The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Huwwara, causing damage. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Umm Safa, al-Mughayyir, Beit Duqqu, Hebron, Dura, and Beit Umar. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel was shot and killed in Baqa al-Gharbiyye, marking the 111th murder in the Palestinian community in Israel in 2022. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/29; HA, WAFA 12/30; PCHR 1/5; UNOCHA 1/16)

The Israeli military said it had filed indictments against 2 Druze soldiers who threw an explosive device at a Palestinian home near Bethlehem in November. (AJ, REU 12/29; AN, AP 12/30)

Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in as the new prime minister of Israel after winning the election on 11/1. Eli Cohen of the Likud Party was appointed foreign minister, Yoav Gallant of Likud defense minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir of Otzma Yehudit national security minister, and Bezalel Smotrich of the Religious Zionism Party as finance minister and a minister at the defense ministry in charge of the administration of the West Bank. (HA, MEE 12/28; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, AP, AX, AX, F24, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, REU, REU, SKY, TOI, WAFA 12/29; ALM, AX, WAFA 12/30 AP 1/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian farmer tending his land near Artas. Israeli settlers also threw stones at a school in ‘Urif, damaging solar panels. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian homes near Huwwara, causing damage. Israeli forces demolished 1 house under construction and 1 water well in Farsh al-Hawa. Israeli forces also issued stop-work orders for 6 homes under construction in Kafr ad-Dik. Elsewhere, Israeli forces sealed 1 water pipeline serving al-‘Awja. 24 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Beit Umar, Hebron, Beitunia, Askar refugee camp, al-Mudawwar, Ya‘bad, and Huwwara. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/15; PCHR, UNOCHA 12/22)

Members of Nizar Banat’s family called on the ICC to investigate the killing of Banat by PA security forces in June 2021. Banat was killed while being arrested by PA security officers. 14 security officers were later arrested but none of them have been convicted in relation to the killing. (AP, BBC, HA, MEE 12/15; ALM 12/20)

In an interview with NPR, Israeli prime-minister elect Benjamin Netanyahu said that he will not agree to a Palestinian state with full sovereignty. “[M]y formula is very simple . . . . The only peace that will hold is one that we can defend. And the one that we can defend is one in which the Palestinians have all the powers to govern themselves, but none of the powers to threaten our life, which means that security, in whatever political arrangements we'll have realistically will have to remain in Israel's hands.” The PA called Netanyahu’s remarks unacceptable. (NPR 12/15; MEMO, WAFA 12/17 MEMO 12/18)

Unilever said the legal dispute between it and its subsidiary Ben & Jerry’s over the sale of the license to manufacture and sell the ice cream company’s products in Israel had been resolved but did not offer any details. Ben & Jerry’s recently updated its website, removing Israel as one of the countries where consumers can buy its ice cream. (GDN 12/15; EI, MEE, MEMO 12/16)

The UN General Assembly passed the resolution, “The right of the Palestinian people to self-determination,” with 167 votes in favor, 6 against, and 9 abstentions. (UN 12/15; WAFA 12/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 30 olive tree saplings in Qarawat Bani Hassan. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man during a raid in Dheisheh refugee camp, 6 others were wounded. Israeli forces also arrested, Yahya al-Saadi, the son of senior Islamic Jihad commander Bassam al-Saadi during a raid in Jenin. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 mosque in Dura, 3 agricultural structures in Tarqumiyah, and issued a stop-work notice for 3 stores in Bayt Rima. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Khader and Hebron, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israel said that 2 Israeli soldiers were injured by an explosive device thrown at them near Aida refugee camp, causing light injuries. 16 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ni’lin, al-Bireh, Dheisheh refugee camp, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Shu’fat refugee camp. In the Naqab, Israeli forces demolished the Palestinian village al-Araqib for the 210th time since 2010. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/5; MEMO 12/6; PCHR 12/8; UNOCHA 12/16)

An Israeli court upheld a demolition order for an apartment building in Wadi Qaddum in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan, giving the resident until 12/7 to demolish the building. Approximately 100 Palestinians reside in the building. (WAFA 12/5)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh welcomed the EU and UN’s criticism of the 12/2 killing of a Palestinian in Huwwara but urged the organizations to take tangible action to hold Israel accountable. (WAFA 12/5)

PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki met with ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan, providing materials about Israeli war crimes against Palestinians. Chief Prosecutor Khan said that he aims to visit Palestine, Afghanistan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2023. (WAFA 12/5; MEMO, WAFA 12/6; TOI 12/7)

The U.S. weapons manufacture Lockheed Martin joined Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in developing a laser-based anti-missile system, dubbed the Iron Beam. (HA 12/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian minor with metal clubs in Hebron. Israeli settlers also stole 30 bee hives and olive harvesting equipment in Deir Sharaf. Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid in Jenin refugee camp; 3 were arrested. Israeli forces also demolished 2 Palestinian homes under construction in al-Ramadin and 2 commercial structures in Qalandia. Elsewhere, Israeli forces issued stop-work orders for 2 homes and 1 agricultural structure in Umm Lasfa in the Masafer Yatta area. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Kobar, Dura, and Beit Furik. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Isawiya and Silwan. (AJ, AP, F24, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/1; MEMO, WAFA 12/2; PCHR 12/8; UNOCHA 12/16)

Israel’s interior minister Ayelet Shaked ordered the deportation of Palestinian human rights lawyer Salah Hamouri to France. Hamouri, who is from East Jerusalem and held Israeli residency status until it was revoked in October 2021, is a French citizen. He has been held on administrative detention since March 2022. Interior Minister Shaked said Hamouri would be deported due to his alleged senior position in the PFLP. Amnesty International said that the deportation, scheduled for 12/4, would constitute a war crime. It was reported on 12/2 that Israel had postponed the deportation of Hamouri. (AI, ALM, AP, GDN, HA, IN, MDW, MEMO, TOI, WAFA 12/1; AJ, BBC 12/2; WAFA 12/3; MEMO 12/4; AP 12/6)

The UN said it had filed a complaint with Hamas authorities after finding a “man-made cavity” underneath an UNRWA school in Gaza. (F24, TOI 12/1)

Israeli prime minister-elect Benjamin Netanyahu made an agreement with the Religious Zionism Party leader Bezalel Smotrich, putting his party in charge of the settlement construction in the West Bank. (AJ, AP, IN, MEMO, REU, TOI 12/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 house under construction in Kafr ad-Dik and 1 agricultural structure in Birin. Israeli forces also demolished 2 homes near Hebron, displacing 12, demolished a nursery in al-Jib, and delivered a demolition notice against 1 school in Khashem al-Karm in the Masafer Yatta area. 3 Israeli soldiers also threw an explosive device at a house in Bethlehem; the 3, who are Druze citizens of Israel, were later arrested by Israel. 19 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Tuqu’, Hizma, Qatanna, al-Bireh, Qalqilya, Nil’in, Deir Sharaf, Tulkarm, and Tammun. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 6 Palestinian fishermen and seized their boat northwest of Rafah. (HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/28; PCHR 11/29; PCHR 12/1; UNOCHA 12/16)

The Israeli military reported a rise in Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians from 426 recorded incidents in 2021 to 838 in 2022. It also released data claiming that Palestinian attacks on Israeli forces and settlers had risen from 91 incidents in 2021 to 281 in 2022. The Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission said the number of attacks carried out by Israeli settlers and soldiers was 833 for the month of November. (HA 11/28; MEMO 11/29; MEMO 12/2)

Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid wrote a letter to more than 50 heads of state, urging them to pressure the PA not to move forward with a UNGA resolution calling for the International Court of Justice to provide a legal opinion on the Israeli occupation. The draft resolution was adopted by the UN special political and decolonization committee with 98 votes in favor on 11/11. In the letter, Prime Minister Lapid also asked the countries to vote against the resolution should it be brought to the assembly. (HA, MEMO, REU 11/29)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli soldier attacked 1 Israeli activist in Hebron, hitting him in the face after forcing him to the ground in Hebron; the activist was later sentenced to 5 days of house arrest and banned from entering Hebron for 2 weeks while the soldier was placed in detention for 28 days. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 10 with tear gas. In Israel, Israelis set fire to 8 vehicles and sprayed racist graffiti in Abu Ghosh and Ein Naqquba; 1 suspect was later arrested and put in administrative detention for 4 months for the torching of cars in Abu Ghosh. (HA, HA, MEE, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/25; HA 11/27; HA, HA 11/28; HA 11/29; PCHR 12/1; UNOCHA 12/16)

Israeli prime minister-elect Benjamin Netanyahu signed a coalition agreement with Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir which will see the party gain 3 ministerial positions, including public security minister. The position will also be renamed to national security minister and will have its powers extended, including oversight of the Border Police in the West Bank. A 2nd ministry set to be granted to Otzma Yehudit is the Ministry for the Development of the Negev and the Galilee, which will also be expanded to include oversight of settlement outposts in the West Bank. Several PA officials warned about the consequences of the Netanyahu-Ben-Gvir coalition. (AJ, HA, MEE, MEMO, REU 11/25; AP, MEMO, WAFA 11/26; MDW, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/27; WAFA, WAFA 11/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces issued notices to residents of al-Khader, Nahalin, and Artas that Israel will seize 320 dunams (79 acres) of land for expansion of the Daniel, Eliezer, and Efrat settlements. Israeli forces also demolished 1 house under construction in Azzun ‘Atma. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Nabi Salih. 45 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Beit Sira, Hebron, and Surif. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian home in Sur Baher, displacing 4. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/16; MEMO, PCHR 11/17; UNOCHA 11/25)

Israeli prime minister-elect Benjamin Netanyahu and Otzma Yehudit party leader Itamar Ben-Gvir agreed to amend the Disengagement Plan Implementation Law to allow Israeli settlers to repopulate the Homesh settlement outpost, create a yeshiva in the Evyatar settlement outpost, and to create infrastructure to several Israeli settlement outposts. The PA called on the international community to act to prevent the deal from being implemented. (HA, TOI, TOI 11/16; AJ, JP, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, TOI 11/17; BBC, MEMO, MEMO 11/18)

Germany and the PA signed an agreement worth $22 million to support vocational and technical education in the West Bank. (WAFA 11/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized more than 100 olive trees near Turmus ‘Ayya. Israeli settlers also vandalized 60 olive trees in Jalud, spraying them with chemicals. Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian home in Qibya and 1 Palestinian home east of Jericho. 21 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Balata refugee camp, Jenin, Qalqilya, and Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities demolished 1 bakery in Shu’fat refugee camp and 1 house under construction in Bayt Hanina. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Shu’fat refugee camp. In the Naqab, Israel began construction of a new town, Hiran, on the lands of Umm al-Hiran which Israel has slated for demolition. The demolition of Umm al-Hiran and construction of Hiran has been halted since 2017 when Israeli police killed 1 Palestinian man trying to protect his property. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/7; MEMO 11/8; MDW 11/9; PCHR 11/10; UNOCHA 11/13)

Israel imposed a ban on seafood and fish exports from Gaza to the West Bank, saying that 20 tons of fish were attempted to be smuggled from the West Bank to Israel. The collective punishment imposed on fishermen and workers in Gaza affected some 5,500 Palestinians employed in the industry. (HA 11/9; HA 11/10; MEMO 11/11)

1 Israeli settler succumbed to injuries sustained in a stabbing attack 2 weeks prior in al-Funduq. (HA 11/8)

Israeli forces arrested 1 Israeli settler accused of attacking Israeli forces and Palestinians. The man was later placed in administrative detention, the only Jewish person out of more than 800 administrative detainees, after an Israeli court only allowed Israeli police to hold him until 11/11. (HA 11/9)

1 Israeli settler was indicted by the Israeli state prosecutor’s office on terrorism-related charges for assaulting 1 Palestinian man in Sheikh Jarrah on 10/13. (HA 11/7)

U.S. president Joe Biden called incoming Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to congratulate him on his election. President Biden told Netanyahu, “[w]e're brothers, we'll make history together … my commitment to Israel is indisputable." (AJ, ALM, AX, HA 11/7)

The UN Human Rights Council established independent commission of inquiry began hearings in Geneva on Israeli human rights abuses. (AJ, MEMO, MEMO 11/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles in Hebron, causing damage. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man after he allegedly rammed his car into an Israeli soldier at the Beit Sira checkpoint, injuring the soldier. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian man driving near Kharas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 2 Palestinian homes in Jalbun and 2 Palestinian homes in al-Walaja. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ramallah, Aida refugee camp, Kafl Haris, Beita, Nablus, Nur Shams, ‘Azzun, and Aqabat Jaber refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested in Isawiya. In the Naqab, Israeli police shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor who was a bystander to a car chase in Ar‘arat an-Naqab. (AJ, HA, HA, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/2; PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 11/3; MDW 11/4; UNOCHA 11/13)

In the final communique from the 1st Arab Summit in 3 years, Arab state leaders pledged their continued to support for Palestine, said Jerusalem must be protected, condemned Israeli use of violence against Palestinians, and urged Israel to lift the blockade of Gaza. The 31st Arab Summit, held in Algeria, was the 1st since the UAE, Morocco, Bahrain, and Sudan normalized relations with Israel. At the summit PA president Mahmoud Abbas asked the participating countries to form 2 ministerial committees to support Palestine in international diplomacy. (AJ, HA, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/2; MEMO, MEMO 11/3)

A spokesperson for the newly appointed UK prime minister Rishi Sunak said that his government does not intend to move the British embassy to Israel to Jerusalem, walking back statements made by Prime Minister Sunak’s predecessor Liz Truss who resigned last month. Truss, who like Sunak had been appointed by the Conservative Party, had told Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid that her government would review moving the British embassy to Israel to Jerusalem last month. Truss served as prime minister for 45 days before resigning due to dissatisfaction with her policies and popularity among Conservative Party members. (MEE, WAFA 11/2; AJ, GDN, HA, JP, MEMO, REU, TOI 11/3; NA 11/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole olive harvests and harvesting equipment in Yasuf. Israeli settlers also razed Palestinian farmland in Wadi al-Faw. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Ramallah. Israeli forces demolished 3 Palestinian houses in al-Doyouk al-Tahta. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Arroub refugee camp, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces placed dirt mounds at the main entrance to ‘Azzun. 19 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jaba‘, Nablus, Iraq Burin, Biddu, Tuqu‘, Hebron, Dura, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished parts of their own home in the Old City. 2 Palestinians were arrested in Silwan and Jabel Mukaber. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 5 Palestinian fishermen and seized 1 boat. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/26; HA, MEMO, PCHR, PCHR, WAFA 10/27; UNOCHA 11/13)

Employees from the Israeli ministry of education inspected the bags of students from the al-Iman School in Beit Hanina looking for Palestinian textbooks. (WAFA 10/26; WAFA 10/27)

4 members of the Lion’s Den turned themselves in to the PA after negotiations with PA security officials. (HA 10/27)

In Syria, 4 people were reportedly killed in Israeli air strikes near Damascus. (AP 10/26; AJ, HA 10/27)

Axios reported that UAE foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan told former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the UAE has concerns about Netanyahu’s alliance with Itamar Ben-Gvir and the Otzma Yehudit party. According to Axios, foreign minister Al Nahyan told Netanyahu that a government that includes the Otzma Yehudit party could impact the UAE-Israel relationship. (AX, HA 10/26; MEMO 10/27)

