo, he said that the U.S. is adhering to a “reality-based” approach, which would indicate that the new guidelines are a way for the U.S. administration to recognize Israel’s annexation of Area C. The statement also stipulated that “Gaza and the West Bank are politically and administratively separate and should be treated accordingly.” Secretary Pompeo also made another policy announcement during a press conference with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. At the press conference, Pompeo announced that the State Department regards the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement as anti-Semitic and that the U.S. would start identifying organizations that support BDS to penalize them. The BDS movement released a statement reiterating that it rejects “all forms of racism, including anti-Jewish racism” and said it would resist “these McCarthyite attempts to intimidate and bully Palestinian, Israeli and international human rights defenders into accepting Israeli apartheid and settler-colonialism as fate.” The American Civil Liberties Union responded to Pompeo’s announcement that “[c]riticism of Israel, or any government, is fully protected by the First Amendment. Threatening to block government funds to groups that criticize Israel is blatantly unconstitutional.” Secretary Pompeo also visited the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and was the 1st secretary of state to do so. Pompeo’s visit to Israeli settlements in the West Bank was also a 1st for a U.S. secretary of state. Pompeo also tweeted, “Anti-Zionism is Anti-Semitism” (AJ, AJ, Amnesty, AX, BBC, BBC, DT, DW, HA, IN, IN, MDN, MEE, NYT, REU, REU, SKY, TOI, TOI, Twitter, Twitter, Twitter, U.S. State Department, WAFA, WAFA, WP 11/19; AJ, BBC, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WP 11/20)

The EU told Serbia and Kosovo that if the countries still desire to become member states of the EU, they will have to follow EU policy, including not moving their Israeli embassies to Jerusalem as this would undermine EU policy and international law. A statement released conveying the message referenced the White House meetings held on 9/5-9/7 in which U.S. president Donald Trump announced the embassy moves. (EU Commission 11/19)

At the UN general assembly, 163 countries voted for a resolution recognizing “the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to their independent State of Palestine.” 5 countries—Israel, the U.S., Micronesia, Nauru, and the Marshall Islands—voted against. (HA 11/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers used dogs to attack Palestinian farmers near Yatta. Israeli forces seized 4 Palestinian-owned tractors in al-Hadidyya. Israeli forces also fired tear gas at Palestinians trying to enter Israel near al-Midya. The Nablus governate was placed on a partial lockdown for 5 days after a rise in COVID-19 cases. The PA asked residents to stay inside between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. 2 Palestinians were arrested; 1 during a late-night raid in Hebron and 1 at a military checkpoint near Nablus. In Gaza, Hamas launched 2 rockets at Israel, both landing in open areas, and Israel fired missiles at Gaza, causing damage near Rafah, Bayt Hanun, and Khan Yunis. A source from Hamas said that the rockets were launched by mistake due to lighting and that Hamas does not seek an escalation of violence. Israel later said it believed the claim that the rockets were launched by mistake. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/15; HA, PCHR 11/19)

The Israeli Lands Authority issued tenders for construction of a new settlement, Givat Hamatos, in East Jerusalem, dubbed the doomsday settlement as it would cut East Jerusalem off from Bethlehem and cut Bayt Safafa off from its surrounding towns. Tenders for a total of 1,257 settler units were issued. Israel’s plans drew condemnation form the PA, and the international community. The Israeli anti-occupation organization Peace Now called the plans a “lethal blow” to the 2-state solution. The EU high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borrell said in a statement that he was “deeply worried” about the decision and that “Israel should instead show vision and responsibility and reverse these negative decisions at this critical and sensitive time.” The UN envoy for the Middle East peace process Nickolay Mladenov also condemned the plans, saying “settlement construction is illegal under international law and I call on the authorities to reverse this step.” (AJ, EEAS, HA, PCN, REU, WAFA, WAFA 11/15; AJ, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/16; WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/17; SG, WAFA 11/18; WAFA 11/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole 20 Palestinian-owned sheep in Taybeh. Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians during clashes that unfolded as Israeli forces raided several neighborhoods in Ramallah; 1 was hit by live ammunition and 2 were hit by rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets and 2 by tear-gas canisters; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in Bayt Dajan, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also started paving a settler road east of Yatta and seized 1 tractor in Tuqu‘. 6 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Nablus, Qalqilya, and Qaryut. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/13; PCHR 11/19)

