The Palestine Chronology

In the Gaza Strip, Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing, allowing infirm Palestinians to cross into Egypt, as well as foreign passport holders. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage but no injuries. IDF troops nr. the e. border of Gaza open fire on several Palestinian farmers, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, around 6,000 Palestinians go on strike in response to the overcrowding and poor conditions of a checkpoint nr. Tulkarm. IDF troops clash with stone-throwing residents of al-Fawar r.c., and dozens of Palestinians suffer from tear gas inhalation. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Hebron and Ramallah; patrols nr. Ramallah and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron; delivers demolition orders for 2 structures nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers accompanied by IDF troops enter Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with residents in which 2 Palestinians are injured. At the Israeli settlement of Adam, private settlement security officers detain 2 Palestinians approaching the area with knives. Separately, Palestinian youth throw stones at cars nr. Bethlehem and injure a 4-year-old Israeli settler. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces deliver 10 demolition notices to residential buildings in al-Tur. (HA, IMEMC, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/21; AFP, MNA, TOI, YA 12/22; PCHR 12/25)

PA FM al-Maliki says that the Palestinians will amend the res. they submitted to the UNSC on 12/17 in hopes of having a vote on it before the end of the year. (MNA 12/21)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire a rocket into s. Israel in the Eshkol region. Israel holds Hamas responsible and the IDF launches a latenight air strike at a Hamas military training site nr. Khan Yunis, causing damage to the site and a nearby UNRWA school. It is the 1st Israeli bombing in Gaza since the 8/26 cease-fire ended OPE. In the West Bank, Palestinians gather in Turmus ‘Ayya, Silwad, and Ofer detention center to protest the death of a senior PA official on 12/10, sparking clashes with IDF troops in which 9 Palestinians are injured with rubbercoated metal bullets and 2 are detained. In Silwad, Israeli soldiers deliberately fire at electricity transformers, causing a power outage. Also, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), Bethlehem, and Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), shooting 1 in Bil‘in with a rubber-coated metal bullet and 1 in Ni‘lin. The IDF conducts an arrest raid nr. Qalqilya; patrols nr. Ramallah, Hebron, Jericho, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. Meanwhile, dozens gather in Balata r.c. to celebrate the 47th anniversary of the PFLP. In East Jerusalem, nearly 60,000 Palestinians pray at Haram al-Sharif, then march through the streets of the Old City in protest of Israeli policies regarding the site. Later, Israeli forces conduct house searches and arrest raids in the Old City, al-Wad, Silwan, and al-Bustan. Clashes break out between Israeli police and stone-throwing Palestinians late at night in Wadi al-Juz, Anata, and Silwan. Police injure 3 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets and arrest 5. (AP, HA, MNA, 12/19; AFP, HA, MNA, WAFA 12/20; PCHR 12/25)

U.S. Pres. Obama signs into law the U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership Act, which includes increased intelligence and military cooperation and new congressional oversight procedures. (TOI 12/20; IHY, JP, JTA 12/21)

The UNGApasses 2 nonbinding res. regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict and Palestinian affairs: the 1st calls on Israel to pay Lebanon $856.4 m. in damages related to an oil spill Israeli forces caused during the 2006 war; the 2d recognizes Palestinian sovereignty over the natural resources in the oPt. (AFP, WAFA 12/20)

A leaked report from the IAEA concludes that Iran is upholding commitments made to the P5+1 related to its disputed nuclear program. (JP, REU 12/18)

The IDF launches OPE, a major assault on the Gaza Strip. Israeli air strikes hit 150 targets across Gaza, killing 23 Palestinians and wounding more than 100. One attack in Khan Yunis kills 8 mbrs. of the same family when their home is bombed. Hamas fighters infiltrate Israel by sea nr. Kibbutz Zikim and are all killed, according to the IDF. Al-Qassam Brigades says the operation goes as planned. Palestiniansfire approximately 130 rockets into Israel, with Iron Dome batteries intercepting at least 23 of them. Some rockets reach c. Israel, though most fall in the s. Warning sirens are heard in Tel Aviv, where an Iron Dome battery intercepts 3 rockets. The rockets cause damage to 2 houses, and lightly injure 2 people. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure 3 Palestinians during clashes nr. Qalandia checkpoint, and also shoot and injure 2 Palestinians in clashes in n. Bethlehem. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus, 2 nearby villages, and Balata r.c. at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces detain 31 Palestinians in relation to the recent protests. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/8; PCHR 7/10)