Israel’s president Isaac Herzog met with U.S. president Joe Biden in Washington. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, REU 10/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stormed Khirbet Makhoul, harassing Palestinians in the village. Israeli settlers also vandalized 10 olive trees in Bruqin. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid in Jalazun refugee camp. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 8-year-old Palestinian with a baton round and arrested 2 other minors during a raid in Aida refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 5 with baton rounds. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 2 with tear gas canisters and others with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces seized 1 generator and construction equipment in al-Juwaya. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jalazun refugee camp, Hebron, and Beit Umar. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/30; PCHR 10/6; UNOCHA 10/16)

Booking.com published warnings for listings in the West Bank. Booking.com had initially said it would will add a human rights warning to properties in the West Bank owned by Israeli settlers and add the word “occupied” to text referring to those properties. The final version was much more ambiguous as it referred to the listings as “conflict-affected,” following an Israeli pressure campaign. Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid called the successful pressure campaign an important step “in the fight against delegitimization.” (AJ, HA, MEE 9/19; WAFA 9/20; AP 9/30; HA, REU 10/1; MEE 10/2; AJ 10/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Burqa, causing damage. 1 7-year-old Palestinian child died during an Israeli house raid in Taqqua; the boy’s uncle said the child died of a heart attack when the Israeli forces entered his home and that he did not have any prior medical history. The U.S. state department called for “an immediate and through investigation” into the incident but later clarified that it believed Israel’s investigation was sufficient. Israeli forces also seized 1 bus in Ras al-Ahmar. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians during a raid in Dura. Israeli forces also demolished 1 Palestinian home in Artas. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Biddu, Beit Umar, Hebron, and Qalqilya. A general strike was observed in Jenin in protest over the killing of 4 Palestinians on 9/28. In East Jerusalem, 15 Palestinians were arrested in Isawiya, al-Tur, Sheikh Jarrah, Wadi Juz, and Silwan. (AA, AP, AX, HA, JP, MEE, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/29; AJ, AP, HA, MEE, NA, NAT, TOI, UNOCHA, WAFA 9/30; HA 10/2; MEE 10/3; AP, PCHR 10/6; MDW 10/7; UNOCHA 10/16)

The Israeli military announced that it will supply settlement outposts, deemed illegal by the Israeli government, with observation and warning systems, lighting, public address systems, and firefighting equipment. The move was approved by the Israeli ministry of justice. (HA 9/29)

The Israeli interior minister Ayelet Shaked informed 17 Palestinians, who are relatives of a Palestinian accused of killing 4 Israeli soldiers in 2017, that if they do not leave East Jerusalem for the West Bank by 10/7, they will be forcefully removed by Israeli forces. Interior Minister Shaked also told public security minister Omer Bar-Lev to prepare for the forced expulsion. (HA 9/29)

The Israeli central election committee barred the Palestinian party Balad from running in the upcoming Israeli parliamentary elections. Balad chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh said his party will appeal the decision, which he called “an attempt by Gantz and Lapid to engineer the Arab leadership according to their political needs. Just like the party came out stronger following previous attempts to disqualify us and to disqualify our platform, it won't work this time as well.” Balad was banned from running based on its platform, which calls for Israel to be a state for all its citizens and thus not a Jewish state. The Israeli attorney general had on 9/27 presented an opinion that Balad should not be banned from running. The election committee also rejected a request to bar Ra’am from running. (HA, WAFA 9/29; MEMO 9/30)

Al Monitor reported that Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid’s office had rejected a request by PA president Mahmoud Abbas’s office to arrange a phone call between the 2 on the occasion of the Jewish new year on 9/25. (ALM 9/29)

The Lebanese parliament failed to elect a new president of the country as more than half of the votes by 128 members were blank. (AP, HA, MEMO, REU 9/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Huwwara, causing damage. 1 Israeli settler shot and killed 1 Palestinian man after he allegedly stabbed 2 Israeli settlers and sprayed 5 others with pepper spray near Beit Sira. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian man who crashed his car in Huwwara; it was unclear what caused the man to lose control of his car. Israeli forces also shot and injured 3 Palestinians during a raid in Beit Umar. Elsewhere, Israeli forces assaulted 1 Palestinian woman during a house raid in Hebron, causing bruises. Israeli forces also demolished 1 residential structure in al-Rakiz in the Masafer Yatta area, displacing 10. (AP, HA, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/22; PCHR 9/29; UNOCHA 9/30)

1 Palestinian man was released from prison on the condition that he does not enter his own land for 30 days. An Israeli military court said that video evidence of the incident on 9/12 where the man allegedly assaulted a settler complicated the narrative told by the Israeli settlers. The video shows that the man was approached by armed Israeli settlers in al-Twana before they assaulted him, breaking both his arms. 1 Israeli settler was injured in the incident. (HA 9/22)

Israel’s defense minister approved issuing an additional 1,500 work permits to Palestinians in Gaza, raising the number to 17,000. (HA 9/22)

Israel released the imam of the Great Omari Mosque in Lydda, Sheikh Yousef al-Baz, from house arrest. Al-Baz was arrested on 6/17 over claims of incitement. (MEMO 9/23)

A boat carrying between 120 and 150 refugees capsized off the coast of Syria. By 9/24, at least 94 were confirmed dead. Many of the deceased were Palestinian refugees from Lebanon. (REU 9/23; REU, WAFA 9/24)

At the UNGA, Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid said that he supports a 2-state solution and underscored that an Israeli prime minister had not voiced support for a 2-state solution at the UNGA “for many years.” Prime minister Lapid said his condition for a 2-state solution is that “a future Palestinian state will be a peaceful one. That it will not become another terror base from which to threaten the well-being, and the very existence of Israel. That we will have the ability to protect the security of all the citizens of Israel, at all times.” Lapid also called for more Arab and Muslim countries to normalize relations with Israel. U.S. president Joe Biden called Lapid’s statement on a 2-state solution “courageous.” (HA 9/21; AX, HA, HA, JP, MEE, MEMO, REU, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WSJ 9/22; ALM, ALM, F24, HA, HA, HA, HA 9/23; HA 9/24)

It was reported that Israel had agreed to sell Rafael’s SPYDER mobile interceptors to the UAE for its air defense. (HA 9/22; AJ, REU 9/23)

Israeli alternate prime minister Naftali Bennett used his veto to pull Israel out of the EU Creative Europe funding program over the EU demand that funds would not be used for artists in West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Golan Heights settlements. When the Israeli government provisionally approved partaking in the EU program in June, it also said it would set up a scheme to compensate the occupied areas excluded by the EU. (HA 9/23)

A study commissioned by Meta found that its platforms Facebook and Instagram had silenced some of their Palestinian users during Israel’s May 2021 assault on Gaza and subsequent unrest in Israel and East Jerusalem. “Meta’s actions in May 2021 appear to have had an adverse human rights impact… on the rights of Palestinian users to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, political participation, and non-discrimination, and therefore on the ability of Palestinians to share information and insights about their experiences as they occurred,” the study found. (INT 9/21; AP, MEE, META, WAFA 9/22; WAFA 9/24)

The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee met in New York. Sweden and Jordan also co-hosted a meeting to find ways to help the UNRWA gap its chronic underfunding. (Reliefweb 9/22; WAFA 9/23)

