The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers destroyed 70 Palestinian-owned olive trees in Sa‘ir. Israeli forces delivered an order to seize 1.5 dunams (0.4 acres) of Palestinian-owned land near Yasuf and demolition notices for 3 Palestinian-owned houses and 5 animal barns east of Hebron. Israeli forces also demolished 1 shack and 1 wall surrounding a parking lot in Tulkarm and razed some 10 dunams (2.5 acres) of land near Kisan. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces delivered eviction notices for 7 families in Issawiyya. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles off the shore; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/13; PCHR 7/16)

The governor of Missouri Mike Parson signed the Anti-Discrimination Against Israel Act, requiring state contractors with contracts worth more than $100,000 to pledge not to engage in boycotts of Israel and Israeli products. (EI 7/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 13 Palestinian-owned vehicles, puncturing tires and spraying racist graffiti, in Luban al-Sharqiyya. Elsewhere, near Burin, Israeli settlers set fire to olive trees. Israeli settlers also set up mobile homes, creating a settlement outpost in al-Sawiya. Israeli forces seized 2 Palestinian-owned bulldozers, 1 in Qalqilya and 1 near Ramallah. Israeli forces also uprooted some 200 olive trees in Yasuf. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered a notice for seizure of 3.5 dunams (0.8 acres) of Palestinian-owned land to expand a checkpoint near Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 house in Silwan and 1 store in Wadi al-Juz. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/8; HA, PCHR, WAFA 7/9)

The EU announced $25.1 million in humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. (WAFA 7/8)

In the West Bank, Palestinians clashed with Israeli soldiers in Hebron, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also seized 4 trucks, claiming they were carrying stolen water from a water pipe near Hebron. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seized 2 excavators near Nablus. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Tulkarm, al-Fawar refugee camp, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinian families demolished their own houses under construction in al-Tur to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles off the coast west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. Israeli naval forces also arrested 4 Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles northwest of Rafah. (WAFA 7/2; PCHR 7/9)

The secretary-general of the Fatah Central Committee Jibril Rajub and the head of the Hamas political bureau Salah al-Arouri held a joint press conference formulating a plan of action to counter Israeli plans to annex parts of the West Bank. The 2 confirmed that the factions have had conversations on the issue previously. The chairman of the Joint List in Israel Ayman Odeh also joined the virtual conference. (AJ, HA, TOI, WAFA 7/2)

The PA finance minister Shukri Bishara said that the PA would cut wages for some 132,000 public employees by 50 percent, but not to less than $507 a month. The PA is facing a financial crisis due to not receiving tax revenue collected by Israel and from the COVID-19 crisis. (REU 7/2)

A fire broke out at an Iranian nuclear facility in Natanz. Iran refused to disclose the reason for the fire, but 3 Iranian officials told Reuters that it was caused by cyber sabotage. Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz neither denied nor confirmed Israel’s involvement, saying “[n]ot every incident that transpires in Iran necessarily has something to do with us.” (AJ 7/2; AJ 7/3; AJ, REU, REU 7/5; HA 7/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided and surveyed a bedouin community adjacent to the Israeli settlement Ma’ale Adumim in preparation for annexing the area. 1 Palestinian woman died of the COVID-19 virus, marking the 8th COVID-19-related death in the Palestinian territories and 4th in the West Bank, excluding East Jerusalem. The district of Bethlehem started a 48-hour lockdown to combat the rise in COVID-19 cases. 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around al-‘Arub refugee camp, Jenin, Ramallah, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/29; PCHR 7/2)

U.S. assistant to the president and special representative for international negotiations Avi Berkowitz and U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman met with Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz to discuss annexation of parts of the West Bank. According to Haaretz sources, Defense Minister Gantz told the 2 that 7/1 “is not a sacred date” for moving forward with annexation. Shortly after those details were reported, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “The issue [annexation] is not up to Kahol Lavan [Gantz’s Blue and White party]. They are not a factor either way.” (Axios, HA, HA, REU 6/29)

A letter by 4 progressives in the U.S. House, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Betty McCollum (D-MN), to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo being circulated among other representatives was obtained by the Jewish Insider. The letter warns the State Department that the 4 will “pursue conditions on the $3.8 billion in U.S. military funding to Israel.” (Jewish Insider 6/29; HA 6/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up caravans near Madama. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles traveling near Qalqilya. Israeli forces demolished 2 Palestinian buildings under construction in Anata. Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed at a checkpoint near al-Fawar refugee camp, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 at a checkpoint near Nablus and 1 during a raid near Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested in and around al-Tur, Issawiyya, and Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. Off the shore of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen northwest of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/25; PCHR 7/2)

