The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man during a raid in Ya’bad. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in al-Amari refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces assault 3 Palestinian children during a raid in Beit Umar. Israeli forces also arrest 40 Palestinians during raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, Qalqilya, Tubas, Nablus, and Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, 16 Palestinians are arrested at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Beit Hanun, Gaza City, Dayr al-Balah, Nuseirat refugee camp, Rafah, and Maghazi, killing at least 62 people, including 3 medics in Beit Hanun. 3 rockets are fired at Israel, causing damage to a road in Sderot. In Tel Aviv, an Israeli man succumbs to injuries sustained in an attack in Gan Yavne on 3/31. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Khaim and Kafr Kila. Hezbollah forces fire rockets at Israeli forces in Bayd Blida and Shlomi. In Jordan, protesters march towards the Israeli embassy in Amman for the 12th day in a row. In the Red Sea, U.S. forces shoot down a missile launched from Yemen. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/4; AJ, UNOCHA 4/5)

More than 33,037 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,750 children and 8,900 women, and around 75,668 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 447 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 112 children. More than 4,700 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, 255 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,549 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. 176 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza, including 10 trucks delivering food aid to northern Gaza. 1,850 gallons of fuel is delivered to northern Gaza to operate 13 water wells in Jabalia and Gaza City. U.S. forces airdrop 50,000 meals over northern Gaza. The Palestinian Red Crescent says 31 children have died of starvation in Gaza and that 1,000 children have lost 1 or both of their legs in Gaza. Oxfam says Palestinians in northern Gaza only consume about 245 calories a day because of Israel’s policy to starve the population. (AJ, UNOCHA, WAFA 4/4; AJ, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 4/5)

Haaretz reports that an Israeli doctor working at the Sde Teiman detention center wrote letters to Israeli ministers and the attorney general last week describing inhumane conditions at the center. The doctor says 2 Palestinians had their legs amputated due to handcuff injuries in the past 2 weeks and that detainees are blindfolded, fed through straws, forced to defecate in diapers, and constantly held in restraints. Israel releases 101 Palestinians who have been held in Israeli detention centers back to Gaza. The Shin Bet says it arrested 11 Palestinians, including 7 Palestinian citizens of Israel, who were allegedly planning to assassinate Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. (AJ, HA, HA, HA 4/4; HA 4/5)

The NGO Open Arms says it has suspended efforts to bring aid to Gaza by sea from Cyprus, citing the killing of 7 aid workers on 4/1. Open Arms director Oscar Camps says Gaza is a “dystopian laboratory where people’s blood flows while war technologies are tested and perfected.” Doctors Without Borders rejects Israel’s explanation that the attack on the aid workers was an accident, citing previous attacks on aid workers. World Central Kitchen, the organization the 7 aid workers were employed by, calls for an independent investigation into the killings. (AJ, AX, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA 4/4)

Israel extends the detention of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh’s sister by 12 days. Haniyeh’s sister Sabah was arrested on 4/1. (AJ, HA 4/4)

The Israeli High Court of Justices asks the Israeli government to explain why more aid is not being allowed to enter Gaza. Israel’s military halts all leave for combat troops, citing a situational assessment. (AJ, HA, NYT 4/4; HA, NYT 4/5)

A Human Rights Watch investigation into an Israeli attack on a residential building in Gaza on 3/31/2023 where 106 Palestinians were killed finds that the attack was an “apparent war crime.” (AJ, AP, HA, HA, HRW, WAFA 4/4)

PA prime minister Mohammad Mustafa meets with U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs head George Noll, discussing the PA’s efforts to implement reforms, and later meets USAID representative for the West Bank and Gaza Amy Tohill-Stull in Ramallah. (AJ, HA 4/4)

Hamas official Osama Hamdan says there has been no progress in ceasefire negotiations despite Hamas’ flexibility. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU 4/4)

Israeli economy minister Nir Barkat calls Qatar “a wolf in sheep’s clothing” that funds terrorism all over the world. (AJ 4/4)

U.S. president Joe Biden speaks with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call, calling for an immediate ceasefire. Biden reportedly urges Netanyahu to take action to stop civilian suffering in Gaza, including by increasing aid access and expanding the powers of the Israeli negotiations team that is working on a ceasefire. Biden is also said to have informed Netanyahu that he would temporarily suspend further deliberations on arms transfers to Israel and requested that Israel send the U.S. a detailed report on the killings of the 7 aid workers who died in 3 airstrikes on 4/1. A White House readout of the conversation says, “US policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel’s immediate action” on steps to “address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers.” National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby says the U.S. expects “a drastic increase in the humanitarian assistance getting in, additional crossings opened up, and a reduction in the violence against civilians and certainly aid workers.” After the meeting, the Israeli war cabinet approves the opening of the Beit Hanun (Erez) crossing to allow more aid to enter Gaza. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks to Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant, expressing his “outrage” over the killing of the 7 aid workers. Centrist Democratic senator Chris Coons (D-DE) says he would vote to condition aid to Israel if Israel invades Rafah “at scale” while making “no provisions for civilians or for humanitarian aid.” (AJ, AJ, AX, AX, AX, AX, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU 4/4; AP, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU 4/5)

Polish prime minister Donald Tusk says Israel should explain the circumstances of the killing of the 7 aid workers on 4/1 and compensate their families. Cypriot foreign minister Constantinos Kombos calls for accountability. Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau calls the killings “absolutely unacceptable.” (AJ, AJ, HA 4/4; AP 4/5)

The Washington Post reports that the U.S. approved the transfer of more than 1,000 MK82 500-pound bombs, 1,000 small diameter bombs, and fuses for MK80 bombs on 4/1. (AJ, HA, REU 4/4)

The Elders releases a statement calling on all nations to stop sending arms to Israel and calling out the U.S. for accepting Israeli assurances of compliance with international law “despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.” (AJ 4/4)

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump says in an interview that Israel is “losing the PR war. They are losing it big,” adding Israel needs to finish its attacks fast. (AJ, AP, HA 4/4; AJ 4/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Mukhmas. Israeli forces shoot and kill a 13-year-old Palestinian boy and injure 2 others during a raid in Qabatiya. Israeli forces also shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during a raid in Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 23 Palestinians in the Old City near the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Nuseirat refugee camp, Maghazi, and Dayr al-Balah, killing at least 82 people. Israeli forces also open fire at Palestinians waiting to receive aid at the Kuwait Roundabout in Gaza City, killing at least 17. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue to raid and besiege al-Shifa Hospital. In Sakhnin, Deir Hanna, and Kafr Kanna, thousands of Palestinian citizens of Israel mark Land Day under the slogan “Stop the war on Gaza.” In Tel Aviv, Israeli police violently disperse Israeli anti-government protesters. In Lebanon, a UNIFIL peacekeeping foot patrol is bombed, wounding 4 UN personnel from Chile, Norway, Australia, and Lebanon; Israel denies responsibility. Israeli forces bomb Naqoura, Taybeh, Hanin, Tayr Harfa, Yarin, and Dhayra. Hezbollah forces attack an Israeli military base in Ya’ara with a drone and fire missiles at Kafrchouba, Khirbet Maar, and Raheb. In Jordan, police violently disperse protesters outside of the Israeli embassy for the seventh day in a row. In Yemen, U.S. forces bomb 2 aerial surveillance systems. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/30; AJ, NYT 3/31; HA 4/1; UNOCHA 4/3)

More than 32,705 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,400 children and 8,900 women, and around 75,190 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 445 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 112 children. More than 4,700 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, 253 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,520 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. 78 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (WAFA 3/30; UNOCHA 4/3)

The Gaza Media Office reports that Israeli forces have killed more than 400 people and destroyed and damaged more than 1,050 homes in and around al-Shifa Hospital during the 13-day siege of the hospital. (AJ 3/30)

The Alliance of Palestinian Forces, which includes Hamas and Islamic Jihad, releases a statement opposing a reported Israeli plan to establish an Arab military force in Gaza. (AJ 3/30; HA 4/1)

Islamic Jihad secretary-general Ziad al-Nakhalah meets with Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Tehran, telling reporters that he promises that “we will be the victors in the war.” (AP 3/30)

Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi, Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry, and French foreign minister Stephane Sejourne call for an “immediate and permanent ceasefire” after a meeting in Cairo. Sejourne also says his government will put forward a draft resolution at the UN Security Council setting out a political settlement of the war in Gaza. (WAFA 3/30; AJ 3/31)

The Arab Parliament of the Arab League issues a statement marking Land Day, saying Israel is waging “a war of genocide and forced displacement.” (AJ 3/30)

Cuban president Miguel Diaz-Canel demands in a tweet on X that Israel ends “the genocide” in Gaza. (AJ, WAFA 3/31)

A video circulating online shows U.S. representative Tim Walberg (R-MI) saying that no aid should be provided to Palestinians and that Gaza “should be like Nagasaki and Hiroshima” referring to the U.S. nuclear bombings of the 2 Japanese cities during World War II. (AJ, NYT 3/31)

