The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, armed Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian and threatened others during a raid in Yarza. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Khirbet Quweis in the Masafer Yatta area, stealing the olive harvest and a tractor. Israeli forces shot and injured 8 Palestinians during a raid in Beit Umar. Israeli forces also opened fire at vehicles near Ya’bad, causing damage. 50 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Fawwar refugee camp, Beit Umar, Bethlehem, Jaba’, Balata refugee camp, Deir Jarir, and Nil’in. 1 Israeli soldier was lightly wounded by gunfire near Nabi Ilyas. In Gaza, Israeli forces killed 231 Palestinians and injured 650 others. Israel bombed al-Nasser Children’s Hospital and al-Wafa Hospital in Gaza City, reportedly killing patients and causing damage, including to solar panels. Israel also bombed al-Fakhoora School in Jabalia refugee camp, killing at least 15 people and injuring 45. Hamas said it killed 5 Israeli soldiers northwest of Gaza City. Rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage. In Lebanon, Israel conducted airstrikes and Hezbollah attacked several Israeli army posts. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, REU, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/4; WAFA 11/5; HA 11/6)

The Ministry of Health in Gaza said at least 9,488 Palestinians have been killed, including 3,900 children and 2,430 women, and 24,173 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 2,200 people were buried in rubble, including 1,250 children. 144 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 43 children. More than 2,274 people have been injured. Around 1,400 Israelis, including foreign nationals, have been killed and 5,431 injured since 10/7. Over 1.5 million Palestinians, more than half the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israel blockade. As of 10/23, at least 27,781 housing units have been destroyed and 150,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. The number is likely much higher given the lack of recent data. The generators at the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza shutdown due to a lack of fuel. 30 truckloads of aid entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing. No injured people or foreign passport holders were evacuated to Egypt. (AJ, AP, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 11/4)

Hamas military spokesperson Abu Obeida said 60 Israeli captives were missing after intense Israeli bombing and that the bodies of 23 captives were trapped under rubble. Abu Obeida also said Hamas fighters had destroyed 24 Israeli military vehicles in Gaza in the past 24 hours. (AJ, HA, REU 11/4)

Iranian state-run IRNA news agency said Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei met with Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. (REU 11/4; AP, REU 11/5)

Al-Haq said it had documented abuses of Palestinian workers from Gaza who were in Israel on 10/7, including beatings, arbitrary detention, having their property stolen, and degrading treatment. 1 worker said he saw people beaten to the point that they were unable to walk, and dead Palestinians being urinated on by Israeli settlers. (AJ 11/4)

Axios reported that Israeli officials told the news outlet that Israel was working on a plan accept the delivery of fuel to southern Gaza under an international monitoring regime. (AJ, AX 11/4)

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich said when Israel finishes its attack on Gaza, the area will be under Israeli military control for years. (HA 11/4; HA 11/5)

Turkey and Chad recalled their diplomats in Israel. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also said that Israeli prime minister Benjamin “Netanyahu is no longer someone we can talk to. We have written him off.” (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU, WAFA 11/4; WAFA 11/5; HA 11/6)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken met with the foreign ministers of Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, and Qatar in Oman. Lebanese caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati, who also took part, urged Blinken to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and to end “Israeli aggression” in southern Lebanon. Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi said Israel was committing war crimes and that Jordan does not accept the Israeli claim that Israel is acting in self-defense. Blinken dismissed the group’s call for a ceasefire, insisting on calling for “pauses.” Before meeting Blinken, the group held a meeting with PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA 11/4; AP 11/6)

Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian spoke with UK foreign minister James Cleverly, discussing the situation in Gaza. (AJ 11/4)

France said Israel had hit a French cultural institute in Gaza, saying it was in dialogue with Israel to understand why the institute was hit. Agence French Presse (AFP) called for an investigation into the Israeli bombing of its offices in Gaza City, saying the Israeli statement on the bombing “does not explain the extent of the damage caused to the AFP bureau,” and that the bombing “sends a deeply troubling message to all the journalists working in such difficult conditions in Gaza.”  (AJ 11/4)

U.S. president Joe Biden said progress had been made on the issue of “humanitarian pauses.” U.S. senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) called for “pauses,” saying Israel was violating international law with its indiscriminate killing in Gaza and that Israel was offending U.S. values. (AJ, AP 11/4)

Thousands of people protested in Washington D.C., Paris, Berlin, London, and elsewhere around the world, demanding an end to the Israeli attacks on Gaza. 300,000 reportedly partook in the demonstrations in Washington D.C. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, WAFA 11/4; AJ, AJ, NYT, WAFA 11/5)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian man succumbed to injuries sustained from Israeli forces in Tell on 11/1. Israeli settlers shot and injured 1 Palestinian in Shu’fat refugee camp. Israeli settlers also destroyed a water pipeline to Beit Lid, cutting off the town’s access to water. Israeli forces shot and killed 9 Palestinians during raids in Jenin refugee camp, Budrus, Qalandia refugee camp, Hebron, and Fawwar refugee camp, including 1 child and 2 others in a drone strike on Jenin refugee camp. Israeli forces also shot and injured 19 people during raids in Jenin refugee camp, Fawwar refugee camp, and Qalandia refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces used tear gas and water cannons to prevent Palestinians from entering the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, at least 196 Palestinians were killed and 605 injured in Israeli airstrikes. Israeli forces attacked an ambulance outside of al-Shifa Hospital, killing at least 15 and injuring 60 others. Israel also attacked the Indonesian and al-Quds hospitals and the office of Agence France-Presse in Gaza City, causing significant damage. Israel said it assassinated Hamas member Mustafa Dalul in an airstrike. 4 Israeli soldiers were killed in Gaza. U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones circled Gaza, reportedly gathering intelligence on the whereabouts of the captives held by Hamas. The New York Times said the U.S. drones have been flying over Gaza since 10/28. Rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage. In Lebanon, Israel killed 1 person it said was a member of Hezbollah and attacked several areas in South Lebanon. 2 Israeli soldiers were injured in a drone attack in the Golan Heights. (NYT 11/2; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/3; AJ, AJ, HA, HA, WAFA 11/4)

The Ministry of Health in Gaza said at least 9,257 Palestinians have been killed, including 3,826 children and 2,405 women, and 23,516 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 1,800 people, including 940 children, have been reported missing. 144 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 40 children. More than 2,300 people have been injured. Around 1,400 Israelis, including foreign nationals, have been killed and 5,431 injured since 10/7. Over 1.5 million Palestinians, more than half the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israel blockade. As of 10/23, at least 27,781 housing units have been destroyed and 150,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. The number is likely much higher given the lack of recent data. 17 wounded Palestinians were transferred to Egyptian hospitals via the Rafah crossing. Between 300 and 400 foreign passport holders left via the Rafah crossing. The evacuation efforts were halted after the Israeli attack on the ambulance outside of al-Shifa Hospital. 47 truckloads of aid entered Gaza. Israel reconnected 2 water pipelines to Gaza. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 11/3)

3,026 Palestinians from Gaza employed in Israel prior to 10/7 were expelled to Gaza via the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing. Palestinian laborers from Gaza have been held in internment camps in Israel and some were deported to the West Bank. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, REU 11/3)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued to invoke biblical history, referring to Palestinians as Amalek and the “sons of darkness,” in a letter to Israeli soldiers. (HA 11/3)

An Israeli soldier accused of shooting and killing a Palestinian harvesting olives was released to house arrest. (HA 11/3)

Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah gave a televised speech saying a wider escalation could not be ruled out if Israel continues attacking Gaza. Nasrallah said he did not know about Operation al-Aqsa Flood before 10/7.  (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU 11/3; HA, HA 11/4)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken arrived in Israel, saying he would push the Israeli government to agree to humanitarian pauses to allow aid into Gaza and to facilitate a release of the captives. After the meeting, Netanyahu issued a statement saying Israel will continue to attack Gaza with “all of its power” and not agree to a temporary ceasefire that does not include a return of all of the captives. U.S. officials told Axios that Blinken expressed concern over the Israeli decision to withhold PA tax revenue. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU 11/3; AJ, AX, NYT 11/4)

Honduras recalled its ambassador to Israel. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 11/3; WAFA 11/4)

Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar told the Irish radio station RTE, “[w]hat I am seeing unfolding at the moment is not self-defense. It looks, resembles something more approaching revenge,” in referencing Israeli attacks on Gaza. (AJ, HA, REU 11/3)

Dozens of U.S. activists were arrested at U.S. Senate office buildings after holding sit-ins at 8 senators’ offices, demanding a ceasefire. (AJ 11/3)

The New York Times reported that Israel used 2 2,000-pound bombs to attack Jabalia refugee camp on 10/31. (NYT 6/3)

CNN reported that the U.S. expects Israel will reduce its airstrikes on Gaza in the coming days and focus on the ground operation. (AJ, HA 11/4)

French officials said France will host an international conference on the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza on 11/9. (REU 11/3)

Bloomberg News reported that Israel no longer gives Russia advanced warning about its airstrikes in Syria. (HA 11/3)

The UK charged 2 women with terrorism offenses for allegedly displaying pro-Hamas imagery at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in London on 10/14. The 2 women reportedly wore stickers with paragliders on them. (REU 11/3)

Japan said it would donate $65 million in humanitarian aid to Palestine after a meeting with PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki. (REU, WAFA 11/3)

For the 8th day in a row, IDF troops stationed along Gaza’s border open fire on Palestinians protesting and throwing stones throughout the region, killing 2 Palestinians and injuring at least 142 (a 3d Palestinian will succumb to injuries sustained today on 10/23). Stabbing incidents continue, as IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian in the Kiryat Arba settlement nr. Hebron after he stabs and moderately injures an Israeli soldier. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops clash with and violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstations and violent protests in 4 areas nr. Ramallah (outside the Beit El settlement, Silwad, Budrus, and Bil‘in), and nr. Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Qalqilya, killing 1 Palestinian and injuring 73. The IDF patrols outside Ramallah and in Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwers (2 Palestinians are injured); conducts house searches and raids throughout the region, arresting 4 Palestinians. Palestinian gunmen open fire on IDF vehicles nr. Ramallah, causing minor damage. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli police bar Palestinian men under the age of 40 from entering Haram al-Sharif; clash with stone-throwing Palestinians in Ras al-Amud (2 Palestinians are injured); conduct raids nr. the Old City and Issawiyya (4 Palestinians are arrested). (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 10/16; PCHR 10/22)

The UNSC convenes to discuss the recent violence in Israel and the oPt as well as Israeli restrictions on Palestinian access at Haram al-Sharif, at the request of Jordan. French amb. to the UN François Delattre says that France has prepared a draft presidential statement that would, inter alia, urge all parties to maintain the status quo at the sanctuary. (AFP, HA, JP, TOI, YA 10/16; HA 10/17)

In Gaza, over 70 Palestinians are injured when police accidentally detonate an unexploded Israeli rocket in Gaza City. Off the coast nr. Jabaliya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces clash with Palestinians in a village nr. Ramallah, shooting 3 youths with live ammunition; clash with Palestinians in a village s. of Bethlehem, causing several to suffer from tear gas inhalation. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles nr. Nablus and Bethlehem, causing damage. Late at night, IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinian youth in e. Nablus, injuring 19 with live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades. The IDF raids a barber shop in ‘Askar r.c. nr. Nablus and a home nr. Jenin, arresting 1 Palestinian and issuing arrest summons to 2; patrols in and around Jenin, 3 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 each nr. Ramallah and Qalqilya. A Palestinian driver rams his car into 3 Israeli teenagers on a road nr. Bethlehem, injuring all 3; the IDF arrests the man an hour later. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, WAFA 5/14; AFP, MNA 5/15; PCHR 5/21)

Senior PLO official Wasel Abu Yousef says that the Palestinians will not enter a new round of peace negotiations with Israel unless a deadline for the occupation is set. Meanwhile, in Tunisia, PA Pres. Abbas says that the Palestinians welcome the French efforts to resume Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations and have the UNSC pass a corresponding res. (JP, TOI 5/14; JP 5/15)

Israel’s Housing Ministry issues tenders for the construction of 85 new residences in the Givat Ze’ev settlement, n. of Jerusalem, and 1,500 new hotel rooms in the Jabal Mukabir neighborhood of East Jerusalem. Later, UN Secy.-Gen. Ban “strongly deplores” the new settlement announcements over the past 3 weeks. (AFP, HA, WAFA 5/14; AP, TOI 5/15)

The U.S. House of Representatives passes the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act by a vote of 400–25. (It passed in the Senate on 5/7.) The bill now goes to Pres. Obama, and White House spokesperson Josh Earnest says that he intends to sign it into law.

Meanwhile, Israeli govt. sources say the govt. will be willing to accept a nuclear deal with Iran in exchange for compensation in other areas from the U.S. (AP, JP, TOI, YA 5/15)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces conduct simultaneous limited incursions e. of Dayr al-Balah and e. of Khan Yunis to level land. In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver demolition notices for a tent and a barn in a village nr. Hebron. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron and a village nr. Ramallah, arresting 6 Palestinians; patrols in Tulkarm, 3 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 each nr. Jenin, Hebron, and Jericho. An Israeli settler rams a car into 4 Palestinian women on a road nr. Qalqilya, injuring all of them. Israeli settlers uproot 450 olive trees nr. Salfit; enter Nablus to perform religious rites, sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian youth. (MNA, WAFA 4/21; HA, MNA, TOI 4/22; PCHR 4/23)

The PA announces that it will be paying its employees their full salaries for 4/2015 as well as the remaining 40% that was deducted in 1–3/2015 during Israel’s tax revenue freeze. (WAFA 4/22)

At a meeting of the UNSC, French and British diplomats urge the council to pass a res. setting parameters for a new round of Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. Also, New Zealand’s amb. to the UN Jim McLay announces that his office is working on a separate draft res. that he plans to propose to the UNSC, adding that he hasn’t seen the French draft res. (JP, REU 4/21; AFP, AP, RT, TOI 4/22; WAFA 4/23)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. A Palestinian is moderately injured when he triggers Israeli unexploded ordnance nr. Rafah. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse over 1,000 Palestinians, mostly women, demonstrating nr. Qalandia to mark International Women’s Day, moderately injuring 4. They also violently disperse Palestinian activists as they are removing a metal gate installed at the entrance to a village nr. Bethlehem and a group protesting land expropriation in a village nr. Hebron. Israeli soldiers accompanied by Israeli settlers violently disperse Palestinians nonviolently protesting s. of Hebron. The IDF conducts patrols and house searches in a village nr. Hebron, arresting 2 Palestinians. The PASF raids Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, sparking a brief firefight with the wanted Palestinian; 2 bystanders are injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct house searches and raids nr. the Old City, arresting 8 Palestinians; disperse a group of Palestinian youth throwing stones at the Jerusalem Light Rail in Shu‘fat, arresting 2. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian man in Silwan, moderately injuring him. (AP, JP, MNA, WAFA 3/7; MNA 3/8; PCHR 3/12)