The Israeli govt. authorizes a call-up of some 40,000 reserve troops, in preparation for a possible ground invasion. Israeli DM Ya’alon says it is likely to be a protracted campaign that will “exact a very heavy price from Hamas.” Al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson Abu Ubayda says that Israel must cease its offensive and commit to the 2012 cease-fire agreement. PA Pres. Abbas, meanwhile, demands that Israel immediately halt its offensive and asks the international community to intervene to halt the escalation. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, PCHR, REU, YA 7/8)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 5 mortar shells into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a 16-year-old civilian during an arrest raid in Jenin r.c. In Hebron, IDF troops demolish parts of houses belonging to 2 of the named suspects in the case of the kidnapped and murdered Israeli youths. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c., ‘Askar r.c., Balata r.c. and 3 villages nearby, Ramallah and 4 villages nearby, al-Jalazun r.c., Hebron and 2 villages nearby, Jenin and 2 villages nearby, and al-Bireh; patrols in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Salfit and al-Bireh at night. (MNA, REU 7/1; PCHR 7/3)

State Dept. dep. spokesperson Harf says that the U.S. has strong evidence Hamas was “involved” in the killing of 3 Israeli settler teenagers whose bodied were discovered on 6/30, but does not directly say the group is responsible. The UNSC issues a statement unanimously condemning the killings, urging Israel and the PA to cooperate in bringing those responsible to justice. Meanwhile, Israel’s security cabinet meets for the 2d time in 2 days. Ministers are reportedly divided over the nature of any further action in the Gaza Strip or West Bank. (HA, JP, REU 7/1)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 6 rockets and 2 mortar shells into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Two of the rockets are intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. In addition, an explosive device detonates nr. IDF troops adjacent to the border fence, causing minor damage but no injuries. An IDF drone strikes a car nr. Shati’ r.c., killing 2 senior mbrs. of the PRC and injuring 1. The IDF conducts air strikes on 3 other targets across the Gaza Strip, causing no injuries. Also, IDF troops fire tank shells toward Khuza village close to the border fence, injuring 8. In a separate incident, IDF troops shell agricultural lands close to the border fence nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and wound 3 Palestinians during clashes with residents outside Balata r.c. nr. Nablus. Meanwhile, during an arrest raid in Bethlehem, IDF troops shoot and wound 1 Palestinian in Dahaysha r.c. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages and al-Am‘ari r.c. nr. Ramallah, 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Jericho, 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Nablus at night. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 2 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries. (HA, MNA, REU 6/27; PCHR 7/3)

Martin Indyk resigns as U.S. special envoy, though he will remain an adviser to the Obama administration. Indyk will return to his role as director of the foreign policy program at the Brookings Institution. (HA 6/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli border police shoot and kill a 26-year-old Palestinian in ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c. nr. Nablus, during an overnight raid. Meanwhile, a group of Palestinians in Ramallah gather to protest PA-Israel security collaboration, leading to clashes with PA security forces in which 1 bystander is killed and 2 protesters are wounded. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus, Balata r.c., ‘Askar r.c. and 1 nearby village, 3 villages nr. Jenin, Hebron and al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nearby, and Tulkarm at night. Israeli settlers open fire on Palestinians nr. Ramallah, causing no injuries. Separately, settlers open fire on Palestinians gathered in al-Bireh for a funeral, injuring 1. (HA, MNA 6/22; HA 6/23; PCHR 6/26)

The PA issues a statement announcing it has begun official procedures to request an emergency session of the UNSC in response to the ongoing Israeli operation in the West Bank, citing “collective punishment,” 5 Palestinian deaths to date, and more than 400 arrests. Meanwhile, Russia’s UN Amb. Vitaly Churkin proposes a statement to the UNSC that would condemn the Israeli operation, but it is not agreed on. Jordan’s UN reps. insist on stronger language, and U.S. Amb. to the UN Samantha Power says that agreeing to any statement criticizing Israel would be a “red line” for the U.S. (JP, MNA 6/22; AP 6/23; PCHR 6/26)