The Guardian reports that the UK government has received legal advice that Israel is breaking international law in Gaza. (AJ, GDN 3/30; AJ, HA, HA 3/31)

50 members of the UK House of Lords and parliament call on the government to reinstate UNRWA funding. (AJ, HA 3/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to vending stalls on Route 90 near Ein al-Beida. Israeli forces close the entrance to Deir Istiya and block a road between Burqa and Sebastia. Israeli forces also arrest 25 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, Christians mark Good Friday while thousands of Christians from the West Bank are prevented from entering the city. Around 125,000 worshippers attend Friday prayers at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Maghazi, Jabalia refugee camp, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 71 people, including 17 people at a police station in Gaza City. Israeli forces continue to raid and besiege al-Shifa Hospital. An Israeli soldier is killed in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces assassinate Hezbollah member Ali Abed Akhsan Naim in an airstrike on Bazouriyeh. Israeli forces also bomb Ayta ash Shab and Meiss Ej Jabal. Hezbollah forces fire missiles at Israeli military positions in Avivim, Metula, and al-Malikiyya. In Jordan, protesters demonstrate outside of the Israeli embassy in Amman for the sixth day in a row. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Aleppo, killing 52 people. A Syrian colonel is assassinated when his booby-trapped car explodes in Damascus. The colonel reportedly had close links to Hezbollah. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/29; AJ, HA 3/30; UNOCHA 4/3)

More than 32,623 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,400 children and 8,900 women, and around 75,092 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 444 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 111 children. More than 4,700 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, 253 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,520 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. 135 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. U.S. and UK forces airdrop aid over northern Gaza. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 3/29; UNOCHA 4/3)

Forensic Architecture says Israel is committing deliberate ecocide in Gaza, adding to the famine. The organization finds that Israel has uprooted most of the orchards in Gaza and systematically targeted agricultural farmlands since 10/7/2023. (FA, GDN 3/29)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas speaks with Bulgarian president Rumen Radev in a phone call, discussing the situation in Palestine. (WAFA 3/29)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will return to ceasefire negotiations. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reportedly pitched to U.S. officials during his visit to Washington D.C. earlier this week that Arab forces are brought to Gaza to defend aid convoys and the jetty the U.S. is planning to build. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, REU 3/29; HA 4/1)

The Washington Post reports that the U.S. has approved the transfer of 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs, 500 MK82 500-pound bombs, and F35-A fighter jets worth $2.5 billion to Israel. The PA foreign ministry issues a statement saying “[d]emanding [Israeli prime minister Benjamin] Netanyahu to stop killing civilians and supplying him with weapons is an unprecedented principled and moral contradiction.” (HA, REU, WP 3/29; AJ, AJ, HA 3/30; AJ 3/31)

The Times of Israel reports that the U.S. has informed the Israeli Finance Ministry that U.S. sanctions on Israeli settlers do not have to be enforced by Israeli banks. The clarification reportedly comes after Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said he would retaliate against the sanctions by further impeding the Palestinian economy. (HA, TOI 3/29)

The Harvard University law school’s student government calls on the university to “divest completely from weapons manufacturers, firms, academic programs, corporations, and all other institutions that aid the ongoing illegal occupation of Palestine and the genocide of Palestinians.” (AJ 3/31)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces assault a Palestinian man during a raid in Sa’ir. Israeli forces also arrest 16 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, an Israeli settler stabs and injures a Palestinian bus driver. Israeli forces raid al-Qibli Mosque at the Haram al-Sharif compound, forcibly removing worshippers. Israeli forces also prevent Palestinian Christians from reaching the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Palm Sunday celebrations. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, and Gaza City, killing at least 84 people, including several at the aid distribution point at the Kuwait Roundabout in Gaza City for the second day in a row. Israeli forces also raids and besiege of al-Shifa Hospital for the seventh day in a row. Elsewhere, Israeli forces also raid and besiege the Nasser and al-Amal hospitals in Khan Yunis, killing at least 1 medic. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Ayta ash Shab, al-Adissa, Baalbek, and Souari, killing a Syrian national in Souari. Hezbollah forces attack al-Marj. In Jordan, police violently disperse protesters outside of the Israeli embassy. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/24; AJ, REU, UNOCHA 3/25)

More than 32,226 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,400 children and 8,900 women, and around 74,518 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 440 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 111 children. More than 4,665 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, 251 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,489 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. 137 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. U.S. and Jordanian forces airdrop aid over northern Gaza. UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini says Israel has informed the UN that it will no longer allow UNRWA to distribute aid in northern Gaza. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 3/24; REU, WAFA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 3/25)

Israel says it has arrested 800 people at al-Shifa Hospital in the past week. (AJ, NYT, REU 3/24)

Israeli general Amir Avivi says a U.S. State Department official accused Israel of “systematic” sexual abuse of Palestinian women during a recent meeting. (AJ 3/24)

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres meets Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in Cairo, saying the only effective way to provide aid to Gaza is by land. (REU 3/24)

During a phone call, French president Emmanuel Macron tells Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu that forced displacement of Palestinians from Rafah would constitute “a war crime” and “strongly condemn[s]” Israel’s seizure of 1,978 acres of Palestinian land in the West Bank announced on 3/22. (AJ, HA 3/24)

U.S. vice president Kamala Harris says in an interview the U.S. is “ruling out nothing” in terms of how the U.S. might respond if Israel invades Rafah. (AJ, HA, NYT 3/24; AJ 3/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalize a home and throw stones at vehicles in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya. 1 Israeli soldier is shot and killed and 7 others are injured, including both settlers and soldiers, near the Dolev settlement. Israeli forces subsequently kill the alleged Palestinian perpetrator near Deir Ibzi using missiles fired from a helicopter. In East Jerusalem, 120,000 worshipers pray at the Haram al-Sharif compound on the second Friday of Ramadan; Palestinians from the West Bank are largely prevented from entering East Jerusalem. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Dayr al-Balah, Nuseirat refugee camp, Jabalia refugee camp, and Beit Lahiya, killing at least 82 people. Israeli forces also attack and besiege al-Shifa Hospital for the fifth day in a row. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Khaim, Ayta ash Shab, Kfar Kila, Hula, and Taybeh. Hezbollah forces attack an Israeli military building in Zarit and Israeli positions in Metulla and Kfarchouba. In Yemen, U.S. and UK forces carry out airstrikes on 6 sites in Sanaa. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/22; AJ, AP, REU 3/23; UNOCHA 3/25)

More than 32,072 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,400 children and 8,900 women, and around 74,298 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 440 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 111 children. More than 4,665 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, 250 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,489 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. 177 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 3/22; UNOCHA 3/25)

Israel seizes 8,000 dunams (1,976) acres of land in the Jordan Valley for settlement expansion around the Yafit settlement near Fasayil and fast-track planning and construction of settler roads west of Ramallah. The seizure brings the total amount of seized land in the West Bank in 2024 to 10,640 (2,629 acres), more than the last 10 years combined. The PA calls the decision part of an “official policy racing against time to annex the West Bank and eliminate the possibility of creating a Palestinian state.” The Arab League condemns the decision. The EU calls on Israel to reverse the decision and says it “will not recognize changes to the 1967 borders unless agreed by the parties.”  (AJ, AJ, PCN, REU, WAFA, WAFA 3/22; AJ, WAFA 3/23; AJ 3/24; PCN 3/25)

CIA director Bill Burns and Mossad director David Barnea arrive in Doha for ceasefire negotiations. (AX 3/21)

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh speaks with Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, discussing the situation in Gaza. Amir-Abdollahian also speaks with Islamic Jihad secretary-general Ziyad al-Nakhalah. (AJ 3/22)

At the UN Security Council, Russia, China, and Algeria vote against a U.S. ceasefire resolution while Guyana abstains. Hamas thanks Russia, China, and Algeria for voting against the ceasefire that “gave [Israel] cover and legitimacy for the war of extermination.” PA ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour calls the U.S. resolution “one-sided.” Chinese ambassador to the UN Zhang Jun says the resolution “sets up conditions for a ceasefire, which is no different from giving a green light to continued killings.” French ambassador to the UN Nicolas de Riviere says the U.S. resolution is “not strong enough” as it does not as it does not call for an unconditional and immediate ceasefire and does not draw a “red line” for the potential Israeli invasion of Rafah. Guyanese ambassador to the UN Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett explains her country’s abstention in the vote, saying the resolution does not say directly address Israeli responsibility. French president Emmanuel Macron says he will work with Jordan and the UAE to draft a resolution that would gain support from all council members. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 3/22; AP 3/23)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken. Blinken warns Netanyahu that Israel is losing international support and reiterated U.S. opposition to a ground invasion of Rafah. Netanyahu says after the meeting that Israel “will do it on our own” if the U.S. opposes its Rafah plans. Blinken also participates in a war cabinet meeting and meets President Isaac Herzog. (AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU 3/22)

Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE call on Israel to open all crossings to Gaza to allow aid to enter. (AJ 3/22)

Ireland, Spain, Malta, and Slovenia agree to work toward recognizing the State of Palestine after a meeting between the countries’ prime ministers on the sidelines of the European Council meeting. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 3/22)

The U.S. House of Representatives passes a funding bill 286 votes to 135 to avoid a partial government shutdown, banning funding for UNRWA until March 2025. The Senate subsequently also passes the bill. Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) votes against the bill, saying the “Netanyahu government should not receive another penny from U.S. taxpayers.” 17 Democratic senators urge the Biden administration to reject Israel assurances that it is complying with international humanitarian law in Gaza. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) calls on the U.S. government to suspend arms transfers to Israel, calling Israeli actions in Gaza “genocide.” (HA 3/21; AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, NYT 3/22; HA, HA 3/23)

Finland resumes funding of UNRWA. (AJ, HA, REU 3/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid Jalbun and Huwwara, opening fire at homes; no injuries are reported. Israeli forces demolish 7 agricultural structures in Barta’a and 2 agricultural structures in Qabalan. Israeli forces also deliver a stop-work notice for a Swiss-funded sports field in Qalandia and seize a vehicle and equipment. Elsewhere, Israeli forces set up 2 iron gates on roads leading to Huwwara. Israeli forces also arrest 20 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Jericho, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid al-Qibli Mosque at the Haram al-Sharif compound, forcibly removing worshippers. Israeli forces also erect iron barriers at the King Faisal, al-Ghawanmeh, and al-Hadid gates to the compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb al-Bureij refugee camp, Nuseirat refugee camp, Jabalia refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, and Rafah, killing at least 69 people. Israeli forces also open fire at Palestinians waiting to receive aid at the Kuwait Roundabout in Gaza City, killing at least 21 people and injuring 155. In Beit Kama, a Palestinian citizen of Israel stabs and kills an Israeli soldier before he is shot and killed. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb a home in Naqoura. Israeli forces also bomb Tayr Harfa, Kunin, and Hamul. Hezbollah attacks Israeli soldiers in al-Abad. In Yemen, U.S. forces bomb 9 anti-ship missiles and 2 drones at different sites, saying Houthis fired 4 anti-ship missiles at vessels in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/14; AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT 3/15)

More than 31,341 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,400 children and 8,900 women, and around 73,134 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 425 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 111 children. More than 4,665 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, 247 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,475 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. 142 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. U.S. and Jordanian forces airdrop 13,900 meals over northern Gaza. (HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 3/14; UNOCHA 3/15)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas appoints the current chairperson of the Palestine Investment Fund and former deputy prime minister and minister of national economy, Mohammed Mustafa, as the new PA prime minister. Abbas says in a statement that he asked Mustafa to create a plan to re-unify the administration of Gaza and the West Bank, lead reforms in the PA government, security services, and economy, and fight corruption. The U.S. National Security Council welcomes the appointment of Mustafa. UK foreign secretary David Cameron also welcomes the appointment. According to Axios, State Department and White House officials have met with Mustafa and heard his plans for post-war Gaza and rehabilitating the PA economy. The PA condemns Israel for setting up barriers and gates around the Haram al-Sharif compound ahead of Friday prayers. The PA also calls on the ICC to summon Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for incitement to kill Palestinians, citing his statement in support of the killing of a Palestinian child in East Jerusalem on 3/12. Abbas speaks with Jordanian king Abdullah II, discussing the situation in Palestine. (AJ, AJ, AX, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/14; AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT 3/15)

Reuters reports that Hamas has submitted a 2-stage ceasefire proposal where the first stage would see Israeli women, children, elderly, and ill captives, including female soldiers, exchanged for 700-1,000 Palestinian prisoners. During the first stage a date for a permanent ceasefire and a deadline for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza would be set. The remaining captives would be released in another prisoner exchange. The Israeli prime minister’s office calls Hamas’s terms “unrealistic” but says the war and security cabinets will discuss the proposal on 3/15. Hamas also calls on Palestinians to break the siege of the al-Aqsa Mosque. (AJ, HA, HA, REU 3/14; AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU 3/15)

Representatives from several clans in Gaza tell international organizations and Israel that they will not participate in Israel’s plan to circumvent Hamas in the distribution of aid. (HA 3/14)

National Security Minister Ben-Gvir bans the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation from broadcasting in Israel and Jerusalem. (WAFA 3/14)

The U.S. sanctions 3 Israeli settlers, Neriya Ben Pazi, Zvi Bar Yosef, and Moshe Sharvit, and the 2 settlement outposts Moshe’s Farms and Zvi’s Farms. Sharvit and Bar Yosef are responsible for the 2 outposts and are also sanctioned by the UK. (AJ, AX, HA, REU, WAFA 3/14)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant signs a letter assuring the Biden administration that Israel will use U.S. weapons in accordance with international law and will allow U.S.-supported humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. (AX 3/15)

The U.S. circulates a draft resolution at the UN Security Council, supporting efforts to establish an immediate and sustained ceasefire. It is unclear when the draft will be put to a vote. (REU 3/14; AP 3/15)

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) calls for new elections in Israel, calling Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu 1 of 4 major obstacles for peace, along with “radical right-wing Israelis in government and society,” Hamas, and PA president Abbas. Schumer also says that if Netanyahu remains in power then the U.S. should “play a more active role in shaping Israeli policy by using our leverage to change the present course.” House speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) says he may introduce a standalone bill for aid to Israel, saying Schumer’s comment “made the situation even more urgent.” The House has already passed 2 Israel funding bills, which Schumer has rejected as Senate Democrats want to tie Israel funding to Ukraine funding. The Likud Party condemns Schumer’s remarks, saying “the Israeli public supports a total victory over Hamas, rejects any international dictates to establish a Palestinian terrorist state, and opposes the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza” and that Israel is “not a banana republic.” (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT 3/14; AJ, HA 3/15)

Leader of the Houthi movement Abdul-Malik al-Houthi says Houthi forces will attack Israeli-linked ships in the Indian Ocean that are circumventing the blockade of the Red Sea by going south of the African continent. Al-Houthi also says that 34 members of the Houthi movement have been killed since the U.S.-led anti-Houthi coalition began attacking its forces. (AJ, REU 3/14; AJ, HA 3/15)

The Toronto Star and Reuters report that Canada has stopped shipments of non-lethal military equipment, such as night vision goggles, to Israel due to concerns over human rights violations. (AJ 3/14)

The European Parliament pass a resolution denouncing the “catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, including the risk of imminent starvation.” EU commissioner for crisis management Janez Lenarcic says that neither the EU, nor to his knowledge any other UNRWA donor, has been presented with any evidence against UNRWA employees by Israel. (AJ, REU 3/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers physical assault and pepper spray 3 Palestinians during a raid in Fateh Sidra in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces shoot and kill 2 Palestinians during a raid in Attil. Israeli forces also raid Nur Shams refugee camp, uprooting streets, causing damage to infrastructure, including roads, water, electricity, sewage, and internet, affecting more than 84,600 people, and demolishing a home. Elsewhere, Israeli forces uproot 51 olive trees and 15 grape vines in Husan. Israeli forces also demolish 2 homes in Umm al-Tiran, displacing 7 people. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 25 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, al-Bireh, Qalqilya, Salfit, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians, tying them together before dragging them through the streets in Isawiya. Israeli forces also prevent Palestinians from entering the Haram al-Sharif compound and place barbed wire fencing at the compound near the Lion’s Gate. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Rafah, Nuseirat refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, and Gaza City, killing at least 67 people. 2 children die of starvation at the Kamal Adwan Hospital, bringing the death toll from starvation to at least 27. In Lebanon, Israeli forces attack 2 sites in the Beqaa Valley near Baalbek, killing one person and injuring others, and buildings in Ayta ash Shab and Naqoura. Hezbollah attacks Khirbet Maar and Kafrchouba. In Yemen, U.S. and UK forces bomb several locations, killing 11 people and injuring 14. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/11; HA, UNOCHA, WAFA 3/12; UNOCHA 3/13)

More than 31,112 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,400 children and 8,900 women, and around 72,760 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 419 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 108 children. More than 4,665 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, 247 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,474 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. 236 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. The UAE, Egypt, Jordan, France, Belgium, and the U.S. airdrop 169 aid packages over Gaza. The Gaza Ministry of Health says more than 2,000 medical personnel are starving in northern Gaza. 95 Palestinian orphans are evacuated from Rafah to an SOS Children’s Village in Bethlehem. (AJ, UNOCHA, WAFA 3/11; HA, HA, UNOCHA 3/12; UNOCHA, WAFA 3/13)