In Cairo, Islamic Jihad’s delegation departs after 6 days of negotiations with the Egyptian authorities on opening the Rafah border crossing. According to sources close to the talks, the Egyptians have agreed in principle to completely open the crossing once the violence in the Sinai Peninsula subsides, the PA unity govt. has staffed the crossing, and Hamas commits to not to interfere in Egyptian affairs. Also, Egyptian officials announce that the Rafah crossing will open on 3/9–10. (AFP, MNA 3/7)

In Paris, French FM Laurent Fabius, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry, UK Foreign Secy. Philip Hammond, German FM Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini meet to review recent progress in their negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program. (TOI 3/6, 3/7; DPA 3/8)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops on the e. border fence twice open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands, causing no injuries. Late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the coast nr. alSudaniyya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, PA security forces enter the H2 area of c. Hebron and arrest 2 Palestinians. IDF troops deliver demolition orders to several homes, tents, and other residential structures in 2 bedouin communities s. of Hebron. The IDF conducts house searches in Jalazun r.c., as well as nr. Hebron and Bethlehem; patrols nr. Salfit, Hebron, Tulkarm, Jenin, and in al-‘Arub r.c. An IDF raid in ‘Askar r.c. nr. Nablus sparks clashes with stone-throwing residents; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces enter Shu‘fat r.c. and clashes break out with residents, causing no injuries; conduct house searches in Ras al-Amud and Jabal Mukabir. An unknown assailant throws a firebomb at a bus nr. the Old City, causing some damage. (IMEMC, JP, MNA 12/2; MNA 12/3; PCHR 12/4)

Israeli PM Netanyahu fires Fin. Min. Lapid and Justice Minister Livni from his cabinet. Netanyahu criticizes the 2 ministers for disloyalty, citing their opposition to his “nation-state” bill, and tells the press that he will soon call for the 19th Knesset to be dissolved. Meanwhile, reps. of the 4 nonZionist parties in the Knesset, Balad, Hadash, Ra’am, and Ta’al, meet to discuss running as a joint list in the upcoming elections. (AFP, FP, HA, JP 12/2; AFP, REU, YA 12/3)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry holds talks with European FMs at a NATO meeting in Brussels. They discuss France’s draft UNSC res., which sets a timetable on IsraeliPalestinian peace negotiations. (AFP, REU 12/2; AFP, HA 12/3)

The UNGA passes a res. introduced by Egypt, which calls on Israel to give up its nuclear weapons and put its nuclear facilities under international oversight. (YA 12/2; EI 12/4)

The French parliament passes a symbolic res. that facilitates recognition of Palestinian statehood. The res. “invites the French govt. to use the recognition of the State of Palestine as an instrument to gain a definitive res. of the conflict,” and sets a 2-year deadline for the creation of an independent Palestinian state. (AFP, IMEMC, MEMO, REU, RT 12/2; WAFA 12/3)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops on the border twice open fire on Palestinian homes, causing 1 injury. In 2 separate incidents off the coast nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian woman at the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron after she refuses to undergo a security check. Nearby, Israeli soldiers patrol nr. al-Shuhada Street, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youth; several Palestinians suffer from tear gas inhalation. Clashes break out in Tuqu‘ nr. Bethlehem when IDF troops raid the village and search several homes. The IDF also conducts arrest raids and house searches nr. Jenin, Nablus, and Ramallah; patrols nr. Hebron, Birzeit, Ramallah, Jericho, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya; arrests 2 Hamas mbrs. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 8 locations nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin, Qalandia checkpoint, outside Ofer prison, Jalazun r.c., and 2 other villages), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are 16 moderate injuries and 2 serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct house searches and raids in Silwan. (AP, HA, JP, MNA 11/28; MNA 11/29; PCHR 12/4)

Ahead of the French Parliament’s 12/2 vote on Palestinian statehood, FM Fabius presents a new diplomatic proposal for restarting peace negotiations. The proposal includes a UNSC res., currently being drafted by French officials as an alternative to a Palestinian-drafted text, which will provide a framework and a 2-year deadline for talks. He says that France is prepared to host a new round of peace negotiations. (AFP, HA 11/28)

In Egypt, Egyptian security officials shoot and kill a Palestinian security officer as he drives into an ambush meant for another nr. Shaykh Zuwayd in the n. Sinai. (AP, MNA 11/28)

Two Palestinian men attack a synagogue in West Jerusalem, killing 4 rabbis and 1 Druze policeman, and injuring around 8 others. Policemen shoot and kill the 2 men. Later in the day, Israeli security forces raid the men’s homes in Jabal Mukabir, East Jerusalem, and arrest 12 of their relatives. Clashes break out between Palestinians and Israeli officers in the neighborhood, injuring 22 Palestinians with tear gas and rubber-coated metal bullets. More clashes erupt in Sur al-Bahir, Wadi al-Juz, and al-Tur. Israeli PM Netanyahu orders the punitive demolition of the 2 men’s homes, and adds additional border police in Jerusalem. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT 11/18; MNA 11/19, 11/20; ALM 11/21)

A 15-year-old Palestinian dies in a hospital in Turkey, succumbing to injuries sustained on 7/21 in Gaza during Israel’s Operation Protective Edge (OPE). (PCHR 11/20)

In the Gaza Strip, public servants in ministry offices, schools, and public universities begin a general strike, protesting the fact that their full salaries haven’t been paid for over a year. In the West Bank, Palestinians nr. Tulkarm protest the recent Israeli violence in Jerusalem, sparking clashes with IDF soldiers. Dozens of Israeli settlers attack a Palestinian school in ‘Urif village nr. Nablus in response to the killing of the 4 rabbis, and IDF troops injure 6 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets, including a Reuters cameraman. Meanwhile, an Israeli settler shoots and seriously injures a Palestinian youth after a settler demonstration e. of Ramallah and Israeli settlers attack a Palestinian home s. of Nablus. Separately, settlers throw rocks at Palestinian vehicles nr. Nablus and Hebron. IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian in Baytin village nr. Ramallah. Also, IDF troops search the Hebron homes of 2 of the Palestinian men accused of kidnapping and killing 3 Israeli settler teenagers on 6/12; and raid Bayt Umar village. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers stab a Palestinian man on the street in Kafr ‘Aqab, moderately injuring him. Separately, Israeli minister of internal security Yitzhak Aharonovitch enters Shu‘fat r.c. and Palestinian youth throw stones and bottles at him. In the ensuing clashes with Israeli security forces, several Palestinians suffer from tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces demolish the home of the Palestinian man who was killed by police after driving a vehicle into a group of pedestrians on 10/22. Also, Israeli police arrest a Palestinian man on the charge of incitement after he posts videos and images to a Facebook page supporting violence against Israelis. (MNA, SAFA, WAFA 11/18; MNA 11/19; PCHR 11/20; JP 11/24)

Palestinian bus drivers working for the Israeli bus company Egged go on strike in protest of the death of their colleague on 11/16. Over 40 of them quit after Egged decides not to provide additional security. (IMEMC 11/19; AFP 12/4)