The NYT reported that Israeli Mossad agents assassinated a senior al-Qaeda member, Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah, in Tehran on 8/7. According to the reporting, 2 Mossad agents on a motorcycle shot the al-Qaeda member while he was walking the streets of Tehran. The assassination is said to have been carried out on the behest of the U.S. Iran denied the reporting, calling it false. Al-Qaeda has not said whether Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah, who also is known as Abu Muhammad al-Masri, has been killed. (GDN, NYT, REU 11/13; AJ, AJ, HA, WP 11/14; HA, LAT 11/16)

CNN reported that top U.S. official Douglas Macgregor, during an interview in 2019, said that Mike Pompeo “has his hands out for money from the Israeli lobby, the Saudis and others” and that “[John] Bolton has become very, very rich and is in the position he’s in because of his unconditional support for the Israeli lobby.” Macgregor further stated that AIPAC has “enormous quantities of money that over many years have cultivated an enormous influence in power in Congress.” (HA 11/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces assaulted 1 77-year-old Palestinian man who refused to leave his land near Bayt Umar. Israeli forces also demolished 1 house, 1 retaining wall and a number of sheds in al-Walaja, and the foundations of 1 house in Bayt Jala. Elsewhere, Israeli forces leveled Palestinian land in Yanuh to expand a nearby settlement. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians during a late-night raid in Kaubar, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 8 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Qalandia, Tulkarm, Yatta, Nablus, and Beita. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in al-Tur and Wadi Juz. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/12; PCHR 11/19)

1 Israeli soldier who had been missing since 11/10 was found dead near the Hizma checkpoint in the West Bank. Israel did not provide any further details. (HA 11/12)

The Israeli attorney general Avichai Mendelblit announced that Israel will freeze enforcement of the Kaminitz Law, which aims at punishing Israeli residents who build without a permit. While the law does not single out Palestinian-Israelis explicitly, it disproportionately effects Palestinian-Israelis because the time it takes to obtain a construction permit in Palestinian areas of Israel is much longer than in Israeli-Jewish areas. According to Haaretz, it is estimated that 50,000 Palestinian-owned houses in Israel are built without a permit. The freeze, which lasts until 2023, was seen as a win for the Joint Arab List whose politicians have been working with Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz and justice minister Avi Nissenkorn to get it through. (HA 11/12)

Axios reported that U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo will visit Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Golan Heights. During his trip, Secretary Pompeo is scheduled to visit a settler winery in Psagot near al-Bireh, which announced it will make a new series of wine named after him. The winery is built on 80 dunams (20 acres) of privately-owned Palestinian land seized by Israel. Pompeo will be the 1st U.S. secretary of state to visit both the Golan Heights and West Bank settlements. Pompeo was also the 1st secretary of state to visit the Wailing Wall. PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said in a tweet, “[w]e deplore US Sec. of State Mike Pompeo’s intent to visit the illegal settlement of Psagot, built on lands belonging to Palestinian owners in Al-Bireh city, during his visit to Israel next week. This dangerous precedent legalizes settlements& a blot to int’l legitimacy/ UN res’s.” (AX, HA 11/12; AJ, Twitter 11/13; WAFA 11/15)

The NYT reported that U.S. president Donald Trump, in a meeting with U.S. military officials, requested options for attacking Iran’s nuclear site in Natanz. According to NYT sources, he was ultimately dissuaded by the military officials not to launch an attack on Iran. (NYT, REU 11/16)

The prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan said in an interview that the U.S. and at least 1 other unnamed country have been pressuring him to recognize Israel. Prime Minister Khan said he would not normalize relations with Israel until a peace agreement is made with Palestine. Khan, when pressed on what the 2d country was, said, “[l]eave this. There are things we cannot say.” (HA 11/17)