Israel restricts entry to the Haram al-Sharif compound on the first day of Ramadan to men over the age of 55, women over the age of 50, and children under the age of 10, in addition to requiring identification to enter. The PA calls for urgent international intervention to overturn the Israeli decision. Jordan says Israel is “playing with fire.” (AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 3/11; HA 3/12; NYT, UNOCHA 3/13)

The Israeli military presents a plan to dismantle UNRWA operations in Gaza and in the West Bank, saying doing so will undermine Hamas’s civilian rule in Gaza. The plan includes slandering UNRWA and its staff with help from other Israeli governmental bodies. Israel’s military says it has assassinated the deputy head of Hamas’s military wing, Marwan Issa, saying he was the fourth highest ranking Hamas member. Military Chief of Staff Herzl Halevi issues a disciplinary note to a general who ordered the demolition of a university building in Gaza without authorization. (HA, HA, HA, NYT 3/11; HA, NYT 3/12)

The Knesset passes a law allowing Israeli victims of Palestinian attacks and their families to sue the PA for compensation. (HA 3/12)

The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) releases a statement calling on Israel to halt all planned evictions and demolitions in the al-Bustan neighborhood in Silwan. The OHCHR says the demolitions could constitute a war crime. (OHCHR 3/11)

The UN Security Council discuss the UN report on sexual violence allegedly committed in Israel and Palestine. PA ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour says the UN is displaying double standards by never holding a meeting on sexual violence committed by Israelis against Palestinians. U.S. ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield says the “evidence before us is damming and devastating.” Russia’s deputy permanent representative to the UN Maria Zabolotskaya says a comprehensive study covering Gaza is also needed before any conclusions can be made and points out that most of the UN data is from the Israeli government. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres tells reporters that “[i]nternational humanitarian law lies in tatters . . . [the] threatened Israeli assault on Rafah could plummet the people of Gaza into an even deeper cycle of hell.” (AJ, HA, WAFA 3/11; AP, HA 3/12)

At a U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, CIA director Bill Burns outlines the current ceasefire proposal, which includes the release of 40 Israeli captives in exchange for a “defined number of Palestinian prisoners,” a 6-week ceasefire, and “a major surge in humanitarian assistance.” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller says the U.S. has not received Israel’s plan for the protection of Palestinians in Rafah during its planned invasion. The U.S. fiscal 2025 budget request includes $7.6 billion for Middle East partners, including Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. Unlike past years, the budget does not include funding for UNRWA. (AJ, HA 3/11)

8 Democratic Senators write a letter to President Joe Biden, urging him to stop providing offensive weapons to Israel until Israel lifts its blockade on humanitarian aid going to Gaza, saying the transfer of weapons violates the Foreign Assistance Act. The letter is written by Senators Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Jeff Merkey (D-OR) and signed by Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Peter Welch (D-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM). (AJ, HA, NYT 3/12)

12 Israeli human rights organizations sign an open letter saying Israel is not complying with the ICJ’s provisional measure to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza. (AJ 3/11)

The UK Home Office grants a Palestinian citizen of Israel asylum, assessing that there is a risk he will be persecuted in Israel. In his asylum application, the Palestinian man said that Israeli apartheid systematically oppresses Palestinians and that he was at heightened risk of persecution due to his pro-Palestinian activism and anti-Zionist views. (AJ 3/12; AJ 3/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault 2 Palestinians during a raid in al-Rakiz in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli settlers also attempt setting fire to property in Burqa but are chased away by Palestinians. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man during a raid in Silat al-Harithiya. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian child at the Qalandia checkpoint. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Beita and Awarta. 7 Israeli soldiers are injured in an attack outside of the Homesh settlement outpost. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault Palestinians at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces also close much of the Old City to restrict movement during the annual settler marathon. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, Khan Yunis, Dayr al-Balah, Jabalia refugee camp, and Gaza City, killing at least 78 people. 5 Palestinians are killed and others injured when they are hit by an airdropped aid parcel after the parachute did not open in Shati’ refugee camp. 3 children die of starvation at al-Shifa Hospital, bringing the death toll from starvation to at least 23 people. An Israeli soldier is killed in combat. In Lebanon, Hezbollah attacks 5 Israeli sites near Kafrchouba and Jal al-Alam. Israeli forces attack Marwahin and Ayta ash Shab. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/8; HA 3/9; UNOCHA 3/11)

More than 30,878 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,400 children and 8,900 women, and around 72,402 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 417 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 108 children. More than 4,665 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, 246 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,469 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. 236 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. Egypt, the U.S., Jordan, and the UAE airdrop aid in northern Gaza. (AJ, HA, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 3/8; HA 3/9; UNOCHA 3/13)

UN high commissioner for human rights Volker Turk says 2023 set a record for the most new Israeli settlement units since the UN began monitoring them in 2017. 24,300 new housing units were advanced between 11/1/2022 and 10/31/2023. Turk calls the settlements a “war crime.” (AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 3/8)

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen says a sea corridor between Cyprus and Gaza will likely open during the upcoming weekend. (AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, REU 3/8)

UNRWA says some of its employees that have been arrested by Israeli forces in Gaza have been forced, under torture, to falsely state that they support Hamas and took part in Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. Among the reported torture methods employed against the Palestinians are beatings, use of nail guns on knees, sexual abuse of men and women, use of electrified metal sticks in prisoners’ rectums, waterboarding, and threats to harm family members. (AJ, REU 3/8; HA 3/9; AJ 3/11; AJ 3/13)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken discusses ceasefire negotiations with Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry and Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in separate calls. The Department of Defense says it will take its forces up to 60 days to build the floating pier the U.S. will use to ship aid into Gaza. (HA, NYT, REU 3/8; NYT 3/9)

Canada officially resumes funding to UNRWA after the decision to resume was reported on 3/6. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU 3/8; NYT, NYT, WAFA 3/9)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man succumbs to wounds sustained from Israeli forces during a raid in Jenin on 2/29. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian child in Huwwara. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Balata refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces uproot around 400 olive tree saplings in Wadi Fukin. Israeli forces also punitively demolish a home in Kafr Dan. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolish an agricultural structure in Shuqba. Israeli forces also assault 2 Palestinians during a raid near Tubas. Separately, Israeli forces shoot and kill a cow during a raid in al-Halawa in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also arrest 22 Palestinians during raids in and around Kober, Ramallah, al-Bireh, Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Jericho, including a woman who was exchanged for Israeli captives during the prisoner exchange deal in November 2023. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Jabalia refugee camp, Gaza City, Beit Lahiya, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 97 people. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Hula, Jabal al-Batam, Majdal Zoun, and Kafra, killing 3 people, including a child, in Hula. Hezbollah attacks Kiryat Shmona, causing damage. In Yemen, U.S. forces attack 3 missile launch sites. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/5; AJ, UNOCHA, WAFA 3/6)

More than 30,631 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,400 children and 8,900 women, and around 72,043 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 415 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 108 children. More than 4,606 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, 244 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,453 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. 182 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. The U.S., Jordan, Egypt, and France airdrop 36,800 meals in northern Gaza. (AJ, HA, NYT, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 3/5; UNOCHA 3/6)

Hamas says the “ball is in the Israeli court” after concluding 3 days of ceasefire negotiations in Cairo. (AJ, HA 3/5; NYT 3/6)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas meets with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. Erdogan says during a news conference that “Netanyahu and his accomplices in murder will surely be held accountable for every drop spilled before the law and public conscience,” calling the Israeli actions in Gaza “blatant genocide.” PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh meets with Dutch foreign minister Hanke Bruins Slot in Ramallah. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/5; WAFA 3/6)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issues a statement saying the number of worshippers allowed to enter the Haram al-Sharif compound during the first week of Ramadan will be similar to 2023. (AJ, HA, REU 3/5; NYT 3/6)

Foreign ministers of OIC countries convene in Jeddah for an extraordinary meeting on the situation in Gaza. The organization calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. (WAFA, WAFA 3/5; WAFA 3/6)

U.S. secretary of defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken meet with Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz in Washington D.C. Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan meet with Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, discussing ceasefire negotiations. Blinken calls the situation in Gaza “simply unacceptable.” (AJ, HA, REU 3/5; HA 3/6)

The U.S. Department of Treasury sanctions former Israeli official Tal Dilian for his involvement in selling spyware that is used on Americans. Dilian is the co-owner of Intellexa, which produces the Predator spyware. (AJ, HA 3/5)

AP and Canadian media report that Canada will resume UNRWA funding after seeing the interim report into the Israeli allegations that UNRWA staff took part in Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. Later, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada has not made a final decision. (AJ, AP, HA 3/6; AJ, HA, REU 3/7)

Chile bans Israeli companies from taking part in the International Air and Space Fair in Santiago in April. (AJ 3/6)