In what seemed to be another push to normalize Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the UAE had signed a deal with Israel to cooperate on COVID-19 issues. However, shortly after Netanyahu’s announcement, UAE state media and a spokesperson from the UAE foreign ministry said that the deal was signed between 2 private companies in the UAE and 2 private companies in Israel. (AJ, NYT, REU 6/25; HA 6/26)

U.S. officials told Reuters that the White House meetings on Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank this week did not end up with a final decision on the U.S. position on the matter. (HA, REU 6/25)

189 Democratic members of the House signed a letter to the Israeli government expressing concern over potential efforts to unilaterally annex parts of the West Bank. (Ted Deutch, WAFA 6/25)

Germany contributed with $3.3 million in financing for the Salfit Sewerage Project. (WAFA 6/25)

In the West Bank, a Fatah-organized anti-annexation protest in Jericho drew large crowds and several prominent speakers, including PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, UN envoy for Middle East peace Nickolay Mladenov, and other foreign diplomats. Israeli forces prevented Palestinians from other parts of the West Bank from reaching Jericho, leading to clashes in the northern part of the Jordan Valley where 8 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces using rubber-coated bullets and tear gas. Israeli settlers threw stones on Palestinian vehicles traveling between Nablus and Jenin, causing damage. Later, Israeli settlers raided Nablus, leading to confrontations between Palestinians and the Israeli forces escorting the settlers; 1 Palestinian was injured by rubber-coated bullets, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 16 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Jalazun refugee camp, Kobar, Ramallah, Jenin, Tubas, Tulkarm, and Bayt Fajjar. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were hospitalized after Israeli forces fired tear gas outside their house in Issawiyya. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east of al-Maghazi; no injuries were reported. (HA 6/21; HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/22; WAFA, WAFA 6/23; PCHR 6/25)

According to Haaretz sources, the Trump administration is considering green-lighting an Israeli plan for annexation of parts of the West Bank which would be rolled out over several installments rather than in 1 sweep. The plan is perceived as able to curb some of the criticism that Israel has received from several staunch supporters of Israel within the Democratic party since announcing its annexation plans. (HA 6/21)

120 Republican members of the U.S. House signed a letter to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing their support for Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank. The letter said that the Republican lawmakers believe that “Israel has the right to make sovereign decisions independent of outside pressure.” The signatories represent a majority of the 198 republicans in the House. (HILL 6/22; HA 6/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 13 buildings in 2 settlement outposts; 6 settlers were arrested. Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian property in Aqraba, damaging animal barns and solar panels and stealing goods. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 at a military checkpoint west of Salfit, and 6 during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Salfit, Nablus, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 2 apartments and 4 storage units in Shu‘fat refugee camp. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during raids in al-Tur; 2 others were arrested while visiting a brother at the Russian Compound detention center. In Israel, Israeli authorities reported that 1 rocket was launched from Gaza; no injuries or damage were reported. Israel subsequently fired 3 missiles from a drone at open land east of Juhur al-Dik; no injuries or damage were reported. (HA, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/15; WAFA 6/16; PCHR 6/18)

Israel’s high court of justice ordered the Israeli government to explain why there has not been an investigation into the construction of unauthorized settlement units in the Hayovel settlement outpost. Peace Now petitioned the high court of justice in 2018 and no construction has resumed in the settlement outpost since the petition. (HA 6/16)

In a press conference, senior Hamas official Salah al-Bardawil called for united Palestinian resistance against Israel as plans for annexation of parts of the West Bank intensify. Al-Bardawil also called for meetings between Hamas and the PLO. (AJ 6/15)

Reuters reported that sources had told the news agency about plans to build a 5-mile settler bypass road in East Jerusalem to connect settlements in the south, central, and north West Bank. (AJ, REU 6/15)

According to reporting by Al Akhbar, Israel approved a $50 million transfer from Qatar to Gaza. (HA 6/15)