In the West Bank, stone-throwing Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian family in al-Zawiya near Nablus; 1 Palestinian was hospitalized for his injuries. Israeli settlers also stole dozens of saplings from a nursery in al-Zawiya. Israeli forces punitively demolished the home of an alleged Palestinian attacker in Rujib near Nablus, and clashes erupted during the demolition; 1 Palestinian was shot by a rubber-coated bullet, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah and Dura. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during raids in the Old City and Wadi al-Juz. (WAFA, WAFA 11/1; HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 11/2; PCHR 11/5)

The PA health ministry released data on the impact of COVID-19 since the outbreak started in January. In Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, there had been 65,802 confirmed cases among Palestinians and 561 deaths. 47,730 confirmed cases and 455 deaths were in the West Bank, 11,742 cases and 72 deaths in East Jerusalem, and 6,730 cases and 34 deaths in Gaza. (HA 11/2)

The EU contributed $11.64 million to the PA to help pay for salaries and pensions for civil servants. (WAFA 11/1)

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, more than 50 Palestinians were injured, including 10 by live ammunition and 13 by rubber-coated bullets, when Israeli forces raided al-Amari refugee camp, leading to clashes. Israeli forces also raided Iraq Burin south of Nablus, and in Tulkarm, leading to clashes; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli forces prevented farmers from harvesting their olive crops in several villages near Bethlehem. Israeli forces also seized 1 bulldozer and 2 containers near Ramallah. 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Anata, Qalqilya, and Rafat. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza City. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/11; PCHR 10/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Rafat, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets and tear-gas related injuries were reported. 20 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Hebron, Tubas, Jenin, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers harassed Palestinians praying on the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces raided Issawiyya, leading to clashes with Palestinians; tear-gas related injuries were reported and 2 were arrested. 1 other Palestinian was arrested. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/10; PCHR 10/15)

In Israel, Israeli protesters demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clashed with police in several places throughout Israel. According to Haaretz, tens of thousands protested throughout Israel, including in front of Netanyahu’s official residence for the 16th Saturday in a row. (AJ, HA 10/10; HA, WAFA 10/11)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with the president of the World Jewish Congress Ron Lauder in Ramallah. The meeting lasted some 3 hours and Lauder arrived in a Jordanian helicopter. It is unclear what the meeting was about. The World Jewish Congress said that Lauder was in Ramallah “for a private visit at Abbas’ invitation, to discuss a range of issues regarding Palestine and the Middle East.” (HA, WAFA 10/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to hundreds of Palestinian-owned olive trees in Safa after throwing a Molotov cocktail at them; the fire blazed for 3 hours before it was put out by Israeli helicopters. Israeli settlers also raided Burin, attacking Palestinians; 1 Palestinian defending his home was arrested by Israeli forces intervening on behalf of the settlers. Israeli forces violently dispersed a tree-planting event in Bayt Dajan, causing tear-gas related injuries; Israeli forces had tried to prevent Palestinians from reaching the event throughout the day by setting up roadblocks. Israeli forces also violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 4 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinians passing through a hole in the separation wall near Jenin; 1 Palestinian was injured. Israeli forces also delivered a demolition notice for a Palestinian-owned home in al-Khadir. 18 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Jericho, Tubas, Hizma, Jenin refugee camp, Nablus, Ramallah, Anata, al-‘Arub refugee camp, and Yatta. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/9; WAFA 10/10; PCHR 10/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling between Bethlehem and Hebron; 1 Palestinian child was injured by broken glass in his eye. Israeli settlers also uprooted dozens of Palestinian-owned olive saplings east of Yatta. Israeli forces opened fire at a vehicle with 5 Palestinians inside at a military checkpoint near Jenin, causing damage to the vehicle; no injuries were reported. 7 Palestinians were arrested in and around Hebron, Qalqilya, and Nablus; during a raid in Tammun, Israeli forces seized mobile phones, leading to confrontations with Palestinians; no injuries were reported. During a different raid in Sabastiyya, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces detained the secretary of Fatah in Jerusalem Yasser Darwish and banned him from entry to the West Bank for 3 months. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya, the Old City, and al-Tur. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of al-Shawka; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/8; WAFA 10/9; PCHR 10/15)