Presumptive Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump says when asked if he approves of Israel’s conduct in Gaza, “[y]ou have got to finish the problem.” A poll commissioned by the Center for Economic and Policy Research show that 52% of Americans think the U.S. should halt arms shipments to Israel, including 62% of Democrats. (AJ, AJ 3/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers physically assault and pepper spray a Palestinian man in Nablus during a raid near Joseph’s Tomb. Israeli settlers also begin constructing a settlement outpost in al-Muarajat. Israeli forces shoot and kill an 11-year-old child and injure 2 others during a raid in Burin. Israeli forces also shoot and kill a 16-year-old child during a raid in al-Am’ari refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian child in Fawwar refugee camp. Israeli forces also punitively demolish the home in Jenin of a Palestinian man killed by Israeli forces in May 2023. Meanwhile, Israeli forces raid Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camp, uprooting streets. Israeli forces also arrest 55 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tubas, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Rafah, Bayt Lahiya, Jabalia refugee camp, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 124 people. A Palestinian child dies of hunger at the Abu Youssef al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah. Al-Awda Hospital in Jabalia refugee camp partially resumes operations after receiving fuel. In Lebanon, Hezbollah forces attack Israelis near the Blue Line, killing an Indian national and injuring 7 others near Margaliot. Israeli forces bomb al-Adisa, Chihine, Hula, Markaba, and Ayta ash Shab, killing 3 medics in al-Adisa. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/4; UNOCHA 3/5)

More than 30,534 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,400 children and 8,900 women, and around 71,920 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 413 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 107 children. More than 4,606 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, 244 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,453 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. 170 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 3/4; UNOCHA 3/6)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas meets with Guinea-Bissau president Umaro Sissoco Embalo in Ramallah. Embalo met with Israeli officials in Israel on 3/3. Abbas later travels to Turkey for a 3-day visit. (WAFA, WAFA 3/4)

3 Palestinian members of the Knesset, Ayman Odeh, Ahmad Tibi, and Youssef Atauna, meet with Jordanian king Abdullah II in Amman, discussing Israel’s war on Gaza and planned Israeli restrictions on Palestinian entry to the Haram al-Sharif compound during the month of Ramadan. (AJ, HA 3/4)

At the UN General Assembly, countries discuss the U.S. decision to veto a 2/20 ceasefire resolution at the Security Council and are briefed by UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini. (AJ, WAFA 3/4)

U.S. president Joe Biden tweets that he will not give up on pushing for a 6-week ceasefire. Vice President Kamala Harris meets with Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz. A White House readout of the meeting says Harris reiterates Israel’s right to defend itself, expresses deep concern for the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and urges Hamas to accept a 6-week ceasefire. Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich says Gantz is in the U.S. to advance U.S. plans to establish a Palestinian state. Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Adviser for Energy and Investment Amos Hochstein meets with Lebanese Parliament speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut, discussing the escalation between Hezbollah and Israel. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby says “some members of the Israeli cabinet” are working to obstruct aid entering Gaza. (AJ, AP, HA, NYT 3/4; AJ, AX 3/5; AJ 3/6)

UNRWA says some of its staff have been forced to give confessions under torture and ill-treatment by Israeli forces. The statement follows an Israeli claim that there are more than 450 Hamas and Islamic Jihad affiliated people working for UNRWA and the release of audio files purporting to be evidence that 2 UNRWA workers confessed to taking part in events on 10/7/2023. Commissioner-General Lazzarini says Israel “seeks to eliminate [UNRWA’s] role in protecting the rights of Palestinian Refugees.” (AJ, AP, HA 3/4; AJ, HA, UNOCHA 3/5)

UN special representative of the secretary-general on sexual violence in conflict Pramila Patten says during a press conference that a UN investigation team has found that Palestinians in the West Bank are subject to “cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment” in detention and are subject to “disproportionate physical and sexual violence, including sexual harassment and threats of rape during house raids, including at night, and at checkpoints.” Patten also say that the team has “found clear and convincing information that sexual violence, including rape and sexual torture” has been committed against Israeli captives released after being held in Gaza and that there are “reasonable grounds to believe conflict-related sexual violence” occurred on 10/7/2023 in at least 3 locations. Patten says some highly publicized allegations of sexual violence were determined to be unfounded and stresses that the report is not the result of an investigation as Israel did not share any evidence of allegations. (AJ, AJ, HA, INT, NYT, REU 3/4; AP, NYT 3/5; UNOCHA 3/6)

The Israeli National Social Security Agency says 806 Israeli civilians have been killed since 10/7/2023, including 38 children. (HA 3/4)

Spain announces sanctions on 12 violent Israeli settlers. (WAFA 3/4; AJ 3/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers establish a new settlement outpost outside of al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya near the Eli settlement. Israeli settlers also throw stones at homes in Jalud. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers assault Palestinians during raids in Turmus ‘Ayya, al-Lubban ash-Shariqya, Arab al-Milehat, and Fawwar refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities force a Palestinian family to demolish their own home in Isawiya. Israeli forces prevent Palestinians from reaching the Haram al-Sharif compound and assault 2 Palestinians in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb al-Bureij, Gaza City, Jabalia refugee camp, Rafah, Beit Hanun, Khan Yunis, Dayr al-Balah, and Bayt Lahiya, killing at least 81 people. 3 Israeli soldiers are killed in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Ramyeh, Jabal Balat, Chihine, and Ayta ash Shab, killing 1 person in Ramyeh. In Syria, an Israel airstrike on Baniyas kills 3 people, including a member of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In Yemen, U.S. forces bomb a missile launch site. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/1; AJ 3/2; HA 3/3; UNCOHA 3/4)

More than 30,228 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,230 children and 8,860 women, and around 71,377 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 409 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 103 children. More than 4,606 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, 243 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,432 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. The WHO delivers 5,000 gallons of fuel and medical supplies to al-Shifa Hospital. Jordan conducts 3 airdrops of aid in northern Gaza. 133 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (AJ, UNOCHA, WAFA 3/1; UNOCHA, UNOCHA 3/4)

CNN reports that Israel is prohibiting anesthetics, anesthesia machines, oxygen cylinders, water filtration systems, sleeping bags, medicines for cancer treatments, water purification tablets, maternity kits, and dates from entering Gaza. (CNN 3/1; AJ 3/3)

The PA calls for sanctions on Israel in response to the Flour Massacre. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov says Hamas has agreed, in writing, to respect the PLO platform after meetings of Palestinian parties in Moscow. The Palestinian parties represented at the Moscow meeting issue a statement saying there will be an “upcoming dialogue” to bring them all under the banner of the PLO. (AJ, GDN 3/1)

Israel’s military and the Shin Bet announces that Israel has released dozens of Palestinians held in administrative detention to free up space in Israeli prisons. (HA 2/29; HA 3/1)

Al-Awda Hospital acting director Mohammed Salha says 142 out of 176 wounded in the Flour Massacre on 2/29 arriving at the hospital in Jabalia were injured by gunshots. Spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, Stephane Dujarric, says a UN team sent to al-Shifa Hospital confirmed that “a large number of gunshot wounds” were found on people injured at the massacre. (AJ 3/1; AJ 3/2)

Israel tells Egypt and Qatar that it will not engage in ceasefire negotiations until Hamas sends a list of Israeli captives that are alive. Hamas says its investigation into personnel it has lost contact with confirmed that 7 captives have been killed in Israeli attacks in recent weeks. (AJ, AJ, AX, REU, REU 3/1)

U.S. president Joe Biden says U.S. airdrops of aid will start in the “coming days.” Oxfam says the airdrop plans “mostly serve to relieve the guilty consciences of senior US officials whose policies are contributing to the ongoing atrocities and risk of famine in Gaza,” saying airdrops only provide a symbolic amount of aid. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby says the U.S. is working to establish a maritime corridor for aid to enter Gaza and that the U.S. continues to push Israel to allow more aid trucks to enter and open more crossings. Kirby also says that the U.S. cannot verify Israel’s claim that Palestinians died in a stampede during the Flour Massacre. USAID administrator Samantha Power says settler violence “is intolerable and must stop.” (AJ, AX, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU 3/1; AJ, AP 3/2)

The European Commission says it will transfer $54.2 million to UNRWA next week as part of its pledge to donate $162.5 million in 2024, ending the EU freeze on aid to the agency. EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borrell calls UNRWA “an irreplaceable actor.” Commission president Ursula von der Leyen says she is “deeply disturbed” by the Flour Massacre, calling for an investigation. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 3/1)

The ICJ says Nicaragua has instituted proceedings against Germany for failing to live up to its obligations to prevent genocide by providing political, financial, and military support to Israel. (HA, REU 3/1; AJ, AJ 3/2)

200 parliamentarians from 13 EU countries call for an arms embargo on Israel. (AJ 3/2)

