The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler shot and killed 1 Palestinian and injured 1 other when the 2 confronted a group of settlers attempting to set fire to their crops near al-Rihiya, south of Hebron; +972 reported that the settlers mutilated the body of the Palestinian man they had shot dead. 10 Palestinians were killed and 209 wounded by Israeli forces throughout the West Bank. The casualties included: 1, and 39 injured during a protest in Shwaika near Tulkarm; several others were reported injured; 1 protester, and 2 injured in Salem; 1 protester in Asira; 1 protester, and 4 injured in Beita; 1 protester, and 18 others injured by live ammunition in Ya‘bad; 1 protester in Marda; 1 protester in Iskaka; 1 protester, and 4 injured in ‘Urif; 1 protester in Jericho; 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint, who allegedly tried to ram Israeli soldiers near Silwad; 148 protesters injured by live ammunition and rubber-coated bullets during protests in and around Dayr Nidham, Bayt Dajan, Bayt Furik, al-Fawar refugee camp, al-Khadir, Salfit, Tayassir, Huwwara, Aqraba, Ni‘lin, Jenin, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Qusra. 13 Palestinians were arrested, including 6 during late-night raids in and around Qalandia refugee camp, Bayt Umar, and Sa‘ir; 7 were arrested during protests at the al-Jalama checkpoint near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and injured 19 Palestinians using live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, and sound bomb canisters during protests in and around Shaykh Jarrah, Bayt Hanina, Silwan, and the Old City. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in al-Tur, Silwan, and Sur Bahir. In Gaza, 22 Palestinians were killed, including 6 children, and dozens injured, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 114 to 136, including 33 children and 2 pregnant women. The casualties included: 9, including 3 children, and 73 injured, including 20 children, in air strikes on buildings in Bayt Lahiya and Bayt Hanun; 4 in an air strike on Gaza City, including 1 child; 3, including 1 child, in air strikes on Jabaliya; 1, and 16 injured, including 2 children, in air strikes on al-Bureij refugee camp; 1, and 1 wounded in an air strike on Abasan; 1 in an air strike while riding a motorbike in Rafah; 1 Palestinian was found dead in rubble from an air strike in Dayr al-Balah on 5/13; 1 Palestinian child succumbed to wounds sustained in an air strike on Gaza City on 5/12; 1 Palestinian succumbed to wounds sustained in an air strike on 5/12 in Bayt Lahiya. Israel also said it had assassinated 3 Hamas operatives, Shadi Abed Al-Hadi, Osama Shehadeh, and Zakaria Zarendah. Israeli air strikes also destroyed an interior ministry building west of Gaza City and 3 poultry farms near Rafah, killing more than 10,000 chickens. Israeli forces also struck the fishing ports in Gaza city and Khan Yunis. Damage to power lines in Gaza was reported, significantly reducing the amount of available electricity. In Israel, Israeli forces killed 2 people after several people crossed from Lebanon into Israel by Metula. Israel also said that 3 rockets were fired at Israel from Syria, with 2 landing in open land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and 1 in Syria. 2 rockets from Gaza hit 2 houses in Sderot, causing damage and 1 injury. 1 rocket from Gaza lightly injured 1 Israeli driving near Beersheba. Israel barred people from outside of Lydda from entering the city from 4 p.m. and barred all its residents from leaving their homes after 9 p.m. 1 Palestinian-Israeli minor was seriously injured, and another minor lightly injured, after a firebomb was thrown at their house in Jaffa; Israeli police claimed without evidence that it was 2 Palestinian-Israeli men that had thrown the firebomb. Israeli forces were filmed kicking Palestinian-Israeli vehicles traveling in Umm al-Fahm and firing stun grenades at them for no apparent reason. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian-Israeli minor in Lydda, claiming he tried to throw a firebomb at them. 5 Palestinian-Israelis were arrested in Umm al-Fahm after a fire was ignited at the town’s city hall. 9 Palestinian-Israelis were arrested in ‘Akka. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian-Israeli protesters in Kafr Kana, injuring 28. Israel also told international news outlets that it would conduct a ground invasion of Gaza shortly and then later apologized to the news outlets for providing false information; analysts suspected that Israel used the media outlets to lure Hamas militants into tunnels before heavily bombarding said tunnels; Israel said that dozens were killed in the attack on the tunnels. Israel also shot down 1 drone sent from Gaza. 1 Israeli woman succumbed to injuries sustained after falling while running to a shelter in Neta’im on 5/11, raising the Israeli death toll to 9. In Jordan, some 500 protesters tried to enter the West Bank through the Allenby bridge, but were dispersed by Jordanian forces 3 miles from the border. In Amman, thousands of protesters called for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador and ending the Jordanian-Israeli peace treaty. (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, PCHR, PCHR, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/14; AJ, AP, AP, GDN, HA, HA, HA, PCHR, PCHR 5/15; TOI 5/16; HA 5/19; PCHR 5/20; MEE 5/21; NYT 5/26; +972 6/8; INT 7/15)

The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza said that 42% of the 119 people who have been killed in the Israeli attack on Gaza, at the time of reporting, were women and children. It also said 830 people had been injured. The UN estimated that 10,000 Palestinians have been internally displaced during the current escalation so far. (AJ, HA 5/14)

