The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces prevented Palestinian farmers from working their agricultural land near Sabastiyya. Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinians at al-Fawar refugee camp, alleging that stones were thrown at them; 1 Palestinian was hospitalized after being hit in the face with a sound bomb. Separately, Israeli forces opened fire on a Palestinian driving a vehicle by Bayt Jala; the Palestinian man then crashed his car into a wall, injuring 1 passenger, and the driver was arrested by the Israeli forces. Another 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Ramallah, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during a late-night raid in al-Tur. Israeli settler guards attacked Palestinians in Silwan using live ammunition and sound bombs; at least 2 Palestinians were injured, including 1 who was hospitalized. In Israel, a Palestinian citizen of Israel was shot dead in Basmat Tab’un; no arrests were made in relation to the killing. The death of the Palestinian man is the 90th homicide of a Palestinian citizen of Israel in 2019. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/30; PCHR 1/2)

In the West Bank, clashes erupted between Israeli forces and Palestinians when Israeli settlers toured Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus; 1 Palestinian was hospitalized after being hit by a rubber-coated bullet, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 6 Palestinians were arrested including 5 during late-night raids in Hebron, Taqqua, and al-‘Arub refugee camp; 1 was arrested at a military checkpoint near al-Khadir. Israeli forces delivered a stop-work order for a Palestinian-owned house near Tubas. In East Jerusalem, 15 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Off the shore of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 12/29; PCHR 1/2)

Israel notified 6 Palestinians living in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Issawiyya that Israel intends to use a British Mandate-era emergency regulation to place them under nighttime curfew for several months. (HA 12/30)

8 Palestinian and Arab banks signed a memorandum of understanding with the Jerusalem District Electricity Company (JDECO) for a loan to facilitate an end to the power cuts that have affected thousands of Palestinians since 12/15. The Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) began to cut power for several major cities in the West Bank because the JDECO had accumulated too much debt to the IEC due to a fiscal crisis. The JDECO is a Palestinian-owned electricity company that relies on the IEC for supplying power to East Jerusalem and the West Bank. (WAFA 12/29)

In a statement, Hamas’s interior ministry accused the PA of providing information to Israel that aided the Israeli assassination of PIJ commander Baha Abu al-Ata on 11/12. The statement also said that Hamas had arrested a PA intelligence cell which had allegedly collected the information given to Israel. (HA 12/29)

The Israeli security cabinet approved a request made by defense minister Naftali Bennett to withhold $43 million of the PA tax revenue collected by Israel from the PA. According to the defense ministry, the $43 million represents payments transferred from the Israeli government to Israeli families who were victims of Palestinian attacks. (HA, REU, WAFA 12/29; WAFA, WAFA 12/30)

The U.S. conducted 3 airstrikes in Syria and Iraq against the Kata’ib Hezbollah militia group, killing 25 and injuring 55. U.S. officials said the attack was in response to the killing of a civilian contractor on 12/27 working for the U.S. at a military base in Iraq, officials also warned that “additional actions” may be taken. (AJ 12/29; AJ, HA, HA 12/30)

According to the Iranian media outlet Fars, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard seized a foreign tanker carrying illegal oil south of Larak Island in the Persian Gulf. The reporting did not indicate the nationality of the ship, but 16 Malaysian crew members were arrested. (HA 12/30; AJ 12/31)

In the West Bank, 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Nablus, Salfit, Jericho, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces struck several targets, causing damage; no injuries were reported. An IDF spokesperson said that the attack was in response to a rocket fired at Israel on 12/25. Israeli forces also made incursions east of Rafah. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 12/26; HA, HA 12/27; PCHR 1/2)