Reps. of Iran and the P5+1 (U.S., UK, China, France, Russia, and Germany) resume negotiations in Vienna over Iran’s disputed nuclear program, aiming to meet the Joint Plan of Action’s extended deadline of 11/24. In London, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with Oman’s FM Yusuf bin Alawi, a mediator in the talks with Iran. (GDN, HA 11/18; AP 11/19; NYT 11/20)

The Spanish parliament passes a symbolic res. urging recognition of Palestine as a state after Israel and the Palestinians negotiate a res. to their conflict. (IHY, REU 11/18)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Salfit, and in Nablus; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 village each nr. Hebron, Salfit and Tulkarm. (PCHR 9/15\)

At a rally in Jenin marking the anniversary of the Sabra and Shatila massacre, PA Pres. Abbas reiterates that the Palestinians will head to the UN to “achieve our goals.” Meanwhile, PA FM Riyad al-Maliki says that Abbas will use his upcoming meeting with French pres. François Hollande on 9/19 in Paris to ask for official recognition of Palestinian statehood and French support for a proposed UNSC res. demanding Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied Palestinian territories. (MNA, WAFA 9/15)

UN peacekeepers withdraw from their posts along the Syrian side of the border with Israel. The relocation of hundreds of mbrs. of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) occurs following recent clashes between Syrian govt. forces and opposition groups in the area (see 9/4, 9/8, 9/11, 9/12). (AFP, REU 9/15)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Nablus and 1 nr. Hebron; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Jenin. (HA 9/5; PCHR 9/11)

The PA Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction releases a report with initial estimates for the cost of rebuilding the Gaza Strip. The council, which coordinates the implementation of donor projects, concludes that the project will cost $7.8 b., which includes $4.4 b. of “direct losses” and $3.02 b. set aside for “development needs.” (MNA, REU 9/4)

U.S. and Iranian officials begin bilateral talks in Geneva on Iran’s disputed nuclear program. Meanwhile, EU officials say that reps. of Iran and the P5+1 group (the U.S., UK, China, France, Russia, and Germany) will hold new talks in New York on 9/18, to continue efforts at reaching a comprehensive deal before their 11/24 deadline. (AFP, REU 9/4)

A projectile attributed to “errant fire” by the Israeli military hits the occupied Golan Heights from inside Syrian territory, causing no injuries. In response, the IDF hits an unspecified target in Syria, which opposition sources claim is a Syrian army base. There are no reports of casualties. (REU 9/4)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF continues its ground offensive as well as air strikes, killing 53 Palestinians, around 10 of whom die in a strike on a park in al-Shati r.c., which the eyewitnesses blame on an IDF drone strike and the IDF army says was a misfired Palestinian rocket. In the evening, the IDF sends text messages and phone calls to residents in n. and e. neighborhoods of Gaza City, telling them to evacuate their homes and leave for c. Gaza City. Palestinians continue to fire rockets and mortar shells into Israel, with a mortar shell killing 4 IDF soldiers nr. the Gaza border. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure 3 Palestinians outside Yatta nr. Hebron during a protest against the attack on Gaza. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Nablus and Ramallah at night. In East Jerusalem, Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli security forces in Jabal Mukabir and Issawiyya, causing no serious injuries. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, WAFA 7/28; PCHR 7/30)

In New York City, UN Secy.-Gen. Ban says that both Israelis and Palestinians have expressed interest in a further 24-hour truce but no deal has been reached. Ban also raises concerns about the proportionality of Israel’s actions, saying that the destruction in Gaza had been described by some as a “man-made hurricane.” Meanwhile, in Washington, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry says that efforts to secure a truce between Israel and Hamas must ultimately include the disarmament of the latter. U.S. Pres. Obama, French pres. Francois Hollande, German chancellor Angela Merkel, British PM David Cameron, and Italian PM Matteo Renzi hold a teleconference to discuss various issues, including the escalation of violence in Gaza. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, WAFA 7/28)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip, killing 151 Palestinians, except during a 12-hour humanitarian cease-fire. There are no Israeli strikes during the pause, but IDF troops continue to destroy tunnels. During the pause, residents of Gaza stock up on supplies and inspect the damage done to property. The armed Palestinian groups fire rockets into Israel both before the 12-hour humanitarian cease-fire and immediately after, causing no serious damage or injuries. The IDF announces that 2 soldiers died of their wounds. In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with Palestinians nr. Hebron, at the funeral for a man killed the previous day in al-‘Arub r.c., causing no serious injuries. IDF troops shoot and wound 6 Palestinians with live ammunition in n. Bethlehem, during clashes nr. Rachel’s Tomb. In Bayt Furik nr. Nablus, IDF troops injure 5 with live ammunition during clashes with residents. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-Bireh in the morning. (AFP, AP, MNA, REU, WAFA 7/26; PCHR 7/27)

In the morning, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry and senior European diplomats, including the FMs of France, Britain, Germany, and Italy, as well as their counterparts from Qatar and Turkey, meet in Paris and call for an extension of the 12-hour humanitarian cease-fire. French FM Fabius, speaking for the group, says that they all “want to obtain, as quickly as possible, a durable, negotiated cease-fire that responds both to Israeli needs in terms of security and to Palestinian needs in terms of the socialeconomic development and access to the territory of Gaza.” (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, WAFA 7/26)

In the evening, the Israeli security cabinet responds to the calls from the international community and decides to unilaterally extend the humanitarian cease-fire for 4 hours, then an additional 24 hours, though IDF troops will continue seeking out and destroying tunnels. Al-Qassam Brigades and other Palestinian groups do not agree to the extension, and fire rockets into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. (AFP, AP, MNA, REU, WAFA 7/26)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing damage but no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 4 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers attack Burin village nr. Nablus, throwing stones at schoolchildren, and assaulting a Palestinian man. Israeli forces arrive and fire rubber-coated metal bullets at villagers, causing no injuries. Meanwhile, Jewish settlers destroy 700 newly planted olive tree saplings nr. Ramallah, and in another incident, Jewish settlers demolish a Palestinian-owned agricultural shed nr. Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 30 Palestinian-owned vehicles nr. Bayt Safafa are vandalized, with racist “price tag” graffiti left at the scene. (MNA, WAFA 2/19; PCHR 2/20)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with PA Pres. Abbas in Paris to discuss the ongoing peace negotiations. The meeting was attended by Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat, PA spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudayna, and PLO Amb. to France Hayel Fahoum. State Dept. spokesperson Jen Psaki says that the “few hours” spent together were focused on “narrowing the gaps between the parties on a framework for negotiations.” State Dept. dep. spokesperson Marie Harf also says that Kerry expresses concern in the meeting about recent remarks made by Erakat about a potential boycott of Israel. Both before and after the meeting, Palestinian officials sound pessimistic about the prospects for a breakthrough, with an unnamed official describing the talks as facing a “real crisis.” While in Paris, Kerry also meets with Jordanian FM Nasser Judeh. (JP 2/18; AFP, AP, JP, YA 2/19)

On the 2d day of talks in Vienna, Dep. FM Abbas Araghchi tells Iranian media that representatives of Iran and the P5+1 countries have agreed on an agenda for negotiations and will meet again in Vienna at some point during the 2d half of 3/2014. Earlier, the U.S. State Dept. describes the 2d day of talks as “constructive and useful.” Meanwhile, Israeli media reports that a U.S. delegation will visit Israel to brief the Israeli govt. on the ongoing talks with Iran. (HA, REU 2/19)