In the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, an antitank projectile fired from inside Syrian territory kills 1 Israeli civilian, a 13-year-old child, and wounds 2 others. The targeted vehicle was delivering water for the Israeli Ministry of Defense. In response, Israeli tanks fire at Syrian army positions. Later, Israeli forces launch land and air strikes at 9 Syrian army positions, killing 4 and injuring 9, according to the Syrian Foreign Ministry. Israeli DM Moshe Ya’alon says that the Syrian govt. is responsible for the attack, adding that Israel will “respond aggressively and harshly against any provocation and violation of our sovereignty.” (AP, HA, JP, REU 6/22; AP, HA, REU, YA 6/23)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 3 rockets into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. IDF troops subsequently launch attacks on 4 targets in s. Gaza, causing no injuries. Separately, a Palestinian in possession of a grenade is arrested by Israeli soldiers after entering Israel through the perimeter fence. In the West Bank, a 17-yearold Palestinian is killed when he steps on a landmine in the n. Jordan Valley. Separately, an elderly Palestinian dies of a heart attack in Haris nr. Salfit during an IDF raid of the village. In al-Bireh, IDF troops clash with residents during a raid, causing no serious injuries. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 4 nearby villages, Nablus and Balata r.c., ‘Askar r.c. and 3 villages nearby, Bethlehem and 3 villages nearby, 3 villages nr. Jenin, 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm, and in al-Bireh. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA, YA 6/22)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill 1 Palestinian teenager in Dura nr. Hebron, in clashes with residents during a raid. Separately, IDF troops also shoot and kill 1 Palestinian resident of Qalandia r.c. nr. Ramallah, in clashes during another raid. IDF troops also wound 5 Palestinians in Dahaysha r.c. in Bethlehem during an arrest raid. Israeli forces demolish the home of Turkey-based Hamas official Saleh al-Arouri in ‘Aroura village nr. Ramallah. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Bethlehem in the afternoon; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 6 villages nr. Hebron, in Nablus and in 3 villages, ‘Askar r.c., ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c. and Balata r.c. nearby, 3 villages nr. Salfit, Jenin and 1 nearby village, 1 village nr. Bethlehem, al-Bireh, Ramallah, and Qalqilya at night. (HA, IMEMC, MNA, REU 6/20; PCHR 6/26)

In Vienna, reps. of Iran and the P5+1 group end the round of talks that began on 6/16. Iranian FM Zarif says “there has been progress, but major disputes remain.” The diplomats began drafting a final agreement during this 5-day round of talks. A 6th and final round of talks in Vienna is scheduled to begin on 7/2, ahead of the 7/20 deadline. Separately, the IAEA releases a report saying that Iran has eliminated almost all of its most sensitive stockpile of enriched uranium. (AJ, BBC 6/20)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF launches 6 air strikes, destroying a blacksmith workshop and causing damage to vacant training sites belong to various armed groups. There are no injuries. In the West Bank, OBK continues. IDF troops open fire on Palestinians in Haris village nr. Salfit during a raid, wounding 1. During separate raids, Israeli soldiers shoot at residents in al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas, wounding 2, and shoot 1 in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus. IDF troops also demolish a house nr. Hebron because it was built without a permit. Also, IDF troops raid and confiscate property from 5 Hamas-linked charities. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron in the afternoon, and in Hebron and 8 nearby villages, Jenin and 6 nearby villages, Tulkarm and 4 nearby villages, Nablus and 8 villages, ‘Askar r.c. and Balata r.c. nearby, Salfit and 1 nearby village, 1 village nr. Qalqilya, al-Bireh, Tubas, at night; patrols in Hebron at night. (MNA, WAFA 6/17; PCHR 6/19)

Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with Quartet Rep. Blair in Tel Aviv and tells him that the 6/12 kidnapping “exposes the real face of Hamas.” Blair says that Hamas “cannot choose the political path on one hand and violence on the other.” Meanwhile, reps. from a number of factions, including Fatah and Hamas, hold a press conference in Gaza City. No group claims responsibility for the kidnapping of the teenage settlers. The reps. say they are prepared to confront any Israeli “aggression.” EU foreign affairs chief Ashton issues a statement condemning the abduction and urges “close cooperation between the Israeli and Palestinian security services.” (HA, JP, MNA 6/17)