The organizing committee of the Great March of Return announced the suspension of the weekly Great March of Return protest to the end of March 2020. The announcement also declared that from April 2020, the protest would be monthly instead of weekly. (AJ, HA 12/26)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu won the Likud leadership primary over his rival Gideon Sa’ar with 72.5 percent of the vote. Netanyahu said in his victory speech that he would work toward U.S. recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and all Israeli settlements in the West Bank. (AJ 12/26; AJ, HA 12/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized a Palestinian-owned car during a late-night raid in Salfit. Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed at the entrance to al-‘Arub refugee camp, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 2 Palestinians were arrested during the confrontation. Another 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in and around Hebron and 1 at a flying checkpoint near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces seized a Palestinian-owned vehicle in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Bayt Hanun. In Israel, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was rushed offstage during a speech in Ashqelon after a rocket was fired from Gaza; the rocket was intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system. (WAFA, WAFA 12/25; CNN, HA, PCHR 12/26; HA, HA 12/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 2 residential structures near Hebron and razed Palestinian-owned land near Nablus. 17 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bayt Duqqu, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, and Jericho. Israeli forces also seized a Palestinian-owned tractor near Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home under construction in Issawiyya, delivered a demolition order for another house in Issawiyya, and demolished 2 homes in Jabal al-Mukabir. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya, al-Tur, and Ras al-Amud. In Gaza, Israeli authorities expanded the Gaza fishing zone to 15 nautical miles after it was reduced to 6 on 12/19. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/24; PCHR 12/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian mother and her daughter in Hebron using pepper spray. Israeli forces seized a truck and a bulldozer in Bayt Umar near Hebron. Israeli forces arrested 14 Palestinians, including 1 disabled teenager by al-Ibrahimi Mosque; 9 during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Qalqilya, and Ramallah; 3 at a northern entrance to Bethlehem; and 1 at a flying checkpoint north of Tulkarm. Meanwhile, Israeli forces seized tents and uprooted trees in Khirbat Tana and dismantled residential shacks and a barn near Tubas. During the incident near Tubas, a B’tselem fieldworker was detained and his car was seized. In East Jerusalem, 7 Palestinians were arrested at the Haram al-Sharif compound and in Silwan. Approximately 232 Israeli settlers with military escort toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian bird hunters east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. 1 Palestinian trying to cross the Gaza fence was injured by Israeli live ammunition; he was hospitalized and interrogated before being released on 12/24. Israeli forces also fired flare bombs and artillery shells east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/23; PCHR 12/26)

Israel’s civil administration said it had reversed its initial decision to not allow any Christians from Gaza enter Jerusalem and the West Bank for Christmas celebrations. It said that all 950 applicants would be allowed to travel, pending a security screening. (HA 12/23)

The Israeli high court of justice criticized the Israeli government’s decision to return $63 million from the Palestinian Workers’ Sick Fund to Israeli employers. The $63 million were accumulated by payments from Palestinian workers in Israel to the sick fund for paid sick leave. The court ordered a freeze in payment to the Israeli employers and gave the Israeli state 3 months to respond to the justices’ questions. (HA 12/26)

In the West Bank, the Israel Electric Corporation cut power for 10s of thousands of Palestinians in Ramallah for 3 hours between 2pm and 5pm for the 2d day in a row. Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned home in al-Khadir near Bethlehem and razed the flooring of a car repair shop in Dayr Razih near Hebron; during the latter event, several Palestinian-owned vehicles were damaged. Israeli forces arrested 20 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Nablus, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/16; PCHR 12/19)

A Palestinian journalist arrested last week was placed on administrative detention. (WAFA 12/16; AJ 12/17)

U.S. congress rejected a request by the Trump administration for $175 million for a special fund in support of the Middle East peace plan. According to Haaretz reporting, the request was rejected due to lack of confidence among the congressional members that the Trump administration would be able to make any tangible progress in its peace plan, which has still not been revealed. (HA 12/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli setters punctured tires and wrote graffiti on 2 vehicles belonging to Israeli forces near the Yitzhar settlement. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Hebron, and 2 teenagers were arrested in 2 separate incidents at al-Ibrahimi Mosque after knives were allegedly found on their person. In Gaza, Israeli forces bombed 4 locations belonging to Hamas, causing 2 injuries and material damage. (AJ, HA, HA, HA, WAFA 12/8; PCHR 12/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed Palestinian-owned land in Burin using a bulldozer. Israeli forces seized 1 Palestinian-owned vehicle in Sawahara al-Sharqiyya and demolished 1 shack and 2 residential structures near Abu Nawwar. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Hebron; 2 others were arrested at a school in Urif. Israeli forces conducted military drills in the northern part of the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces also sealed off an entrance to Nahalin; 2 other entrances to the village are permanently closed. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired tear gas at agricultural lands, forcing farmers to leave the area east of Khan Yunis. 1 Palestinian was arrested at the Erez crossing. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/4; PCHR 12/5)