Spokesperson for PA president Mahmoud Abbas Nabil Abu Rudeineh said that the silence of the U.S. administration was encouraging Israeli war crimes in Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank. (WAFA 5/14)

Morocco sent 40 tons of emergency aid to Palestine and denounced Israel’s aggression toward Palestinians. (HA 5/15)

The U.S. deputy assistant secretary for Israel and Palestinian affairs Hady Amr landed in Tel Aviv in an attempt by the U.S. administration to deescalate the situation. (AX, HA 5/14; HA 5/15)

A letter co-signed by 11 Jewish Democrats in the house of representatives, led by Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), urged the Biden administration to be more active in ending the escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas and to do more to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The 11 members of Congress also expressed concern about the violence in East Jerusalem and urged Israel to halt the “unjust eviction” of Palestinians from their homes in Shaykh Jarrah, and said that the U.S. must address the deepening occupation. (HA 5/15)

Democrats in the House also debated the attack on Gaza on the floor, with 1 group of 11 speaking in defense of Palestinians and 1 group of 10 defending Israel’s actions. (AJ, HA 5/14)

ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said that she will continue with her inquiry into potential war crimes committed by Israelis and Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories despite Israel’s refusal to cooperate. Chief Prosecutor Bensouda also said that the investigation will include the current escalation of the conflict. (HA, REU 5/14)

The Italian trade union of port workers said that its members in Livorno had refused to load a shipment of weapons and explosives to be shipped to Israel, citing Israel’s attack on Gaza. (AA 5/15; WAFA 5/16; IN 5/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians and critically injured a 3d after claiming that the 3 had opened fire at Israeli soldiers at an Israeli military installation near Jenin; no Israeli was reported injured. Israeli forces also assaulted Palestinian journalists trying to cover the incident and smashed 1 camera. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 1 with live ammunition; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also raided the home of an alleged attacker in Turmus ‘Ayya and took measurements for a punitive demolition. 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during late-night raids in and around Aida refugee camp and al-‘Arub refugee camp, and 4 at checkpoints in Qalandia and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces attacked Palestinians at the Haram al-Sharif compound, wounding 205 Palestinians, including 88 who were hospitalized and 3 who lost eyes; 17 Israeli police officers were also reported injured. Israeli forces threw stun grenades inside of al-Aqsa Mosque. 17 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City and Shaykh Jarrah. In Gaza, Israel said incendiary balloons from Gaza had started 7 fires in Israel. (AA, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, MEE, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/7; AJ, MEE, PCHR 5/8; HA 5/10; PCHR 5/11; MEE 5/21; HA 5/31)

The High Follow-up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel called on Palestinians in Israel to support Palestinians in East Jerusalem after the Israeli attacks on worshipers at the Haram al-Sharif compound and on protesters in Shaykh Jarrah. (MEMO, WAFA 5/8)

The Kahanist lawmaker Itamar Ben-Gvir from the Otzma Jehudit (Jewish Power) party closed his makeshift office on the opposite side of the street from where Palestinians have been eating iftar meals in protest over Israeli threats of evicting Palestinian families in Shaykh Jarrah. Ben-Gvir said he closed the office after Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had requested he do so. (HA 5/7)

Palestinians reported that information shared about Shaykh Jarrah had been censored by social media companies like Instagram and Twitter and in some instances, Palestinian accounts sharing information about Shaykh Jarrah had been closed by the companies. Instagram and Twitter later blamed technical errors for the problem. (AJ, MEE 5/7; HA 5/10; AJ 5/11; HUFF 5/12)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas condemned the Israeli aggression in Jerusalem, saying he has called on the PA ambassador to the UN to request an emergency session at the UN security council. (WAFA 5/7)

A Saudi official confirmed that Iran and Saudi Arabia are in direct talks to resolve the issues between the 2 countries. (HA 5/7; MEMO 5/8)

The U.S. issued a statement saying that the country “is extremely concerned about ongoing confrontations in Jerusalem, including the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount and in Sheikh Jarrah, which have reportedly resulted in scores of injured people . . . It is absolutely critical that all sides exercise restraint, refrain from provocative actions and rhetoric, and preserve the historic status quo on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount—in word and in practice.” The UN also warned Israel that forced evictions of Palestinians in East Jerusalem could amount to war crimes. (AJ 5/7; HA, WAFA 5/8)

U.S. senators Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Chris Murphy (D-CT) and representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Andy Levin (D-MI), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) called on Israel not to evict Palestinians from their homes in Shaykh Jarrah. Representatives Marie Newman (D-IL) and Mark Pocan (D-WI) circulated a letter in congress calling on secretary of state Antony Blinken to pressure Israel not to move forward with the eviction and to stop home demolitions in al-Bustan. (HA, MEE 5/7; HA 5/8; WAFA 5/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 30 olive, sage, and thyme seedlings and wrote racist graffiti on 1 well and 1 agricultural structure in Qusra. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 1 with live ammunition, 2 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protests in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian man south of Bethlehem, alleging that he tried to stab an Israeli soldier with a broken bottle. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters demonstrating against Israeli harassment of Palestinians in East Jerusalem, at the Separation wall near Bethlehem, leading to tear-gas related injuries and 2 arrests. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters demonstrating against Israeli harassment of Palestinians in East Jerusalem, at a checkpoint in Jenin, 1 minor was injured by live ammunition and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during late-night raids in Bethlehem, and 2 at checkpoints near Jenin and Yatta. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the Damascus Gate plaza dispersing Palestinians in the area; 1 Palestinian minor was reportedly beaten by Israeli police before he was arrested. 1 other Palestinian minor was arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also opened fire and fired tear gas at Palestinian protesters east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 4/30; PCHR 5/6)