The Israeli cabinet approved a $2.3 million budget for an Israeli settlement in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights named after U.S. president Donald Trump. The plans for Trump Heights were announced in 2019 but had not yet been funded. Israel is planning to build 120 settlement units there. (AJ, HA 6/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian houses and chanted racist slogans in al-Twana. 2 Palestinians were arrested at different military checkpoints south of Nablus and east of Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Palestinian protesters clashed with Israeli police as protests against the pending demolition of an 18th-century Muslim cemetery in Jaffa continued; 4 people were arrested and city property was set on fire. (WAFA 6/13; HA 6/14; PCHR 6/18)

In Lebanon, protesters rallied against the Lebanese government, for the 3d day in a row, after the Lebanese currency lost 60 percent of its value in recent weeks. Protesters called on the Lebanese government to resign. (AJ, AJ 6/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinians in 2 separate incidents in Hebron. In the 1st incident, 1 Palestinian man was hospitalized after 4 settlers attacked him while Israeli soldiers chose not to intervene. In the 2d incident, a larger group of settlers attacked 1 Palestinian man; when an Israeli soldier intervened, the settlers attacked him as well. Israeli settlers also vandalized several vehicles in Hebron. South of Hebron, in Susiya, Israeli settlers raided the village and attacked Palestinian-owned homes. Elsewhere, in Kafr Haris, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Islamic shrine and 1 Palestinian-owned home. Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 5 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets, including 3 journalists, and damaged 1 ambulance. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protests in Zubaydat and Ni‘lin, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Burqa and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Sur Bahir to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/12; HA, WAFA 6/13; HA 6/14; PCHR 6/18)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz and Israeli justice minister Avi Nissenkorn told their ministries to find ways to legalize Israeli structures built on privately-owned Palestinian land in the West Bank. (HA 6/12)

In Lebanon, protesters rallied against the Lebanese government for the 2d day in a row after Lebanese currency lost 60 percent of its value in recent weeks. At least 33 people, including 2 soldiers, were injured in clashes between protesters and Lebanese forces. (REU 6/12; AJ, AJ 6/13)

The EU informed BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights that it had canceled its funding for a project called Mobilizing for Justice in East Jerusalem, totaling $1.9 million. BADIL had refused to sign what was called the anti-terrorism clause, which made the EU pull its funding. In a press release, BADIL said that it had proposed different language for the clause and that the EU’s proposed language “criminalizes the Palestinian struggle against oppression . . . the article violates both Palestinian and international law, as well as the declared obligations of the EU itself.” (BADIL 6/16; TOI 6/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers chopped down 36 olive trees in Burin. Israeli settlers and military escort toured Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, leading to confrontations with Palestinians; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces demolished a residential structure, displacing 10 people in Bayt Umar. 19 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Qalqilya, ‘Azun, Tulkarm, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities banned the former mufti of Jerusalem, Shaykh Ikrima Sabri, from entering the Haram al-Sharif compound for 4 months. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen north of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/4; PCHR 6/11)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said that the PA would not trade Israeli-withheld PA tax revenue for political concessions, saying “[t]he question of Palestine is not that of money, but of rights, dignity and freedom.” (WAFA 6/5)

The PA responded to the ICC’s request for clarification on the PA’s decision to end all agreements with Israel and the U.S. in light of the impeding annexation of parts of the West Bank. In its response, the PA said that ending agreements with Israel and the U.S. does “not in any way purport to, nor does it, legally affect the question [of the ICC jurisdiction relating to Israeli war crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories] presently before the Chamber.” (HA 6/5; WAFA 6/6)

Syrian state media and the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported Israeli air strikes in Hama. According to SOHR, 9 people were killed, including 4 Syrians. According to Syrian state media, Syrian forces intercepted 1 Israeli attack. (HA 6/4; AJ 6/5)

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-NY) said at an online event that Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank undermines U.S. national security interests. (HA 6/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed 350 dunams (86.5 acres) of land northwest of Jericho and prevented farmers in Kisan from plowing their land. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian homes in Burin; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces handed a demolition notice for a house southwest of Hebron. 17 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Nablus, Salfit, Tulkarm, Abu Dis, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 6 structures (2 of which were residential): 5 in Jabal Mukabir and 1 in Silwan. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during house raids and 1 Waqf guard at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza City; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/2; PCHR 6/4)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu told settler leaders during a meeting that Israeli annexation of the West Bank will be promoted independently of the U.S. peace plan, according to Haaretz sources. (HA 6/2)

The Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi told members of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee that Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank would “not go unanswered” and would “diminish all chances for a lasting and comprehensive regional peace.” (HA 6/2)

The French government contributed $9 million to the PA 2020 budget. (WAFA 6/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian man in Susiya. Israeli forces made Jiftlik a temporary military zone and seized an irrigation system, 2 bulldozers, 1 tractor, and 1 water tank. 21 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bayt Umar, Hebron, al-Fawar refugee camp, Ramallah, Jericho, Nablus, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested. The Israeli Jerusalem municipality ordered some 200 Palestinian-owned industrial buildings in Wadi al-Juz to be evicted and demolished. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/1; JP, WAFA 6/2; PCHR 6/4)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz said he had instructed the Israeli army’s chief of staff to accelerate the army’s preparations for “the upcoming diplomatic changes in the Palestinian area.” Defense Minister Gantz was referring to the potential fallout from Israel’s upcoming plans to annex parts of the West Bank. (HA, REU 6/1)

UAE’s minister of foreign affairs Anwar Gargash tweeted that “[c]ontinued Israeli talk of annexing Palestinian lands must stop. Any unilateral Israeli move will be a serious setback for the peace process, undermine Palestinian self determination & constitute a rejection of the international & Arab consensus towards stability & peace.” The tweet comes after the PA on 5/21 rejected COVID-19-related aid flown directly from the UAE to Tel Aviv. The direct flight was seen as another step toward normalizing ties between the UAE and Israel. (AJ, HA, REU 6/1)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo said in a podcast that the U.S. government would make announcements this week “push[ing] back against what the ICC is up to.” The ICC is currently investigating possible war crimes committed by the U.S. in Afghanistan and by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories. (HA 6/2)

The World Bank warned that the Palestinian economy could shrink up to 11 percent in the coming year, citing COVID-19’s impact on the tourism industry and PA-enhanced spending on health. (HA 6/1)

In the West Bank, videos released by B’tselem shows Israeli soldiers slashing tires on Palestinian-owned vehicles and throwing tear gas at Palestinian homes in Kafr Qaddum. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian man at a military checkpoint south of Tulkarm. Israeli settlers with Israeli force protection threw stones and bottles at Palestinian homes in the Old City of Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian man with autism was shot dead by Israeli forces in the Old City while he was making his way to a school for disabled people. According to Israeli border police, officers thought he was carrying a gun and ordered him to stop; when he started running the Israeli officers shot him dead, finding no weapon on his body. 2 Palestinian families were forced to demolish their own homes in Jabal Mukabir, displacing 11 people. (AJ, HA, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/30; HA, MDW 5/31; HA 6/1; PCHR 6/4)

An Israeli border police officer was sentenced to 2 years in prison for robbing Palestinians of thousands of dollars while pulling Palestinians over at a checkpoint between Israel and the West Bank. (HA 5/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished vending stalls in ‘Ayn al-Bayda and Bardala; demolished 3 agricultural structures and razed land east of Hebron; demolished 1 house under construction in Bayt Dajan; handed demolition orders for 3 tents south of Yatta; handed stop-work orders for construction in al-Walaja; and demolished 2 tourist facilities under construction in Sabastiyya. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Tulkarm and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished part of their own house in Silwan to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/27; PCHR 5/28)

The U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo said that the U.S. would not extend waivers for 3 of 4 sanctions allowing Russian, Chinese, and European companies to work on Iranian nuclear sites in the interest of non-proliferation. (AJ 5/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers injured 2 Palestinians while throwing stones at a Palestinian-owned house in Yatma. Separately, Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian-owned agricultural lands east of Tulkarm, damaging olive and almond trees. Israeli forces also confiscated 1 residential caravan in Bayt Dajan. 26 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bayt Umar, Dura, Hebron, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Ya‘bad, Jenin, Nablus, and Qalqilya. During a raid near Ramallah, 1 Palestinian was injured by a rubber-coated bullet; 1 other Palestinian was injured by gunfire in Qalqilya, and clashes erupted during a raid in Ya‘bad; no injuries were reported there. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were injured in 2 separate attacks by unidentified perpetrators; 1 4-year-old girl was hit in the head by a bullet in Issawiyya and 1 man and his child were shot while working in a store in Shu‘fat. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Issawiyya. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 5/21; PCHR 5/28)

