The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers open fire at Palestinian homes, uproot 10 olive trees, and bring their livestock to graze on farmland in Badia Umm Qissa in the Massafer Yatta area. Israeli settlers also place mobile homes on Palestinian-owned land in Wadi Rahal. Israeli forces raid 2 printing houses in Ramallah and Beitunia, destroying equipment. Israeli forces also issue a notice that Israel will seize 18 dunams (4.5 acres) of land in Deir Dibwan. Elsewhere, Israeli forces erect a metal gate at the entrance to Burin, obstructing movement to the village. Israeli forces arrest 20 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian-owned parking lot located next to the Yusufiya Cemetery at the walls of the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Rafah, Nuseirat refugee camp, Jabalia refugee camp, and Gaza City, killing at least 87 people. Israeli forces also storm the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis after besieging it for 25 days. 1 Israeli soldier is killed in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Naqoura, Labbouneh, Tayr Harfa, and Yarin. Hezbollah fires rockets at Birkhat Risha, Kiryat Shmona, and the Zarit military base. In the Red Sea, the Houthi movement says its forces attacked a UK bulk carrier. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/15; AJ, HA, HA 2/16)

More than 28,663 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 11,500 children and 7,200 women, and around 68,396 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 389 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 100 children. More than 4,499 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 230 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,361 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 20 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza (UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 2/15; UNOCHA 2/16)

Hamas denies Israeli claims that it has a presence at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, saying on several occasions it has asked international organizations to inspect hospitals to debunk the Israeli claims that it uses them. Hamas calls the storming of the hospital “a continuation of the war of extermination.” (AJ 2/15; AJ 2/16)

The Committee to Project Journalists releases its annual report, saying 72 out of 99 journalists killed in 2023 were Palestinians reporting on Israel’s war on Gaza. (AJ 2/15)

The UN Conference on Trade and Development says the postwar reconstruction of Gaza will cost around $20 billion. (HA, REU 2/15)

The Washington Post reports that Egypt is building a wall along the Gaza-Egypt border in preparation for a scenario where Palestinians are forced to flee to Egypt due to an Israeli invasion of Rafah. (AJ, HA, WP 2/15; HA, HA, NYT, REU 2/16)

Peace Now releases its annual report, saying a record 26 new settlement outposts were erected in 2023 and a record 12,349 settlement housing units were advanced. (PCN 2/15)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas tells al-Sharq al-Awsat that U.S. officials have only offered him empty assurances regarding the 2-state solution that they never followed through with and that Hamas could join the PLO if they commit to its political platform and approve agreements signed with international bodies. (HA 2/15)

The Arab League meets to discuss the situation in Gaza. Arab League secretary-general Ahmed Aboul Gheit calls “on all parties that understand the gravity of the situation to act immediately in order to stop these crazy [Israeli] plans” to invade Rafah. (AJ, WAFA 2/15)

U.S. investigators from the embassy in Jerusalem visit the family and the scene of the killing of Palestinian American Mohammad Khdour, who was killed on 2/10. U.S. investigators have also visited the family of Palestinian American child Tawfic Abdel Jabber, who was killed last month. (AP 2/15)

President Joe Biden speaks with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, telling him that Israel should not proceed with plans to invade Rafah “without a credible and executable plan for ensuring the safety of and support for the civilians.” In a tweet on X, Netanyahu says Israel “continue[s] to oppose the unilateral recognition of a Palestinians state.” U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby tells reporters “I wish I could tell you that flour was moving [into Gaza] but I cannot do that right now.” During a phone call, UK prime minister Rishi Sunak urges Netanyahu to fully open the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing to allow more aid to enter. (AJ, AX, HA, REU, REU 2/15; AJ, HA, HA, REU 2/16)

The prime ministers of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand issue a joint statement calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” and voicing concern over Israel’s planned ground invasion of Rafah. (HA 2/14; AJ, AJ, REU, WAFA, WAFA 2/15)

Ireland says it will donate $21.5 million to UNRWA. (AJ, REU 2/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uproot 450 olive and almond tree saplings in Deir Sharaf. Israeli forces shoot and injure 4 Palestinians with live ammunition during raids in Tubas, Kafr al-Labad, and Hebron. Israeli forces also seize 3 vehicles in al-Zawiya. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raze 5 dunams of land planted with grape vines, uprooting 300 trees in Battir. Israeli forces also arrest 41 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tubas, Arrabah, Ein as-Sultan refugee camp, Bethlehem, Salem, Bayt Ibia, and Yatta. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Khan Yunis, and Rafah, killing at least 118 people. Israeli forces also continue to raid al-Amal Hospital in Khan Yunis. In Lebanon, Hezbollah fires rockets at a radar station in Shebaa Farms. Israeli forces bomb Tayr Harfa. In Yemen, U.S. forces bomb a “UAV ground control station” and shoot down a drone over the Gulf of Aden. (HA 1/31; AJ, AJ, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/1; UNOCHA 2/2)

More than 27,019 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 10,600 children and 7,200 women, and around 66,139 have been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 374 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 94 children. More than 4,391 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 222 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,293 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 200 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah and Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossings. Israelis block trucks carrying aid to Gaza arriving at Ashdod port. The New York Times says its analysis found that Israeli forces have destroyed hundreds of buildings in Gaza in at least 33 controlled demolitions, including schools, mosques, and entire sections of residential neighborhoods. UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzerini says UNRWA could be forced to shut down all its operations if funding does not resume. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 2/1; UNOCHA 2/5)

Israel releases 114 Palestinian detainees, taken from Gaza to Israel, via the Karem Abu Salem crossing. (HA 2/1

PA president Mahmoud Abbas speaks to Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in a phone call, discussing the situation in Palestine. (AJ, WAFA 2/1)

Hamas official Osama Hamdan says Hamas is studying the proposed ceasefire deal. (AJ, HA, REU 2/1)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant says Hamas’s Khan Yunis Brigade has been disbanded and that Israeli forces will push toward Rafah. Gallant also calls UNRWA “Hamas with a facelift.” (AJ, AP 2/1; AJ, NYT, REU 2/2)

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the Israeli military to examine if it could distribute aid in Gaza instead of UNRWA. Channel 7 reports that Foreign Minister Israel Katz called UNRWA a “part of Hamas’s murder machine.” (AJ, HA 2/1)

U.S. president Joe Biden signs an executive order allowing the U.S. to sanction people participating in acts of violence against civilians in the West Bank. The Department of the Treasury subsequently sanctions 4 settlers, David Chai Chasdai, Yinon Levi, Einan Tanjil, and Shalom Zicherman. In response to the sanctions, Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir calls on the U.S. to rethink its policy in the West Bank and calls the settlers “heroic.” Finance Minister Smotrich calls the decision “anti-Semitic.” Axios reports that the Biden administration considered adding Ben-Gvir and Smotrich to the list. (AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, WAFA 2/1; HA, HA, NYT 2/2; HA 2/4)

UK foreign secretary David Cameron tells AP that UK recognition of the state of Palestine “cannot come at the start of the [peace negotiation] process, but it does not have to be the very end of the process,” saying “[w]hat we need to do is give the Palestinian people a horizon towards a better future, the future of having a state of their own.” Cameron also says that for the UK to recognize the state of Palestine Hamas leaders will have to leave Gaza. Cameron also meets with Lebanese caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati in Beirut. Israeli diaspora minister Amichai Chikli compares Cameron’s statement on recognition of Palestine to UK appeasement of Nazi Germany prior to World War II. (AJ, AP 2/1; AJ, HA, REU 2/2)

Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar tells reporters that Ireland wants the EU to review the EU-Israel Association Agreement on the basis that Israel may be breaching the agreement’s clause on human rights. (REU 2/1)

Belgian minister of development cooperation Caroline Gennez says she and Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib will summon the Israeli ambassador over the bombing of the Belgian development agency’s office in Gaza. (AJ 2/1; REU, WAFA 2/2)

The digital access group Access NOW says at least 30 people in Jordan, including journalists, lawyers, human rights activists, and political activists, have had their cellphones hacked using Pegasus spyware made by the Israeli company NSO Group. (AP 2/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked and injured 2 Palestinians in Deir Istiya. Israeli settlers also stole several cows after Israeli forces arrested the owners of the cows in ‘Ain al-Hilweh. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized 60 olive trees and water pipes in Jalud. Israeli settlers also opened fire at Palestinian farmers near Qaryut. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians, including a child, during raids in Aqabah and Silat al-Harithiya. Israeli forces also raided around 200 homes in Burqa, physically assaulting a woman and causing damage at several houses. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished an agricultural structure in Deir Balut and issued stop-work orders for a school near Yatta. 35 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Jenin, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities forced a Palestinian family to demolish part of their own home in Shu’fat. In Gaza, Israeli forces bombed Khan Yunis, Maghazi, al-Bureij refugee camp, Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza City, and Jabalia refugee camp, killing dozens of people. Israeli forces also struck 50 buildings in al-Bureij refugee camp, Nuseirat refugee camp, and Maghazi between 12/24 and 12/25 and 1 of 2 water pipelines supplying water to southern Gaza. 5 Israeli soldiers were killed in combat. 21 patients were evacuated from al-Ahli Arab Hospital and 13 from al-Shifa Hospital to Khan Yunis. In Lebanon, Hezbollah said it killed an Israeli soldier near Kiryat Shmona. Israeli forces attacked Aita al-Shaab. In Syria, Israeli forces assassinated high-ranking Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Sayyed Razi Mousavi in an airstrike in the Sayyida Zeinab area outside of Damascus. Iran said Israel would “pay the price” for the assassination of Mousavi. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/25; AJ, HA, NYT, REU, UNOCHA 12/26)

More than 20,675 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 8,000 children and 6,200 women, and around 54,500 have been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 296 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 75 children. More than 3,800 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured since 10/7. 148 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 771 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 12/23, at least 65,000 housing units had been destroyed and 290,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. There was no information about aid deliveries into Gaza. (AJ 12/25; UNOCHA 12/26)