Chief of Mossad Yossi Cohen met with U.S. president Joe Biden as he and other Israeli senior officials tried lobby the U.S. not to reenter the Iran nuclear deal. Cohen and Israel’s ambassador to the U.S. Gilad Erdan also met with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken on 4/29. (AJ, HA 4/29; ALM 4/30; HA 5/1; AJ, JP 5/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protests in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 1 Palestinian was arrested at a checkpoint near Tubas. In East Jerusalem, for the 4th night in a row, Palestinians protested the Israeli-imposed restrictions on the Old City during the month of Ramadan; Israel limited the number of Palestinians from the West Bank who were allowed to partake in the 1st Friday prayers of Ramadan at the Haram al-Sharif to 10,000, requiring all to have been vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus. Israel also closed the Damascus Gate plaza; 6 Palestinians were reported injured, including 4 who were hospitalized. 1 Palestinian was arrested in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles, on 2 different occasions, west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian shepherds east of al-Bureij refugee camp; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 4/16; HA, HA 4/17; PCHR 4/22)

The speaker of the Iranian parliament said Iran had enriched uranium at 60 percent after Iranian president Hassan Rouhani said it would do so in response to the Israeli attack on the Natanz nuclear site on 4/11. (AP, HA, REU 4/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 journalists with sponge grenades; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protests in al-Mughayyir, injuring 6 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces injured 5 Palestinians with live ammunition during a late-night raid in ‘Askar refugee camp; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Bayt Dajan, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli soldiers sprayed pepper spray at a 13-year-old Palestinian boy in Hebron who had asked them to help him find his stolen bike; the Israeli soldiers subsequently refused to help him receive aid at a hospital. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during house raids in and around Hebron, Bayt Umar, and Zabbuba, and 1 at the Qalandia checkpoint. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of al-Qarara; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/2; PCHR 4/8; B’Tselem 4/22)

The U.S. lifted sanctions on ICC officials Fatou Bensouda and Phakiso Mochochoko, who were sanctioned by the Trump administration in June 2020 in retaliation for their work on the probe into war crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territory and Afghanistan. Secretary of state Antony Blinken said, “[w]e continue to disagree strongly with the ICC’s actions relating to the Afghanistan and Palestinian situations . . . We maintain our longstanding objection to the court’s efforts to assert jurisdiction over personnel of non-States Parties such as the United States and Israel. We believe, however, that our concerns about these cases would be better addressed through engagement with all stakeholders in the ICC process rather than through the imposition of sanctions.” Secretary Blinken spoke with Israel’s foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi before the announcement. During the call, Blinken told Foreign Minister Ashkenazi that the U.S. believes Israelis and Palestinians should have equal measurers of freedom security, prosperity, and democracy. (HA 4/2; HA, TOI 4/3)

The EU said that Iran and the U.S. will hold indirect talks in Vienna on 4/6. The meeting comes as the EU and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action signatories are trying to get the U.S. back into the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement and Iran to start complying with the agreement again. (AJ, HA, REU 4/2; REU 4/3; HA 4/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 1 minor who was hit by a stun grenade; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during a late-night raid in Wadi al-Juz. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of al-Fukhari; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/26; PCHR 4/1)

Israel handed over the body of 1 Palestinian man who was shot and killed by Israeli settlers on 2/5 to his family. (WAFA 3/26)

Haaretz reported that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is ignoring a request made by Jordan to have Israel supply water, as Jordan is experiencing a water shortage. Israel provides Jordan with water as agreed in the 2 countries’ peace agreement and Israel sometimes provides Jordan with extra water when Jordan is experiencing droughts. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to ignore Jordan’s request is reportedly in retaliation for Jordan’s decision to close its airspace to him for a planned trip to the UAE after Israel complicated a planned visit by Jordan’s crown prince to the Haram al-Sharif compound on 3/10, which the crown prince ultimately canceled. (HA 3/26; HA, HA 3/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to 2 vehicles and sprayed racist graffiti in Bayt Iksa. Israeli settlers also attacked 1 Palestinian man in Susiya, causing moderate injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers toured a site near Luban al-Sharqiyya, leading to clashes between the settlers’ military escort and Palestinians, causing tear-gas related injures. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man during a protest in Bayt Dajan; the man, who is an imam at a local mosque, was shot in the head. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in ‘Ayn al-Bayda, causing injuries from physical assault with rifle butts. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a house raid in Tura and 1 at a checkpoint near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed an anti-eviction protest in Shaykh Jarrah, causing injuries. Off the coast of Gaza, Israel naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Palestinians continued their weekly protest against gun violence and Israeli police inaction in Umm al-Fahm and Qalansawe. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/19; PCHR, WAFA 3/20; PCHR 3/25; HA 3/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers destroyed a Palestinian-owned fence in Qaryut. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians and arrested 1 other in Jalazun refugee camp near the Beit El settlement; Israeli forces claimed the 3 men were planning to throw Molotov cocktails at settler homes. Israeli forces also raided Bayt Dajan, leading to clashes; no injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 3 agricultural structures in Bayt Ta‘mir. Israeli forces also seized some 100 Palestinian-owned sheep near Yatta, claiming they had entered a restricted area. Palestinian farmers were stuck in the “seam zone” for 3 hours waiting for Israeli forces to open a gate after they had tended their land, on the other side of the separation barrier from their homes near Salfit. 13 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Yatta, Bayt Umar, Birzeit, Tulkarm, Anabta, and Ya‘bad. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Silwan and 1 Palestinian demolished his own restaurant in Jabal Mukabir. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Silwan and Shu‘fat refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/15; JP, TOI, WAFA 3/16; PCHR 3/18)