In the West Bank, 2 Palestinians, including a member of the PA security service’s intelligence branch, and the Israeli deputy commander of the Nahal brigade’s special reconnaissance unit, were killed during an exchange of gunfire near the Jalamah checkpoint. Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades said the 2 Palestinians were members of its organization. Israeli forces raided Burqa, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolished 2 agricultural structures and 20 olive trees in Rujeib, delivered stop-work notices for 1 house and 1 agricultural structure in Husan and demolition notices against 3 residential tents in Ras al-Ahmar. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seized 2 residential tents in the Masafer Yatta area. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jamma‘in, ‘Ayn Bus, Nablus, al-Janiya, Silwad, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 at a checkpoint and 1 in Isawiya. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/14; HA, PCHR 9/15; UNOCHA 9/16; UNOCHA 9/30)

Israel shut down the Jalamah and Salem checkpoints and prohibited Palestinians from Kafr Dan from entering Israel as a punitive measure for the early morning shooting (see above). Both the Palestinians killed were from Kafr Dan. (HA 9/14)

It was reported that Palestinian children in Tuba had been unable to attend school for 2 days as Israeli soldiers began refusing escorting the children to their school. Since 2004, Israeli soldiers have escorted children in Tuba to their school to protect them from settler attacks. Residents in Tuba said they believe canceling the escorting of the children was related to an incident on 9/12 where 1 Israeli settler was reported injured nearby after armed Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians working their land. The Israeli military said that they had not changed their policy, but had decided to temporarily cancel the escorts. (HA 9/14)

The U.S. senate foreign relations committee passed an amendment to the Manager’s package of the State Department Authorization Act, requiring secretary of state Antony Blinken to submit a report on the circumstances surround the killing of Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. (HA 9/15; WAFA 9/16)

U.S. assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs Barbara Leaf told reporters that the U.S. is concerned about the security situation in the West Bank and cited economic conditions as a direct factor. (AX, HA 9/14; MEMO 9/15)

Axios reported that the EU special envoy for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process Sven Koopmans had complained to the Israeli foreign ministry that his requests for meetings with prime minister Yair Lapid, president Isaac Herzog, and defense minister Benny Gantz had been denied. (AX 9/14)

In an interview with the French newspaper Le Point, Qatari leader Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani dismissed the idea of normalizing relations with Israel, saying “are things normal in Israel? No! There are still occupied Arab lands, refugees who have not been able to return to their homes for over 70 years, Muslims and Christians, living under siege in Gaza.” Sheikh Al Thani further called the “Israeli-Palestinian question” the most important, saying there will not be peace in the Middle East without it being solved. (HA, LePoint 9/14)

UN commissioner Lynn Welchman criticized Israel for its air strike on the Damascus Airport in June, which suspended UN deliveries of humanitarian aid to Syrians. (AP, HA, REU 9/14; MEE 9/15)

The Washington Post reported that in the upcoming book, The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021 by Peter Baker and Susan Glasser, it is said that former U.S. president Donald Trump offered King Abdullah II of Jordan the West Bank. According to the authors’ sources, King Abdullah said he thought he was having a heart attack when he was made the offer. (WP 9/14; HA, JP, MEE, TOI 9/15)

In the West Bank, armed Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians working their land near Tuba, injuring 1 Palestinian; 1 settler was also reported injured. Israeli forces subsequently arrested 1 Palestinian. A video of the incident showed Israeli settlers firing several shots and aiming their gun at Palestinians. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jenin, Ya‘bad, Jalazun refugee camp, al-‘Amari refugee camp, Qalandia refugee camp, Hebron, Bayt Awa, Bethlehem, and Aida refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Beit Lahiya and northwest of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of Dayr al-Balah. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/12; HA, MDW, WAFA 9/13; HA 9/14; HA, PCHR 9/15; UNOCHA 9/16)

The Israeli supreme planning council approved expanding the road leading to the Israeli settlement Har Gilo south of Jerusalem. The widening of the road is a planned precursor to building a new settlement next to Har Gilo, which will completely enclose al-Walaja. The new settlement, if constructed, will add 560 new settlement units next to Har Gilo. (HA 9/12; PCN 9/13)

Religious Zionist party chairman Bezalel Smotrich called for Israel to ban Palestinian parties in Israel during a speech on counterterrorism at Richman University. Smotrich’s party list, which is merged with Jewish Power, is polling to become the 4th largest in Israel at the 11/1 elections. (HA 9/12)

Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid met with German chancellor Olaf Scholz and foreign minister Annalena Baerbock during the 2d day of his visit to Germany. Prime Minister Lapid said that the 2 countries are in talks with Germany about buying the Arrow 3 missile defense system from Israel. (ALM, HA, MEE, REU, REU 9/12)

In the West Bank, 4 Israeli soldiers were injured by an explosive device thrown at them at a military checkpoint near Nabi Saleh. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near the Ofra settlement, seriously injuring 1 Palestinian. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian and injured 1 other during a raid in Qabatiya; 5 were arrested. Israeli forces also delivered a demolition notice against retaining walls in al-Khader. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ramallah, al-Bireh, Nablus, Qabalan, Hebron, and Bani Na’im. (ABC, AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEMO, NA, PCHR, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/5; PCHR 9/8; UNOCHA 9/16)

Israel said its probe into the death of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh found that an Israeli soldier “highly probably” shot and killed Abu Akleh in Jenin on 5/11. The Israeli army claimed that Abu Akleh likely was shot by a soldier using a telescopic scope, misidentifying Abu Akleh as a Palestinian militant during crossfire. Abu Akleh was wearing a vest and helmet clearly marking her as a journalist and eyewitnesses and several independent investigations have concluded that no crossfire happened during the killing of Abu Akleh. The Israeli military advocate general’s office said that it will not open an investigation into any potential wrongdoing by any of the soldiers involved. PA president Mahmoud Abbas condemned Israel’s report, calling it “another Israeli attempt to evade responsibility for murder.” U.S. state department spokesperson Ned Price said “[w]e welcome Israel’s review of this tragic incident, and again underscore the importance of accountability in this case, such as policies and procedures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.” (AA, AJ, AJ, AJ, AX, DW, FOX, GDN, HA, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, MEMO, NBC, NPR, NYT, REU, TOI, SKY, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WSJ 9/5; AJ, AP, CNN, HA, HA, JP, MEMO, REU, WAFA 9/6; ALM, GDN, MEE, MEMO 9/7; AP, HA 9/8; HA 9/12)

Haaretz reported that the Israeli civil administration was seeking to legalize 30 of 35 agricultural settlement outposts using a new regulation that allows legalizing outposts on “state land.” The move will need the approval of the defense minister and justice ministry. (HA, HA, MEE 9/5)

The Jerusalem municipality planning and building committee approved construction of 700 new settlement units in East Jerusalem in the Givat HaShaked settlement adjacent to Beit Safafa. In addition to the housing units, a school and commercial buildings were also approved. (ABC, AP, HA, PCN 9/5; MEMO 9/7)

Israel delayed the implementation of new regulations for foreigners visiting the West Bank outside of Israeli settlements after criticism from the U.S. and others. The coordinator of government activities in the territories (COGAT) also updated the new regulations called “Procedure for entry and residence of foreigners in the Judea and Samaria area,” scrapping some of the most controversial new rules, such as forcing foreign spouses of Palestinians to leave the West Bank for a minimum of 6 months for a “cooling off” period and requiring foreigners to tell the Israeli government if they have started a relationship with a Palestinian resident of the West Bank. U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides expressed concerns regarding Israeli limitations to who can study and teach at Palestinian academic institutions. The regulations were originally released by COGAT in April. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh called the regulations racist and said they were aimed at Palestinians with foreign passports. (MEE, TOI, WAFA 9/3; JP, MEMO, TOI 9/4; AJ, AJ, AP, CNN, MDW, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 9/5; HA 9/7)