Talks between reps. of Iran and the P5+1 powers on the disputed Iranian nuclear program continue in Vienna. Discussions last an hour and a half and cover “elements of the text that could be part of an agreement,” according to Michael Mann, an EU spokesperson. (AA, REU 6/17)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill 1 Palestinian in al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, in clashes with residents during an arrest raid. IDF troops also shoot and wound 1 Palestinian during a raid in Jenin, and wound 3 with rubbercoated metal bullets during clashes with Bayt Umar residents nr. Hebron. At Qalandia checkpoint, Israeli troops violently disperse demonstrators, wounding 6, including 1 critically, with live ammunition. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 3 nearby villages, Balata r.c. and 1 village nr. Nablus, and 2 villages nr. Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jenin at night; patrols in Hebron in the afternoon, and in 4 villages nr. Ramallah, 3 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Qalqilya, and Salfit, and al-Bireh at night. Israeli settlers open fire on a Palestinian car nr. Ramallah, causing no injuries. In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire from the border fence nr. Jabaliya, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli authorities briefly open the Kerem Shalom crossing, which was closed on 6/12. (MNA, WAFA 6/16; PCHR 6/19)

Israeli PM Netanyahu delivers a televised statement and says that the military is “in the middle of a complex operation” in the search for the missing teens. Netanyahu also calls PA Pres. Abbas and tells him he expects help in ensuring the safe return of the youth, their 1st telephone conversation in almost a year. Subsequently, Abbas releases a statement condemning the kidnapping as well as the Israeli crackdown that has followed. Meanwhile, Hamas releases a statement condemning the Israeli operation in the West Bank, and also calls on the PA to stop security coordination with Israel. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA 6/16)

Talks between reps. of Iran and the P5+1 powers on the disputed Iranian nuclear program resume in Vienna, with discussions scheduled to last until 6/20. The 2 sides aim to resolve final differences, including the number of centrifuges Iran will operate, and begin drafting a final deal. (REU 6/17; AA 6/17)

The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and Balata r.c. at night; patrols in Hebron and 3 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nearby, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians demonstrate at Haram al-Sharif against Israeli restrictions on worshippers’ access. (MNA 6/10; PCHR 6/12)

Reuven Rivlin is elected pres. of Israel by a vote in the Knesset of 63–53, defeating Meir Sheetrit. The 74-year-old mbr. of Likud replaces Peres. (REU 6/10)

Iranian pres. Rouhani says that Tehran will “do its best” to secure a deal over its disputed nuclear program. After further U.S.-Iranian discussions in Geneva on 6/9, Iran’s chief negotiator and dep. FM Araghchi says that the talks were “fruitful” but that “divergences remain and the consultations are going to continue.” (AFP, REU 6/10)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion close to the border fence nr. Gaza City to level land. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-Fawar r.c., al-‘Arub r.c. and 2 villages nr. Hebron, in Balata r.c. and 1 village nr. Nablus, and in Jalazun r.c. and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in al-’Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 3 Palestinian-owned structures in Bayt Hanina, Shu‘fat, and Ras al-Amud. (AFP, MNA 5/14; PCHR 5/15)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with PA Pres. Abbas in London, where Kerry is attending talks with international partners on Syria and Ukraine. State Dept. spokesperson Psaki subsequently says Kerry made it clear that “while the door remains open to peace, it is up to the parties to determine whether they are willing to take the steps necessary to resume negotiations.” (AP 14/5)

Hamas and Fatah officials meet in Gaza to discuss the makeup of a unity govt., with Hamas chief negotiator Musa Abu Marzuq saying that talks would be finalized the following week. PM Ismail Haniyeh states that Hamas authorities will “clean the road to reconciliation from all obstacles and landmines” and calls on PA authorities in the West Bank “to take the same path and to maintain freedoms.” (HA, MNA 5/14)