An Israeli-made video of hundreds of Palestinians, including children, stripped to their underwear while being detained in a stadium in Gaza circulated in the media. The footage circulated amid reports that Palestinians have been executed in Israeli detention throughout Gaza. Hamas called on the ICC to hold Israel accountable for its killing and “terrorizing [of] civilians” in Gaza. (AJ 12/25; AJ, UNOCHA 12/26)

Israeli interior minister Moshe Arbel said he will revoke the East Jerusalem residency permit of Majed Juaba, claiming he is a known Hamas operative. (HA, HA 12/25)

Egypt presented a proposal for ending Israel’s assault on Gaza to Israel, Hamas, the U.S., and European governments that would see Israel withdraw from Gaza, all the captives released from Gaza, many Palestinian prisoners freed by Israel, and a united technocratic Palestinian government installed. In the first stage of the plan, all civilian captives would be released over a 7 to 10 day ceasefire period where Palestinian prisoners would also be released. The second stage would see all female soldiers released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners over a weeklong period. In the last stage, Hamas and Israel would negotiate the release of the remaining captives and Palestinian prisoners. Hamas denied reporting from Reuters that it and Islamic Jihad had rejected the proposal. (HA, TOI 12/24; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU 12/25; AJ 12/26)

The PLO Executive Committee met in Ramallah, discussing Israeli efforts to displace Palestinians throughout Palestine. (WAFA 12/26)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, saying there are 3 “prerequisites for peace between Israel and its Palestinian neighbors in Gaza,” the destruction of Hamas, demilitarization of Gaza, including a “temporary security perimeter” around Gaza, and “deradicalization” of Gaza. Netanyahu also visited Israeli soldiers in Gaza. (AJ, NYT 12/25)

MK and former Israeli ambassador to the UN Danny Danon said in an interview that Israel had received inquiries from countries in South America and Africa that are willing to take Palestinian refugees from Gaza in exchange for payment. Danon said “voluntary migration” is natural during and after wars, citing the situation in Syria. In response to Danon’s comments, Prime Minister Netanyahu said he encourages the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza but said Israel has not found countries that will take the displaced. (HA 12/25; HA, HA 12/26)

Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen said he had instructed his ministry to reject the residency permit application and extension of 2 UN staff members, saying the UN “cooperate with the propaganda of the terrorist organization Hamas.” (AJ, AJ, HA 12/25; NYT 12/26)

Ynet reported that the U.S. had rejected an Israeli request for Apache helicopters. Ynet also reported that the U.S. has sent 230 cargo planes and 20 ships loaded with weaponry to Israel since 10/7. (AJ 12/25; AJ 12/26)

Israel’s Channel 12 reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu had ordered Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Mossad Director David Barnea not to meet each other unless Netanyahu is present, saying the ban was related to talks on the release of captives. (AJ, HA 12/25)

U.S. forces attacked alleged Kataib Hezbollah positions in Iraq, killing an Iraqi serviceperson and injuring 18 others. The Iraqi government called the attack “unacceptable.” 3 U.S. soldiers were reportedly injured in an attack by Kataib Hezbollah in Erbil. (HA 12/25; AJ, AP, HA, REU 12/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 70 olive trees in Kafr ad-Dik. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Turmus ‘Ayya, causing damage. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian during a raid in Burqa. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a raid in Arrabah. 21 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bil’in, Hebron, Halhul, Yatta, Burqa, and Tulkarm. In Gaza, it was unclear how many Palestinians were killed and injured by Israeli airstrikes due to a collapse in services and communications at hospitals in the north. Israeli airstrikes killed at least 18 people in Jabalia refugee camp and 13 in Khan Yunis. Israel also attacked a UN compound sheltering refugees, continued attacks on al-Shifa Hospital, and heavily bombarded southern Gaza. 2 Israeli soldiers were killed by Palestinian militants. Near the Blue Line, an anti-tank missile was fired at vehicles in Israel, injuring 7 soldiers and 10 others, and 30 rockets were launched from Lebanon. Israel attacked several places in South Lebanon. Israel said it attacked sites in Syria (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/12; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA 11/13)

The Gaza Ministry of Health was not able to update the casualty figures due to a collapse in services and communications at hospitals in northern Gaza. As of 11/10 at least 11,078 Palestinians have been killed, including 4,506 children and 3,027 women, and 27,490 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 2,450 people were buried in rubble, including 1,350 children. 177 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 47 children. More than 2,552 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals had been killed and 5,431 have injured since. 47 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.61 million Palestinians, around 70% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israel blockade. As of 11/6, at least 40,000 housing units have been destroyed and 220,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 45% of all housing units. Tens of thousands of Palestinians fled northern Gaza to the south. 76 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing. About 500 foreign nationals were evacuated to Egypt. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said al-Shifa Hospital was no longer functioning as a hospital due to a lack of essential supplies, including fuel, that the number of fatalities among patients had increased significantly, and that Israeli military action around the hospital exacerbated the circumstances. The Red Crescent said al-Quds Hospital has shut down. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said 101 UN personnel have been killed in Gaza since 10/7 and that Hamas’ operation was not a justification for Israel’s collective punishment of the Palestinian people. (REU 11/11; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/12; AJ, AP, AP, NYT, WAFA 11/13)

Israel claimed that it placed 80 gallons of diesel fuel near al-Shifa Hospital a day after the hospital ran out of fuel, saying Hamas had prevented the fuel from entering the hospital. Hospital staff rejected that it had been offered fuel and Hamas denied having any association with the hospital. It was reported that U.S. officials had been pressuring Israel to avoid opening fire on al-Shifa Hospital. Palestinian officials said Hamas suspended negotiations on a prisoner exchange with Israel after Israel attacked and besieged the hospital. (AJ, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU 11/12; AP 11/13)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with Danish foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen in Ramallah, urging him to help end the Israeli attacks on Gaza. Løkke Rasmussen also met with Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen. (WAFA 11/12)

Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said Israel needs to occupy Gaza and that he is “not afraid of Israelis resettling in Gaza.” (AJ, HA 11/12)

U.S. president Joe Biden spoke with Qatari emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, discussing the need to protect civilians in Gaza and increase humanitarian aid. (AJ, HA, REU 11/12)

The U.S. military said 5 U.S. soldiers were killed in a refueling training accident in the eastern Mediterranean. Is also said it attacked targets in eastern Syria that were used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, REU 11/12)

South African foreign minister Naledi Pandor said she expects that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli cabinet members will be issued with arrest warrants by the ICC. (AJ 11/12)

The EU issued a statement condemning Hamas for allegedly using hospitals and human shields in Gaza. The statement also called on Israel to show “maximum restraint.” (REU 11/12; AP 11/13)

Israel signed a deal worth $339 million to sell the David’s Sling anti-missile system to Finland. (HA 11/12)

In the West Bank, 3 Israeli settlers, including 2 minors, were shot and injured in a drive-by shooting outside of the Tekoa settlement south of Harmala. Israel said its military had arrested a Palestinian suspect near Bethlehem. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Beitin and Haris, causing damage. Israeli settlers also set fire to olive trees and attacked Palestinian homes in Burin. When Israeli forces arrived, they fired tear gas at Palestinians trying to fend off the settlers. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a raid in Shufa. Israeli forces also shot and injured 2 Palestinians with baton rounds and injured others with tear gas during a raid in Bethlehem. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seized 1 bulldozer in Barta’a. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Tell, Qusin, Yatta, Abu Nujaym, and Arrabah; 1 Palestinian was shot and injured with live ammunition during the raid in Tell. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israel forced 1 Palestinian family to demolish their own home in Silwan. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids. (AJ, HA, MEE, NA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/16; WAFA 7/17; PCHR 7/19; UNOCHA 7/29)

Haaretz reported that Israeli settlers had returned to reoccupy a Palestinian-owned building in a closed military zone in Hebron. (HA 7/16)

The Israeli-run Jerusalem Municipality approved 4 building permits, laying the foundations for construction of the new Israeli settlement Givat Hamatos in East Jerusalem. Applications for construction of 900 housing units are pending approval. (FMEP, Ir Amim 7/21)

Hamas said it was unable to pay around 50,000 public sector workers due to a delay in receiving monthly aid from Qatar. (REU 7/16)

The Israeli foreign and defense ministries amended rules to allow U.S. citizens of Palestinian, Syrian, and Iranian background to enter Israel and Palestine through the Ben Gurion Airport and not have to undergo additional screening at an Israeli embassy. The changes were made to satisfy U.S. demands to admit Israel into the Visa Waiver program. U.S. citizens who live in Gaza will continue to have to go through the Allenby crossing and receive special permission 45 days in advance of their travels. (HA 7/16; HA 7/19)

Ynet reported that Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen met with the foreign minister of an unnamed Muslim-majority country that does not have diplomatic relations with Israel in Nairobi ahead of an African Union summit. (ALM, MEMO, QDS 6/17)

EU representative to Palestine Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff paraglided on a beach in Gaza, saying after his flight “[o]nce you have a free Palestine, a free Gaza, you can do exactly the same thing,” The Israeli Foreign Ministry called von Burgsdorff’s flight a “provocative action.” (REU 7/18; BBC 7/19; MDW 7/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers and American activists from the American Evangelical Archeological Institute carried out excavations at an archeological site at Jabal ‘Aybal in Area B and transferred soil and artifacts to the Shavei Shomron settlement. Israeli settlers also attacked 2 homes and let their cattle graze on Palestinian crops in Arab al-Kaabneh. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set fire to crops and olive trees in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya. Israeli settlers also demolished parts of the Old Market in Hebron, which has been closed off to Palestinians since 1983. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Nablus, Hebron, Yatta, and Turmus ‘Ayya. In East Jerusalem, an Israeli settler shot and injured a 60-year-old Palestinian woman at a light rail station north of Sheikh Jarrah, claiming she had tried to stab him with a knife. Israeli settlers also toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 2 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Shu’fat refugee camp. (HA, HA, MEE, TOI, WAFA ,WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/9; PCHR 7/13; UNOCHA 7/29)