The PA formally informed Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories and the CIA that it was no longer participating in security coordination and intelligence sharing. PA forces also left Area B which, like Area C, is under Israeli military control. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh also said that the PA would not accept COVID-19-related aid sent from UAE on a direct plane to Israel landing on 5/20, noting that the PA had not been informed about the shipment before it took off. All the COVID-19 material will instead go to Gaza, which witnessed 29 new confirmed COVID-19 cases today. (AJ, HA, HA, REU 5/21)

18 Democratic senators signed a letter addressed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, warning that annexation of parts of the West Bank “would betray our shared democratic values by denying Palestinians’ right to self-determination in a viable, sovereign, independent and contiguous state.” It further stated that annexation would likely erode the American people’s support for the U.S.-Israeli special relationship. (HA 5/21; WAFA 5/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers and Israeli forces leveled some 15 dunams (3.7 acres) of land planted with olive trees southeast of Tulkarm. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, Jericho, and Abu Dis. During a raid in Bayt Umar, Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler stabbed 1 Palestinian minor in the Old City, causing moderate injuries. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Palestinians protested the killing of a mentally disabled Palestinian citizen of Israel on 5/13. The man had pulled out a knife while at the hospital for an examination but did not use it; when he got in a car, hospital security guards pulled him out and he lightly injured 1 guard, to which guards responded by shooting him 5 times while he was lying incapacitated on the ground. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/18; PCHR 5/21)

1 Israeli settler was indicted for creating fake military checkpoints in the West Bank, using them to carjack Palestinian drivers. According to the indictment, he managed to steal 3 Palestinian-owned vehicles. (TOI 5/18)

The Israeli Prison Service transferred 1 Palestinian hunger-striker held in administrative detention to solitary confinement. (WAFA 5/18)

The PA foreign ministry summoned the head of the Austrian representative to Palestine for questioning after an Austrian representative questioned the legality of prosecuting Israel at the International Criminal Court. (WAFA 5/18)

In a statement congratulating Israel with the formation of its new government on 5/17, the EU high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borrell also reaffirmed the EU position that the union does not and will not recognize any changes to the 1967 borders unless agreed to by both parties, including maintaining that East Jerusalem will be the future capital of Palestine and that annexation of West Bank territory would be in violation of international law. Meanwhile, the Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau similarly stressed Canada’s commitment to international law in his congratulations to Israel on their new government. (EEAS, HA 5/18; WAFA 5/19)

Germany donated $760,000 to the Augusta Victoria hospital in East Jerusalem, which treats Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza. Separately, India provided $2 million to UNRWA core programming. (WAFA, WAFA 5/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces punitively demolished the family home of an accused Palestinian attacker in Kaubar village near Ramallah. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the demolition, injuring 4 people, including 1 who was hit by a tear gas canister. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work orders for 13 structures and 1 public park in Nahalin, and 1 stop-work order for an agricultural structure south of Tubas. Israeli settlers stole seedlings and agricultural tools from a Palestinian plant nursery between Nablus and Tulkarm. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 6 during late-night raids in and around Hebron and Nablus, and 2 at a checkpoint near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 14 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 on a street in the Old City and 13 during late-night raids in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Khan Yunis. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya on 2 separate occasions; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/11; PCHR 5/14)

Israel’s public security minister Gilad Erdan extended a ban of Palestine TV, operating in East Jerusalem, for another 6 months. (WAFA 5/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers chopped down 40 olive trees in al-Mughayyir. Israeli forces raided Qalqilya, leading to confrontations with Palestinians; no injuries were reported. Nearby, in Kafr Qaddum, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters; 1 Palestinian was injured by a rubber-coated bullet. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinians seeking to enter Israel by the separation wall near Tulkarm; 1 Palestinian was injured by live ammunition. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 at a checkpoint in Hebron and 1 during a house raid in Balata refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in the Old City. (WAFA, WAFA 5/9; PCHR 5/14)

The Washington Post reported that Israel was behind a cyber attack against Iran, which caused disruption at waterways and roads leading to the Shahid Rajaee port. The attack was allegedly retaliation to a cyber attack that Israel believes was carried out by Iran against Israel in April. (REU 5/18; AJ, HA 5/19)