19 Democrats in the U.S. house of representatives sent a letter to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken urging him to pressure Israel to provide vaccines for all Palestinians in the occupied territories, citing international law. The letter was written by Mark Pocan (D-WI) and André Carson (D-IN). 5 senators wrote a similar letter to Secretary Blinken on 3/12. (HILL 3/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting settlement expansion in ‘Ayn al-Bayda. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a Palestinian protest in Bayt Dajan, injuring 3 with live ammunition, 2 with rubber-coated bullets, 2 with rifles, and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police prevented over 300 Palestinians from entering the Haram al-Sharif compound for Friday prayers and arrested 4 for being in East Jerusalem without a permit. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian was arrested for attempting to enter Israel by the Gaza fence east of al-Bureij. In Israel, thousands of Palestinian-Israelis protested gun violence in their community and police inaction to the problem in Jaljulya and Umm al-Fahm. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/12; PCHR 3/18)

5 Democrats in the U.S. senate wrote a letter to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken urging him to pressure Israel to provide vaccines to all Palestinians in the occupied territories, citing international law. The letter was signed by Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR). 12 members of the house of representatives led by Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) and Mark Pocan (D-WI) also sent a letter to Secretary Blinken urging him to rescind the Trump administration’s “peace plan” and to pressure Israel to stop violations of international law. (HA, WAFA 3/13)

In the West Bank, Israel settlers with military escort raided Madama, leading to confrontations with Palestinians; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces violently dispersed anti-settlement protests in Bayt Dajan and Kafr Qaddum; tear-gas related injuries were reported. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 7 during late-night raids in Yatta, Halhul, and al-Arub refugee camp, and 1 was arrested at a checkpoint near Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya, injuring 2 who were treated at a hospital. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Juhur al-Dik; no injuries were reported. In Israel, thousands of Palestinian-Israelis in Umm al-Fahm protested Israeli police brutality directed at the Palestinian community in Israel; the mayor of Umm al-Fahm was threatened by Israeli police before the protest, saying that he would be held responsible for any disorder during the protest. (HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/5; WAFA 3/6; HA 3/7; PCHR 3/11)

The World Bank approved a $15 million grant to help Palestinian municipalities maintain services and hire people affected by COVID-19-related layoffs. (WAFA 3/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stormed Kafr Haris, closing the area to Palestinians. Israeli settlers also uprooted 20 olive saplings in Kisan. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers and Israeli forces forced 4 families of Palestinian-Israelis picnicking near Jibiya to leave the area saying they were not allowed to be in the area; 1 of the settlers Zvi Bar Yosef has been filmed harassing Palestinians in the area before. Israeli settlers also hid metal rods in a road in Kafr Malik puncturing the wheels of a tractor. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor with live ammunition near Ramallah. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protesters in Kafr Qaddum, Hebron, Bayt Dajan, and Dayr Jarir, leading to tear-gas related injuries; 1 Palestinian minor was taken to a hospital after being hit with a rubber-coated bullet during the protest in Kafr Qaddum. 2 Palestinians were arrested while riding a motorcycle in Ya‘bad. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces seized tents sheltering a family who’s house was demolished on 2/21 in Issawiyya. 3 Palestinians were arrested in Silwan and al-Tur. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Israeli police violently dispersed a protest in Umm al-Fahm against gun violence in the Palestinian-Israeli community; several people were reported injured, including the mayor of Umm al-Fahm, MK Yousef Jabareen, and 1 Israeli police officer. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/26; WAFA 2/27; HA 3/2; PCHR 3/4)

All checkpoints to Gaza and the West Bank were closed by Israel for the Purim holiday. Closures are expected to last until the evening of 2/28. (HA 2/25)

1 Palestinian man who is a resident of Israel and Gaza was indicted by Israel for providing intelligence about locations of Israeli Iron Dome batteries to Hamas. (HA 2/26)

The U.S. released a declassified report that concluded that Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman is responsible for the murder of U.S. resident and journalist Jamal Khashoggi on 10/2/2018. Despite publishing that the administration had reaching that conclusion the Biden administration said it would not move to punish Mohammed bin Salman. President Joe Biden said during his presidential campaign that he would hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its actions after the Saudi royal family had been shielded by the Trump administration. (CNN, CNN, NPR, NYT, NYT 2/26; AJ, GDN 1/3)