Representatives of Iran and the P5+1 countries open negotiations in Vienna, with the goal of reaching a final agreement by 7/20. Substantial gaps remain, including on the future of uranium enrichment in Iran. As an initial step, EU foreign affairs chief Ashton and Iranian FM Zarif meet to put into writing what has already been agreed, as embodied by the 11/2013 interim deal. (HA 5/14)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF violently disperses stonethrowing Palestinian protesters in Silwad nr. Ramallah, injuring 1 with live ammunition. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 3 nearby villages, and 1 village each nr. Nablus and Qalqilya at night; patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in 3 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Jericho, Nablus and 1 village and Balata r.c. nearby, and 1 village each nr. Jericho and Qalqilya 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, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara). There are no serious injuries except in Bil‘in (1 struck by a tear gas canister) and in Kafr Qaddum (2 wounded by bullets). (PCHR 5/8)

Right-wing Jewish extremists vandalize the tomb of Izzeddin al-Qassam in Haifa, leaving “price tag” graffiti that includes the names of U.S. Secy. of State Kerry and Israeli justice minister Livni. (AFP, JP 5/2)

Palestine becomes a formal party to 5 international conventions, banning torture, racial discrimination, promoting women’s rights, children’s rights, and the rights of the disabled. In response, Israel withdraws the VIP passes of 4 senior Fatah officials— Nabil Shaath, Tawfik Tirawi, Abbas Zaki and Jibril Rajub—thereby restricting their status at checkpoints and border crossings to the level of other Palestinian citizens. (AFP, JP, MEMO 5/2)

In s. Sinai, 2 suicide bombing attacks target police at a security checkpoint, killing 1 soldier and wounding at least 8. The attacks are claimed by Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis. (AP, REU 5/2)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 1 rocket into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. An IDF spokesperson says more than 100 projectiles have hit Israel from Gaza this year. IDF troops conduct a limited incursion to level land close to the border fence nr. Khan Yunis. Off the coast nr. Rafah, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 6 villages nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Bethlehem, and Nablus and Balata r.c. at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, 1 village and ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. nr. Jericho, and 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers uproot 50 olive tree saplings nr. Bethlehem, while separately, settlers also stone Palestinian vehicles nr. Hebron. (AFP, MNA, WAFA 5/1; PCHR 5/8)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry tells reporters on a trip to Ethiopia that he intends to “pause” and “take a hard look” at the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, given the current impasse. He says he is “convinced that, as each [side] sort of works through the reasons that things began to become more difficult in the final hours, there may be quiet ways within which to begin to work on next steps.” He also claims that genuine “progress” was made during the previous 9 mos. (HA, REU 5/1)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says he intends to seek a new Basic Law anchoring Israel’s status as “the nation-state of the Jewish people.” Livni, leader of the Hatnua party and Israeli chief negotiator, criticizes the move, but the Jewish Home party, another coalition-mbr., welcomes it. (HA, REU 5/1)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night; patrols in Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Salfit in the morning, in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 4 villages nr. Hebron, Nablus and 1 village and Balata r.c. nearby, 2 villages nr. Qalqilya and Tulkarm at night. Jewish settlers from Yitzhar chop down an estimated 60 olive trees nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian demonstrators in al-‘Izzariya, a protest in support of defending al-Aqsa mosque from Jewish extremists. There are no serious injuries. (MNA 4/27; PCHR 4/30)

The PLO Central Council in Ramallah adopts a plan to pursue efforts to join 63 UN bodies and international treaties, according to a public statement issued on the final day of a 2-day meeting. Separately, PA Pres. Abbas issues a statement to mark Holocaust Day, denouncing the Nazi genocide. Israeli PM Netanyahu dismisses the comments during an interview with U.S. television network CBS, and says that Israel will not negotiate with a Palestinian govt. backed by Hamas. Meanwhile, IDF Maj.-Gen. Yoav Mordechai tells a meeting of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Subcmte. on Judea and Samaria that construction plans for 19 Palestinian villages in Area C of the West Bank have been frozen in response to the reconciliation deal. In addition, U.S. Dep. National Security Adviser Tony Blinken tells CNN that the U.S. is ready to suspend aid to the PA if a unity govt. backed by Hamas fails to recognize Israel. U.S. Special Envoy Indyk leaves Israel for consultations in Washington. EU foreign affairs chief Ashton releases a statement expressing concern over the latest developments in the peace process, and reiterates EU support for the U.S.-led peace talks. She also welcomes the Palestinian unity govt., affirming that it must abide by the principles of nonviolence, recognition of Israel, and commitment to previous agreements. (AFP, JP, REU, WAFA, YA 4/27; HA 4/28)