In the West Bank, PA president Mahmoud Abbas extended his state of emergency declaration related to the COVID-19 outbreak to June 5. Since the outbreak, the West Bank has had 345 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 2 COVID-19-related deaths. Israeli forces handed a demolition notice for a Palestinian-owned house in Ya‘bad and stop-work notifications for 6 structures near Tulkarm. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Bayt Awa. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 13 Palestinians during late-night raids; 7 of the arrested are accused of working for or being funded by the PA. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Palestinian citizens of Israel went on strike in many places to protest the disproportionately low compensation that business owners in Palestinian-majority neighborhoods have received of the COVID-19 aid, about 1.7 percent. (HA 5/2; AJ, HA, JP, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/5; PCHR 5/7)

The EU donated $41 million to the PA to help payments of salaries and pensions to civil servants. (WAFA 5/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 car wash under construction and a plant nursery near Bethlehem. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian near Tulkarm by the separation wall before arresting him. Another 6 Palestinians were arrested in raids in and around Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Jericho. Israeli settlers vandalized 14 Palestinian-owned vehicles and wrote graffiti on walls near Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers destroyed 24 olive trees north of Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinian minors were arrested and beaten in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces attacked Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/30; PCHR 5/7)

Members of the Arab League condemned Israel’s plan to annex parts of the West Bank, calling it a new war crime against Palestinians. (REU 4/30)

The chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court (ICC) Fatou Bensouda reiterated her position that Palestine is a state under the court’s jurisdiction, which would allow investigations of alleged war crimes committed in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza. 3 ICC judges must now decide on the matter. (ICC, JP, TOI 4/30; WAFA 5/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized a mobile home displacing a Palestinian family near Jericho. 1 Israeli settler shot a gun in the air as he passed Palestinians managing a COVID-19 test post near Husan. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Taqqua, Hebron, Tulkarm, ‘Araba, ‘Azun, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided Silwan and Issawiyya leading to clashes with Palestinians; tear-gas related injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of al-Zaytun. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinian shepherds and agricultural land east of al-Maghazi and Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/23; HA 4/27; PCHR 4/30)

The International Committee of the Red Cross donated a ventilator, monitors, defibrillators, suction devices, and pumps to Palestinian hospitals in Gaza. (REU 4/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed protests in Kafr Qaddum and near Tulkarm; 1 Palestinian was injured by a rubber-coated bullet, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also forced Palestinian workers checking Palestinians arriving from Israel for COVID-19 to leave in Atil. Israeli forces arrested 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Jenin and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested PA minister of Jerusalem affairs Fadi Hidmi during a late-night raid in al-Suwana and seized $2,800 from his house; he was released after hours of interrogation. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya on 2 separate occasions; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmers east of Dayr al-Balah and Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported.(WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/3; PCHR 4/9)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree extending the state of emergency for another 30 days. The PA also introduced new measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, including restricting movement in West Bank cities between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and forcing shops to close after 5 p.m. The extended state of emergency and new measures were introduced as 171 Palestinians had tested positive for COVID-19. (WAFA, WAFA 4/3)

In the West Bank, 3 Palestinians from Halhul were sentenced to 1 year in prison by the PA for violating COVID-19 emergency measures. Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 2 houses under construction near Bethlehem. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians during raids in Hebron and Tulkarm; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 agricultural structure east of Tarqumiyya. Israeli forces arrested 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Ya‘bad, including 3 minors. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during late-night raids in Silwan, 1 was arrested during a raid in Issawiyya, and 1 was beaten and arrested on a street in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 4 nautical miles west of Gaza City, causing damage to 1 boat. Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 4/2; PCHR 4/9)

10 Palestinian prisoners in Ofer prison started an open-ended hunger strike protesting Israel’s failure to prevent Palestinian prisoners from contracting the COVID-19 virus. (WAFA 4/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed Palestinian-owned land near the villages of Jalud and Qaryut. Israeli forces closed an agricultural road, forced Palestinian farmers to leave their land, and demolished a house under construction south of Tulkarm. Israeli forces also delivered a stop-work notice for a barn south of Hebron. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided several areas of Ramallah, arresting 4 Palestinians and seizing a car. During 1 of the raids, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians, leading to tear-gas related injuries In East Jerusalem. PA security forces entered Kafr ‘Aqab within the Israeli municipal boundaries of Jerusalem, but on the West Bank side of the separation barrier to address friction over a roadblock between residents and members of Fatah to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 1 Palestinian was hit by a bullet from an unknown perpetrator. The PA said it had informed Israeli authorities about the intervention. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Issawiyya; it was reported that several Palestinians were beaten and 1 Palestinian was arrested. Later, 6 other Palestinians were arrested in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/31; PCHR 4/2)