Two suicide bombers attack the Iranian cultural center in Beirut, killing 8 and wounding dozens more. The attack is claimed by the al-Qa‘ida-linked Abdullah Azzam Brigades, which says the bombing was a response to Hizballah’s involvement in the Syrian conflict on the side of the govt. (AP, DS, REU 2/19)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries, while separately also open fire nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries. IDF troops conduct 2 separate limited incursions nr. Khan Yunis to level land. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. Meanwhile, IDF sources say that they discovered a large bomb buried nr. the border fence in the s. Gaza Strip, the 4th such device discovered since the beginning of 2014. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon; patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron in the afternoon. Jewish settlers uproot 650 olive tree seedlings nr. Ramallah. (HA, MNA 2/18; PCHR 2/20)

Secy.-Gen. of the Fatah Revolutionary Council Amin Maqboul says that the group’s reconciliation delegation head Azzam al-Ahmad will not travel to the Gaza Strip until Hamas agrees to general elections and the formation of a unity govt. (MNA 2/18)

Two rockets fired from inside Syria land inside the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. (AFP 2/18)

Representatives of Iran and the P5+1 countries begin talks in Vienna to try and reach a comprehensive deal on Tehran’s disputed nuclear program. The P5+1 countries include the U.S., UK, France, China, Russia, and Germany. Bilateral talks between senior U.S. and Iranian officials take place on the sidelines. Under Secy. of State Wendy Sherman heads the U.S. delegation, with Iran’s Dep. FM Abbas Araghchi co-leading his side’s team with FM Mohammad Javad Zarif. (AP, REU 2/18)

Jihadist group Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis issues a statement warning tourists to leave Egypt by 2/20, or face attack by the group’s mbrs. (REU 2/18)

In the West Bank, IDF troops positioned at the separation wall fire on stone-throwing Palestinian children nr. Qatanna village in East Jerusalem, seriously wounding 1 with a rubber-coated metal bullet. The IDF conducts house searches in Hebron and al-‘Arub r.c. nearby, in 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; patrols in Tulkarm in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. (PCHR 11/7)

According to unnamed Palestinian officials, Israeli and Palestinian negotiators hold talks that break down in an argument over settlement construction, just hours before U.S. Secy. of State Kerry arrives in Jerusalem. The talks are the sides’ 16th such meeting, and U.S. envoy Martin Indyk also participates. On arrival, Kerry says that while the talks are experiencing difficulties, he still believes it is possible to reach an agreement. Israeli media report that Israeli negotiators have told their Palestinian counterparts that the separation wall will serve as the border of the future Palestinian state. (AFP, HA, MNA, REU 11/6)

UN and Arab League envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi meets Russian dep. FMs Gennady Gatilov and Mikhail Bogdanov and U.S. Undersecy. of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman to discuss preparations for a long-delayed peace conference known as “Geneva 2.” Reps. of China, France, and Britain join the meeting later. However, the talks end without a set date. (AFP 11/6)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 3 villages nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 3 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 village each nr. Jenin an Jericho at night. Jewish settlers attack residents of Susia village nr. Hebron while they were picking olives, injuring 3. (MNA, WAFA 10/12; PCHR 10/24)

Jenin gov. Talal Dweikat says that the Palestinian National Security Services have detained nearly 100 people in the n. West Bank as part of a drive to tackle disorder in light of a recent spate of protests and violent targeting of PA buildings. PA forces deployed in Jenin on 10/4 to crackdown on disorder that followed the killing of Islam al-Tubasi in 9/2013. (MNA 10/12)

Iran’s official news agency IRNA reports that Iranian FM Zarif will lead the nuclear negotiation team at a new round of talk with the P5+1 group on 10/15–16, but will only attend the opening session before handing over to Dep. FM Abbas Araqchi. The U.S. delegation is reportedly set to include Undersecy. of State Wendy Sherman—who will lead the team—as well as sanctions expert Adam Szubin, the director of the Treasury Dept.’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC. Meanwhile, Israeli PM Netanyahu calls the leaders of France and Britain and urges them not to ease sanctions on Tehran, according to an Israeli govt. official. (AFP, AP, REU 10/12)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 1 nearby village in the afternoon; patrols in 1 village each nr. Jericho and Ramallah. In Jerusalem, Israeli security forces accompany Jewish right-wing activists as they enter the al-Aqsa mosque compound. According to reports, more than 700 ultra-Orthodox Jews have entered the compound to celebrate Sukkot since last Wednesday. (MNA 9/26; PCHR 10/3)

PA pres. Abbas addresses the UNGA and describes the current peace talks as a “last chance.” He urges international pressure to stop settlement construction, and says that the aim is to reach a permanent agreement within 9 mos., rejecting the possibility of a “temporary” arrangement. (AFP, AP, HA 9/26)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry and Iranian FM Zarif hold one-on-one talks at the UN, the highest level direct discussions in a generation. Zarif also discusses the nuclear issue with his counterparts from the UK, China, France, Germany, and Russia, as well as Kerry. The talks are widely described as positive, with Kerry calling the meeting “very constructive” but with many questions remaining. (AP, REU 9/26)

The U.S. and Russia reach agreement on a draft UN res. designed to rid Syria of its chemical weapons. The compromise makes the measure legally binding but avoids automatic recourse to military force by way of enforcement, instead requiring another res. under Chapter 7 to be passed. (AP, REU 9/26)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli troops open fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, 1 villages nr. Tulkarm and Qalqilya at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Bethlehem and 1 village nr. Bethlehem in the morning. Israeli forces also demolish a Palestinian village in the Jordan Valley, destroying around a dozen residential structures as well as 2 dozen other structures. Dozens of residents of Khirbat Makhul are left homeless. (MNA 9/16; PCHR 9/19)

The Israeli media reports that PM Netanyahu is unhappy with Justice Minister and chief negotiator Tzipi Livni, who is apparently undermining his position in talks with the Palestinians. Livni reportedly is willing to remove all IDF troops from the Jordan Valley, something Netanyahu will not countenance. Meanwhile, PA Pres. Abbas says that Israel will have no presence along the future border of a Palestinian state with Jordan. (INN, JP 9/16)

The U.S., Britain, and France issue a joint warning to Syrian pres. Asad that there would be consequences should he fail to comply with the international community’s demand he hand over his entire chemical weapon stockpile. Meanwhile, UN human rights investigator Karen Koning Abuzayd says that war crimes attributed to the Syrian opposition are largely being carried out by foreign fighters. Also today, Turkish warplanes shoot down a Syrian helicopter after it crossed the border, according to the Turkish military. (AP, REU 9/16)

Egyptian forces storm Delga in c. Minya province, seizing control from supporters of ousted pres. Morsi and arresting more than 50 persons. Meanwhile, in the n. Sinai Peninsula, assailants hit a police bus with a roadside bomb, wounding 9, and then kill 1 of those who jumped clear. (AFP, AP, MNA 9/16)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion along the border fence nr. Khan Yunis to level land, before withdrawing. In the West Bank, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians protesting the arrival of 1,400 Jewish worshippers at Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, injuring 7. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Jenin at night. The IDF also demolishes 4 Palestinian-owned commercial structures in Barta‘a village nr. Jenin. (HA, MNA 9/12; PCHR 9/19)

PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas meets with EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton in Paris, as well as French pres. Francois Hollande, discussing with both the peace process. (WAFA 9/12)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets Russian FM Sergey Lavrov in Geneva to discuss Moscow’s proposal of securing and destroying Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile, talks that were described by Kerry afterward as “constructive.” Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz expresses cautious support for the plan, speaking to Israeli media. Meanwhile, 3 stray mortar shells land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. (AFP, AP, JP, REU 9/12)

Egyptian interim pres. Adly Mansour extends a nationwide state of emergency for a further 2 mos. On the Rafah border, 2 Egyptian army tanks cross the initial border fence on the Egyptian side for the 1st time. Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities close the Rafah crossing for the 2d day due to unrest in the Sinai. (AFP, AP, MNA 9/12)

Iranian Amb. to the IAEA Reza Najafi says that Tehran will cooperate with the agency to “overcome existing issues once and for all,” speaking at his 1st board meeting. Distinct from the P5+1 (permanent mbrs. of the UNSC plus Germany) talks, the IAEA has held 10 rounds of talks since early 2012 to resume inspections into suspected weapon research. (REU 9/12)

In the s. Gaza Strip, IDF troops confiscate 2 fishing boats nr. Rafah. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron, Tulkarm, and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night; patrols in Jenin and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night. In al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, IDF troops detain 13 Palestinians. In East Jerusalem, suspected Jewish extremists vandalize 3 buses and leave “price-tag” graffiti in Silwan, while separately dozens of Jewish right-wing activists enter the al-Aqsa mosque compound under police protection. (MNA 9/10; PCHR 9/12)

Israeli Foreign Ministry officials meet with senior EU officials to discuss the new settlement guidelines, and end by resolving to meet again to continue the discussions. Following the meeting, both sides issue upbeat assessments of the dialogue. (JP 9/10)

U.S. Pres. Obama says in a speech at the White House that he has asked Congressional leaders to postpone a vote authorizing force while a “diplomatic path”is pursued, a reference to a Russian proposal to achieve the destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile. In response to Moscow’s proposal, France pushes for a UN res. that would be under Chapter 7 and threaten “serious consequences” for non-compliance—a framework immediately rejected by Russia. The Syrian govt., meanwhile, accepts the Russian idea. (AFP, AP, NYT, REU 9/10)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in al-‘Arub r.c., al-Fawar r.c., and 1 village nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Salfit at night. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara). There are no serious injuries (except in Kafr Qaddum where 3 are struck by tear gas canisters). In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces raid the al-Aqsa compound and disperse worshippers with stun grenades, after Palestinians threw stones at plainclothes policemen who entered the area. Fifteen Palestinians are arrested, while Israeli police say 2 officers are injured while an al-Aqsa medical official says 55 injuries were treated among Palestinians. (MNA, REU 9/6; PCHR 9/12)

PA Minister of Prisoner Affairs Issa Qaraqe announces that the remaining prisoner releases by Israel will take place on 10/29, 12/29, and 03/28. (MNA 9/6)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry travels to Europe on a trip intended to lobby for support for a strike on Syria, as well as discuss the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and meet with PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas in London, before returning to Washington. The itinerary also takes him to Lithuania—current holder of the presidency of the Council of the EU—and France. (AFP 9/5; AP 9/6)

U.S. Pres. Obama persuades 10 other leaders from the G20 nations to co-sign a statement urging a strong international response to the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Syrian govt., though the text does not explicitly endorse military action. Meanwhile, an unnamed State Dept. official tells the media that a strike on Syria would not fundamentally alter the balance of forces on the ground in the country’s civil war. (NYT, REU 9/6)

Supporters of ousted pres. Morsi clash with security forces and those who back the military in protests across Egypt. Two are killed nationwide, and dozens injured. There are demonstrations in Cairo, Alexandria, Suez, Fayoum, Damanhour, and a number of other towns and cities. (AFP, REU 9/6)

In the West Bank, IDF forces shoot and injure 1 Palestinian in clashes provoked by an IDF arrest raid in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nur Shams r.c. nr Tulkarm at night; patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, Jenin, and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Inside Israel, suspected Jewish extremists vandalize a monastery nr. Beit Shemesh and leave “price-tag” graffiti. (WAFA 8/21; PCHR 8/22)

Senior PLO official Hanan Ashrawi says that the Palestinians may turn to UN bodies in response to Israeli settlement construction even before the current peace negotiations have come to a conclusion. In remarks made during a tour of East Jerusalem settlements, Ashrawi tells journalists “if Israel does not stop, then we have to move.” Meanwhile, Israel’s High Court of Justice rules that 30 structures in the Amana outpost in the West Bank should be demolished, but gives no evacuation date and leaves room for an appeal. (AP, JP 8/21)

A suspected chemical weapons attack takes place in Ghouta, a rebel-held suburb of Damascus, with wildly differing claims of fatalities (from a few hundred to over 1,000). Opposition forces blame the Bashar al-Asad regime, a claim denied by the govt. The UNSC holds an emergency meeting in response and calls for clarity, welcoming Ban Ki-moon’s call for a prompt investigation by UN inspectors. The U.S.-France-UK-drafted res. was changed to accommodate objections from Russia and China. (AFP, REU 8/21)

EU FMs meet for an emergency session in response to events in Egypt and agree to suspend the sale of security equipment and arms. EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton says that “recent actions of the military have been disproportionate.” (NYT 8/19; AFP 8/21)

The Israeli governmentt announces it will confiscate the VAT tax revenues it has collected for the PA during 11/2012, and use the NIS 460 m. of funds to offset the PA’s debt to Israel’s Electric Corporation. On 11/11, Israel’s fin. min. Yuval Steinitz had warned of such a measure in response to the UN bid. (HA 12/2)

The Israeli newspaper Ha’Aretz reports that 5 senior European ambassadors—from Britain, France, the EU, Germany, and Holland—have communicated strong opposition to Israel’s 11/30 plan to expand settlements and develop the E1 area outside of East Jerusalem. An anonymous British diplomat tells the paper that ‘‘London is furious with the decision over the E1 corridor.’’ UN secy.-gen. Ban Ki-moon describes Israel’s plan as an ‘‘almost fatal blow’’ to prospects for peace. Israeli PM Netanyahu dismisses the international criticism at the weekly cabinet meeting, saying that Israel ‘‘will carry on building in Jerusalem and in all the places that are on the map of Israel’s strategic interests.’’ (AFP, HA, REU 12/2)

Addressing 1,000s of Palestinians in Ramallah on his return from the UN, Palestinian pres. Abbas says he will resume national reconciliation efforts soon. Jamal Ubeid, a mbr. of Fatah’s High Comm. in Gaza, announces that Hamas will allow 20 senior Fatah mbrs. who fled the Gaza Strip in 2007, when Hamas took over, to return. (AFP, MNA 12/2)

In the West Bank, Jewish settlers s. of Hebron set fire to a Palestinianowned car and vandalize a Palestinian house. The IDF patrols in Jenin, 2 villages nr. Qalqilya, and 1 village each nr. Jericho and Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Salfit at night. (PCHR 12/6)

Syrian rebels open fire on a Lebanese border patrol approaching the border, the 1st such clash between the 2 parties. There were no casualties. (REU 12/2)

An Israeli official tells the media that U.S.-Israeli efforts to soften the wording of the Palestinians’ resolution for the UNGA have failed, though reports indicate that the U.S. is still trying to convince key countries not to support it. Other reports suggest that the UK will back the bid if Abbas agrees not to use the upgrade to take Israel to the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague. France says it will vote in favor. (Guardian, HA, JP, REU 11/27)