In the West Bank, 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 7 during late-night raids in and around Bayt Awa, Yatta, and Bethlehem; 1 at a flying checkpoint near Jenin. 1 Palestinian teenager was hospitalized after being beaten by Israeli forces during a daytime raid near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during daytime raids in the Old City and Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 12/1; PCHR 12/5)

Israel’s defense minister Naftali Bennett ordered the “planning processes to be advanced” for new settler housing in Hebron. The plan includes development of a closed fruit and vegetable market for settler housing. According to Defense Minister Bennett, the new settlement housing “will create territorial continuation from the Cave of the Patriarchs [al-Ibrahimi Mosque] to the Avraham Avinu neighborhood, and double the number of Jewish residents in the city.” PLO’s secretary general Saeb Erakat said in a tweet that Bennett’s announcement was the “first tangible result of the U.S. decision to legitimize colonization,” referring to U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo’s announcement from 11/18 that the U.S. no longer considers the Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law. Defense Minister Bennett also sent a letter to the Palestinian municipal government of Hebron demanding consent for the demolition of the fruit and vegetable market, threatening that Bennett would start legal proceedings to lift the municipality’s protected status over the site. (AJ, AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA 12/1; HA 12/8)

The Israeli cabinet approved an allocation of 40 million shekels ($11.5 million) for construction of 1st-aid stations and security in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The chairperson of the Joint Arab List Ayman Odeh subsequently sent a letter to the Israeli attorney general demanding an examination of the constitutionality of the allocation, saying that the approval “raise[s] a grave suspicion of a budget allocation in exchange for a political favor.” (HA 12/1)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. president Donald Trump spoke on the phone and, according to Prime Minister Netanyahu, the 2 discussed recognizing the Jordan Valley as Israel’s official eastern border in addition to a defense pact and Iran. (HA, TOI 12/2)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian was killed and 1 injured when an Israeli bulldozer crashed into a vehicle west of Hebron. Israeli forces punitively demolished 4 homes of alleged attackers in Bayt Kahil near Hebron, demolished 1 Palestinian-owned house in Asira, and razed a tract of farmland near Husan. Israeli forces also stopped PA minister of culture Atef Abu Saif at the Qalandia checkpoint and told him he was banned from East Jerusalem. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Ramallah, Hebron and, Nablus. Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian-owned vehicle and vandalized houses with racist graffiti northwest of Ramallah, cut 30 olive trees in al-Sawiya, and vandalized 4 vehicles in Dayr ‘Ammar. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City. In Israel, 40 vehicles were vandalized and racist graffiti was sprayed on walls in the predominantly Palestinian town of Jaljulia. (HA, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/28; PCHR 12/5)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that his government will transfer $11.5 million for West Bank settlements during a meeting with settler councils. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s announcement comes 1 week after he was indicted in the 3 corruption cases against him. (HA 11/29)

The far-right government that took power after the coup in Bolivia announced that it will renew Bolivia’s diplomatic ties with Israel. The 2 counties have not had diplomatic ties since Operation Cast Lead in 2009. (HA 11/28)

The governments of the Brussels and Wallonia regions of Belgium said they had pulled out of a planned trade delegation going to Israel, citing Israeli violations of international law and lack of progress in the peace process. (HA 12/1)