European members of the UN security council, Estonia, France, Ireland, Norway, and the UK, issued a joint statement expressing deep concern “at the recent repeated demolitions and confiscation of items, including of EU- and donor-funded structures carried out by Israeli authorities at Humsa Al-Baqaia in the Jordan Valley.” (AJ 2/27; WAFA 2/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers tried to abduct 1 Palestinian man near Husan but ended up robbing him of NIS 25,000 ($7,600), the Palestinian man claimed. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Bayt Dajan and Kafr Qaddum, leading to tear-gas related injuries; 1 Palestinian was hit by a sponge grenade during the protest in Kafr Qaddum. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jenin and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Tur. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 2/19; WAFA 2/20; PCHR 2/25)

Israel released the body of 1 Palestinian prisoner who died of a heart attack in an Israeli prison on 9/2/2020 to his family. (WAFA 2/19)

The PA said that Israel had agreed to vaccinate some 100,000 Palestinian workers from the West Bank who regularly travel to Israel for work. Israeli officials later said that it had not decided whether it would vaccinate the Palestinian workers, but it would discuss the issue. (HA, WAFA 2/19; HA 2/22)

In a statement released by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he announced that the president of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, assured him that he would move the country’s capital to Jerusalem from Herzliya. The statement did not say when the move would happen. (AP, HA 2/19)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler killed 1 Palestinian and injured 2 others after ramming his car into them while they were hiking near Bardala; this was the 2d Palestinian killed by a settler using their vehicle in 3 days. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian farmers working their land in Shu‘fa, forcing them to leave. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raided Luban al-Sharqiyya, leading to confrontations with Palestinians. Israeli settlers also severely injured 1 Palestinian man in Kafr Qalil. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers assaulted 2 Palestinian women south of Jenin. Israeli settlers with military protection also attacked Palestinians protesting settlement expansion near Bidya; 1 Palestinian was injured by a tear gas canister. Israeli forces violently dispersed an anti-settlement protest in Dayr Jarir, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 4 with live ammunition; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a tree planting event in Burin; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 8 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in Salfit, injuring 6 Palestinians who were hit with tear gas canisters. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own barn to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees in al-Fureidis village. 2 Palestinians were arrested in and around Jenin and Tubas. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested in the Old City. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/12; WAFA, WAFA 2/13; PCHR 2/18)

A U.S. federal appeals court ruled an Arkansan law requiring state contractors to pledge not to boycott Israel unconstitutional. (AP 2/12)

British lawyer Karim Khan was elected to be the next ICC chief prosecutor when Fatou Bensouda’s 9-year term expires in June. Karim Khan, who may be the prosecutor in charge of a potential ICC war crimes investigation of Israel and Hamas, received 72 votes of 123. Khan is currently leading a UN team investigating allegations of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes committed by ISIS in Iraq. (AP 2/12; WAFA 2/13)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler shot 1 Palestinian man near Ras Karkar; according to Israeli authorities, the Palestinian man was unarmed and was shot at a settlement outpost near Ras Karkar; Israeli forces subsequently raided the deceased Palestinian’s house. Israeli settlers also raided Luban al-Sharqiyya, leading to confrontations between Palestinians and the settlers’ military escort; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Malik, injuring 1 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Bayt Dajan, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 5 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinians near Silwad, injuring 1 with live ammunition. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid near Nablus. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Abasan and al-Showka; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, MEE, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/5; HA 2/11; PCHR 2/11)

The ICC ruled that it has territorial jurisdiction to persecute alleged war crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territories, as it found Palestine to be “a State Party to the [Rome] Statute.” The ICC defined the occupied Palestinian territories as the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza. Israel has argued that the ICC does not have jurisdiction to prosecute matters pertaining to Israel and Palestine because Israel is not party to the Rome Statute and because Palestine is not a state. The latter 2 of the 3 ICC judges ultimately disagreed with erasing the final hurdle to start a formal investigation, 6 years after the ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda started her preliminary investigation into alleged war crimes made by Israel and Hamas. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the ruling “pure anti-Semitism” and said, “[w]e will fight this perversion of justice with all our might.” The PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh praised the decision. The U.S. State Department’s spokesperson said the U.S. has “serious concern about the ICC’s attempts to exercise its jurisdiction over Israeli personnel. We have always taken the position that the court’s jurisdiction should be reserved for countries that consent to it or that are referred by the UN Security Council.” Haaretz reported that Israel has started briefing military personnel on potential implications for them if the proceedings move to a trial. (AJ, AX, DOS, HA, ICC, NYT, WAFA, WAFA 2/5; AJ, AP, HA, HA, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/6; AX, HA, HA, HA, MDW, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/7; WAFA 2/8)

An UNRWA spokesperson said that the UAE’s contributions to the agency dropped from $51.8 million in 2018 and in 2019 to $1 million in 2020. (AJ, HA 2/6)

The U.S. Biden administration notified Congress that it will remove the Houthi group from the list of foreign terrorist organizations. The Houthis were declared a terrorist organization by the Trump administration shortly before the Trump presidency ended. (REU 2/5; AJ 2/6; AJ 2/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Halhul. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, Bayt Jarir, and Bayt Dajan; tear-gas related injuries were reported and 1 Palestinian was hit with a rubber-coated bullet in Kafr Qaddum. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian famers near al-Fukhari; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 1 Palestinian-Israeli man was shot and killed by an unknown assailant after attending a prayer service in Umm al-Fahm protesting gun violence in parts of the Palestinian-Israeli community. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/22; HA 1/23; PCHR 1/28)