Investigators exhume the remains of Yasser Arafat in Ramallah in order to seek possible traces of poison. A Palestinian medical team worked with Swiss, French, and Russian forensic teams, before the tomb is resealed. French magistrates opened a murder inquiry into Arafat’s death in August, following findings by a Swiss institute of high levels of polonium on Arafat’s clothing supplied by his widow Suha, as part of an Al Jazeera investigation. (AFP, REU 11/27)

Former Israeli FM Tzipi Livni announces that she is leaving the Kadima party and will run in the forthcoming elections as the head of a new party, Hatnua. A handful of Kadima MKs resign from the party and are expected to join her new party. (YA 11/27)

In Gaza, a Fatah delegation joins Hamas PM Ismail Haniyeh for a ceremony to honor families bereaved in Operation Pillar of Defense. Meanwhile, Palestinian factions hold a meeting in Gaza Strip and agree to hold a joint rally raising Palestinian flags to support the UN bid. (MNA 11/27)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF opens fire on farmers and civilians nr. Jabalya at the border fence, causing no injuries. The IDF opens fire nr. Rafah at Palestinians nr. the border, wounding 1. The IDF also fires warning shots at Palestinians collecting scrap metal nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Jenin, and conducts house searches and arrest raids in Tulkarm at night. Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails launch a 1-day hunger strike in solidarity with long-term hunger strikers Ayman Sharawna and Samer Issawi. (MNA 11/27; PCHR 11/29)

The IDF carries out air strikes on a number of targets in the Gaza Strip, killing 1 armed Palestinian and wounding a number of civilians. Palestinian groups fire around 100 rockets and mortars into Israel, causing 3 injuries and structural damage. Israeli PM Netanyahu tells the weekly cabinet meeting that the army is prepared to intensify its attacks; a number of ministers urge an escalation in military operations (such as assassinations), as well as other measures, like cutting off electricity. A source in Netanyahu’s office says that the PM is preparing international public opinion for a military operation in Gaza. (AP, HA 11/11; JP 11/12; PCHR 11/14)

U.S. pres. Barack Obama tells PA pres. Abbas that his administration opposes a Palestinian bid for non-state membership of the UN. Abbas tells a rally in Ramallah marking the anniversary of Yasir Arafat’s death that the PA is under huge pressure to stop the UN initiative, but that they would continue regardless, as it is intended to save the two-state solution. (AFP, JP 11/11)

PA pres. Abbas announces that Russia will join an international investigation into whether Yasir Arafat was murdered. French and Swiss experts will exhume the late Palestinian leader’s body later in the month, after an Al Jazeera report in July suggested he was murdered with polonium. (REU 11/11)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (firing rubber bullets and tear gas at children going to school) in the morning; patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 1 village nr. Ramallah. Israeli police deliver notices to 13 Israeli activists, banning them from taking part in weekly demonstrations in West Bank villages. (972mag 11/11; PCHR 11/14)

Israeli forces fire into Syria in what the military calls a warning, after stray munitions from fighting between Syrian troops and rebels hit the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The incident, described by Israel Radio as the 1st direct engagement of the Syrian military on the Golan since the countries’ 1973 war, highlights international fears that Syria’s civil war could ignite wider regional conflict. An Israeli security source said the military fired in the direction of a Syrian army mortar crew that had launched a shell that overshot the Golan disengagement fence on Sunday, exploding near a Jewish settlement without causing casualties. (REU 11/11)

In light of domestic security concerns, Egypt seals its border with Gaza, causing almost all trade through the smuggling tunnels along the Rafah border to cease, sparking hoarding by Gazans. Hamas authorities assure the public that it has enough fuel and food stockpiled to last several days, warning merchants against hiking prices. OCHA however—noting that Israel continues to cut off all industrial fuel imports to Gaza for a 3d week making Gaza all the more reliant on smuggled fuel—expresses concern that fuel shortages will quickly become a problem, affecting the ability of municipal authorities to provide electricity, water, and sewage treatment. Meanwhile, Hamas officials in Gaza report that at least 8 Hamas mbrs. jailed in Egypt are among those freed during prisons breaks and rioting across Egypt in recent days; at least 2 have already returned to Gaza through smuggling tunnels on the Rafah border. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in a village nr. Tulkarm during the day; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Hebron and nr. Jenin and Qalqilya (warning the mayor of Jayyus that his house would be turned into an IDF post if stone-throwing at troops fr. the village continued). (AFP, MNA 1/30; PCHR 2/3; OCHA 2/4)

With major protests (10,000s) in Egypt continuing unabated and a “march of millions” called for 2/1, the Obama admin. calls on Mubarak to facilitate an “orderly transition” to a more representative government but does not explicitly call on him to resign, with Secy. Clinton stressing “we are not advocating any specific outcome,” but “it needs to be done immediately.” France and Germany issue similar statements. Joint Chiefs of Staff head Adm. Mike Mullen phones Egyptian military chief of staff Gen. Sami Anan to express “his appreciation for the continued professionalism of the Egyptian military” in refusing to engage protesters. Amid signs that Mubarak’s regime might really topple, Egypt’s organized opposition parties, including the Muslim Brotherhood, huddle for most of the day to discuss whether they could project a united front to provide direction and leadership to the popular protests, choosing opposition figure and fmr. IAEA head Muhammad El-Baradei (as a nonthreatening figure to the West) to represent the opposition in negotiations with the government over a transition and naming 10 persons they would delegate to an interim unity government. But when El-Baradei speaks in Tahrir Square in the evening, demonstrators reject him, saying the opposition parties do not represent them. Fearing that outside forces could begin smuggling weapons into the country to back an overthrow, Egypt seals the Gaza border indefinitely and, with Israel’s permission, moves 2 battalions (800 soldiers) into the Sinai for the 1st time since the 1979 peace treaty was reached, requiring the area to be a demilitarized zone. Israeli officials hold nearly around-the-clock strategy meetings to discuss the implications for Israel if Mubarak’s government falls, fearing that Mubarak’s overthrow could strengthen Hamas in Gaza and destabilize Jordan, but seeing Mubarak’s appointment of Suleiman, who has overseen Israeli-Hamas prisoner release talks, as a hopeful sign. Netanyahu orders officials to stay publicly silent as events play out. (MNA, NYT, WP 1/30; NYT, WP, WT 1/31)

Some 1,000 international activists gather in Egypt in preparation for a 12/31 solidarity march to the Rafah border to mark the 1-yr. anniversary of Operation Cast Lead (OCL) and bring tens of thousands of dollars of humanitarian aid into Gaza, but Egypt vows to keep the border closed. French activists protest outside the French emb. in Cairo, while American activists visit the U.S. emb. Israel allows 3 container shipments of glass into Gaza for the first time since 6/07; says it will allow 3 containers of glass per day for 5 days a week for the next month (a total of 81 containers are allowed in as of 2/9, about 90 percent of what Israel had pledged). In the West Bank, Jewish settlers fr. Bet Ayn nr. Hebron attempt to force 2 Palestinian shepherds grazing their sheep on nearby Palestinian land to leave the area; when they refuse, 1 settler opens fire, hitting 1 shepherd in the shoulder; the IDF arrests both Palestinians while they are receiving medical care from paramedics. (NYT, PCHR 12/30; OCHA, PCHR 1/6; OCHA 2/11)