The EU provided $35 million to the PA to help pay for salaries and pensions for August. (WAFA 9/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers tried to enter ‘Urif, but were repelled by Palestinians. Israeli forces razed land, uprooted 50 olive trees, and demolished 2 agricultural structures and 1 house under construction in Tuqu‘. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwad, Kifl Haris, Idhna, Hebron, and Beit Umar; 1 Palestinian was injured by live ammunition during the raid in Silwad and 1 was hit by a baton round; others suffered tear-gas related injuries during the raid in Beit Umar. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen northwest of Rafah and seized 3 boats carrying 2 generators and flashlights. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of al-Fukhari. In the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, 1 Israeli soldier died during a military exercise involving a tank. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/31; PCHR, PCHR 9/1)

Khalil Awawdeh suspended his over-170-day hunger strike to protest his administrative detention after Israel said it would not extend his administrative detention period beyond 10/2. Haaretz reported that Egyptian security officials had been mediating between Islamic Jihad and Israel to secure Awawdeh’s release and that talks continued for the release of Bassam al-Saadi. Their release was reportedly a demand by Islamic Jihad for agreeing to the ceasefire after Operation Breaking Dawn. Awawdeh is currently hospitalized for treatment related to his hunger strike. (MEE 8/29; AJ 8/30; AJ, AP, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA 8/31; MDW 9/1)

The Palestinian Prisoners’ Club said that more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners would launch a hunger strike on 9/1 in protest against Israeli punitive measures against prisoners implemented since February, including limited yard time and constant transfer of prisoners. The mass hunger strike was called off after the Israeli prison service gave in to the prisoners’ demands. (HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 8/31; MEE, WAFA 9/1)

Israel imposed sanctions on 20 companies and individuals alleged to be involved in financing Hamas. The companies and individuals are in Sudan, Turkey, Algeria, and the UAE. (ALM, AP 8/31)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with U.S. deputy assistant secretary for Israeli and Palestinian affairs Hady Amr in Ramallah. Prime Minister Shtayyeh called on Deputy Assistant Secretary Amr to ensure that the Biden administration will fulfill its promises to the Palestinian people. (WAFA 8/31)

In Syria, Israeli forces fired missiles at the Aleppo airport and near Damascus, causing damage. (AJ, AP, REU 8/31; REU 9/1; AP, HA 9/2)

U.S. president Joe Biden and Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid spoke on the phone, discussing the U.S. reentering the Iran Nuclear Deal and both countries’ commitment to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. (AJ, REU 8/31)

The UN security council passed a resolution extending the UNIFIL mandate until 8/31/2023 and condemning harassment of UNIFIL personnel in southern Lebanon. (AP 8/31)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 1 child with live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Taqqua, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered a demolition notice for an EU-funded school in al-Samiya. Israeli forces also demolished 1 house and 1 agricultural structure in al-‘Awja and 1 carpentry shop in Husan, and delivered 4 demolition orders for houses in Fasayil. 11 Palestinians were arrested in al-Mughayyir, Deir Jarir, Abud, Jaba‘, al-Khader, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Bayt Hanina, displacing 6, including 4 children. 3 Palestinians were arrested at the Mount of Olives. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/10; MEMO, PCHR 8/11; AN 8/15; UNOCHA 8/19)

The Israeli government told the supreme court that the Homesh settlement outpost will be evacuated, but that no time frame has been set. (HA 8/10)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with Türkiye president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Konya. Prime minister Shtayyeh also met with president of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. (WAFA 8/10)

U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides said in an interview that the U.S. fully backed Israel’s attack on Gaza over the weekend, calling Islamic Jihad “bad guys.” Ambassador Nides further said that the U.S. was not informed about Israel’s Operation Breaking Dawn beforehand but was not surprised. (TOI 8/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man during a late-night raid in Jaba‘; the PA called the killing a “summary execution.” Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a raid in Jenin refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces held military drills in the Masafer Yatta area, hitting 1 home with live ammunition. 42 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwad, Ni‘lin, Tarqumiyah, Hebron, Jayyus, Nur Shams refugee camp, and Jenin refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Jabaliya; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/6; PCHR 7/7; HA 7/13; UNOCHA 7/22)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke to Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid in a phone call. According to Axios, Secretary Blinken told Prime Minister Lapid that the Biden administration expects to see accountability in the killing of Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. (AX 7/7)

In Syria, 1 person was killed in an Israeli air strike on Hader near the Quneitra province. (HA 7/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 3 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a funeral procession in Beit Umar by attacking the pallbearers. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 17 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protesters in Ein al-Beida and al-Juwaya in the Masafer Yatta area, arresting 5 international activists and causing tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces seized 1 tractor and farm equipment in al-‘Awja. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-nights raid in Burqa, ‘Askar refugee camp, al-Yamun, and al-Dahariya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/1; PCHR 7/7; UNOCHA 7/22)

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report that Palestinian security forces in the West Bank and Gaza systematically torture critics of the PA and Hamas in their detention. HRW called on countries donating to PA security forces to cut off their funding and for the ICC to investigate the issue. HRW said that Palestinian security forces use solitary confinement, beatings, and stress positions to punish and intimidate critics and political opponents and to elicit confessions. (AP, HA, JP, REU 7/1)

It was reported that newly appointed Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid would move into a house seized by Israel from a Palestinian family who fled Jerusalem during the Nakba. The house, Villa Hanna Salameh on Balfour Street, will serve as Prime Minister Lapid’s temporary housing until renovations at the prime minister’s official residence has been completed. (HA, MEE 7/1)

31 Democrats in the House of Representatives sent a letter to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken expressing concern over Israeli plans to construct settlements in the E-1 area of the West Bank. The Democrats were led by Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL). (Mark Pocan 7/1; WAFA 7/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed 2 dunums (0.5 acres) of Palestinian farmland near Kisan. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinians at the Deir Sharaf junction, injuring 1. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Silat ad-Dhahr, damaging 1. Israeli settlers also chased Palestinian herders in Khillet Makhoul; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces delivered a demolition order for 1 greenhouse in Tubas, 3 stop-work orders for residential structures in Masafer Yatta, 2 stop-work orders against homes in Rujeib, and seized 1 tractor in al-Zawiyeh. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Hebron, Ramallah, and Dheisheh refugee camp. In East Jerusalem 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids. In Gaza, 3 Palestinians were arrested near the Gaza Fence east of Rafah. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/20; WAFA, WAFA 6/21; PCHR 6/23; UNOCHA 7/2)

Israeli police indicted 1 Israeli settler for attacks on left-wing Israeli activists in the Masafer Yatta area on 6/10. The settler was indicted on charges of assault, armed assault, and intentionally damaging a vehicle. (HA 6/20)

The New York Times reported that its own investigation into the killing of Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh concluded that the bullet that killed Abu Akleh on 5/11 was fired from the location of an Israeli military convoy and “most likely by a soldier from an elite unit.” It also concluded that there were no armed Palestinians near where Abu Akleh was killed. Investigations by CNN, Bellingcat, B’Tselem, and many other organizations have also found that Israeli soldiers deliberately killed Abu Akleh. (AJ, NYT, WAFA 6/20)

Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett and foreign minister Yair Lapid held a press conference announcing that they have decided to hold a vote next week to dissolve the Knesset. If the vote passes, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid will be caretaker prime minister until new elections are held on 10/25. In a joint statement, the 2 ministers said that they had “exhausted options to stabilize” the government coalition. Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Bennett was mulling retiring from politics. A decisive factor in the government coalition’s collapse was the failure to extend the emergency regulations extending Israeli law to Israeli settlers, which will be automatically extended if the Knesset is dissolved. (HA 6/19; AJ, ALM, ALM, AX, DW, F24, GDN, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, MEMO, NPR, NYT, REU 6/20; ABC, ALM, ALM, AP, AP, CNN, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, IN, JP, MEE, REU, TOI 6/21; ALM, CNN 6/22)