Israel released senior Hamas member in the West Bank Sheikh Hasan Yousef from administrative detention after 21 months. (MEMO 7/10)

U.S. president Joe Biden criticized the Israeli government for being too extreme in its West Bank policies in an interview with CNN, saying that the U.S. is in regular contact with Israel to “tamp down what is going on,” and calling the Netanyahu government the “one of the most extreme” he has seen. Biden also said that the PA had lost its credibility. On normalization, he said Israel and Saudi Arabia are “a long way from” normalizing relations, saying that normalization depends on “what is asked of us for them [Saudi Arabia] to recognize Israel,” confirming that Saudi Arabia is asking for a civilian nuclear program and security guarantees. Haaretz reported that the Biden administration is seeking measures from Israel to strengthen the PA to help the normalization process. But U.S. officials told Haaretz that they think the far-right ministers in the Israeli government would oppose any gestures toward the Palestinians. The officials also said that the PA does not trust the U.S. to follow through on ensuring that the promises are kept. (CNN, HA, HA, REU 7/9)

The Israeli security cabinet approved measures to “act to prevent the collapse of the Palestinian Authority,” but did not detail how Israel would prevent this. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich abstained in the vote and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir voted against the measures. In return for preventing the PA from collapsing, Israel is demanding that the PA “[r]efrain from acting against Israel in the international legal and political arena . . . from paying the families of terrorists and murderers, and from illegal building in Area C.” PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh called the Israeli demands unacceptable. (HA, REU 7/9; MEE, QDS, QDS, WAFA 7/10)

In the West Bank, Palestinians threw stones at an Israeli settler vehicle, setting it on fire after the settler couple fled the scene. Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian shepherd near Yatta, injuring his foot. Israeli settlers also set up a mobile home and water tanks near Nabi al-‘Awja. Israeli forces issued orders that it will seize 20 dunams (4.95 acres) of Palestinian-owned land for a military zone near Ni‘lin. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Dheisheh refugee camp, Kafr Ni‘ma, Beit Liqya, Nablus, and Hebron; 6 were injured during the raids in Dheisheh refugee camp and Kafr Ni‘ma. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police violently removed Palestinian worshipers at the Haram al-Sharif compound, including in al-Aqsa Mosque, injuring 19, including 3 with baton rounds and arresting 450. 397 of the Palestinians detained were released by 4/6 but banned from entering the compound for 1 week, 47 were transferred to the Ofer prison, and 6 continued to be held in Jerusalem. Israeli police also caused damage to property inside of the mosque, including at the health clinic, smashing windows and causing damage from stun, tear gas, and smoke grenades. Israeli police claimed that 1 officer was injured in the leg by a stone thrown at him. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor near Silwan. In Israel, 2 Israeli soldiers were stabbed and injured near an army base at the Tzrifin junction, 1 Palestinian man was arrested for the attack. (ALM, HA, MEE, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFAv 4/4; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, AX, MDW, MEE, MEE, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/5; PCHR 4/6; HA, HA, HA, MEE 4/7; AJ 4/8; HA 4/10; UNOCHA 4/20)

The PA, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Turkey, and the UAE condemned the Israeli raid (see above). Several European countries, the UN, and the U.S. expressed concern about the events. (HA 4/4; AJ, MEE, MEE, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/5; WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/6; WAFA 4/7; WAFA 4/8; WAFA 4/9; MEMO 4/11)

HaMoked reported that the number of Palestinian administrative detainees had passed 1,000 for the first time since 2003. (AP 4/4; WAFA 4/8)

In Syria, Israeli forces carried out airstrikes over Damascus, killing 2 civilians and causing damage. (AJ, ALM 4/3; HA 4/4; AP 4/5; AJ 4/10)

Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak acknowledged in a since deleted tweet that Israel possesses nuclear weapons. (MEE 4/7)

Israel’s Channel 12 reported on a leaked phone call between Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and police commissioner Kobi Shabtai in which Shabtai tells Ben-Gvir that it is in the nature of Palestinian citizens of Israel to kill each other. Shabtai told Ben-Gvir that there is nothing they can do about the high murder rate among Palestinian citizens of Israel, “[t]hey kill each other. That is their nature. That is the mentality of the Arabs.” MK Ayman Odeh, leader of the Hadash party, called on Shabtai to resign while MK Mansour Abbas, leader of the United Arab List, called on him to apologize. (TOI 4/4; MEMO 4/5)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian succumbed to injuries sustained by Israeli forces during a raid on 1/1/2021 in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli settlers vandalized 2 Palestinian-owned vehicles near Hebron, smashing the windows. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor during a late-night raid in Far’a refugee camp. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian using live ammunition during a raid in Shu’fat refugee camp. 16 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-‘Awja, Halhul, Yatta, Dahariya, Nablus, Zababdeh, and al-Bireh. (AJ, AP, HA, MDW, MEE, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/14; PCHR 2/16; UNOCHA 3/4)

Israel’s acting interior minister Michael Malchieli wrote a letter to the father of the Palestinian man who hit and killed 3 Israeli settlers with his car on 2/10, saying that Israel may revoke his East Jerusalem residency. The Palestinian man who drove the car had been released from a psychiatric ward the day before the incident after suffering a mental health episode. (HA 2/14)

Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons began a civil disobedience campaign against the worsening conditions in the prisons. (MEE 2/15; AN 2/16; WAFA 2/18; WAFA 2/19)

The foreign ministers of the U.S., France, Germany, Italy, and the UK released a joint statement calling Israel’s 2/12 settlement announcement deeply troubling. (AJ, HA, REU 2/14)

The U.S. State Department withdrew the nomination of James Cavallaro as an independent member of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights after the pro-Israel publication the Algemeiner published a story on Cavallaro’s criticism of Israel. U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that tweets that Cavallaro had posted in the past were “inappropriate to say the least,” referring to tweets where Cavallaro criticized representative Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) for accepting donations from AIPAC and criticized Israel’s human rights record. (HA, WAFA 2/15; MEE 2/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor and injured 2 others with live ammunition during a late-night raid in Balata refugee camp. Israeli forces also seized 1 tractor in Maeen in the Masafer Yatta area and demolished 8 residential structures and 1 agricultural structure in Duma, displacing 25. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Bayt Rima, Ein Yabrud, Tubas, Jenin, Faqqua, Balata refugee camp, Hebron, and Yatta. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli Jerusalem municipality issued demolition orders for 2 homes and 1 agricultural structure in the al-Saadi community and 3 homes in the Abu al-Nuwar community. 2 Palestinians were arrested in Sur Baher and at the Haram al-Sharif compound. (AJ, AP, HA, MDW, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/5; PCHR 1/12; UNOCHA 2/16)

The Gaza Health Ministry said Israel is halting the delivery of 8 different types of x-ray machines and spare parts to repair existing machines. (MEMO, REU 1/5)

The Palestinian prisoner Karim Younis was released after 40 years in Israeli prison for allegedly partaking in the kidnapping and killing of an Israeli soldier in 1980. Younis was driven to a train station in Ra’anana where a passerby helped him reach his family. The decision not to release him directly from the prison was made by Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Israel’s interior minister Arye Dery asked the attorney general to revoke Younis’ Israeli citizenship earlier in the week. (AJ, ALM, BBC, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/5; MEMO 1/6)

National Security Minister Ben-Gvir also toured the Nafha Prison “to make sure murderers of Jews don’t receive better conditions since the construction of new prison cells,” saying “I was happy to see that the Israel Prison Service does not intend to improve the condition of their incarceration. I will continue to deal with the conditions of security prisoners so they won’t have excessive rights.” (HA 1/6)

The U.S. handed over a 2,700-year-old looted artifact back to the PA in Bethlehem. The artifact, described as a “cosmetic spoon,” was seized from the American venture capitalist Michael H. Steinhardt in 2021 who had bought it from an Israeli antiquities dealer and is said to have been stolen from Hebron. (NYT, WAFA 1/5; ALM, MEE 1/6; AP, HA 2/3)

At the UN Security Council, Israel received criticism from several security council members, including the U.S., for National Security Minister Ben-Gvir’s tour of the Haram al-Sharif compound on 1/3. PA UN ambassador Riyad Mansour said “[o]ur people are running out of patience and the moderation and sense of responsibility we display should never be construed as weakness. The record shows that Israel’s persistence on this path does not lead to surrender, but to uprising.” U.S. envoy Robert A. Wood criticized “unilateral actions” at the Haram al-Sharif compound. The emergency session was requested by China and the UAE on behalf of the PA and Jordan. (REU 1/3; AJ, MEE, WAFA, WAFA 1/4; HA, WAFA, WAFA 1/5; AJ, AP, MEE, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 1/6)

The Nation reported that Kenneth Roth, who led Human Rights Watch for 29 years, was denied a position as a senior fellow at Harvard University at the late stages of the hiring process due to alleged “anti-Israel bias.” The dean of Harvard’s Kennedy School Douglas Elmendorf apologized for his initial decision after weeks of negative publicity and Roth was offered the position on 1/19. (NA 1/5; AJ, GDN, MEE 1/6; AP, HA, MDW, MEE, NYT 1/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 2 Palestinians with pepper spray in Hebron. 1 Israeli settler also shot and injured 1 Palestinian man near the Adora settlement. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers blocked roads near al-Twana. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Huwwara, injuring 1 Palestinian and causing damage. Israeli forces delivered a demolition notice for a school under construction in the al-Saffi community in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also demolished 1 car repair shop in Nabi Ilyas. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Qalqilya, Jalbun, Nazlet Zeid, Tulkarm, Yatta, and Asira ash-Shamaliya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of al-Waha and al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, 22 Palestinians were killed in a fire in the Jabalia refugee camp. The PA called on Israel to open its crossings to Gaza to allow the injured to receive treatment in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, which Israel subsequently said it had done. The preliminary investigation suggested that the fire escalated quickly due to a large amount of gasoline stored in the house. (AJ, GDN, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/17; AJ, MEMO, MEMO, REU 11/18; MDW, MEE 11/19; AP 11/20; PCHR 11/24; UNOCHA 11/25)