1 Palestinian from the South Hebron Hills who called the Israeli Civil Administration—the Israeli authority charged with controlling Palestinians in the West Bank—to complain about settler incursions on his property was told that the Civil Administration would declare his property a closed military zone if he contacted journalists or activists about his complaint. (HA 1/23)

In Syria, Israel reportedly struck 3 residential buildings in Hama with missile strikes, killing 4 people, including 2 children, and wounding several others. Syria also said it had intercepted Israeli missiles. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, REU, SANA, TOI 1/22)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian teen was severely injured by an unexploded ordinance left behind by Israeli forces in the Masafer Yatta area near Yatta. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in the Masafer Yatta area; 1 Palestinian was run over by an Israeli military vehicle and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters during the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 Palestinians who were hit by tear gas canisters. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan and Dayr Jarir, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians in Kafr Malik; 1 Palestinian was shot and injured by a rubber-coated bullet and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians in Bayt Umar and east of al-Bireh, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also confiscated a Palestinian-owned tractor in Sinjil and a tractor and bulldozer in Bayt Dajan. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Jenin refugee camp, Halhul, and Dayr Jarir; clashes broke out during the raids in Jenin refugee camp, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assaulted Palestinian minors and their older relatives, claiming that the minors had thrown stones at them in the Old City. 1 Palestinian family demolished part of their house in Ras al-Amud to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Tur. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Juhur al-Dik and al-Bureij refugee camp; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian who had entered Israel through the Gaza fence. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/8; PCHR 1/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian shepherds using stones and clubs near Yatta. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Kafr Qaddum. Israeli forces shot and permanently paralyzed 1 Palestinian who refused to let go of his power generator during a house demolition in Khirbet al-Rakiz; a video of the incident showed that there was no threat to the Israeli soldiers and that the man was shot in the neck from a distance of 6 feet; when relatives tried to take the Palestinian man to the hospital, Israeli forces shot at their car, destroying a tire. Israeli forces also violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 8 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Dayr Jarir, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also raided al-Fawar refugee camp, leading to clashes; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed protests in Bayt Dajan, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians during an incursion in Kafr Malik, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest near Qalqilya, injuring 1 Palestinian teen with a rubber-coated bullet. Israeli forces also demolished 250 olive trees, 100 grapevines, 100 almond trees, and 100 fig trees in Biddu. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Yatta and 1 at a checkpoint near Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested by the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Abu Safiyya and Jabaliya refugee camp; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/1; AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 1/2; PCHR 1/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Bayt Dajan, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Dayr Jarir, injuring the village’s major and 1 other with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also raided Qabatiya, leading to clashes with Palestinians; 1 Palestinian was hit with a rubber-coated bullet, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces took measurements of the house of a Palestinian accused of killing an Israeli settler on 12/21 for a punitive demolition. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Qalqilya and Dayr al-Ghusun. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural fields east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/25; PCHR 12/31)

The PA foreign ministry urged the UN Security Council to address the spike in Israeli settler violence against Palestinians. (WAFA 12/25)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Moroccan king Mohammed VI spoke via phone for the 1st time since the 2 countries’ normalization deal was announced on 12/10. Prime Minister Netanyahu said he had invited King Mohammed VI to Israel and later said that a Moroccan delegation would land in Israel soon. (AJ, HA 12/25; REU 12/26)

Israeli forces attacked the Syrian city of Masyaf near Lebanon, killing 6 people and causing damage. According to the Syrian military, it had intercepted a “barrage of Israeli missiles.” Low-flying Israeli fighters were filmed over Beirut shortly before the attack. (AJ, DT, HA, TOI 12/25)

Turkey’s president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told reporters in Istanbul that he wants relations with Israel to be better but that “[t]he Palestine policy is our red line. It is impossible for us to accept Israel’s Palestine policies. Their merciless acts that are unacceptable.” (AJ, HA, MEE, REU 12/25)

In the West Bank, armed Israeli settlers raided the Masafer Yatta area, entering several Palestinian homes and assaulting the owners. Israeli settlers also destroyed water pipes and orange trees in Luban al-Sharqiyya. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Jenin, damaging 4. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian using a rubber-coated bullet, hitting his head, during clashes in Kafr Malik. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Mughayyir; during the protest, Israeli settlers armed with guns and clubs fired shots and threatened to release attack dogs on Palestinians. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, leading to tear-gas related injuries; Palestinians managed to shoot down 1 Israeli drone with stones. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, causing tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces set up 2 metal gates on agricultural roads in the Jordan Valley. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during raids in and around al-‘Izzariya, Zabbuba, and Jenin; 2 were arrested at checkpoints near Tulkarm and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested in the Old City. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/18; HA 12/19; +972, WAFA 12/21; PCHR 12/24)

1 Palestinian prisoner started an open-ended hunger strike after, despite completing a 10-month sentence in an Israeli prison, his detention continued. (WAFA 12/18)

According to Sudanese media outlets, Sudan revoked the citizenship of 3,000 foreign nationals, including Hamas leader Khaled Mishal. (TOI 12/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settler set up a mobile home on Palestinian land east of Hebron. Israeli forces violently dispersed an anti-settlement protest in al-Mughayyir, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians at an olive tree planting event in Bayt Dajan, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets while 15 others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also denied Palestinians access to their land near Salfit. Palestinians clashed with PA security forces during several demonstrations against COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in and around Hebron, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 6 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Nablus, al-Bireh, al-‘Izzariya, Luban al-Sharqiyya, and Huwwara. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in the Old City and Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of al-Fukhari; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/11; HA 12/12; PCHR 12/17)