A BBC Verify investigation into Israel’s claim that Israeli forces have killed more than 10,000 Hamas fighters shows that there is little evidence to back Israel’s claim based on Israel’s own posts on YouTube and Telegram. (BBC 3/1)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man succumbs to wounds sustained from Israeli forces in Nur Shams refugee camp on 10/19/2023. An Israeli settler shoots and kill a Palestinian man after he shoots and kills 2 Israeli settlers at a gas station near the Eli settlement. Israeli settlers also throw stones at Palestinians at the Za’atra checkpoint, injuring a man. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers ram a Palestinian man in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, causing minor injuries. Israeli settlers also raid Arab al-Milehat, throwing stones at homes. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers disassemble and steal 2 agricultural structures in Kisan. Israeli forces shoot and kill 2 Palestinians and injure another while they are picking gundelia flowers near Bayt Awa. Israeli forces also shoot and kill a Palestinian child during a raid in Beit Furik. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Jalazone refugee camp. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man in Jenin. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolish a home and 2 agricultural structures during a raid in Ein ad-Duyuk al-Tahta. Israeli forces also arrest 20 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, and Bethlehem. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Nuseirat refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Jabalia refugee camp, and Beit Hanun, killing at least 81 people. Israeli forces also open fire at an aid convoy where thousands of Palestinians are seeking to gather aid. Eyewitnesses report that Israel used live ammunition, tank shells, and drone-fired missiles to attack the crowd, at least 112 people are killed and 760 are injured. Israeli tanks also run over the bodies of the dead and injured. The attack is dubbed the Flour Massacre. 4 children die of starvation at the Kamal Adwan Hospital. Israeli settlers storm the Beit Hanun (Erez) crossing, attempting to create a settlement in Gaza. In Lebanon, Hezbollah fires 2 rockets at Goren. In Yemen, U.S. forces attack a missile launch site and shoot down a drone. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/29; AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 3/1)

More than 30,147 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,230 children and 8,860 women, and around 71,217 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 409 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 103 children. More than 4,606 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, 240 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,431 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. The Red Crescent says its medical clinic in Jabalia is receiving 100-150 cases of patients with Hepatitis A daily. (AJ, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA 2/29)

22-year-old Palestinian prisoner Assef al-Rifai dies in an Israeli prison, becoming the 11^th Palestinian to die in Israeli prison since 10/7. Al-Rifai, who had been imprisoned since 2022, suffered from cancer. (WAFA 2/29)

In response to the Flour Massacre (see above), Israel’s military first says Palestinians were killed in a stampede trying to get aid, blaming the aid truck drivers, then later said that Israeli soldiers had opened fire due to fear of the crowds but that most of the Palestinians had been killed in a human stampede and by the aid trucks. In its defense, Israel releases edited drone footage which appears to show hundreds of Palestinians taking cover from Israeli bullets. The PA calls the incident an “ugly massacre” and Hamas calls the attack an “unprecedented war crime.” UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres labels the incident appalling and calls for an independent investigation. EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borrell calls it “totally unacceptable,” Colombia denounces Israel’s genocide, suspending weapons purchases from Israel. French president Emmanuel Macron expresses “[d]eep indignation at the images coming from Gaza where civilians have been targeted by Israeli soldiers. I express my strongest condemnation of these shootings and call for truth, justice, and respect for international law.” Spain, Belgium, Turkey, Portugal, Italy, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, China, Canada, Yemen, Australia, and other countries express shock and contempt for the Israeli actions. The U.S. blocks an Algerian statement at the UN Security Council that assigns blame to Israel for the incident, saying it needs to be “thoroughly investigated.” The Israeli newspaper Haaretz for the first time calls on Israel to end its war, citing the incident. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 2/29; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 3/1) 

Representatives from Hamas, Fatah, and many other Palestinian parties meet in Moscow for reconciliation talks and about forming a technocratic consensus government that will lead the PA. Palestinian National Initiative secretary-general Mustafa Barghouti says, “I have never seen the atmosphere so close to unity as it is today.” Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov tells the Palestinian representatives at the meeting that if they can announce a unity position on the basis of the PLO those who use the lack of Palestine unity to prevent “the settlement in the Middle East, will lose their winning cards.” Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh meets with Chinese ambassador to Qatar Zhou Jian, discussing “ways to stop the war” in Gaza. President Mahmoud Abbas meets with UN senior coordinator for humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza Sigrid Kaag and USAID administrator Samantha Power in Ramallah. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 2/29; AJ 3/1)

The Israeli Civil Administration declares 2,640 dunams (652 acres) of land in Abu Dis and al-Eizariya Israeli state land. 120 Palestinian families live on the land. The area declared state land connects the Ma’ale Adumim settlement and the Keidar settlement. (AJ, REU, WAFA 2/29; HA 3/1)

Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Store says the PA has received $114 million from Israel as part of the tax revenue payments and that more money will be dispersed in “the coming days.” (REU 2/29)

UNRWA says it has not received $89 million from the European Commission that was due on 2/29. 17 rights and aid organizations, including Save the Children and Oxfam, call on the EU to disperse the funds. The UN says Israel has not provided evidence about its claims against 12 UNRWA staffers for the independent investigation by the UN. Germany says it will increase aid to Gaza by $21.6 million and that its military will start taking part in aid airdrops if enough aid cannot be dispersed by land. (AP, AP, REU 2/29)

Israel claims it has killed more than 13,000 militants in Gaza since its ground invasion. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls Hamas’s demands for a ceasefire “delusional,” saying he will not accept them and that he rejects international calls for a ceasefire. The Israeli negotiators who had been in Qatar this week return to Israel. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calls for a “massive” settlement expansion in response to the killing of 2 Israeli settlers near the Eli settlement. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir says aid to Gaza must stop as it endangers Israeli soldiers, citing the Flour Massacre where no Israeli soldiers were injured while more than a 100 Palestinians were killed. The Israeli government says it is still reviewing whether it will severely limit the number of Muslim worshippers it will allow to enter the Haram al-Sharif compound during Ramadan. (AJ, REU 2/29; AJ 3/1)

U.S. president Joe Biden walks back his comment that a ceasefire will happen by 3/4 but says that he is still hopeful. Biden also issues a statement calling on Republicans to pass a bill providing aid to Israel to “help ensure Israel can defend itself against Hamas and other threats.” Biden speaks with Qatar emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, discussing the need for aid and a ceasefire in Gaza. Secretary of State Blinken speaks with Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, discussing the same issues. White House deputy press secretary Olivia Dalton says the U.S. is deeply concerned that it has not received an Israeli plan for how it will provide security for Palestinians in Rafah if the Israeli military invades the city. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) calls on Israel to end its military operations in Gaza, citing the Flour Massacre. (AJ, AX, HA, NYT, REU, REU 2/29; AJ, HA 3/1)

UN high commissioner for human rights Volker Turk condemns Israel’s war on Gaza, calling it “carnage” at the UN Human Rights Council and says that war crimes have been committed by both Israel and Hamas, calling for accountability for the perpetrators. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 2/29)

New Zealand says it will impose travel bans on “a number” of violent Israeli settlers. New Zealand also designates the entirety of Hamas as a “terrorist group.” (AJ, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 2/29)

British politician George Galloway of the Workers Party of Britain wins a seat in the UK parliament in the by-election in Rochdale, telling Labour Party leader “Kier Starmer, this is for Gaza.” The Labour Party held the seat in Rochdale until last month when MP Tony Lloyd died. (NYT, NYT 2/29; AJ, AJ, HA 3/1)

Haaretz reports that AIPAC has spent $4.5 million in attack ads against Dave Min in the Democratic primary for a congressional seat in California. (HA 2/29)

The heads of 36 international news outlets sign a letter in support of journalists in Gaza, calling for their protection. (AJ, AP 2/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shoot and kill 3 Palestinians and injure 3 others during raids in al-Fara’a refugee camp and Tubas. Israeli forces also shoot and kill a Palestinian man near al-Muntar. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Beit Furik. Israeli forces also seize a bulldozer during a raid in Bidya. Meanwhile, Israeli forces also arrest 30 Palestinians from Gaza in Barta’a and 5 others in Nablus, Beit Furik, Jalazone, Jericho, and Tubas, including a Palestinian child in Jericho who was released as part of the ceasefire prisoner swap in November 2023. 9 Palestinians prisoners released as part of the deal have been arrested again. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Dayr al-Balah, and Rafah, killing at least 96 people. 2 babies die at the Kamal Adwan Hospital due to dehydration. 2 rockets are fired at Ashkelon, both are intercepted. 2 Israeli soldiers die in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Ayta ash Shab, Sidon, and Tyre. Hezbollah fires anti-tank missiles at an Israeli airbase in the Mount Meron area, causing damage. In the Red Sea, U.S. forces shoot down 5 drones launched from Yemen. Germany naval forces also intercept a drone launched from Yemen. (HA 2/26; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/27; AJ, HA, UNOCHA 2/28)

More than 29,878 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 12,000 children and 7,200 women, and around 70,215 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 404 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 102 children. More than 4,590 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, 240 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,408 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. For the second day in a row, Jordan, Egypt, France, and the UAE airdrop humanitarian aid to Gaza using 6 C-130 planes. Jordanian king Abdullah II personally takes part in the airdrop mission. 135 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (AJ, HA, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA 2/27; UNOCHA 2/29)