U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides visited the Kiryat Netafim settlement. Ambassador Nides said he visited the settlement to offer condolences to the family of an Israeli settler who was stabbed to death on 11/15 in the Ariel settlement, allegedly by a Palestinian. Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, who accompanied Nides, told Nides that “we will build Samaria [the West Bank]. We are believers, and we know that this is our land.” (HA 11/17)

PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh met with U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for Palestinian-Israeli affairs Hady Amr in Ramallah. (WAFA 11/17)

Israel and Jordan signed an agreement to rehabilitate the southern part of the Jordan River. (HA, MEMO 11/17; ALM 11/18)

The UN social, humanitarian, and cultural issues committee adopted a draft resolution affirming the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. 167 counties voted in favor, 5 against, and 7 abstained. (WAFA, WAFA 11/17)

In the West Bank, unidentified assailants opened fire at a military post and at a settler vehicle near Huwwara; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces demolished 3 structures in 'Arab al-Rashayida. 19 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Hizma, Hebron, al-Arroub refugee camp, Yatta, Sa‘ir, Beit Umar, Talfit, and al-Shuyukh. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the home of director of al-Aqsa Mosque Shaykh Omar Kiswani in al-Tur, seizing a laptop and documents and detaining Kiswani for several hours at a police station before releasing him. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/19; MEMO 9/20; PCHR 9/22; UNOCHA 9/30)

Palestinian schools in East Jerusalem observed a general strike in protest over Israeli attempts to censor Palestinian textbooks and introduce Israeli curriculum in the schools. According to the head of the parents committee union, between 90% and 95% of the some 280 Palestinian schools in East Jerusalem observed the strike. (WAFA 9/17; NA, WAFA 9/18; AJ, HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/19; MEMO, PCHR 9/20; CNN 9/30)

It was revealed that Israel had installed a remote-controlled gun at a checkpoint on Shuhada Street in Hebron, capable of shooting baton rounds, stun grenades, and tear gas. The gun, which looks like a surveillance camera, was developed by the company Smart Shooter and can target people using artificial intelligence. (HA 9/24; DT, TOI 9/26 MEMO, VICE 9/27)

2 Palestinians were convicted of terrorist offenses for throwing stones at an Israeli car in East Jerusalem in May 2021. 1 baby was injured by a stone during the incident. (HA 9/19)

Representatives from Fatah and Hamas arrived in Algiers for reconciliation talks mediated by Algeria. (MEMO 9/20)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with prime minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez, UN secretary-general António Guterres, and president of the World Jewish Congress Ronald Lauder at the sidelines of the UNGA in New York. (WAFA 9/20)

In Syria, Israeli forces made incursions from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights into areas controlled by Syria, shooting 1 person who was said to be part of a group that threw objects at the border fence. The man was flown to a hospital in Israel for treatment of his injuries. (HA, JP, MEE, TOI 9/19)

Israeli historians Benny Morris and Benjamin Z. Keder published an article “’Cast Thy Bread’: Israeli biological warfare during the 1948 War” in Middle Eastern Studies, saying that declassified materials in the Israeli archives have revealed that Israel used biological weapons against Palestinians and Arab armies during the Nakba. The codename used for the biological weapons campaign used by the Zionist leaders, including David Ben-Gurion was “Cast Thy Bread.” Zionist militias were given typhoid bacteria which they were to put in water wells. Morris and Keder did not specify the number of casualties caused by biological weapons used during the Nakba. (HA 10/6; MEMO 10/11; HA 10/14; NA, WAFA 10/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor and injured 3 others during a late-night raid in Kafr Dan, where Israeli forces took measurements to punitively demolish the family home of 2 Palestinians killed in an exchange of fire at the Jalamah checkpoint on 9/14. The PA called on the U.S. to pressure Israel into ending its deadly nightly raids and condemned the killing. Israeli forces also fired tear gas near a school in Burin, prompting an evacuation of the students. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered stop-work notices for 5 industrial structures in Qarawat Bani Hassan. Israeli forces also raided al-Twana to pray and attend a lecture in the middle of a populated street in the early hours of the night; Israeli settlers claim that a synagogue once stood in the village. 1 Israeli settler was shot and injured at the Carmel settlement; there was no information about the suspect. 15 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Sa‘ir, Yatta, Surif, Hebron, Kafr Ra‘i, Jaba‘, and Kafr Dan. In East Jerusalem, former MK Yehuda Glick toured the Bab al-Rahma area of the Haram al-Sharif compound, raising an Israeli flag and blowing a shofar. Israeli forces fired tear gas into the schoolyard of Isawiya high school for boys, injuring 5 students with tear gas. 3 Palestinian minors were arrested at the Haram al-Sharif compound. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, JP, MDW, MEE, PCHR, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/15; MEMO 9/16; HA 9/21; PCHR 9/22; HA 9/23; UNOCHA 9/30)

The Israeli state attorney’s office closed an investigation into the killing of a 17-year-old Palestinian citizen of Israel by an Israeli police officer in May 2021 in Umm al-Fahm, saying it found no evidence of wrongdoing. The family of the Palestinian minor said the process relating to the long investigation had been abusive and that they believe the killing was unjustified. (HA 9/15)

Hamas announced that it had fully restored ties with Syria after severing ties in 2012 due to the outbreak of the Syrian civil war. (MEMO, MEMO 9/16; MEE 9/18; ALM 9/22; ALM 9/24; AJ 9/25)

The PLO executive committee confirmed that it supports PA president Mahmoud Abbas’s bid to have Palestine become a full member of the UN. President Abbas is expected to give a speech on 9/23 at the UN general assembly seeking recognition for the state of Palestine. (WAFA 9/15)

The Balad party announced that it is not running as part of the Joint Arab List at the next Israeli elections. The Joint Arab List now consists of the Hadash and Ta‘al parties. (HA 9/15; AP, JP, TOI 9/16)

U.S. senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) said in a statement that the Leahy Law, prohibiting military aid to countries that violate human rights, should apply to Israel if Shireen Abu Akleh was killed intentionally. In the statement, he questioned Israel’s probe, which found that Abu Akleh was not killed intentionally, saying, “[i]f, as the Israeli authorities appear to be saying, the soldier missed who he was aiming at and hit Ms. Abu Akleh by mistake, who was he aiming at? What evidence is there, if any, that anyone in the immediate vicinity of where Ms. Abu Akleh was shot was firing at the [Israeli] soldier who killed her?” Senator Leahy’s statement comes 1 day after the senate foreign relations committee demanded a report from the state department regarding the killing of Abu Akleh. (AJ 9/15; MEE 9/16; GDN 9/26)

Chilean president Gabriel Boric postponed the acceptance of the Israeli ambassador’s credentials due to Israel’s killing of a 17-year-old Palestinian in the West Bank (see above). Israel said that the Chilean foreign ministry had apologized to the Israeli government for the situation. The Israeli ambassador had reportedly arrived at the president’s residence when he was told about the postponement. (HA, TOI 9/15; AP, HA, JP, MEE, NA, REU, WAFA 9/16; AJ, REU 9/17; HA 9/18)

A delegation of officials from the UAE, led by foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, visited Israel for meetings with Israeli president Isaac Herzog and other officials to celebrate the 2-year anniversary of the 2 countries’ normalization deal. (MEMO, REU 9/14; ALM, HA 9/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 69 olive and almond trees near Salfit. Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 4 structures east of Yatta and agricultural structures east of Tubas. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian working his land east of Khirbat Einoun and confiscated 1 vehicle. Elsewhere, Israeli forces placed dirt mounds on 4 roads linking Huwwara to ‘Ayn Bus, ‘Urif, and Jamaeen. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Hebron, Dura, al-Doha, Jalazun refugee camp, and Beita. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Silwan. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/18; PCHR 7/21; UNOCHA 7/22)

Israel said it had downed 1 drone entering Israel from Lebanon, claiming it belonged to Hezbollah. (HA 7/18; AP, HA 7/19; ALM 7/20)

The PA called on Israel to address a situation at the Allenby Bridge where thousands of Palestinians reportedly have been waiting for days to cross from Jordan to the West Bank. (WAFA 7/19; MEE 7/20)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas landed in Romania for the 1st day of 3-day trip to Romania and France where he will meet with Romanian president Klaus Iohannis and French president Emmanuel Macron. (WAFA, WAFA 7/18)

The Israeli defense ministry sent a letter to the lawyers representing 6 Palestinian rights organizations placed on the Israeli terrorism list, telling them they would need to get official permission to represent the organizations or face up to 7 years in prison. The letter was sent 2 days ahead of a hearing on the legality of the terrorism designations. (+972, HA 7/18)

Chief of staff of the Israeli armed forces Aviv Kochavi visited Morocco for meetings with Moroccan defense officials. During his visit, Chief of Staff Kochavi will meet his Moroccan counterpart Belkhir El-Farouk and Moroccan defense minister Abdellatif Loudiyi. (MEE 7/17; HA, REU 7/18; ALM, HA 7/19; TOI 7/21)

21 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives led by Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) wrote a letter to secretary of state Antony Blinken and director of national intelligence Avril Haines, expressing concern over Israel’s decision to label 6 Palestinian rights organizations terrorist organizations without producing any credible evidence to support the claim. Earlier this month, 9 EU countries dismissed Israel’s allegations from 10/2021 due to the lack of evidence against the rights organizations. (AJ 7/18; MDW 7/19; AA, WAFA, WAFA 7/20)

EU foreign ministers agreed to restart the EU-Israel Association Council set up in 1995 but suspended in 2012 due to Israel’s settlement policy. EU high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borrell said that the situation in Palestine was deteriorating and that the annual meetings of the Association council “would be a good occasion to engage with Israel on these issues.” (HA 7/18; ALM 7/19; HA 7/26)