1 Palestinian man died of wounds sustained after being shot by Israeli forces at the Qalandia checkpoint on 8/16. The man, who had a hearing disability, was shot after he did not stop when told by Israeli forces. (WAFA 12/11; PCHR 12/17)

A member of Hezbollah was sentenced to 5 consecutive life sentences for killing former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri and 21 others in 2005. The man, Salim Jamil Ayyash, was sentenced in absentia by the UN-backed Lebanon Tribunal. (AJ, HA, REU 12/11)

A group of 22 Republican members of the U.S. House sent a letter to U.S. president Donald Trump urging the president to declassify a State Department report mandated by Congress in 2012 that distinguishes between Palestinian refugees born in Palestine before 1948 and those born outside of Palestine. The 22 Republicans said in the letter that they do not believe that descendants of Palestinian refugees born in Palestine before 1948 can be considered refugees and called the Right of Return a “fiction” that should “end.” (Rep. Doug Lamborn 12/11, MDW 12/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed a 14-year-old Palestinian using live ammunition during a protest against a settlement outpost in al-Mughayyir; 4 were shot by rubber-coated bullets and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a seed planting event in Bayt Dajan, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum and a similar protest in Salfit; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians in Hebron, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 at a checkpoint in the Jordan Valley near Jenin and 1 during a late-night raid in Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler tried to set fire to the Church of All Nations, but only managed to cause moderate damage before being stopped by church guards; the settler was arrested by Israeli forces shortly after. PA president Mahmoud Abbas called the incident a terror attack. 1 Palestinian was arrested at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers near Bayt Lahiya and Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/4; AJ, HA, HA, HA, MEE, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/5; AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/6; GDN 12/7; PCHR 12/10; +972 12/14)

The Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud said at a virtual meeting that Saudi Arabia’s demand before normalization with Israel is a “peace deal that delivers a Palestinian state with dignity and with a workable sovereignty that Palestinians can accept.” (AJ 12/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians during a raid in Bayt Umar, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also seized 8 sanitation trucks in al-‘Izzariya, destroyed a vending stall in al-Fawar refugee camp, and demolished 1 agricultural shed and seized 1 mobile home southeast of Hebron. 8 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Biddu, Qatanna, Balata refugee camp, Bayt Dajan, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in Sur Bahir. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan, Issawiyya, and the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmers and shepherds southeast of Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/1; PCHR 12/3)

Hamas said that its political leader Yahya Sinwar had contracted the COVID-19 virus and would be working during self-isolation. (HA 12/1)

The New York Times reported that Sudanese officials said that the country will not move forward with normalization of ties with Israel unless the U.S. Congress grants the country immunity from future terrorism lawsuits. (HA, NYT 12/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted some 400 grape saplings in Turmus ‘Ayya. Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum, seriously injuring 1 Palestinian minor who was hospitalized with a fractured skull after being hit by a rubber-coated bullet; 14 others were also injured by rubber-coated bullets and others suffered tear-gas related injuries during Israeli crackdowns on protests in Bayt Dajan and Kafr Malik. 10 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bayt Dajan, Jenin, and Bethlehem. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/27; HA, WAFA 11/28; PCHR 12/3)

In the West Bank, a PA-issued 48-hour lockdown commenced to halt the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The lockdown will last until 11/29. (AJ, WAFA 11/27)

A top Iranian nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, was assassinated while driving his car in Absard some 40 miles east of Tehran. Iran said that there were “serious indications of Israeli responsibility.” An anonymous Israeli official confirmed to the NYT that Israel was behind the assassination. The NYT also had 3 other intelligence sources confirm Israel’s involvement. According to Iran’s Fars News Agency, Fakhrizadeh was killed by a remote-controlled machine gun attached to a deserted car. The NYT reported a different story of the events in which 12 assassins caught up to Fakhrizadeh’s car and shot him before leaving the scene unharmed. Israel has previously claimed that Fakhrizadeh was the scientist behind Iran’s nuclear program and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in 2018 during a press conference that people should remember Fakhrizadeh’s name. Former CIA director John Brennan condemned the assassination, calling it “flagrant violation of international law.” The EU, UN, UAE, and Jordan also condemned the assassination. Israel assassinated at least 4 Iranian scientists between 2010 and 2012. Several Israeli public officials denied knowing who assassinated Fakhrizadeh. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, REU 11/27; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU 11/28; AJ, GDN, HA, HA, REU 11/29; AJ, FOX, HA, HA, NBC, REU, SKY, TOI, VOA 11/30; HA 12/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers leveled Palestinian-owned land near Kisan. Israeli forces detained and severely beat 3 Palestinians at a flying checkpoint near Bayt Fajjar; all 3 were later taken to a hospital in Bayt Jala. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Malik during an anti-settlement demonstration, injuring 1 Palestinian with a tear-gas canister; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters during the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum; 1 Palestinian was hit with a rubber-coated bullet to his face. Israeli forces also seized construction materials in al-Walaja. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 paramedic during the protest in Kafr Malik, 1 during a raid in Hebron, and 6 at checkpoints near Nablus, Qalandia, and Bethlehem. (WAFA, WAFA 11/20; WAFA 11/21; PCHR 11/26)