An Israeli court ruled that Israel can demolish 1 school east of Ramallah under the pretext that it was built without a permit. The school enrolls 50 students and was financed by donations from France, Finland, Luxembourg, Ireland, Spain, the UK, and Sweden. (WAFA 10/8; WAFA 10/9)

Secretary-general of the PLO Saeb Erakat said that he had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. (AJ, JP, TOI, WAFA 10/9)

Israel and Jordan signed a deal allowing airlines from each country to fly over each other’s airspace. (HA 10/8)

Lebanon’s former prime minister Saad Hariri, who resigned after prolonged protests at the end of 2019, said that he is a possible candidate to head the new Lebanese government. (REU 10/8; AJ 10/9)

The U.S. Trump administration announced new sanctions on Iran that effectively shuts off the country from the global financial system. The new sanctions are expected to halt flows of food, medicine, and humanitarian aid to Iran. (AJ, REU 10/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided Qatanna, leading to clashes with Palestinians; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian and seized his vehicle. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians during a raid in Sabastiyya; 1 Palestinian bystander was hit in the head with Israeli-fired live ammunition. 20 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Jenin, Tubas, Qalqilya, Nablus, Hebron, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, 19 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Issawiyya, al-Tur, and Wadi al-Juz. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis. In Israel, 2 Palestinians from Gaza were arrested after breaching the Gaza fence; according to the Israeli military, the 2 had 2 defective grenades and 1 knife in their possession when they were arrested. (HA, WAFA 10/1; PCHR 10/8)

The Israeli ministry of justice said, in response to a petition made by Adalah in August, that Israel will have to limit the amount of home demolitions conducted in Israel, which includes East Jerusalem. (Adalah, WAFA 10/5)

The PA ministry of local government issued building permits for Palestinian residents in the Jordan Valley. The minister, Majdi Salah, said that the PA no longer recognizes the classifications of areas A, B, and C made during the Oslo Accords and therefore is not bound by Israel’s claims of civil and military control in Area C. (WAFA 10/1)

Israel’s high court of justice rejected a petition to free a 49-year-old Palestinian who is held on administrative detention and has been hunger-striking for more than 60 days. The petition was rejected despite the Shin Bet and the Israeli Central Command caught lying about the Palestinian’s affiliation to Islamic Jihad. According to the prosecutors, he had been filmed saying he was a proud member of Islamic Jihad while interrogated; however, the transcripts do not back up their claim. (HA 10/6)

Israel and Lebanon confirmed that they would begin direct talks about their maritime borders on 10/14. The direct talks will be mediated by the U.S. and the UN. (AJ, BBC, HA, REU, TOI 10/1)

Armenia said it had recalled its ambassador to Israel over Israeli weapons sales to Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has acknowledged use of Israeli-made drones to bomb Armenian forces and civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh, a de facto self-governed predominantly ethnically Armenian region within the borders of Azerbaijan. (REU, TOI 10/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers burned 50 olive trees near al-Khadir. Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 7 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a rally in Nablus, injuring 3 Palestinians, including 2 who were hit by tear gas canisters and 1 by a rubber-coated bullet. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 at a checkpoint near Jenin and 1 during a raid near Hebron; during a raid in Silat al-Harithiyya, Israeli forces seized $1,850 from a family, leading to confrontations with local Palestinians. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in the Old City and Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Egyptian forces killed 2 Palestinian fishermen and wounded 1 other near the coast of Rafah; it was unclear why the Egyptian forces opened fire. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of al-Qarara; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 9/25; AJ, HA, PCHR 9/26; PCHR 10/1)

Israel handed over the body of a Palestinian woman killed at a checkpoint in 2019 to her family. (WAFA 9/26)