Amnesty International and Citizen Lab published a report saying that at least 30 cell phones belonging to Thai pro-democracy activists, academics, lawyers, and NGO workers were implanted with NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware in 2020 and 2021. (AI, HA 7/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided al-Ibrahimi Mosque and prevented Muslim worshippers from entering the mosque. Israeli forces also sealed the entrance to Nabi Saleh. Elsewhere, Israeli forces dismantled and seized 2 residential structures in al-Muarajat, displacing 12. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet. 9 Palestinians were arrested, including 8 during late-night raids in Sa‘ir, Yatta, as-Samu, and Tell; 1 was arrested at a checkpoint near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 1 Palestinian stabbed and injured 1 Israeli soldier and 1 Israeli settler while being arrested in relation to a car-torching incident in Ras al-Amud. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians were arrested in the vicinity of the Gaza fence. In Israel, 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel was attacked by 4 Israeli Jewish people, who yelled “death to Arabs,” used pepper spray through the window of his vehicle, and vandalized his vehicle in Beersheba. The man was placed in house arrest after receiving treatment at a hospital, despite a judge saying that the Palestinian man was clearly attacked 1st by the Israelis. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/20; MEMO, WAFA 3/21; HA 3/23; PCHR 3/24; UNOCHA 3/25)

Israel said it had arrested 2 Palestinian men in the Galilee region for allegedly working with Hezbollah. (HA 3/20)

A Jewish vigilante militia set up by a former Israeli police officer was formally launched in the Naqab desert. The militia, The Barel Rangers, says it will patrol the Naqab to protect Jewish residents against Palestinian attacks. (AJ 3/24; MEE 3/26)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian who was shot by Israeli forces during a protest in Burqa on 3/1 succumbed to his wounds. Israeli settlers uprooted and stole grape saplings and damaged a stone wall and barbed wire fence in Kafr ad-Dik. Israeli settlers also razed a plot of land near Battir. Israeli forces violently dispersed a memorial service held for a Palestinian killed by Israeli forces on 3/1 at the Khadouri Technical University campus north of Hebron, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also confiscated 2 water pumps and electric cables in Birin. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in Khallet al-Eideh near Hebron and assaulted 2 Palestinians resisting the demolition. Israeli forces also delivered a demolition order for a residential structure in the Abu al-Nuwwar Bedouin community east of Jerusalem. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jalazun refugee camp, al-Ram, Deir Abu Mash‘al, Tuqu‘, Hebron, Yatta, al-Zawiya, Jenin, and Fahma. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian house under construction in Shu‘fat refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Beit Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian famers east of Beit Hanun and Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Israel, anti-Palestinian graffiti was sprayed on 1 Palestinian vehicle and the tires of 30 vehicles were slashed in Jaljulia. (HA, HA, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/9; MEMO, PCHR 3/10; UNOCHA 3/11; UNOCHA 3/25)

Israel’s police commissioner Kobi Shabtai instructed the Israeli police to halt Palestinian home evictions and demolitions in East Jerusalem and the Naqab during the month of Ramadan. (HA 3/9)

The Israeli civil administration said, after having to respond to a freedom of information petition from HaMoked, that during 2021 it had banned 10,594 Palestinians from the West Bank from traveling abroad. According to a source in the civil administration, travel bans can be applied to Palestinians by Israel automatically, for example, in cases where the person is a relative of someone deemed by Israel to be involved with terrorism. (HA, MEE 3/9; MEMO 3/10)

PA civil affairs minister Hussein al-Sheikh met with Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid. Civil Affairs Minister al-Sheikh said he stressed to Lapid the need for a political horizon and an end to Israeli settlement expansion. (WAFA 3/9)

The Jewish Agency said that “[i]f all goes well, we will bring tens of thousands [of Ukrainians] to Israel in the coming year,” referring to the refugee crisis in Ukraine as Russia has declared war on the country. (HA 3/9)

Israeli president Isaac Herzog met with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara. President Erdoğan told reporters after the meeting that he believes the 2 countries are entering an era of mutual ties. (AJ, ALM, AP, AX, HA, NYT, REU 3/9; HA, TOI 3/10)

Former U.S. vice president Mike Pence toured Hebron, including al-Ibrahimi Mosque, with Israeli settler activists MK Itamar Ben-Gvir and Baruch Marzel, who were both leaders of the Kach movement. Vice President Pence also received an honorary degree from the settler university in Ariel and met with former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, current prime minister Naftali Bennett, president Isaac Herzog, and foreign minister Yair Lapid. (AX 3/9; AP, HA, WAFA, WP 3/10; MEMO 3/11)

Belgium signed a cooperation agreement with the PA worth $77 million over 5 years. The funding is earmarked for education, vocational training, job creation, and climate issues in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. (WAFA 3/9; MEMO 3/10)

China donated 200,000 doses of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines to UNRWA to help inoculate Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. (WAFA 3/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling south of Jenin on the Jenin-Nablus road. Israeli settlers with military escort also attacked Palestinian herders east of Yatta, leading to a confrontation between Israeli forces and Palestinian herders; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers with military escort attacked Palestinians in al-Lubban al-Sharqiya, leading to a confrontation between Palestinians and Israeli forces; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians and injured 1 other during a raid in Jenin refugee camp; 1 of the victims was described as unarmed and the other a member of Islamic Jihad, who resisted the Israeli raid; 1 Palestinian was arrested during the raid. 4 other Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during late-night raids in Beit Umar and Hebron, 1 was arrested at a flying checkpoint in Jannatah; Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the raid in Beit Umar, causing tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians celebrating al-Israa wa al-Miraj in the Old City, injuring 36, including 1 11-year-old girl who was hit in the head with a stun grenade, fracturing her jaw; there were several videos circulating showing Israeli forces assaulting Palestinian minors; 20 were arrested. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of Khuza‘a. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (HA, JP, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/28; AJ, AP, HA, JP, MEE, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR, REU, WAFA 3/1; HA 3/2; PCHR 3/3; UNOCHA 3/11)

The Israeli high court of justice denied a petition by Palestinians in Hebron to end Israeli forces’ use of a building on Palestinian-owned land in Hebron, saying that returning the land to its Palestinian owners would be a security risk. Israel has expressed its desire to expand Israeli settlements in Hebron on parts of the Palestinian-owned land that the Israeli forces use. (HA 3/2)

The Israeli Jerusalem district planning and construction committee rejected a petition by the committee of Muslim cemeteries and Palestinian landowners to block plans to construct a promenade at al-Yusufiya cemetery at the Old City walls in East Jerusalem. The Israel nature and park authority said that Israel does not intend to “expropriate the area in question.” (HA 3/1)

At the UN human rights council, PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki called out the international community’s double standard in its sanctioning of Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine while shielding Israel from similar sanctions. (WAFA 2/28; MEMO 3/1; HA 3/4; HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/5; WAFA 3/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers burned Palestinian-owned olive trees and stole olive harvests between Jurish and Qusra. Israeli settlers also stole olive harvests from a Palestinian farmer near Kafr Qalil. Israeli forces delivered a demolition order for a house in Susiya and a stop-work order for a house in Laseefer, near Yatta. 15 Palestinians were arrested, including 11 during late-night raids in Hebron, Tulkarm, Seida, ‘Urif, Sa‘ir, Beit ‘Anan, Biddu, and al-Shuyukh, and 4 during the day in the vicinity of Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, some 70 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 2 Palestinians were arrested in al-Tur and Isawiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of al-Shuka. (MEE, MEE, WAFA, WAFA 10/5; MEMO 10/6; PCHR 10/7)

In Gaza, Palestinians protested outside of the UNRWA headquarters against the 2-year working plan signed between the U.S. state department and UNRWA. The agreement conditions U.S. aid on monitoring of UNRWA aid recipients’ affiliation with militant groups and monitoring of school curriculum. (AJ 10/5)

The Israeli supreme court proposed that 3 Palestinian families living in Sheikh Jarrah under the threat of eviction become “1st generation protected tenants” in their homes. The status would protect them and their families from being evicted by Israeli settlers for 3 generations. A 4th family was offered to become 2d-generation protected tenants. Under this scheme, which the supreme court calls a compromise, the families still have a chance to prove to the Israeli court that they have ownership rights. The families would have to pay $750 a year in rent to the Nahalat Shimon settler organization. Both the Palestinian families and the Israeli settler groups trying to evict the families have expressed opposition to the proposal from the supreme court. If the Palestinian families accept the “compromise,” they would have to pay Nahalat Shimon’s court and legal fees in the amount of $9,300. The settler organization and the Palestinian families were told to respond to the proposal by 11/2. The Palestinian families have been living in their homes since 1956, when the Jordanian government and the UN built 28 homes in Sheikh Jarrah for displaced Palestinians. (HA, HA, MEMO 10/5; ALM 10/12)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with president of the World Bank David Malpass in Ramallah. (WAFA 10/5)

The Czech Republic announced that it will buy an air defense system from the Israeli state-run company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. The deal is worth $630 million and will provide the Czech Republic with the Spyder system. (AJ 10/5; MEMO 10/6)

U.S. senator Rand Paul (R-KY) delayed a vote in the Senate on the $1 billion bill providing additional military aid to Israel, allegedly to replenish the Iron Dome missile defense system. The bill would have passed immediately if all 100 senators agreed to pass it. Instead, it will have to go through the formal process before it can be passed. (HA, HA 10/5)