Prime Minister Bennett also claimed that Türkiye, in coordination with Israel, had arrested several people said to be planning attacks against Israelis in Türkiye. It was reported that the people arrested were working on behalf of Iran. Foreign Minister Yair Lapid is expected to travel to Türkiye on 6/23. On 6/19, Israel’s president Isaac Herzog spoke to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, thanking him for his country’s effort to arrest the potential attackers. (HA, HA, REU 6/19; HA 6/20)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz told the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that Israel and partners in the Middle East had begun working together on air force cooperation against Iran, calling the cooperation the “Middle East Air Defense Alliance.” Defense minister Gantz said that he continues to work with the U.S. to strengthen the cooperation with Middle East countries. (AP, HA  NYT, REU 6/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition during a late-night raid in al-Bireh. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting a raid in Jalazun refugee camp, injuring 1 minor with a baton round. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian home under construction in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp. Israeli forces also demolished 1 Palestinian home and delivered a stop-work notice to another in al-Twana in the Masafer Yatta area. 15 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Bireh, Silwad, ‘Askar refugee camp, Beita, Qabatiya, al-Arroub refugee camp, Hebron, al-Ubeidiya, Beitunia, Silwad, and Fasayil. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers raided Silwan, leading to a confrontation between Palestinians and Israeli police; 3 were injured by shrapnel from tear gas canisters and 2 were arrested. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/13; PCHR 6/16; UNOCHA 6/17)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas arrived in Nicosia, Cyprus, for a 3-day trip. President Abbas is scheduled to meet Cypriot president Nicos Anastasiades, other government officials, and church leaders. (WAFA 6/13; WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/14; WAFA, WAFA 6/15)

An Israeli public opinion poll conducted by Channel 12 found that 56% of Israelis are opposed to having a Palestinian party as a member of the Israeli government coalition, while 31% was found to be in favor. (HA 6/13)

The U.S. White House announced that president Joe Biden will visit Palestine, Israel, and Saudi Arabia on 7/13-7/16, after the trip was postponed. The trip was originally scheduled for June. During his trip, President Biden is scheduled to meet with PA president Mahmoud Abbas, Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett, and Saudi crown price Mohammed bin Salman. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, REU, REU, REU 6/14; WAFA 6/15)

Iran’s Fars News reported that 1 employee at the Semnan Space Center was killed while on a mission. The reporting followed the death of an Iranian aerospace expert working for the Revolutionary Guard on 6/12. The initial reporting said the man was killed in a car accident. Several Iranians linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, nuclear, and missile programs have been killed or mysteriously died in the past weeks. The New York Times reported that Iranian officials believe that Israel poisoned 2 Iranian scientists who died earlier this month after falling ill in May. (AJ, HA, HA, NYT 6/13; HA 6/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers destroyed a memorial for 1 Palestinian rights activist who was killed by Israeli forces on 1/5 in Umm al-Khair. Israeli settlers also assaulted 1 Palestinian farmer in Kisan. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured 3 by live ammunition and 2 with baton rounds during a raid in Halhul. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition during a raid in Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians with live ammunition during a raid in Jenin refugee camp. Israeli forces also raided Jayyus, injuring 1 Palestinian with live ammunition and confiscating 1 bulldozer. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolished an apartment building under construction in Beit Jala. Israeli forces also delivered a punitive demolition notice and took measurements for a separate punitive demolition in Rumana. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Baytin, al-Mazra‘a ash-Sharqiya, Tell, Tammun, Nur Shams refugee camp, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 9 Palestinians were arrested, and 1 Palestinian was assaulted before being taken to a hospital for treatment during a late-night raid in Isawiya and the Old City. (AJ, AN, AP, HA, MEE, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/9; AA, PCHR 6/10; PCHR 6/16; UNOCHA 6/17)

Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett met with UAE president Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. Israeli media speculated if the meeting was part of Israeli and U.S. preparations to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, NYT, REU 6/9; HA 6/10)

Israel announced that Israeli citizens will be able to travel to the Qatar 2022 soccer World Cup, despite Israel and Qatar not having formal relations. Foreign minister Yair Lapid said the development “opens a new door for us to warm ties [with Qatar].” Israel is not qualified for the World Cup in Qatar. (MEE, REU 6/9)

The U.S. state department announced that the Palestinian Affairs Unit at the Israeli embassy will change its name to U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs and start reporting directly to the Near Eastern Affairs Bureau in the State Department “on substantive matters” instead of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem. The diplomatic representative to the PA was also changed from U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides to Hady Amr, who was promoted to the state department envoy to Palestinians. The PA has demanded that the Biden administration uphold president Joe Biden’s promises made during his presidential campaign, including to reopen the U.S. consulate to Palestinians in Jerusalem. (AJ, AP, AX, GDN, HA, MEE, REU 6/9; JP 6/12)

A bipartisan group of members of the U.S. house and senate introduced legislation that would require the defense department to submit a strategy for an integrated air and missile defense system for Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman within 180 days. The bill, “the Deterring Enemy Forces and Enabling National Defenses Act of 2022,” was described as an effort to bolster Israeli ties with countries in the Middle East. The senate version of the bill was introduced by Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and James Lankford (R-OK), while the house version was introduced by Brad Schneider (D-IL), David Trone (D-MD), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Ann Wagner (R-MO), and Don Bacon (R-NE). (HA 6/9)

The director general of the international atomic energy agency (IAEA) Rafael Grosso warned that Iran is in the process of removing 27 surveillance cameras from the country’s nuclear sites. The Iranian move comes as the progress in talks for the U.S. to renter the Iran nuclear deal has stalled, and Israel has intensified its assassinations of Iranian military personnel and scientists. Director General Grosso said that Iran would leave some 40 surveillance cameras at its nuclear facilities. The announcement came 1 day after 30 members of the IAEA board released a joint statement urging Iran to cooperate with the agency. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU 6/8; AJ, AP 6/9; AP 6/10)

A study by the organization AirPressure.info found that Israel has violated Lebanese air space 22,000 times in the past 15 years. (GDN, MEE 6/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 4 houses, 8 water wells, and 1 agricultural structure in a-Tabban in the Masafer Yatta area and stop-work notices for 2 water wells and 1 agricultural structure in Zif. Israeli forces also sealed a well in Beit Lid. Elsewhere, Israeli forces prevented Palestinians from working their land in Qusra. Israeli forces also fired tear gas at Palestinians trying to enter Israel for work at the separation wall near Jenin. 15 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, representatives from the EU and UN visited Palestinians in Silwan who are threatened by Israeli demolitions and displacement. Israeli forces shot and injured 3 minors with baton rounds on the Jerusalem-Ramallah street. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids. In the Naqab, Israeli forces demolished al-Araqib for the 202d time since 2000. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/7; PCHR 6/9; UNOCHA 6/17)

The PA finance ministry said it would pay PA employees 80% of their wages as it continues to be unable to pay its employees in full due to Israel’s withholding of parts of the PA tax revenue. (REU 6/7)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with German vice chancellor and economy and energy minister Robert Habeck in Ramallah. The 2 discussed German support for energy projects in Palestine. Prime Minister Shtayyeh briefed Vice Chancellor Habeck on Israeli violations against Palestinians. Shtayyeh also called on the international community to create a political horizon for ending the Israeli occupation and for Germany to exert pressure on Israel to allow the PA to hold elections in East Jerusalem. (WAFA 6/7)