Japan provided a grant of $89,000 for the construction of 3 classrooms in Awarta. (WAFA 11/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in several cities; Palestinians were protesting the U.S. administration’s announcement that it no longer considers Israeli settlements in contradiction to international law on 11/18. 82 Palestinians received treatment for tear gas and smoke inhalation and rubber-coated bullet wounds in al-Bireh, Bethlehem, Huwwara, Abu Dis, Ramallah, Hebron, and Tulkarm. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed protesters in Silat al-Dahir and Tulkarm, who were demonstrating because of the death of a Palestinian prisoner in an Israeli jail who died of cancer. Israeli forces also demolished a Palestinian-owned house in Qalandia and delivered a demolition notice for a house in Bayt Awa. Israeli settlers vandalized cars and buildings in al-Jaba‘, slashing tires and writing racist graffiti. Israeli settlers also set Palestinian-owned farmland on fire in Madama and in Sabastiyya. 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Jenin, Qalqilya, Biddu, Bethlehem, and Hebron. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian fisherman. In Gaza, 2 rockets were launched at Israel; 1 was intercepted and the other fell in an open area, causing no injuries or damage. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/26; PCHR 11/28)

An Egyptian tank fired a shell at a building in Israel in what was said to be a misfire. (HA 11/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured a Palestinian in Bayt Umar using live ammunition. Israeli forces also fired tear gas near a school in Hebron, causing tear-gas related injuries. 5 Palestinians were arrested including 4 during late-night raids in and around Hebron; 1 was arrested during a raid east of Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmlands east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 11/24; PCHR 11/28)

Israeli transportation minister Bezalel Smotrich announced a number of new settler-only roads in the West Bank, saying that his “master plan for transportation in Judea and Samaria [the West Bank] that looks 30, 40, 50 and 60 years ahead.” All the planned roads, including 1 currently being constructed near al-‘Arub refugee camp, includes seizure of Palestinian-owned land. (HA 11/29)

In the West Bank, for the 2d day in a row, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians in the streets of Hebron using pepper spray and stones; 5 Palestinians were injured, including a 1-year-old. Israeli forces also closed al-Ibrahimi Mosque. 1 Palestinian 13-year-old was arrested in Hebron. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen on 2 separate occasions west of Bayt Lahiya and Jabalia; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/23; HA 11/25; PCHR 11/28)

The Jerusalem District Electricity Company, a Palestinian-owned company supplying Palestinians in the West Bank, said in a statement that the Israeli Electricity Company (IEC) will increase the daily power cuts from 2 hours to 3 hours in December. The IEC started cutting electricity for Palestinians in the West Bank because the PA owes the company money that it has not been able to pay due to Israel withholding PA tax revenue. (WAFA 11/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided Bayt Dajan, Qabalan, Majdal Bani Fadl near Nablus, and Kafr al-Dik near Salfit, and vandalized more than 50 Palestinian-owned vehicles, setting several on fire; settlers also wrote racist graffiti on several buildings. In Hebron, an Israeli settler assaulted 12 Palestinians. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian man succumbed to injuries he sustained during Israeli airstrikes on 11/14. This brings the comprehensive death toll in the Israeli attack on Gaza starting on 11/12 to 34. Despite the Great March of Return protest being canceled, several Palestinians protested by the Gaza fence; 1 Palestinian was shot by Israeli forces using live ammunition, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces separately opened fire on Palestinian farmland east of Jabalia; no injures were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/22; HA 11/23; PCHR 11/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 2 Palestinian-owned houses in Shuqba near Ramallah. 7 Palestinians were arrested in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Nablus, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided a Palestinian school in the Old City, alleging that the PA operates inside of the school; Israeli forces confiscated files from the building, raided and shut down Palestine TV’s office in East Jerusalem and banned it from operating for 6 months, and similarly raided and shut down for 6 months the Education and High Education Directorate in Jerusalem. 1 journalist from Palestine TV was summoned for interrogation and the head of the Education and Higher Education Directorate in Jerusalem was arrested. Israeli forces also arrested the head of the Parent’s Committee in Jerusalem in Shaykh Jarrah. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/20; WAFA, PCHR 11/21)