In the West Bank, PA forces arrested 12 Palestinians for partaking or intending to partake in demonstrations against the PA in Ramallah; at least 23 others were arrested on the same grounds on 8/21. The UN and EU later criticized the PA for arresting its critics, as did prominent progressive congresspeople in the U.S. Israeli forces raided Araqah, dispersing Palestinians with tear gas and seizing security camera recordings at a shop. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian man with special needs at the container checkpoint near Bethlehem. 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 at checkpoints in Yatta and Bethlehem and 4 at raids in and around Hebron and Beit Fajjar. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Bayt Hanina, displacing 8. 4 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City, Silwan, and al-Tur. In Israel, Israeli police accompanied by bulldozers demolished 2 Palestinian homes in Umm al-Fahm. (HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/22; TOI 8/23 AJ, JP, MEE, TOI 8/24; HA, MEE 8/25; JP, MEE, PCHR 8/26; HA 8/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers installed caravans and started building structures in an evacuated settlement outpost near Yatta. Israeli forces opened fire at a Palestinian vehicle traveling near Ya‘bad, injuring 1 and arresting 2; the 3 were allegedly trying to enter Israel for work. Israeli forces also seized cables and other equipment funded by Denmark to rehabilitate the power grid in the Simya area south of Hebron. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during late-night raids in Hebron and Beit Fajjar, and 6 at checkpoints in and around Tayasir, Deir Balut, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Jabal Mukaber, displacing 2. Israeli forces also delivered orders that they would seize 2 tents used by protesters for an ongoing sit-in protest against evictions in Sheikh Jarrah. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Silwan. In Gaza, Israel halved the Gaza fishing zone, from 12 to 6 nautical miles at its largest width, prevented 25 fuel trucks from entering Gaza, and later conducted 1 drone strike in agricultural lands near Jabalia refugee camp and later 2 air strikes in the same area, causing damage to trees and crops. Israel cited incendiary balloons sent from Gaza to Israel as the reason for its attacks. (AJ, AP, HA, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/25; ALM, FOX, JP, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA 7/26; MEMO 7/27; PCHR 7/29)

Haaretz reported that Israel banned all Palestinian truck drivers with Israeli citizenship from delivering to Israeli military bases during the Israeli attacks on Gaza in May, dubbed Operation Guardian of the Walls. The Israeli military said that the drivers had refused to work during the operation, but that was refuted by the truck drivers themselves and sources in the Israeli military. (HA 7/25; HA 7/26)

The Israeli government said it would delay implementing an oil transportation deal with the UAE, citing environmental concerns. The oil transportation deal was made after the normalization deal between the 2 countries. (AJ 7/25; MEMO 7/26; ALM, JP 7/27)

2 Israeli airlines started commercial flights from Tel Aviv to Marrakesh and Casablanca in Morocco, the 1st direct flights between the 2 countries since they normalized relations in 2020. (AP, MEE, MEMO, REU 7/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stormed Burin, throwing stones at Palestinian homes, causing damage. Israeli forces demolished a blacksmith shop, a carpentry shop, a car repair shop, a car wash, and a food store in Haris, an agricultural pond near Bardala, and 1 wall in Bani Na‘im. Israeli forces also seized 1 caravan serving as a medical clinic east of Yatta. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in Hebron and Jenin and 1 at a checkpoint in near the Gush Etzion settlement bloc; during the raids in Jenin, Israeli forces shot and injured, with live ammunition, 6 Palestinians protesting the incursion. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinian families demolished their own homes in Silwan and Jabal Mukaber. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a house raid in Isawiya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/12; WAFA 7/13; PCHR 7/15)

Israel expanded the Gaza fishing zone from 9 to 12 nautical miles at its widest area, allowed medical equipment, fishing gear and raw materials for industry use to enter Gaza, and allowed textile exports from Gaza to Israel. (HA 7/12)

Israel prevented the political prisoner Khalida Jarrar from attending her daughter’s funeral after appeals from different parts of Palestinian and Israeli society, including 2 Palestinian-Israeli lawmakers in the Knesset. Jarrar’s daughter died of cardiac arrest in her apartment. (AJ, HA, MEE 7/12; AJ, MEMO, WAFA 7/13; HA 7/19)

Israel’s foreign minister Yair Lapid met with 26 foreign ministers from EU countries in Brussels. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Lapid told his EU counterparts that he supports a 2-state solution but that he believes it is unfeasible. Lapid also said that he is for improving the lives of Palestinians by building their economy. EU high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borrell said that “Israel needs to revive a path towards peace and justice for Israelis and Palestinians.” (ALM, HA, MEE 7/12; MEMO, WAFA 7/13)

Former Jordanian finance minister and royal court official Bassem Awadallah and Sharif Hasan bin Zaid, a member of the royal family, were sentenced to 15 years in prison for sedition and incitement against the Jordanian king Abdullah II. Both were arrested along with 16 others on 4/3, who were later released. (AJ, MEE, REU, WP 7/12)

China contributed $1 million to the UNRWA emergency appeal for humanitarian aid to Gaza. (WAFA 7/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort attacked 1 Palestinian while raiding Hebron. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting against the Evyatar settlement outpost in Beita, injuring 113, including 16 by live ammunition, 20 by rubber-coated bullets, and the rest by tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Ni‘lin, injuring 2, including 1 with live ammunition and 1 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces injured 4 Palestinians, including 1 with live ammunition and 3 with rubber-coated bullets during a raid in Far‘a refugee camp; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 1 minor in the hand with a sponge grenade. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians in Hebron, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also handed demolition orders for 6 shops in Umm al-Rihan, west of Jenin, and seized 1 bulldozer in Ya‘bad. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Yatta and 1 who showed up for interrogation at the Ofer Prison after being summoned. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed a solidarity run for Palestinians under threat of eviction in Shaykh Jarrah and Silwan, injuring 23 with tear gas, stun grenades, and beatings; the Israeli forces also seized loudspeakers and damaged other items. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/4; WAFA 6/5; PCHR 6/10)

The Israeli cabinet approved sending an additional 300 border police officers to Israeli towns and cities with mixed Jewish Israeli and Palestinian Israeli demographics. (HA 6/4)

Egyptian state TV reported that 50 trucks carrying construction material had entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing to start rebuilding after Israeli air strikes damaged thousands of homes during the most recent Israeli assault in May. (REU 6/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort toured Kafr Haris, closing off parts of the town to Palestinians. Israeli forces closed off parts of Sabastiyya in anticipation of a settler tour. 12 Palestinians were arrested, including 11 during late-night raids in and around Salem, Aida refugee camp, Sa‘ir, Yatta, and Ramallah, and 1 was arrested on the street in Hebron; a video of the arrest shows Israeli forces beating him with their rifles and kneeling on his neck. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler rammed her car into 1 Palestinian near the Dung Gate in East Jerusalem; the Palestinian was hospitalized for his injuries. Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian minor for painting Palestinian flags on Palestinians near Shaykh Jarrah. 1 other Palestinian was arrested in the vicinity of the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian woman succumbed to her injuries from an Israeli air strike in Gaza City on 5/16 and 1 Palestinian man also succumbed to injuries sustained during the Israeli attacks in Gaza City on 5/15, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 263 to 265, including 67 children and 3 pregnant women. In Israel, unknown assailants fired shots at 1 Palestinian Israeli journalist’s home and car in Taibeh; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/3; WAFA 6/4; PCHR 6/10; HA 6/16)

Israel said it had finished its campaign to arrest people suspected of participating in violence inside of Israel during the assault on Gaza, dubbed Operation Law and Order. 2,142 people were arrested, 91% of whom were Palestinian Israeli. 285 were indicted for a crime. Israel has been criticized for targeting a disproportionate number of Palestinian Israelis. (HA 6/4)

Yesha council chairperson David Elhayani said that Naftali Bennett of Yamina (Rightwards) and Gideon Sa’ar of Tikva Hadasha (New Hope) had promised him that the new government will not freeze settlement expansion in the West Bank. (TOI 6/4)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz met with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken, U.S. secretary of defense Lloyd Austin, and national security advisor Jake Sullivan to discuss restocking the Iron Dome missile defense system, and ways forward for Israel to allow aid to enter Gaza. (AP 6/3; HA 6/4)

Haaretz reported that declassified Israeli documents prove, contrary to Israeli claims, that Israel had plans to conquer the territories it occupied after the 1967 War. According to the documents, the Israeli plans were drawn up starting in 1961. (HA 6/3)

Honduras’ president Juan Orlando Hernández said his country will open an embassy to Israel in Jerusalem later in June. (ALM 6/4)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian shot by Israeli forces on 5/15 in Ramallah succumbed to his injuries. Israeli forces razed 4 dunams (1 acre) of land, uprooting olive trees and destroying a well near Husan. Israeli forces also demolished 1 car wash near Hizma. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 2 residential structures, 2 tents, 2 toilets, and 1 agricultural structure near Yatta. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Dayr Sharaf, Tulkarm, and Bayt Fajjar. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested in al-Tur and Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of al-Shuka; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also made incursions and leveled land east of al-Fukhari. 2 Palestinians were killed by an unexploded Israeli missile in Dayr al-Balah, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 261 to 263, including 67 children and 3 pregnant women. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/2; PCHR 6/3)

In an interview with Vice News, the Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar said that Hamas was ready for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire hours after firing the 1st rocket during the escalation of violence last month and that Hamas had communicated this to the Egyptian, Qatari, and UN mediators every day of the assault on Gaza. Sinwar reiterated that the Hamas rockets fired at Israel on 5/10 were intended to be a message to Israel that Hamas will not allow Israel’s aggression at al-Aqsa Mosque and in Shaykh Jarrah, and about Israel’s violations of international law in the occupied Palestinian territories in general. (YouTube 6/2)

Yair Lapid of Yesh Atid (There Is a Future) told Israeli president Reuven Rivlin that he had formed a government coalition 30 minutes before his mandate to do so ran out. The coalition consisted of an extremely diverse group of parties and people, including Naftali Bennett of Yamina (Rightwards) who will be prime minister for the 1st 2 years. The other party leaders were Mansour Abbas of Ra’am (United Arab List), Gideon Sa’ar of Tikva Hadasha (New Hope), Avigdor Lieberman of Yisrael Beiteinu (Israel Our Home), Nitan Horowitz of Meretz (Vigor), Merav Michaeli of Labor, and current deputy and defense minister Benny Gantz of Kahol Lavan (Blue and White). The only factor binding these parties, which range from far-right to left, was the desire to unseat prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to the government agreement, after the 1st 2 years with Bennett as prime minister, Lapid will become prime minister in a rotation deal similar to the 1 made between Prime Minister Netanyahu and Deputy Prime Minister Gantz, which never materialized. The Knesset also elected Isaac Herzog as the new Israeli president. President-elect Herzog was most recently the chairman of the Jewish Agency and before that, the leader of Labor. (HA 6/1; AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, ALM, AP, AP, AX, HA, HILL, REU, REU 6/2; AJ, AJ, ALM, ALM, ALM, ALM, AP, AP, CNN, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, JP, NYT, REU, REU, REU 6/3; GDN, HA, HA 6/4)