The Israeli military’s Central Command commander Yehuda Fuchs signs an order to allow the Mitzpeh Yehuda settlement outpost to be turned into a new settlement called Mishmar Yehuda that initially would have 3,600 housing units and later expand to 13,600 housing units. Mitzpeh Yehuda is north of al-Ubeidiya. (HA, PCN, REU, WAFA 2/28)

Hamas official Basem Naim says Hamas has not received the U.S., Israeli, Egyptian, and Qatari ceasefire counterproposal. Reuters reports that the proposal’s first stage includes a 40-day ceasefire, a prisoner exchange ratio of 1 Israeli to 10 Palestinians, that both parties end military operations, a halt to Israeli arial reconnaissance operations for 8 hours a day, and a gradual return of Palestinians to northern Gaza except for men of military age. The second stage would see Israeli forces leave densely populated areas, at least 500 trucks carrying aid enter daily, 200,000 tents and 60,000 caravans enter Gaza, and Israel allow the rebuilding of hospitals and bakeries and allow heavy machinery to enter Gaza to remove rubble. (AJ, AJ, REU 2/27)

PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki meets with WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus in Geneva, Switzerland, discussing the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Al-Maliki also briefs the UN Human Rights Council on the situation in Gaza. President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh meet with Japanese foreign minister Tsuji Kiyoto in Ramallah. Japan donates $32 million in emergency aid to Gaza through the World Food Programme, WHO, and UNICEF. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/27)

The Israeli Army Radio reports that the military and the Shin Bet have urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to restrict entry for Muslim worshippers to the Haram al-Sharif compound during Ramadan, citing the security situation in the West Bank. (AJ 2/27)

Israeli economy minister Nir Barakat tells reporters at the World Trade Organization conference in Abu Dhabi that “in the wars Israel had we had a dip in the economy but immediately after we had a huge spike in innovation. And the knowledge and the experience Israel is gathering in this round of violence is second to none . . . Especially after this war I think we are probably going to be leading many, many initiatives on what next-generation warfare is going to look like.” (REU 2/27)

At the UN Security Council, UNOCHA head and representative in Geneva Ramesh Rajasingham says 576,000 people in Gaza are “one step away from famine.” (AJ, HA, REU, UNOCHA 2/27; AJ, AP 2/28)

U.S. treasury secretary Janet Yellen says Israel has started transferring the PA’s tax revenue to the PA upon request from the U.S. and that she urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to reverse the ban on Palestinians from the West Bank working in Israel. President Joe Biden meets with House speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) at the White House, urging him to pass the Senate supplemental funding bill providing aid to Israel and Ukraine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks with Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and UAE foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, discussing the situation in Gaza and the establishment of a Palestinian state. USAID administrator Samantha Power says the U.S. will provide an additional $53 million in humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, NYT, REU 2/27; NYT 2/28)

Axios reports that the U.S. has given Israel until mid-March to sign a letter guaranteeing that Israel will use U.S.-provided weapons in accordance with international law and that Israel will allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. (AJ, AX 2/27)

A poll released by Data for Progress shows 67% of U.S. voters support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, including 77% of Democrats and 56% of Republicans. (AJ 2/27)

At the Michigan presidential primaries, an effort to challenge President Biden’s Gaza policy gains support as more than 100,000 voters vote “uncommitted” which organizers had urged people who are angry with Biden’s approach to do in the Democratic primary. Michigan is a swing state which former president Donald Trump won with 11,000 votes in 2016 and Biden won with 150,000 votes in 2020. (AJ, AP, HA, NYT 2/28)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man succumbs to injuries sustained in an Israeli drone strike on Jenin on 2/22. Israeli settlers raid Taybeh, kidnapping 3 elderly Palestinian farmers who are later released from a military base in Tarqumiyah. Israeli forces seize a bulldozer during a raid in Nabi Salih. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Dayr al-Balah, Rafah, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, and al-Bureij refugee camp, killing at least 90 people. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb near Baalbek, killing 2 people and injuring 6 others. Israeli forces also bomb al-Sarira, Ayta ash Shab, Majadel, and Wadi al-Dalafa, killing at least 2 people in Majadil. Islamic Jihad says 2 of its fighters are killed in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah shoots down an Israeli drone using a surface-to-air missile and fires 60 Katyusha rockets at an Israeli military site. In Yemen, U.S. forces attack 6 sites. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/26; AP 2/27; UNOCHA 2/28)

More than 29,782 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 12,000 children and 7,200 women, and around 70,043 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 400 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 102 children. More than 4,575 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, 238 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,396 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. 138 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. Israel allows 10 trucks carrying aid to enter northern Gaza. Jordan and France airdrop aid to Gaza from 4 C-130 planes at 11 sites. The Red Crescent says it has suspended medical missions for the next 48 hours as it is unable to ensure the safety of its staff. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 2/26; AP, UNOCHA 2/27)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh resigns on behalf of himself and the rest of the cabinet during the weekly cabinet meeting in Ramallah, saying “the next stage and its challenges require new governmental and political arrangements that take into account the new reality in Gaza and the need for a Palestinian-Palestinian consensus based on Palestinian unity.” Shtayyeh says he submitted his resignation to President Mahmoud Abbas on 2/20 but formally submitted his resignation in writing today. Abbas accepts the resignation of Shtayyeh and the rest of the cabinet, asking him and the rest of the ministers to stay on as caretakers until a new government is formed. Shtayyeh, who has been prime minister since March 2019, also cites the genocide in Gaza and the “unprecedent escalation in the West Bank and Jerusalem” as reasons for resigning. Before Shtayyeh’s resignation, over the weekend it was rumored that the Palestinian government would resign in order to facilitate the formation of a technocratic government to be led by the PA as requested by the U.S. (HA 2/25; AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 2/26; AP, HA 2/27)

The New York Times reports that Israel has agreed to release 15 high-profile Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 5 female Israeli soldiers as part of the potential ceasefire deal. U.S. president Joe Biden says he hopes a ceasefire agreement can be reached by 3/4. Axios reports that Israeli military chief of staff Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet director Ronen Bar traveled to Egypt last week to assure the Egyptian government that Israel will take measures to prevent Palestinians from fleeing to Egypt during its planned invasion of Rafah. A delegation of Israeli officials arrive in Qatar for ceasefire talks. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says Palestinians will not be allowed to return to northern Gaza until all Israeli captives are released. Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi and U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken discuss the ceasefire negotiations. (AJ, AP, AX, AX, HA, NYT, REU, REU 2/26; AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, REU 2/27)

Israeli industry minister Nir Barkat meets with Saudi minister of commerce Majid bin Abdullah Alkassabi on the sidelines of a World Trade Organization meeting in the UAE, saying the 2 countries can “make history together.” (AJ 2/26)

During the sixth and final day of the ICJ hearings on the legality of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, the Arab League calls the occupation an “affront to international justice” and says Israel perpetrates “racial domination and apartheid” against Palestinians. Turkey, Zambia, Spain, Fiji, the Maldives, the African Union, and the OIC also present arguments. During the 6 days of hearings, only the U.S., Fiji, Hungary, and the UK spoke in favor of Israel’s argument that the court should not make a decision on the occupation while 50 other countries and organizations argued, to varying degrees, that the occupation is illegal and has to end. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/26; WAFA 2/27)

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres says the UN Security Council’s “lack of unity on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and on Israel’s military operations in Gaza following the horrific terror attacks by Hamas on 7 October, has severely—perhaps fatally—undermined its authority,” calling for reform of the council. Arab diplomats meet with Guterres, warning him about Israeli plans to severely limit the number of worshippers allowed at the Haram al-Sharif compound during Ramadan. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA 2/26)

USAID administrator Samantha Power visits a World Food Programme warehouse in Jordan, saying only around 85 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza a day while around 500 are needed. (AJ, HA 2/26)

President Biden reiterates in an interview his previous claim that without Israel, Jews living throughout the world would not be safe. (AJ 2/27)

Israel submits a report on progress it has made since the ICJ issued provisional measures to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza as part of the South African genocide case against Israel. Human Rights Watch says Israel has ignored the ICJ provisional measures and “in some ways even intensified its repression, including further blocking lifesaving aid.” Amnesty International also says Israel has failed to comply with the measures. (Airwars, AJ, HA, HA, WAFA 2/26; NYT 2/27)

EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borrell criticizes European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen in an interview with El Pais, saying her trip to Israel in October 2023 “with such a completely pro-Israeli position, without representing anyone but herself in a matter of international politics, has carried a high geopolitical cost for Europe.” Borrell also says Israeli prime minister Benjamin “Netanyahu’s plans for Gaza are unacceptable. The seeds of hatred are being sown for generations. It is an open secret that the Israelis funded Hamas and played at dividing the Palestinians.” (AJ, EP 2/26)