An Israeli border police officer was indicted for shooting a Palestinian in the back using a rubber-coated bullet at a checkpoint in the West Bank near Jerusalem “for the fun of it” on 5/25/2018. A video of the incident shows that he was slowly walking away from the officer with his hands in the air as she shot him in the back. The officer was charged with battery, hasty and negligent handling of a weapon, and obstruction of justice. (HA 11/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 2 houses in al-‘Arub refugee camp. 10 Palestinians were arrested during house raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned house in Jabal Mukabir. 15 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA 11/19; PCHR 11/21)

Israel said it had intercepted 4 missiles launched from Syria at the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israel subsequently hit more than 20 targets in Syria, killing 23 people, according to the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. (AJ, HA 11/19; AJ, HA 11/20; HA 11/22)

In a significant departure from previous votes at the UN, Canada voted for a resolution supporting Palestinians’ right to self-determination. Canada has since 2006 voted with Israel and the U.S. or abstained on issues pertaining to Palestine. A Canadian official told Canadian media that the country was sending a message to the U.S. that it does not agree with the U.S. change of policy in stating that it no longer considers Israeli settlements illegal under international law as announced by U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo on 11/18. (CBC, MEMO 11/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 25 vehicles and wrote racist graffiti on Palestinian-owned buildings, including a mosque, in Qarawat Bani Hassan. Israeli forces ordered Palestinians southeast of Tubas to evacuate 28 dunams of land, uproot olive trees, and demolish a structure. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Bethlehem, leading to 30 Palestinians suffering tear-gas related injuries. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested in Issawiyya; he was badly beaten by Israeli police. Some 200 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, 9 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes, including a family of 8 in Dayr al-Balah with 5 children; 12 others were wounded. This brings the comprehensive death toll of the Israeli attack on Gaza starting on 11/12 to 33, with at least 111 Palestinians reported injured. Israel later admitted that killing the family in Dayr al-Balah was a mistake and that they believed the house was empty. Despite the ceasefire early in the morning, bombings continued throughout the day. (AJ 11/13; AJ, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/14; HA, HA 11/15; HA 11/17; PCHR 11/21)

The Faroe Islands’ foreign minister Jenis av Rana said that the country wants to open a diplomatic representation to Israel in Jerusalem against the wishes of the Danish government. Earlier in the year, the Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen said that Greenland and the Faroe Islands would have more independence in foreign policy during her government. (Politiken 11/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently suppressed a demonstration against Israeli aggression in Gaza. In Bethlehem, 1 Italian tourist was injured when he was hit by a tear gas canister; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, in al-‘Arub refugee camp, a Palestinian-owned house caught on fire after an Israeli tear gas grenade landed in it during a raid. Israeli forces also razed some 400 (99 acres) dunams of land in Bayt Umar and demolished a house under construction in Atuf. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Silwad, Jenin, Hebron, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolished 4 animal barns to avoid exorbitant demolition fees. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Kafr ‘Aqab and Issawiyya. In Gaza, for the 2d day in a row, Israel and Islamic Jihad in Palestine exchanged rockets; 16 people were killed in Gaza and at least 40 were injured, making the comprehensive death toll since 11/12 26, including several minors. No Israelis have been reported killed and 1 person was reported injured. Officials in Gaza said that at least 48 housing units had been damaged, some completely destroyed. Hamas had reportedly not been firing any rockets. (AJ, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/13; HA, PCHR 11/14; HA 11/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers damaged a total of 120 olive trees and stole olive-picking equipment during 3 separate incidents in al-Sawiya and Yasuf village. Israeli settlers attacked Israeli forces as they entered the Yitzhar settlement to arrest 1 settler; 3 Israeli officers were injured. Israeli forces prevented Palestinians from harvesting olives in Sabastiyya. 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Hebron and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces injured 16 Palestinians during a late-night raid in Issawiyya using rubber-coated bullets and tear gas. 2 Palestinians were arrested during raids. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen off the shore of Jabalia and Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/10; HA 11/11; PCHR 11/14)