The largest Iranian naval ship caught fire and sank in the Gulf of Oman; it was unclear what caused the fire. Similarly, a mysterious fire broke out at an oil refinery near Tehran. (AJ, AP, AP, REU 6/2; AP 6/3; AP 6/4)

145 democrats in the house of representatives co-signed a letter by Jamie Raskin (D-MD) to Senator James Risch of the senate committee of foreign affairs, requesting that he stop holding up $75 million in aid earmarked for Palestinians in Gaza in his committee, stressing the urgency of the situation. Senator Risch has said he wants to make sure that the NGOs administering the aid do not work with Hamas. (TOI 5/27; HA, Rep. Raskin 6/2)

UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini said, during a visit to East Jerusalem, that Israeli-planned evictions of Palestinians in Shaykh Jarrah violate international law. (AJ, WAFA 6/2)

Germany pledged $18.2 million in aid to Palestinians via the UN. (WAFA 6/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered a demolition order for a health clinic in Birin near Yatta. Israeli forces injured 1 Palestinian using live ammunition during a raid in Sa‘ir; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ya‘bad, ‘Araba, Bayt Fajjar, Hebron, and ‘Ayn Qiniya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers led by Israel’s housing minister Yaakov Litzman raided the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces rammed with a car and lightly injured 1 Palestinian minor who was riding a bike with a Palestinian flag in Ras al-Amud; the child was briefly detained before being allowed medical treatment. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a house raid in the Old City. 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 Israel, 1 Palestinian from Gaza was shot and injured after he allegedly stabbed and lightly injured 1 Israeli security guard in Sdei Avraham after entering Israel through the Gaza fence. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/30; HA, MEMO, MEMO 5/31; PCHR 6/3)

Head of Egyptian general intelligence Abbas Kamel met with PA leadership in Ramallah, including PA president Mahmoud Abbas, to discuss a long-term ceasefire between Hamas and Israel and reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas. Intelligence Chief Kamel also met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel. (HA 5/29; AJ, HA, MEMO, WAFA 5/30)

Israel foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi met with Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry in Cairo to discuss a long-term ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Foreign Minister Ashkenazi said that Israel “won't allow the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip let Hamas rebuild its terror capabilities, without resolving the issue of the return of Israeli MIAs and civilians” held by Hamas. (HA 5/29; AJ, AJ, AP, MEE, MEMO, REU 5/30; ALM 5/31)

Israel summoned the ambassador of the Philippines to Israel because of the country’s vote at the UN Human Rights Council on 5/27 to investigate potential Israeli war crimes. (MEMO 5/31; JP 6/1)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor using rubber-coated bullets in al-Janiya. Israeli settlers also damaged and uprooted 130 olive seedings in al-Rihaya south of Hebron. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition in Far‘un. 19 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bayt Umar, Yatta, Bethlehem, al-Walaja, Kaubar, Silwad, Tell, Qabalan, ‘Azun, al-Twana, and Jenin; during a house raid in al-Twana, 1 Palestinian 5-year-old got a black eye during the raid on her home. In East Jerusalem, around 120 Israeli settlers with military escort raided the Haram al-Sharif compound for the 2d day in a row. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian after he allegedly stabbed and injured 1 settler and 1 soldier near Shaykh Jarrah. 26 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan, Jabal al-Mukabir, Shu‘fat, and the Old City. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians injured in Israeli air strikes on Bayt Hanun on 5/11 succumbed to their injuries and 4 Palestinians were found dead in rubble from Israeli air strikes in Khan Yunis, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 253 to 259, including 67 children and 3 pregnant women. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/24; HA, MEMO, WAFA 5/25; PCHR 5/27)

3 Jewish-Israelis were charged with terrorism after severely beating 1 Palestinian-Israeli man on 5/12 in Bat Yam. The Palestinian man was pulled from his car and beaten by a large mob of Jewish-Israelis while an Israeli TV crew filmed the incident as it was unfolding. 6 people were for the attack, while TV footage show the faces of several others beating the man who have not been arrested. (HA 5/24; HA 5/26)

The Palestinian Prisoners Society said Israel had issued 155 administrative detention orders since the beginning of May. (WAFA 5/24)

AP reported that 17 journalists in Gaza had their WhatsApp accounts blocked since 5/21. WhatsApp is owned by Facebook, which has been accused of silencing Palestinian voices. WhatsApp is considered an important tool for sharing information among journalists and activists. (AP 5/24; AJ, F24, NAT, TOI 5/25; AJ, MEMO 5/26)

Iran said it would allow the International Atomic Energy Agency to continue monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities for 1 additional month after a previous agreement expired. (AP, AX, HA, NYT, REU 5/24)

U.S. president Joe Biden spoke to Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, thanking him for his role in mediating the Hamas-Israel ceasefire that went into effect on 5/21. The 2 also discussed rebuilding Gaza. (HILL, REU 5/24; AJ, NAT 5/25)

A U.S. federal court ruled a 2016 Georgia law, prohibiting state contracts with people who engage in boycotts of Israel, unconstitutional. The lawsuit was brought by 2 U.S. rights organizations on behalf of journalist Abby Martin. (MEMO 5/25)

In an attempt to deflect from international outcry, Belarus said it had forced a Ryanair plane traveling from Athens to Vilnius to land in Minsk because a bomb threat in the name of Hamas was made against it. Hamas denied the allegation. In the incident, which happened on 5/23, Belarusian warplanes forced the commercial jet to land in Minsk for Belarusian forces to arrest a passenger who runs a website for opponents of Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko. (HA 5/24; MEMO 5/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinians in Ma’in, causing light injuries. Israeli settlers also set fire to a Palestinian-owned vehicle in Rujeib. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling between Jenin and Nablus. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinians in Burin, demolished parts of a house, and set fields on fire. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian child during a late-night raid in Tubas and injured 1 other by running him over. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in al-Fawar refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint near Huwwara, claiming he had tried to attack 2 Israeli soldiers. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 2, including 1 with live ammunition. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Yatta, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 2 with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Umar, injuring 1 minor with live ammunition and 3 others with rubber-coated bullets. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Bethlehem, Harmala, al-Khadir, and Dayr Sharif, resulting in tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 3 using rubber-coated bullets. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Tulkarm, injuring 3 with live ammunition. 40 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, al-Fawar refugee camp, Nablus, Tulkarm, Tubas, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 2 Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian with a sharp tool, slicing her face as she was leaving the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Tur, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet; others suffered tear-gas related injuries and 2 were arrested. 6 other Palestinians were arrested during house raids in the Old City, Jabal Mukabir, Silwan, and Shu‘fat. In Gaza, 34 Palestinians were killed, including 6 children, and dozens injured, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 30 to 64, including 16 children. The casualties included: 4 in a drone strike on a car east of Bayt Lahiya; 8, including 3 children, in 3 air strikes on apartment buildings in Gaza City; 1 child in an air strike on a butcher in Gaza City; 6 in a drone strike on a car in Gaza city, including 3 inside the car and 3 passersby; 1, and 1 wounded, in another air strike on a vehicle in Gaza City; 1 in an air strike in Khan Yunis; 1 in an air strike on agricultural lands near Khuza‘a; 4, and 2 injured, in a drone strike on Nuseirat refugee camp; 2, and 1 child injured, in an air strike on a liquefied petroleum gas distribution vehicle in Khan Yunis; 2, and 3 wounded, including 1 child, in an air strike on a house in Khan Yunis; 2, and 2 wounded, all children, after a helicopter fired missiles at a gas station in al-Fukhari; and the body of 1 Palestinian was found in rubble near Bayt Hanun, it was assessed that he was killed in an air strike on 5/10; the body of 1 Palestinian was found near a mosque in Rafah, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights said it was unclear if he had been killed by debris from an intercepted rocket or in an Israeli air strike. Hamas reported that the interior ministry and the passport office along with other government buildings had been hit by Israeli air strikes. Israeli air strikes also demolished 2 high-rise buildings, the 10-story al-Jawhara building, and the 14-story al-Shorouq building, which housed news outlets and other offices, and the headquarters of the interior ministry and UNRWA schools. In Israel, 1 Israeli soldier was killed and 2 injured from an anti-tank missile fired from Gaza and 1 child succumbed to injuries sustained in Sderot, raising the Israeli death toll to 7. Dozens of rockets were also fired at Israel from Gaza, most of them intercepted. A mob of Jewish-Israelis pulled 1 Palestinian-Israeli out of his car and beat him while tv cameras were rolling in Bat Yam; the man was said to be in serious condition. A mob of Jewish-Israelis also raided a number of Palestinian-owned businesses in Tel Aviv, causing severe damage. 1 Jewish-Israeli man was attacked by 5 Palestinian-Israelis in ‘Akka; he was said to be in serious condition. Jewish-Israelis also attacked a tent set up to mourn the death of 1 Palestinian-Israeli who was shot by a Jewish-Israeli on 5/10 in Lydda, throwing stones at the mourners. Elsewhere in Lydda, 1 Jewish-Israeli was shot and injured and 2 more were injured in stabbings, 21 Palestinian-Israelis were injured, including 1 by gunshot. Israeli police announced a nighttime curfew in Lydda from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. 1 Palestinian-Israeli man was injured when rammed by a car­ and beaten near Or Akiva. 1 Palestinian-Israeli was lightly injured by a mob of Jewish-Israelis while driving in Tiberias. 1 Jewish-Israeli was injured in a stabbing incident in Tamra. A mob of Jewish-Israelis also attacked 1 Palestinian-Israeli in Haifa. (AJ, NYT 5/11; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AP, BBC, CNN, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, PCHR, REU, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/12; AP, CNN, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 5/13; PCHR 5/14; TOI 5/16; HA 5/18; WAFA 5/19; PCHR 5/20; MEE 5/21; HA, NYT 5/26; HA 5/27)