UN human rights council’s commission of inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, released its 1st report since receiving its mandate on 5/27/2021. In its report, it pointed to Israel’s continued occupation of Palestinian territory and discrimination against Palestinians as a key factor in recurrent tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. 2d, the report noted Palestinian resentment is fueled by lack of consequences for Israeli human rights violations. A commissioner working on the report said that “Israel clearly has no intentions of ending the occupation. In fact, it has established clear policies to ensure complete permanent control over the Occupied Palestinian Territory.” The report also criticized the PA and Hamas for using the occupation as justification for human rights violations against their own people. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, UNOCHR, WAFA 6/7; MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 6/8)

Israeli ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan was elected vice president of the 77th session of the UN general assembly (UNGA), along with 20 others. The appointment will see Ambassador Erdan chair UNGA meetings and being part of agenda selection. Erdan will serve for 1 year, starting in September. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said that the PA leadership was “surprised by and deplore the election of Israel's ambassador to the United Nations for the position of Vice President of the United Nations General Assembly, which we consider an attempt to promote and legitimize the colonial occupation regime on the land of the State of Palestine.” (JP 6/7; TOI 6/8; MEE 6/9; WAFA 6/13)

In the West Bank, PA forces arrested 9 Palestinian protesters during a general strike in Hebron over rising food prices. Food prices have been rising throughout the world due to Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian wheat and global supply chain issues. In Palestine, prices on flour, sugar, and cooking oil have risen up to 30% in the last quarter. 1 Israeli settler opened fire at Palestinians, claiming they had thrown stones at him; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces delivered a demolition notice for part of a Palestinian home in al-Rakiz in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also raided Nabi Salih, firing tear gas at Palestinians protesting the incursion; no injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a Palestinian protest in Tubas, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also delivered notices to Palestinians in Tarqumiyah informing them that 600 dunams (148 acres) of agricultural land will be seized by Israel to expand the settlements of Telem and Adora. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided Silwan, firing tear gas at Palestinians and causing injuries. In Jerusalem, Israeli right-wing activists raided the Greek Garden and the Church of Holy Trinity on Mount Zion, damaging property of the Greek Orthodox church. The Greek foreign ministry called on Israel to take “appropriate action” against the perpetrators. (AN, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/6; WAFA 6/7; HA, MDW, PCHR 6/9; UNOCHA 6/17)

The Israeli Knesset failed to pass the 1st vote on extending the Emergency Regulations – Judea and Samaria, Jurisdiction and Legal Aid, extending Israeli law to Israeli settlers living in the West Bank. 58 voted against and 52 voted for, as the Israeli right-wing opposition voted against the measure to trigger the dissolution of the coalition government. The emergency regulation expires at the end of June. 2 party members in the Israeli coalition, Mazen Ghanaim from the United Arab List and Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi from Meretz, voted against the bill, as did the members of the Joint Arab List. (AJ, AJ, AP, GDN, NYT, POL, TOI 6/6; ALM, HA, HA, JP, MDW, TOI 6/7; AP 6/8; AP, TOI 6/10)

The Palestinian Prisoner Society reported that 1 Palestinian prisoner who has been hunger-striking for 96 days in protest over his administrative detention was in critical condition. (WAFA 6/6)

Amnesty International (AI) called on Israel to “immediately release” Salah Hammouri, a Palestinian-French human rights lawyer who works for Addameer and who has been held in administrative detention since 3/7. AI also demanded that Israel ensure that Hammouri’s East Jerusalem residency status will not be revoked. (AI 6/6)

A survey conducted by the Israeli Democracy Institute found that 60% of Israeli Jews favored segregation from the country’s Palestinian community, up from 45% in last year’s survey. In comparison, about 20% of Palestinian citizens of Israel favored segregation. (HA 6/6)

In Syria, Syrian media reported that the Syrian military had intercepted Israeli missiles targeting Damascus. (HA, REU 6/6; JP, TOI 6/7)

U.S. senators Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) sent a letter to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken, urging the Biden administration to ensure a “full and transparent investigation” into the killing of Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh on 5/11 in Jenin refugee camp. The 2 senators gave the Biden administration 30 days to report on progress related to the investigation. (AJ, HA, MDW, MEE, TOI, WP 6/7)

Haaretz reported on recently released documents at the Israeli State Archive, which details conversations between Israeli and U.S. officials during the 1st Israeli Invasion of Lebanon. In the trove of released documents are conversations between then Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin and U.S. president Ronald Reagan, where President Reagan suggests that Palestinian refugees in Lebanon become Lebanese citizens. Prime Minister Begin responds by suggesting that Palestinians in Lebanon be deported to Libya, Iraq, Syria, or Saudi Arabia. (HA 6/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attempted to enter Nabi Salih but were repelled by Palestinians. Israeli forces raided Shufa, seizing Palestinian flags from poles and houses. Israeli forces also seized 1 t-shirt from a 3-year-old at a checkpoint near Tura, saying that the t-shirt depicted a rifle. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Hebron, Husan, Nablus, and al-Am‘ari refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound, closing it off to Muslim worshippers. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers and shepherds east of Rafah, al-Qarara, and Maghazi; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/5; PCHR 6/9; UNOCHA 6/17)

Lebanese president Michel Aoun and prime minister Najib Mikati condemned Israel for placing an Israeli gas-drilling rig in a maritime zone that both countries claim is theirs. Prime Minister Mikati said “the Israeli enemy’s attempts to create a new crisis, by encroaching on Lebanon’s maritime wealth, and imposing a fait accompli in a disputed area in which Lebanon adheres to its rights, is extremely dangerous.” Israel claimed that the gas-drilling rig was placed outside of the disputed area. President Aoun and Prime Minister Mikati later, on 6/6, called on U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein to complete negotiations in Beirut on demarcating the 2 countries’ maritime borders to “prevent an escalation.” A Haaretz investigation using satellite images later suggested that the gas-drilling rig was not in the maritime area that both Israel and Lebanon claim. (AJ, HA, REU 6/5; AJ, AN, HA, MEE, REU, REU, TOI 6/6; REU, REU, REU 6/7; AP, REU 6/9; HA 6/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Rakiz in the Masafer Yatta area, causing injuries from assault and tear gas. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor during a raid in Hebron. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Arroub refugee camp, Bethlehem, and Jaba‘. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at 2 Palestinian fishermen, injuring both with baton rounds and seizing their boat; both were transferred to a hospital for treatment. Israeli naval forces also arrested 2 fishermen within 2 nautical miles and confiscated their boat; neither was injured. Meanwhile, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen 550 yards from the shore, damaging 2 boats and 15 searchlights. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians were arrested near the Gaza fence. (MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/4; PCHR 6/5; PCHR 6/9; UNOCHA 6/17)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with French president Emmanuel Macron via phone. (WAFA 6/4)

Meretz MK Michal Rozin said at an event that her party will support Emergency Regulations – Judea and Samaria, Jurisdiction and Legal Aid, extending Israeli law to Israeli settlers living in the West Bank. Rozin explained that her party is doing so to ensure that the government coalition does not dissolve. The regulation is set to expire at the end of June and Israeli justice minister Gideon Sa’ar is seeking to extend it for 5 years. Former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his party Likud will abstain on voting to extend the regulation. (HA 5/31; HA 6/2; ALM, HA, HA 6/3; HA 6/4; AP, HA 6/6)

A UK-based Iranian opposition group, Iran International, reported that an Iranian engineer, Ayoob Entezari, was assassinated by poison at a dinner in Yazd. Iran denied the reporting, saying Entezari died of a disease. It was reported that Entezari was working on drone and missile technology. Entezari’s death followed 3 incidents in the last 2 weeks, in which 2 colonels and 1 other engineer were killed in Iran. (HA, TOI 6/4; HA, TOI 6/5; HA, JP 6/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers marched to the Homesh settlement outpost, but were blocked by Israeli forces. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinian minors in Hebron. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers with military escort raided Burqa, leading to a confrontation between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers; 2 Palestinians were injured with baton rounds and 7 with tear gas. Israeli settlers also opened fire at Palestinians in Shufa, forcing them to leave their land; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor during a raid in al-Khader; the minor suffered 3 shots to his neck and back while hiding in a garage. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh called the killing intentional. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 4 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Huwwara, injuring 2 with live ammunition, 1 who was hit by a stun grenade, and 5 with pepper spray. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita and Bayt Dajan, injuring 2 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during a raid in Idhna and 1 at a checkpoint near al-Ibrahimi Mosque. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians were arrested near the Gaza fence east of Khan Yunis. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/27; CNN, HA, MEE, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/28; HA 6/1; UNOCHA 6/4)