Jordan reclaimed 2 stretches of land which the country has leased to Israel for the past 25 years as part of the 2 countries’ peace treaty from 1994. Jordan reclaiming the land does not violate the peace treaty. (AJ, HA, WAFA 11/10; AJ, HA 11/11; PCHR 11/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 6 Palestinians during raids in and around Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Salfit. Israeli forces also seized 4 residential tents south of Hebron. Separately, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians in Bayt Umar; 1 Palestinian was injured by a rubber-coated bullet and 1 was arrested. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmlands east of Rafah and, later, east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen off the shore of Bayt Lahiya. (WAFA, WAFA 11/6, PCHR 11/7)

The head of UNRWA Pierre Krähenbühl resigned after an internal investigation into his conduct found management issues. The UN secretary general’s office appointed Christian Saunders as the officer-in-charge of UNRWA. (AJ, WAFA 11/6; WAFA 11/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured a Palestinian man using rubber-coated bullets as he was trying to enter Israel at a checkpoint southwest of Jenin. Elsewhere in Hebron, a video showed Israeli soldiers assaulting 1 Palestinian man and his 5-year-old boy. Israeli forces also delivered a stop-work notice for a house near Ya‘bad. Israeli settlers stole olive harvests from Palestinian farmers in Luban al-Sharqiyya. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Bayt Umar, and Silwad. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned home in Silwan. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles off the shore from Jabalia; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/5; HA, PCHR 11/7)

The Israeli supreme court upheld the Israeli government’s decision to expel U.S. citizen and Israel and Palestine Director at the Human Rights Watch Omar Shakir. The Israeli government accused Shakir of supporting boycotts of Israel, an accusation that the Human Rights Watch and Shakir have denied. (AJ, REU, WAFA, WP 11/5)

The European Union donated $17.84 million to the PA to help make payments for PA civil servants and pensioners as the PA faces economic hardship due to Israel withholding part of its tax revenue. (WAFA 11/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole olive harvest in Qaryut and flooded 5 dunams (1.2 acres) of Palestinian farmland planted with olive trees with sewage waste in al-Jaba‘. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Israeli forces at Yitzhar settlement. Israeli forces delivered notices that 2,522 dunams (623 acres) of land would be seized, including 2,000 in al-Jaba‘, 372 south of Hebron, and 150 near Bayt Liqya. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around al-Ram, Yatta, Nablus, Jenin, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces summoned 2 members of the parents’ committee that organized a school strike in Issawiyya on 11/2 in protest over Israeli forces breaking into the school and arresting 1 student; 1 of the 2 members was arrested and clashes between Israeli forces and local Palestinians broke out, resulting in the arrest of 3 Palestinian minors. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmlands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen off the shore of Jabalia; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/4; HA, HA 11/5; PCHR 11/7)

The Israeli housing cabinet approved the controversial cable car project which would connect Western Jerusalem with East Jerusalem’s Old City. The project is currently under review by Israel’s attorney general and it would need a final procedural approval by the Israeli government. The project, if approved, would likely be challenged in the Israeli high court of justice. (HA 11/4; CNN 11/5 BBC 11/6)

After Jordan recalled its ambassador to Israel on 10/29 in protest of Israel holding 2 Jordanian citizens in administrative detention, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the 2 would be released to Jordan. (HA 11/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces razed some 400 dunams (99 acres) of farmland land in Bayt Umar in preparation for paving a settler-only road. Israeli forces also fired tear gas near a school in Hebron, causing tear-gas related injuries among teachers and students. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured a Palestinian by the separation wall near Jenin as he was trying to enter Israel. Israeli forces also arrested 4 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, PA Jerusalem affairs minister Fadi Hidmi was arrested for the 3d time this year during a late-night raid in Silwan. Israeli forces also arrested 3 other Palestinians during raids in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. In Israel, leaders of Palestinian citizens of Israel began a 3-day hunger strike to protest Israeli authorities’ inaction against violence in the communities. This year, 79 Palestinian citizens of Israel have been killed in intracommunal violence. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/3; PCHR 11/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and critically wounded a Palestinian after she allegedly tried to stab an Israeli soldier near al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron. Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers harvesting olives in Huwwara, injuring 3 with stones. Separately, Israeli settlers stole Palestinian olive harvests in Dayr al-Hatab. 16 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bayt Duqqu, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/30; PCHR 10/31)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians by throwing stones at homes in Haris. Elsewhere, in Huwwara, Israeli settlers sprayed racist graffiti on a Palestinian-owned home. 22 Palestinians were arrested, including 14 during a raid at a school in al-‘Arub refugee camp; 8 others were arrested during raids in and around Hebron, Qalqilya, and Qalandia. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian minor was shot and injured after he allegedly tried to stab an Israeli police officer. Following the incident, Israeli forces closed several gates to the Old City and detained 3 Palestinians. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Jabalia. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/28; PCHR 10/31)