1 Palestinian prisoner suspended a 56-day-long hunger strike as Israel promised not to renew his administrative detention after 7/17. (WAFA 5/12)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas discussed the current situation with EU high representative Josep Borrell, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Iraqi president Barham Salih. A White House statement also said that U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke with President Abbas and they discussed “the violence in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, and the Secretary expressed his condolences for the lives lost as a result. The Secretary condemned the rocket attacks and emphasized the need to de-escalate tensions and bring the current violence to an end.” (HA, WAFA 5/12)

At a security cabinet meeting, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other ministers decided not to accept a potential ceasefire and continue its attack on Gaza for the time being. (HA 5/13)

Israeli president Reuven Rivlin condemned what he called a “pogrom” by “an Arab mob” on 5/11, despite the majority of the violence in Israel being perpetrated against Palestinian-Israelis. (HA 5/12)

Turkey said that its president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Russia’s president Vladimir Putin had discussed the situation in Jerusalem and Gaza, and that Turkey had called for international action against Israel. (AJ, AP, REU 5/12)

U.S. president Joe Biden said, during a press conference, that he believes that “Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying in your territory,” and that his “hope is that we’ll see this coming to conclusions sooner than later.” President Biden also spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu, where he gave his “unwavering support for Israel’s security and for Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself and its people, while protecting civilians,” according to the readout. The Biden administration also dispatched deputy assistant secretary of state for Israel and Palestine Hady Amr to Israel for talks with Palestinian and Israeli officials. The White House said that senior officials have had more than 25 calls with officials from Israel, the PA, Qatar, Tunisia, Jordan, and Egypt about the situation. (HA 5/12; NYT 5/13)

25 house democrats signed a letter circulated by Marie Newman (D-IL) and Mark Pocan (D-WI) urging secretary of state Antony Blinken to condemn the planned evictions of Palestinian families from Shaykh Jarrah. (HA 5/13)

ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said that she was following the situation in Gaza and Jerusalem with concern. (MEE, REU, WAFA 5/12)

The UN security council held a 2d meeting in 3 days to discuss the escalation of the conflict between Palestine and Israel. (TOI 5/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort stormed Sabastiyya, closing off parts of the town to Palestinians. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Yatta, and al-Ram. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of Rafah. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/21; PCHR, WAFA 4/22)

The racist Israeli organization Lehava called on its supports to gather at the Damascus gate in the Old City, where clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians have continued since Israeli measures against celebrations for Ramadan started on 4/13. The Lehava organizers called for breaking Palestinians’ faces and burning them alive. Israeli settlers have attacked Palestinians in East Jerusalem almost every night since 4/13. (HA 4/21)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with the Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi in Ramallah. (WAFA 4/21)

Facebook said it had broken up a hacker network used by the PA’s intelligence service to spy on journalists, human rights activists, and government critics. Facebook said the intelligence service used compromised, fake profiles to befriend potential targets and trick them into installing malware on their computers. It was reported that some 800 people had been targeted in the Middle East. (AP 4/21; PCHR 4/22)

A powerful explosion occurred in an Israeli weapons manufacturing factory near Ramle. The factory said it “was a controlled test with no exceptional circumstances.” (HA, JP, TOI 4/21)

A British Zionist youth movement, Noam, boycotted an event with Israeli ambassador to the UK Tzipi Hotovely because of her “racist and anti-pluralistic views.” In a recent interview with the BBC, Ambassador Hotovely would not say if she favored a 2-state solution, saying she favors peace. (HA, JP 4/21)

A bipartisan bill that seeks to task the U.S. State Department with identifying opportunities to expand normalization efforts with Israel was introduced to the house. The bill was introduced by Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and Michael McCaul (R-TX). (JTA 4/21; JP 4/22)

The U.S. presented, through intermediaries, a list of sanctions to Iran that it is ready to lift in exchange for Iranian compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. A U.S. state department official also said that the U.S. had presented Israel with a list of sanctions that could potentially be lifted on Iran. (AP 4/21; AJ, HA 4/22)

UK Labour leader Keir Starmer withdrew from participating in a Ramadan iftar event because the organizer had retweeted a post about boycotting Israeli dates during Ramadan. It was also reported that Starmer had yet to respond to a letter sent to him by 25 members of the Labour party, complaining that the party is creating a “hostile environment” for Palestinians since Starmer became leader after Jeremy Corbyn resigned in 2019. (MEE 4/23; MEMO 4/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers demolished part of a Palestinian-owned house in Hebron. Israeli settlers also stole 40 olive saplings in Jalud. Israeli forces razed 5 dunams (1.2 acres) of land, including 20 olive trees, in Ras Karkar. Israeli forces also seized an agricultural structure east of Yatta. 1 Palestinian was severely injuried after stepping on an unexploded ordinance left behind by Israeli forces east of Jericho. 13 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bethlehem, Tuqu‘, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Nablus, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/17; PCHR 3/18)

Haaretz reported that the Israeli Jerusalem municipality had asked the court for local affairs to reactivate demolition orders against 70 structures in al-Bustan, which would displace 1,500 Palestinians. The Israeli municipality wants to place a tourism park named The King’s Garden where the 70 structures are located, but plans for the structure demolitions have been suspended during the negotiations between residents and the municipality. Now, the municipality wants to push forward with its plans without a settlement. (HA 3/17; HA, WAFA 3/18)

60,000 COVID-19 vaccines provided by the WHO COVAX program to the PA arrived in Israel. 40,000 will be shipped to the West Bank and 20,000 to Gaza. PA health minister Mai al-Kaila said the PA will wait to use the AstraZeneca vaccines until the WHO confirms that they are safe to use. Many EU countries have suspended using the AstraZeneca vaccines after 1 otherwise healthy Danish woman died and 3 Norwegian health workers were in severe condition from blood clots after receiving the vaccine. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, WAFA 3/17)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Israeli police officers in a Palestinian-Israeli area of Israel that they should bring criminals to their “breaking point” and that they will catch them and “put them behind bars, maybe kill some of them.” (HA 3/17)

During a televised speech, Lebanese president Michel Aoun told prime minister-designate Saad Hariri to form a government or resign so that someone capable can take the position. (AJ, AP 3/17)

UAE newspaper The National reported that it had obtained a 4-page internal memo from the U.S. Biden administration dubbed The US-Palestinian Reset and Path Forward. The memo suggests that the Biden administration will roll back Trump administration policies on Palestine, including reestablishing diplomatic contacts with the PA and restarting U.S. financial assistance to Palestinians, including a $15 million COVID-19 aid package. (NAT 3/17; AJ, HA 3/18)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler killed 1 Palestinian after ramming him with his vehicle near Kafr Haris. Israeli forces punitively demolished 1 house by explosion in Tura belonging to the family of 1 Palestinian accused of killing 1 Israeli settler on 12/21/2020, displacing a family of 6, including 4 children; clashes erupted during the demolition, leading to the hospitalization of 1 elderly Palestinian who suffered tear gas inhalation and damage from the explosion was reported at 4 other houses in the vicinity. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work notices for 11 houses and 1 playground in Yasuf. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian trying to enter Israel for work by the separation barrier near Barta‘a. Israeli forces also seized 1 residential tent in Khirbet al-Rakiz, 1 tent near Susiya, and 1 tent used as a health care unit east of Yatta. The Palestinian mayor of Hebron said he had received death threats from several people including 1 Israeli settler mayor and Israeli MK Moshe Abutbul. 29 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around ‘Ayn Yabrud, Ramallah, Baytin, al-Izzariya, al-Khadir, Sa‘ir, al-‘Arub refugee camp, Qabatiya, Jenin, Nablus, and Balata refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Abasan; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also made incursions and leveled land east of al-Fukhari. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/10; PCHR, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 2/11)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with UN special coordinator on Middle East peace Tor Wennesland in Ramallah. (WAFA 2/10)

The Israeli health ministry said that Palestinians from the West Bank who work in Israel legally or illegally will not receive the COVID-19 vaccine from Israel. (HA 2/18)

Axios reported that diplomats from Egypt, Jordan, Germany, and France met with Israeli and PA officials separately, proposing a plan to restart peace negotiations including confidence measures such as Israel freezing settlement expansion and releasing bodies of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces and the PA reforming payments made to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. (AX 2/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces conducted military drills in the Masafer Yatta area, damaging crops. Israeli forces also delivered demolition notices for 3 houses and 1 agricultural structure west of Yatta and seized some 40 vegetable and fruit stalls and their contents near Jenin. 25 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, al-‘Arub refugee camp, Hebron, Tubas, Barta‘a, Jenin refugee camp, and Tura; 2 Palestinians were shot and wounded during a confrontation in Kafr Malik. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler attacked an Orthodox church in the Old City, causing damage. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Ras al-‘Amud, displacing 4, including 2 children, and 1 Palestinian demolished his own car repair shop. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in al-Tur and Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi and Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 2 people were killed by Israeli police, including 1 Palestinian passerby, and 2 were wounded during a shootout in Tamra; some 10,000 people later attended the funeral of the Palestinian passerby killed. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/2; HA, MEE, WAFA 2/3 HA, PCHR, WAFA 2/4; WAFA 2/5)

The PA administered its 1st COVID-19 vaccinations after receiving 2,000 vaccination doses from Israel on 2/1. The Palestinian minister of health Mai al-Kaila and several health workers were among the 1st Palestinians in the West Bank to receive the 1st of 2 shots. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA 2/2; WAFA 2/3; NYT 2/4)

The Israeli ministry of education reversed its decision not to allow high school students to submit their research proposals in Arabic, despite allowing the final exam papers to be written in Arabic. (HA 2/3)

The U.S. state department spokesperson Ned Price said during his 1st press briefing that normalization deals are “not a substitute for Israeli-Palestinian peace.” Spokesperson Price also said the U.S. would resume aid to Palestinians “very quickly.” Price praised the finalization of the Kosovo-Israeli normalization deal on 2/1. (HA 2/2)