The U.S. department of justice said that the Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard finished his parole and is now free to move to Israel. It had been uncertain if Pollard would have his parole extended since U.S. national security officials have objected to allowing Pollard’s parole to expire. Pollard was arrested in 1985 for spying on the U.S. on behalf of Israel and was handed a life sentence. He was released in 2015 but with limitations on his movement and he was banned from making public statements as part of his parole. Pollard was given Israeli citizenship in 1995 and Israeli prime ministers have long sought to have him released to Israel, where he is perceived as a hero. (NYT 11/20; HA, REU 11/21; HA, HA, HA, LAT 11/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian minor and his father in Hebron. Israeli settlers also set up tents in Battir near Bethlehem. Israeli forces delivered demolition orders for 1 residential structure and 1 garden in Sabastiyya, 1 pool used for irrigation in Bayt Dajan, and a number of structures east of Yatta. Israeli forces also demolished 1 residential structure near Tubas and dismantled and seized 1 wooden shed in Umm al-Jamal. Israeli forces also shot and injured 6 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets during raids in Qalandia refugee camp; 1 Israeli soldier was also injured during the clashes, which lasted some 2 hours; 9 Palestinian-owned vehicles were damaged. 12 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Nablus, Birzeit, Bayt Umar, Qalandia, Hebron, and Jenin. 7 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City and Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and razed farmland east of Khan Yunis. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/17, PCHR 11/19)

The PA civil affairs minister Hussein al-Sheikh announced that the PA would resume coordination with Israel, including security coordination, after suspending ties in May. Civil Affairs Minister al-Sheikh said that Israel had promised to respect its agreements with the PA during “international negotiations conducted by the president [Mahmoud Abbas].” Hamas and Islamic Jihad condemned the PA’s move, saying it undermines reconciliation efforts. PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said during a Zoom conference organized by the Council of Foreign Relations that the COVID-19 pandemic played a part in the decision as the PA have struggled to find the resources to fight it. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, TOI, WAFA 11/17; HA, TOI 11/18; HA 11/19)

Israeli said it defused explosive devices in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights near the de facto border of Syria. Israel later attacked Syria, striking 8 targets. According to the Syrian state media SANA, 3 were killed, 1 wounded, and Syria intercepted Israeli missiles over Damascus. The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 10 people were killed in the strikes. Israel acknowledged to have attacked Syria, saying it was responding to the explosive devices and claiming that it had hit Iranian and Syrian forces in Syria. (HA, REU 11/17; AJ, HA 11/18; BBC 11/19)

Both Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and president Reuven Rivlin congratulated U.S. president-elect Joe Biden via phone. (HA 11/17)

1 Jewish-Israeli was given a 7-year prison sentence for smuggling metals into Gaza and selling them to Hamas. He was also fined $60,000. (TOI, HA 11/17)

41 Democrats in congress cosigned a letter to U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo, expressing concern about Israel’s demolition of the village Khirbet Humsa on 11/3, demanding that Secretary Pompeo condemn Israel’s actions. (Mark Pocan’s Office 11/17; HA, WAFA 11/18)

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

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

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

In the West Bank, for the 2d day in a row, Israeli settlers toured an archaeological site in Sabastiyya; during the settler tour, the site was closed to Palestinians by Israeli forces. Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 using rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed an anti-settlement protest in Bayt Dajan, causing tear-gas related injuries. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jenin. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Dayr al-Balah. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/6; PCHR 11/12)

A Palestinian prisoner who had been hunger striking for 103 days to protest his administrative detention ended his hunger strike after Israel promised not to extend the administrative detention order against him. (AJ, GDN, HA, REU, WAFA 11/6)

The U.S. put sanctions on the former Lebanese foreign minister and leader of the Christian voting bloc in the Lebanese parliament Gebran Bassil, alleging that he has a particularly big role in Lebanon’s corruption problems and has “aided and abetted Hezbollah’s destabilizing activities.” (AJ, HA, REU 11/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers destroyed electric poles in al-Zawiya. Israeli forces violently dispersed protests in Bayt Dajan against settler encroachment; 3 Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also shot and injured 3 Palestinian minors at a checkpoint near Jenin using live ammunition; all 3 were rushed to a hospital. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians during the weekly anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also assaulted 1 mother and her son before arresting the son in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, thousands of Muslim worshippers prayed at the Haram al-Sharif compound despite COVID-19 restrictions; 3 Palestinians were arrested. The mass prayer happened after a legal protest against French president Emmanuel Macron’s recent attacks on Islam. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/30; HA 11/1; PCHR 11/5)

The foreign ministry of the Dominican Republic announced that the country is considering moving its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. (HA, REU 10/31)

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

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian shepherds near Yatta; no serious injuries were reported. Israeli settlers also set up mobile homes on Palestinian-owned land near Bayt Dajan and set up tents on Palestinian-owned land east of Hebron. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Hebron, Jenin, and al-Bireh. In East Jerusalem, 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of al-Sudaniyya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya within the allowed fishing area; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/6; PCHR 10/8)

Israel’s justice ministry dropped its investigation into Israeli police officers who planted a gun in an East Jerusalem house belonging to a Palestinian family for Kan TV’s reality show Jerusalem District to stage a house arrest. (HA 10/6)