Syrian media reported that Israeli jets fired missiles at targets in western Syria from Lebanese air space, but that the missiles were intercepted. (AJ, HA 3/31)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed east of Tulkarm; no injuries were reported. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided Issawiyya, leading to clashes with Palestinians; dozens suffered tear-gas related injuries and 2 Palestinians were arrested. In Gaza, Israeli naval forces fired rubber-coated bullets at Palestinian fishermen, injuring 1 Palestinian. (WAFA 3/29; PCHR 4/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces handed stop-work notices to Palestinians near Tubas installing solar panels donated to them by an NGO in Italy; and closed the entrances to Qusra. Israeli forces also opened fire at Palestinian farmers near Tulkarm, leading to clashes; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli settlers damaged 10 olive trees and 40 grape trees in al-Khadir. Separately, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian shepherds south of Hebron. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a house raid in Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 6 Palestinians were arrested in raids in and around the Old City and Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 2 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; 1 boat was damaged, but no injuries were reported. In Israel, 1 Palestinian prisoner set fire to a room used by Israeli guards in Nafha prison in defiance of Israeli measures against spreading the COVID-19 virus in Israel, such as sending most prison doctors and nurses home. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/25; PCHR 3/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces uprooted some 400 olive tree saplings west of Bethlehem and seized a residential tent, a generator, and an animal barn in al-Mughayyir. Israeli forces also arrested 15 Palestinians during raids in and around al-‘Arub refugee camp, Ramallah, Baytin, Tulkarm, Jenin, and Nablus. In Gaza, the death toll from the fire in a bakery on 3/5 rose to 13 after 2 more people succumbed to their injuries. Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east of al-Maghazi; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 2 miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/9; PCHR 3/18)

Israeli defense minister Naftali Bennett announced that the Israeli government had approved to build a separate road for Palestinians to connect the northern and southern parts of the West Bank as Israel is moving forward with building 3,500 settler units in E-1 near East Jerusalem. Defense Minister Bennett said that Israel is “applying sovereignty [over the West Bank] in deed, not words.” The PA foreign Ministry said in a statement that, with the move, Israel is seeking to close the door for a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. (HA, JP, WAFA 3/9; AJ 3/10)

Qatar donated $10 million worth of medical equipment to help the PA combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the West Bank. There are 25 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the West Bank. (WAFA, WAFA 3/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers fenced off a 12-dunam (3 acres) plot of Palestinian-owned land in Bayt Umar. Israeli forces razed 5 dunams (1.2 acres) of Palestinian-owned land west of Bethlehem. 3 Palestinian families were issued stop-work orders for construction on their homes near Qalqilya. Some 50 Israeli settlers with Israeli force escort toured an archeological site in Sabastiyya. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Awarta, Dura, Ramallah, Madama, and Jalazun refugee camp. During a raid in Salfit, Israeli forces confiscated 50,800 NIS ($14,000) from 3 different families. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished part of a Palestinian-owned home in Jabal Mukabir. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 2 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/4; PCHR 3/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted some 100 olive trees and some 60 vine trees in Husan. In Beita, clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces erupted when Israeli settlers sought to seize land; dozens of Palestinians were injured, including 2 from live ammunition, 10 from rubber-coated bullets, and more than 50 from tear gas inhalation. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Salfit, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces injured a Palestinian minor in a school yard in Issawiyya using rubber-coated bullets, fracturing the boy’s arm. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/2; HA, PCHR 3/5)

In Syria, Israeli jets struck a vehicle in Qunaytra. The Israeli army claimed that it was responding to sniper fire. (HA 3/2)

Israel held its general elections for the 3d time in less than a year. Neither of the 2 coalition blocs managed to get an outright majority. Avigdor Lieberman’s Yisrael Beitenu won 7 seats and could be the kingmaker. The Arab Joint List received a record 15 seats in the election. (Guardian, HA, HA; 3/4; HA 3/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed Palestinian-owned tracts of land in Qusra, using bulldozers. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, al-Bireh, Jenin, and Jericho; 3, all minors, were arrested after allegedly throwing stones at Israeli forces near Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 3 were arrested during late-night raids in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis and east of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 3/1; PCHR 3/5)