In Cairo, Mubarak and Netanyahu hold a 3-hr. mtg. to discuss the peace process. Afterward, Egyptian FM Ahmad Abu al-Ghayt publicly praises Netanyahu for raising new ideas for advancing the peace process. (NYT 12/30; HA 12/31; AFP, al-Dustur 1/5)

The Lebanese army directs symbolic anti-aircraft fire at 4 Israeli warplanes that violate Lebanese air space in s. Lebanon. (WT 12/30)

Israeli-Palestinian fighting in the West Bank and Gaza abates slightly but escalates again this evening, leaving at least 3 Palestinians dead. The most serious incident is in Nablus, where the IDF, implementing the Sharm agmts., turns over Joseph's Tomb to the PSF. Palestinians celebrating the IDF pullback overrun the PSF, destroy the tomb. In response, armed Jewish settlers roam areas around West Bank settlements, stoning and firing at Palestinian cars, killing 1 Palestinian. Inside Israel, Jews fr. Upper Nazareth rampage through Arab Nazareth throwing stones at Israeli Palestinians, sparking a riot; when Israeli Arabs start to fight back, Israeli riot police intervene, using tear gas and live ammunition, shooting dead 2 Israeli Arabs. In Tiberias, Jews vandalize a historic mosque. The IDF moves tanks into the West Bank to guard the Jewish settlement of Psagot, which has been the target of Palestinian sniping. At Rafah airport, Palestinians fire on a bus Israeli airport workers, injuring 8. Israel shuts the airport. (LAW 10/7; MENA, RL 10/7, al-Quds 10/8, AFP, Le Monde 10/10 in WNC 10/10; ADM, NYT, WP, WT 10/8; MM, NYT, WT 10/9; AYM 10/9, MA 10/10, 10/11 in WNC 10/12; NYT 10/10; WJW 10/12; MEI 10/13; WJW 10/19; WP 10/28)

Barak calls up IDF reservists, sets an ultimatum of 48 hrs. for Palestinians to halt their assaults on IDF outposts, Jewish settlements or "we will regard this as a cessation by Arafat of the peace process, and we will order the army to use all means at its disposal." Barak also says he is considering forming a "unity government" with Likud MK Sharon. (AYM 10/7, al-Quds 10/9 in WNC 10/12; NYT, WP, WT 10/8; AYM 10/8 in WNC 10/13; MM 10/9; Le Monde 10/10 in WNC 10/10; MM 10/11; JP, MEI 10/13)

Nr. Shaba` Farms, IDF soldiers fire across the blue line into Lebanon at 100s of Palestinian refugees staging a protest, killing 2, wounding 15. In response, Hizballah guerrillas cross into Golan Heights, kidnap 3 IDF soldiers; fire rockets at the IDF's Shaba` outpost, injuring 6 soldiers. Barak reinforces the border area, sends Israeli warplanes and attack helicopters into Lebanon to strike Hizballah targets, injuring 4 Lebanese civilians. U.S.'s Albright phones Lebanese pres. Lahoud, Syrian pres. Asad to urge them to intercede with Hizballah to release the IDF soldiers. France, Germany, the Red Cross, Russia, the UN open channels with Hizballah, which demands Israel release at least 19 Lebanese political prisoners (kidnaped by the IDF in Lebanon, held without trial for as long as 20 yrs.) in exchange for the soldiers. (CNN [Internet] 10/7; RL 10/7, AYM 10/8, Interfax 10/9, Le Monde 10/10 in WNC 10/10; NYT, WP, WT 10/8; Manar TV [Internet], MM, NYT, WT 10/9; al-Quds 10/9, DUS, al-Safir 10/10 in WNC 10/12; MM, NYT, WP 10/10; NYT, WJW, WP 10/12; JP, MEI 10/13; JP 10/27, 11/3)

After 6 days of debate, the UNSC passes (14 to 0, with the U.S. abstaining) a watered down resolution that condemns the "excessive use of force" against the Palestinians but does not mention Israel by name. U.S. Amb. Richard Holbrooke threatened to veto stronger language. (AP 10/7; NYT, WP, WT 10/8; AYM 10/8 in WNC 10/13; MM, NYT, WT 10/9; CSM, WP 10/10; MEI 10/13)

In Amman, Jordanian police open fire on Palestinian refugees demonstrating for the closure of the Israeli emb., killing 1, arresting 97. Demonstrations condemning Israeli violence, U.S. support of Israel are held in Bahrain, Canada, Egypt, France, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Turkey, the UAE, and Yemen. In the U.S., rallies are held in Albuquerque, Dearborn, New York. (BBC, al-Jazeera TV [Internet] 10/7; AFP, ATL, MENA 10/7, JT 10/8 in WNC 10/10; Daily Star 10/12 in WNC 10/13; Gulf News [Internet], NYT 10/8; MM 10/11; AYM 10/11 in WNC 10/12; MEI 10/13)

Israelis elect One Israel's Ehud Barak as PM with 56.1% of the vote, meaning no 6/1 runoff is needed. In the Knesset, 6 of the 15 parties to win seats are new, including the anti-Orthodox Shinui, formed 2 mos. ago, which won 6 seats. Control of right-wing parties shrinks, as Russians, other centrists gain, changing the balance of power. The ultra-Orthodox Shas, however, gains 7 new seats for total of 17 seats, security its place as the 3d largest party after Labor/One Israel (27, down fr. 34 seats), Likud (19 seats, down fr. 32 seats). The 1st Israeli Arab woman, Husniyya Jabara of Meretz, is also elected to parliament. Israel seals the West Bank, Gaza for the elections. Arab, Asian, European states, the U.S, and Russia welcome Barak's victory, hope it means the peace process will resume soon. (MM 5/17; AFP, LPA 5/17 in WNC 5/18; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/18; AFP, al-Ahram, Chungang Ilbo [Seoul], Interfax, JT, Kyodo [Tokyo], MENA, MKR, RE, RNE-1 Radio Network [Madrid], SANA, SAPA [Johannesburg], Taiwan Central News Agency, VOL, Xinhua [Beijing] 5/18 in WNC 5/19; al-Akhbar 5/18 in WNC 5/21; MENA 5/18, Athens News Agency, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, JT, LPA, RE, Sueddeutsche Zeitung [Munich] 5/19 in WNC 5/20; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 5/19; CSM, NYT, WJW 5/20; CSM, MEI, MM, NYT 5/21; JP 5/28; CSM 6/17)

In a victory speech, PM-elect Barak lists 4 "red lines" for peace negotiations with the Palestinian Authority (PA), promises to put any final status agmt. to a referendum by the Israeli public. (MM 5/18; JT 5/19 in WNC 5/20; MEI 5/21)

On the 3d day of his Washington visit, King Abdallah of Jordan meets with U.S. Secy. of State Madeleine Albright, calls for lifting sanctions on Iraq. U.S. urges France, Germany, other creditors to cancel Jordan's debt; encourages Jordan to seek additional U.S. economic assistance. In the afternoon, the king discusses trade issue with U.S. Commerce Secy. William Daley, receives reps. of various American Jewish groups at Blair House. (JT 5/17 in WNC 5/18; WP, WT 5/18; al-Ra'i 5/18 in WNC 5/20; MM 5/21)

Venezuela signs $20 m. deal to buy Israeli antiaircraft defense system. (YA 5/18 in WNC 5/19)

In s. Lebanon, Israeli Defense Force (IDF) shelling kills 2 civilians. (RL 5/17 in WNC 5/18; NYT, WP 5/18; RL 5/18 in WNC 5/19; WT 5/19)