Remarks made by U.S. Secy. of State Kerry on 4/25 at a private meeting in Washington are published by the Daily Beast, in which he says that without a 2-state solution soon, Israel risks becoming an “apartheid state.” In response, pro-Israel lobby group AIPAC says it is “deeply troubled” by the comments. (HA, NYT 4/28)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Jabaliya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops raid Yabad village nr. Jenin and residents respond by throwing stones. During the clashes, 1 Palestinian is wounded by a tear gas canister. During a protest in Yatta, nr. Hebron, over the confiscation of land, an Israeli military vehicle strikes a Palestinian child, seriously injuring her. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and Balata r.c. at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, in Hebron, and 1 village each. Jenin and Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in 1 village and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night. (MNA 3/8; PCHR 3/13)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian farmers close to the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no injuries. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and 1 village and Balata r.c. nearby, and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, in 3 villages each nr. Jenin, 2 villages nr. Qalqilya and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers attack Palestinians nr. Bayt Umar in the s. West Bank, causing no injuries. In Israel, police shoot and wound a Palestinian worker during a pursuit of Palestinians without work permits. (MNA, WAFA 1/26; PCHR 1/30)

Israel’s Supreme Court rejects an appeal against the construction of a highway set to cut in half the Palestinian East Jerusalem neighborhood Bayt Safafa. The court’s rejection of the residents’ appeal removes an obstacle for the highway to go ahead, which will link Jerusalem to the Gush Etzion settlement bloc. (HA 1/26)

Gunmen attack Egyptian soldiers in Sinai, killing 4 and wounding 11. Meanwhile, interim pres. Mansour goes on television and says that the country will hold a presidential vote before parliamentary polls. (AP, MNA 1/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and injure 4 Palestinians with live ammunition during clashes in Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and nearby Balata r.c. in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, Qalqilya and 1 nearby village, and 1 village nr. Hebron at night; patrols in Hebron and 1 nearby village, and Qalqilya in the afternoon. 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 Bil‘in (3 wounded by bullets, 1 wounded by a tear gas canister), Ni‘lin (1 wounded by a bullet), Nabi Salih (2 wounded by bullets) and Kafr Qaddum (3 struck by tear gas canisters). (AFP, MNA 1/10; PCHR 1/16)

Israel publishes tenders for 1,400 new homes in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, and also reissues tenders for 582 units in East Jerusalem that had failed to attract bids from contractors. According to NGO Peace Now, today’s announcement means that Israel has announced 5,349 new homes since peace talks restarted in 7/2013. (REU 1/10)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire a rocket into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the n. West Bank, a Palestinian dies at a checkpoint en route to work inside Israel, apparently caused by overcrowding. In Bethlehem, Palestinians throw a pipe bomb at Rachel’s Tomb, lightly injuring 1, while separately, Palestinians throw an improvised explosive device at a military base nr. Bethlehem, causing no damage or casualties. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 1 nearby village, in Nablus and nearby Balata r.c., and in 1 village each nr. Tubas and Tulkarm at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm in the morning, and in Tulkarm and 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah at night. Jewish settlers attack a school and water reservoir in Urif village nr. Nablus, provoking clashes with Palestinian residents. Israeli forces arrive and fire tear gas at the Palestinians. Separately, Jewish settlers attack Palestinians nr. Mitzpe Yair in the s. Hebron hills, prompting clashes that leave 4 Israelis and 1 Palestinian lightly injured. (JP, MNA, ToI, YA 1/6; PCHR 1/9)

Israeli authorities publish plans for the construction of 272 new settlement homes in the West Bank, including the 1st ever master plan for Ofra, a settlement located 15 km (9 mi.) from the Green Line. PM Netanyahu holds a meeting with Likud MKs and tells them that he opposes evacuating settlements in Hebron and Beit El, despite their location outside the major blocs. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry departs the region for Washington, assuring that progress has been made. (AFP, HA, JP, REU 1/6)