An Israeli court ruled that 7 Palestinians had to be released after being arrested as a “preventive measure” ahead of the Israeli settler flag march in East Jerusalem on 5/29. (HA 5/27)

The U.S. state department released a statement saying that secretary of state Antony Blinken told Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid that Israel should investigate the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh on 5/11. Multiple independent investigations have concluded that Israeli soldiers killed the Al Jazeera journalist, including some that asserted the killing was intentional. Israel has refused to conduct a criminal investigation into the killing. (AJ, REU 5/27; TOI 5/28)

Pro-Israeli political action committee the Urban Empowerment Action PAC announced it will spend upwards of $1 million in a primary to unseat the only Palestinian American congressperson Rashida Tlaib in the primary elections for the 12th congressional district in Michigan. The new super PAC will put its support behind Congresswoman Tlaib’s Democratic opponent Janice Winfrey. (HA 5/29; MEE 5/30)

In the West Bank, 3 Israeli settlers, including 2 minors, were injured by Palestinians throwing stones at their vehicle near Huwwara. Israeli settlers vandalized 140 olive and almond trees and water tanks in Qaryut. Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians, including a minor during a raid in Jenin; 1 Palestinian security officer was also arrested during the raid. Israeli forces also demolished 2 agricultural structures in the Masafer Yatta villages of al-Twana and al-Juwaya. Elsewhere, Israeli forces erected a watchtower in Hebron. Israeli forces also demolished 1 mosque under construction in Arab al-Ramadin, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians; 3 were injured with live ammunition and baton rounds, and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Abu Dis, Ras Karkar, Harmala, Surif, Dura, and Aqabat Jaber refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 2 Palestinian fishermen and confiscated their boats within 6 nautical miles northwest of Rafah; the 2 were released through the Erez crossing on 5/25. (JP, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/24; AJ, HA, PCHR, TOI 5/25; PCHR 5/26; UNOCHA 6/4)

A CNN investigation confirmed eyewitness reports and other independent investigations that Israeli forces shot and killed Palestinian American Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh on 5/11 in Jenin refugee camp and that her killing was likely deliberate. CNN’s investigation was based on 11 video clips, forensic findings at the scene of the murder, audio analysis of the gunshots, and 8 eyewitness testimonies. Explosive weapons expert Chris Cobb-Smith found in his analysis that the markings from the shots near the body of Abu Akleh indicated that the murder was deliberate as they did not suggest they were a result of a burst of automatic fire, but intentionally targeted. CNN further confirmed through eyewitness accounts that there was no crossfire in the area where Abu Akleh was killed, as Israel continues to claim. Israel has refused to open a criminal investigation into the killing. (AP, CNN, HA, MDW, TOI 5/24; HA, JP, MEMO, WAFA 5/25)

Israel’s civil administration retroactively legalized the Mitzpe Lachish settlement outpost and approved construction of 158 new settlement units near Dura. (WAFA 5/24; MEMO 5/25)

The U.S. announced sanctions against 1 individual alleged to have raised money for Hamas and on Hamas’s Investment Office, which holds assets in Sudan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and the UAE. (ALM, HA, MEE, MEMO, REU 5/24)

Referencing the U.S. decision to delist Kahane Chai from its list of foreign terrorist organizations on 5/13, the PA called on the U.S. Biden administration to remove the PLO from the U.S. list of foreign terrorist organizations. (WAFA 5/24; MEMO 5/25)

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) slammed the EU for withholding aid from the PA due to 1 Hungarian Commissioner’s dissatisfaction with PA school textbooks. The NRC said the withholding of aid is jeopardizing the life of more than 500 cancer patients that have been unable to access proper treatment at the Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem and have led to salary cuts and cuts in aid to the most vulnerable Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. The EU is withholding some $230 million in aid. (AJ, WAFA 5/24; MEMO 5/25)

Former Israeli foreign minister and prominent MK of the Likud party Israel Katz boasted that he had threatened Palestinian students in Israel with a 2d Nakba if they continue to wave Palestinian flags at universities. Katz said, “Remember our independence war and your Nakba, don’t stretch the rope too much. [. . .] If you don’t calm down, we’ll teach you a lesson that won’t be forgotten.” (MDW 5/24; HA 5/26)

Turkey’s foreign minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu arrived in Israel for a 2-day visit to Israel, Jerusalem, and the West Bank. Turkey’s and Israel’s normalization efforts were reported as a way for Turkey to strengthen its relations with the UAE and Egypt, for Israel and Turkey to cooperate in Syria to build a gas pipeline between the 2 countries, and for Israel to incentivize Turkey to take a tougher stance on Hamas. During the 1st day of his trip, Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu met with PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki in Ramallah, voicing support for a 2-state solution and criticizing Israeli settlements. Çavuşoğlu also met with PA president Mahmoud Abbas. The Turkish and Palestinian officials signed 9 cooperation agreements, including on economics, trade and infrastructure, and for developing an industrial area in Jenin. (AJ, ALM, AP, F24, HA, REU, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 5/24; HA, HA 5/25)

President Abbas met with president of the EU parliament Roberta Metsola in Ramallah. (WAFA 5/24)

Politico reported that U.S. president Joe Biden, in a 4/24 phone call to Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett, had assured him that the U.S. administration would not take Iran’s Revolutionary Guard off the U.S. list of terrorist organizations. President Biden’s decision was seen as an obstruction in finding common ground between the U.S. and Iran with the U.S.’s reentering the Iran Nuclear Deal. Prime Minister Bennett’s office confirmed the reporting. (HA, JP, POL 5/24; AX, MEMO 5/25; HA 5/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 20 olive trees in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in Deir Salah in Area A. Israeli forces also raided the Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces opened fire near a girl’s school in Duma, causing panic among students. 1 Palestinian minor was arrested at the Havat Maon settlement. 9 others were arrested during late-night raids in Hebron, Harmala, Rafat, Tell, Jenin refugee camp, and al-Yamun. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/18; PCHR, WAFA 5/19; UNOCHA 6/4)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh and foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki met with Dutch foreign minister Wopke Hoekstra in Ramallah. Foreign Minister Hoekstra also met with representatives from the Palestinian NGO Al Haq, drawing ire from Israel as Al Haq is 1 of 6 Palestinian rights organizations that were deemed terrorist organizations by Israel in 10/2021. Hoekstra subsequently told reporters that “there isn’t a single European state—nor the United States—that has arrived at the same conclusions as has Israel [in regards to the terrorism accusations]. If there is proof, then we should see and we should review it. An accusation in and of itself can never be sufficient for a country that subscribes to the rule of law.” (WAFA, WAFA 5/18; JP 5/19)

The Hamas-affiliated Islamic Wafa bloc won the Birzeit University student council elections with 28 of 51 seats. The Fatah-affiliated Shabibia bloc won 18 seats. (MEE, MEMO, MEMO 5/19; MEMO 5/20; ALM 5/25)

Haaretz reported that the leaders of Turkey, Jordan, and the UAE had accepted an invitation by Israel’s president Isaac Herzog to discuss regional cooperation in climate change. (HA 5/18)