At the UN General Assembly, PA president Mahmoud Abbas called for a new peace process and said the UAE and Bahrain normalization deals with Israel are violations of the “principles of a just and lasting solution under international law.” (AJ, HA, TOI, WAFA 9/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscated 2 diggers and 2 trucks working on a cancer treatment facility near Yatta. 22 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Nablus, Tubas, Bethlehem, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians erupted during a late-night raid in Issawiyya, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 9/22; PCHR 9/24)

The health minister of the PA Mai al-Kaila said Israel had obstructed a shipment of 100,000 COVID-19 testing swabs via Jordan, causing them to be destroyed. (WAFA 9/22)

Senior officials from Fatah and Hamas met in Turkey to continue talks about reconciliation between the 2 parties. (AJ, HA, WAFA 9/22)

The PA announced it would no longer chair Arab League meetings, citing the UAE and Bahrain’s normalization with Israel. The PA had 6 months left of its chairmanship preceding over Arab League meetings. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 9/22)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz met with senior advisor to president Donald Trump, Jared Kushner, in Washington D.C. to discuss Israel’s qualitative military edge and normalization with Arab and Muslim nations. Gantz also met with U.S. secretary of defense Mark Esper. (HA 9/22)

In a video speech to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) the emir of Qatar Shaykh Tamim Hamad al-Thani castigated the international community’s inaction over the Israeli occupation of “Palestinian and Arab land.” Emir al-Thani also said that the Arab Peace Initiative is the only way for peace. French president Emmanuel Macron, also via video link to the UNGA, called for decisive negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. (AJ 9/22; WAFA 9/23)

Germany contributed $65.5 million to different public sector programs in the occupied Palestinian territories, including $31.6 million for the water sector in Gaza. (WAFA 9/22)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian was shot and injured by Israeli forces near the separation wall adjacent to Jenin. Israeli forces handed demolition notices for 3 houses and 2 houses under construction, and 5 others received stop-work orders for the houses in Nahalin. 17 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, Burin, Madama, Tulkarm, and Jenin; tear-gas related injuries were reported during a raid in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees in Sur Bahir, displacing 11 people. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids. In Gaza, Israeli forces attacked buildings and infrastructure east of Khan Yunis, causing damage. Hamas authorities extended the COVID-19-related lockdown until 8/29. According to Gaza health officials, 26 people have tested positive and 2 people have died of the virus. In Israel, 1 Israeli was stabbed to death in Petah Tikva; Israeli police arrested 1 Palestinian from Nablus who they investigated as the perpetrator. (HA 8/25; BBC, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/26; HA, PCHR 8/27)

The Prisoner’s Affairs Commission reported that several Palestinians in Ofer prison have tested positive for COVID-19. (WAFA 8/26)

Israeli forces attacked Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon, claiming that shots were fired from Lebanon toward Israeli troops the day before. Lebanon’s supreme defense council said it would file a complaint to the UN. Earlier in the day, Israel had proposed changes to the UNIFIL mandate, which Lebanon rejected. (HA, REU 8/25; HA, HA 8/26; LT 8/27)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo met with senior members of the royal family in Bahrain to discuss “the importance of building regional peace and stability,” including normalizing ties between Bahrain and Israel. According to Bahrain state news, King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa told Pompeo that Bahrain is committed to the Arab Peace Initiative and the creation of a Palestinian state before normalizing relations with Israel. Later, Secretary Pompeo met with senior officials in the UAE to discuss, among other subjects, the sale of F-35 fighter jets to the UAE. (AJ, HA, HA, REU 8/26)

China donated personal protective equipment to UNRWA to help fight against the spread of COVID-19. (WAFA 8/26)