An Israeli soldier was demoted to the rank of private and sentenced to 1 month of community service for shooting and killing a 15-year-old Palestinian, without approval from his superior, in Gaza on 7/13/2018. (TOI 10/29; HA, NYT 10/30; AJ 10/31)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized Palestinian-owned vehicles and defaced buildings with racist graffiti in Yatma. Israeli forces also fired sound bombs and tear gas during a raid on a wedding ceremony east of Hebron. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Tulkarm, and 2 were arrested during clashes in Hebron. Israeli forces also assaulted 1 Palestinian photojournalist covering a raid in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian minor at a mosque in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on a Palestinian sanitation truck, causing damage. In Gaza, 95 Palestinians were injured during the 80th weekly Great March of Return protest, including 36 by live ammunition; others were injured by rubber-coated bullets and tear gas. (PCHR, WAFA 10/25; PCHR 10/31)

Malaysia announced that the country would open an embassy to Palestine in Jordan. Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad said, “[w]e know that Israel will not allow Malaysia to open an embassy in the Occupied Territory. As such, we will open the embassy in Jordan.” (WAFA 10/25)

In the West Bank, for the 2d day in a row, Israeli settlers from the Yitzhar settlement clashed with Israeli forces. Israeli settlers also damaged a Palestinian-owned home near Jalud. Israeli forces shot and injured a Palestinian minor who allegedly was throwing stones near Qalqilya. Israeli forces handed out notices in Qaryut informing residents of plans to seize 700 dunams (173 acres) of Palestinian-owned land. Elsewhere, in ‘Azun, Israeli forces closed a metal gate on an eastern entrance and put up a flying checkpoint on the western entrance to the town. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 at a checkpoint in Qalqilya; and 1 during a house raid in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound; at the same time, Israeli forces arrested 5 Palestinians in the area. In Gaza, the Erez border crossing was closed by Israel. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/21; PCHR 10/24)

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told President Reuven Rivlin that he was not able to form a government, handing the coalition building efforts to his rival Benny Gantz. (HA 10/21)

After 5 days of protests in Lebanon, the Lebanese cabinet approved new measures to deal with the country’s economic crisis, including cutting the salaries of top officials in half. Prime Minister Sa’d Hariri said that the measures would reduce the country’s deficit by $3.4 billion in 2020. (HA 10/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers picking olives, injuring 1 in Tell. Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum; 1 was injured by live ammunition, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 1 Palestinian was shot by Israeli forces at a checkpoint near Barta‘a. Israeli forces raided the headquarters of the Health Work Committees in Ramallah, damaging furniture. Israeli forces also raided the family house of an alleged Palestinian attacker and took measurements for a punitive demolition of the house. 9 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, and Nablus; 2 at a checkpoint in Bayt Furik; and 2 during house raids in Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was detained at the Haram al-Sharif compound; he was banned from entering the compound for 15 days. In Gaza, 71 Palestinians were injured during the 78th Great March of Return protest, including 33 by live ammunition. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles from Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/11; PCHR 10/17)

In the West Bank, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron. Israeli forces closed al-Ibrahimi Mosque for Palestinians, allowing settlers access throughout the day. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmland; no injuries were reported. (PCHR 10/10)

Turkey and its Syrian rebel allies launched a military operation in northeast Syria attacking Kurdish forces. (HA 10/9; AJ, 10/10)