Palestinians in Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank protested against the UAE’s decision to normalize its ties with Israel. In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets and 1 with a tear gas canister to his head. Israeli forces and Palestinians also clashed west of Ramallah with young Palestinians throwing stones and Israeli forces firing live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, and tear gas; 2 Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm, al-‘Amari refugee camp, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home under construction in Silwan. In Gaza, Israel fired missiles and shells at Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah, causing extensive damage to 7 houses and minor injuries to 4 Palestinians; incendiary balloons were launched from Gaza toward Israel. It was reported that Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz had decided not to allow Qatari aid to enter Gaza as collective punishment for the incendiary balloons landing in Israel. Gantz has also ordered a halt of fuel transfers to Gaza and halved the fishing zone. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet. In Israel, Israeli police violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Jaffa demonstrating against the impending demolition of an 18th century Muslim cemetery. (HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/14; AJ 8/15; PCHR 8/19)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas and chairman of the Hamas politburo Ismail Haniyeh spoke via phone. According to WAFA, Haniyeh expressed Hamas’s support for a collective Palestinian movement. (WAFA 8/13)

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that Turkey is considering suspending its diplomatic ties with the UAE in light of the UAE’s decision to establish ties with Israel. Oman called the UAE’s decision “historic.” (HA, REU, WAFA 8/14; AJ 8/15)

U.S. congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) introduced a bill co-sponsored by 6 other members of the house which seeks to prohibit U.S. funding for areas annexed by Israel. (WAFA 8/17)

The U.S. lost a bid at the UN Security Council to extend an arms embargo on Iran. 11 members abstained, Iran and China opposed, and the U.S. and the Dominican Republic were the only members voting in favor. Russia called for a world summit to avoid further “confrontation and escalation.” (AJ, HA 8/14; AJ, HA 8/15; AJ 8/17)

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, 1 Palestinian woman was shot dead by Israeli forces in her house during a late-night raid in Jenin. According to her friend, she was shot while closing a window to prevent tear gas from entering the home. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly protest in Kafr Qaddum using rubber-coated bullets and tear gas; 1 Palestinian was injured by a rubber-coated bullet, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Turmus ‘Ayya; 5 were injured by rubber-coated bullets, 1 by a tear gas canister to his head, and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces ordered a halt to the construction of 2 buildings near Bethlehem. Israeli settlers blocked 1 road south of Nablus, causing traffic jams. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian 4-year-old girl was killed by what appears to be a stray bullet in Silwan; it is unclear who fired the bullet. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis and al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/7; HA, HA, WAFA 8/8; PCHR 8/9; PCHR 8/13)

Israel said it had shot down a drone flying over the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. (REU, TOI 8/7)

The president of Lebanon Michel Aoun said that the country had not ruled out “external interference” in the explosion in Beirut that killed at least 154 on 8/4. The possibility of external interference will be part of Lebanon’s probe into the incident. (AJ, HA, REU 8/7)

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, 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, 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, after a rise in COVID-19 cases in the Nablus district, the governor or Nablus ordered a number of businesses and buildings to close, including mosques and churches. 10 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces during the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, including 2 by live ammunition and 8 by rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protesters in al-Bireh, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian minor outside al-Khadir; the minor was treated at a hospital for his injuries. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Jenin, and Qabatiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/19; PCHR 6/25)

3 top democrats in the U.S. Senate, Ben Cardin (D-MD), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY), released a joint statement against Israeli annexation of parts the West Bank, saying that such a move would undermine U.S. national security interests in the region, and called for a 2-state solution. All 3 senators are considered staunch supporters of Israel. (HA 6/19)

Germany contributed with $22.5 million to UNRWA programming. (WAFA 6/25)

In West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed protests in Atuf, Kafr Qaddum, and Nablus, injuring 6 Palestinians with tear gas and rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian journalist from Palestine TV at a checkpoint in Bayt Iksa near Jerusalem. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ya‘bad. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested near Damascus Gate in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmlands east of Dayr al-Balah and al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/5; PCHR 6/11)

Israel’s minister of Jerusalem affairs and heritage Rafi Peretz said in a Facebook post that the Trump administration’s peace plan had unacceptable clauses, such as settlement freeze and the establishment of a Palestinian state. (HA 6/5)