19,012 artists sign an open letter calling on Israel to be banned from the Venice Biennale, saying there should not be a “genocide pavilion at the Venice Biennale.” Italian minister of culture Gennaro Sanguiliano rejects the call, saying the letter is “shameful.” The Biennale later issues a statement saying it would “not take into consideration any petition or call to exclude” countries. (AJ, ANGA, HA 2/26; AJ, AJ, REU 2/27; AP, NYT 2/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid Arab al-Milehat, stealing nearly 30 sheep. Israeli forces uproot 50 trees in Sarta while preparing to build a settler road. Israeli forces also raid Jenin, assaulting 2 Palestinians. Israeli forces arrest 15 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Jericho, Jenin, and Ramallah. In Jerusalem, Israelis raid and vandalize a Muslim shrine, declaring it a Jewish holy site. Israeli forces install a watchtower fitted with surveillance camaras at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, and Beit Lahiya, killing at least 86 people. Israeli forces also kill 10 Palestinians waiting to receive aid in Gaza City. The Red Crescent evacuates 24 people from al-Amal Hospital and delivers water and food to the hospital. In Lebanon, Hezbollah attacks Israeli forces in Manara and Malkia. Israeli forces kill 2 Hezbollah members near the Syrian border. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/25; AJ, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 2/26)

More than 29,692 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 12,000 children and 7,200 women, and around 69,879 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 399 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 102 children. More than 4,545 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, 237 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,396 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. 94 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (WAFA 2/25; UNOCHA, UNOCHA 2/26)

The Israeli military says it has withdrawn from the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. (AJ 2/25)

The Gaza Media Office accuses Israel of 19 different war crimes, including deliberate killings, torture, forced displacement, hostage-taking, using hunger as a weapon of war, bombing homes, schools, and places of worship, targeting heritage sites, and targeting medical centers. (AJ 2/25)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas meets Jordanian king Abdullah II in Amman. (WAFA 2/25)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells CBS News that the Israeli invasion of Rafah will happen regardless of a ceasefire deal, saying a deal would only delay the invasion. The war cabinet discusses the plans for the ground invasion of Rafah and ceasefire negotiations. An Israeli delegation is said to be traveling to Doha for continued talks next week. Israel’s Channel 12 News reports that Netanyahu added a new demand to the recently concluded U.S., Israeli, Egyptian, and Qatari ceasefire talks, stipulating that high-profile prisoners released in the exchange are deported to Qatar. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says Israel will continue attacking Lebanon even if a ceasefire deal is reached in Gaza. (AP, NYT 2/24; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU 2/25; AJ, AJ, HA, WAFA 2/26)

Aaron Bushnell, an active-duty soldier from the U.S. Air Force wearing his uniform self-immolates outside of the Israeli embassy in Washington D.C. In a livestream, Bushnell says that he “no longer will be complicit in genocide” and that he is doing an extreme act of protest which he says is not extreme in comparison to what people are experiencing in Palestine “at the hands of the colonizers.” As he burns, he chants “free Palestine.” Bushnell later dies in hospital. Bushnell is the second person to self-immolate outside of an Israeli diplomatic post in the U.S. An unidentified woman holding a Palestinian flag self-immolated outside of the Israeli consulate in Atlanta in December 2023. (AJ, HA, NYT 2/25; AJ, AJ, AP, WAFA 2/26; AP 2/27)

UN General Assembly president Dennis Francis calls on UN members to provide “sustainable and predictable financial and political support” to UNRWA. UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini says food aid has not been delivered to northern Gaza since 1/23. (AJ, WAFA 2/25; AJ 2/26

The information ministers of the OIC hold an extraordinary session in Turkey, condemning Israel’s genocide in Gaza and calling for an unconditional ceasefire. (WAFA 2/24; AJ, WAFA 2/25)

Haaretz reports that the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority is refusing to grant visas to employees of international NGOs operating in the West Bank and Gaza. (HA 2/25)

The New York Times says it is reviewing Israeli freelance journalist Anat Schwartz, who has contributed to the Times’ coverage of Hamas, for liking a tweet on X calling for turning Gaza “into a slaughterhouse.” (AJ 2/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers open fire at Palestinians during a raid in Shaab al-Butum in the Masafer Yatta area; no injuries are reported. Israeli settlers also open fire at 2 commercial structures and an electric transformer in al-Naqura, causing a power outage in the village. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raid Tuqu’, threatening Palestinian shepherds. Israeli settlers also set up 3 mobile homes in Wadi Rahal. Israeli forces shoot and kill 2 Palestinians after they allegedly shot and killed 1 Israeli settler and injured 10 others on a highway near the Ma’ale Adumim settlement. Israeli forces also bomb Jenin using a drone, killing 2 Palestinians, including a child, and injuring 15 others. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during a raid in Balata refugee camp. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian during a raid in ad-Doha. Meanwhile, Israeli forces detain 2 10-year-old Palestinian boys for 6 hours in Sinjil. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces assault and arrest 2 Palestinians outside of the compound’s Lions Gate. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Jabalia refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Rafah, Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Nuseirat refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Maghazi, killing at least 97 people, including 18 people from the same family in a home in Gaza City. 5 patients die at the Nasser Hospital due to the lack of power and oxygen as Israeli forces continue to occupy the hospital. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Kafr Remen, Tayr Harfa, Jbaa, Kafr Kila, Maroun al-Ras, Khiam, Umm al-Tut, and Shehin, killing 4 people in Kafr Remen. Hezbollah attacks an Israeli military building in Kfar Yuval. In the Red Sea, a ship is hit by 2 missiles fired from Yemen. Israel’s Arrow missile defense system shoots down a ballistic missile the Houthi movement says is fired by its forces. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/22; AJ, HA, NYT, REU, UNOCHA 2/23)

More than 29,410 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 12,000 children and 7,200 women, and around 69,465 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 399 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 102 children. More than 4,530 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, 235 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,396 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. 42 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 2/22; UNOCHA 2/23)

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich issues a statement after meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, saying the government will submit plans for 2,350 new settlement units in Ma’ale Adumim, 300 in the Keidar settlement, and 694 in the Efrat settlement in response the killing of an Israeli settler earlier in the day. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir says Israeli settlers’ right to freedom of movement in the West Bank overrides that of Palestinians’, adding he will further limit the freedom of movement for Palestinians. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA 2/22; HA 2/23)

Israel confirms its forces are building a new road through central Gaza “to move logistics and soldiers.” (AJ 2/22)

Prime Minister Netanyahu presents his post-war plan for Gaza to the Israeli war cabinet, which includes installing “local officials” to govern the area, “maintain an indefinite freedom to operate throughout” Gaza, enlarge the “buffer zone” inside Gaza, and the complete demilitarization of Gaza before reconstruction is allowed to begin. Netanyahu’s plan also includes the permanent closure of UNRWA and the rejection of “unilateral recognition” of a Palestinian state. The Times of Israel reports that Israel has agreed to allow U.S. flour to enter Gaza. (AJ, AX, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 2/23)

Defense Minister Gallant meets with U.S. National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk, saying Israel will expand the authority of Israeli negotiators to reach a prisoner exchange deal in Paris over the weekend. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby calls the meetings McGurk had with Gallant and Egyptian officials “constructive.” (AX 2/21; AJ, AP, AX, AX, HA, HA, REU, REU 2/22; AJ, NYT 2/23)

Jordanian representatives, including Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, give statements to the ICJ on the fourth day of the hearings on the legality of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, saying Israeli policies and practices show that Israel intends for the occupation to be permanent. Japan’s representative argues that even territory that is not internationally recognized cannot be acquired by force. Ireland’s representative says Israel has committed serious breaches of international law during its occupation. China says the issue of Palestinian self-determination is a UN issue, countering a U.S. argument made on 2/21, and argues that because of the occupation the right to self-defense lies more with the Palestinians than with the Israelis. Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Luxembourg, Malaysia, and Mauritius also present arguments. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 2/22)

UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini writes a letter to UN General Assembly president Dennis Francis, saying Israel is making a “concerted effort” to dismantle UNRWA, including by ordering UNRWA to leave a vocational center in East Jerusalem and pay Israel $4.5 million for using the facility, pointing out that the facility was given to UNRWA by Jordan in 1952. Lazzarini also says Israel is only giving UNRWA staffers visas for 1-2 months, that Finance Minister Smotrich has threatened UNRWA with revoking its tax exemption, that an Israeli bank has blocked the UNRWA account, and that Israeli customs has suspended shipments of goods to UNRWA. (AJ 2/22; AJ 2/23)

The UN Security Council convenes to discuss the situation in Gaza. UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Tor Wennesland and representatives from Doctors Without Borders brief council members on the situation. (WAFA, WAFA 2/22)

U.S. president Joe Biden says in a tweet that the “overwhelming majority of Palestinians are not Hamas . . . In fact, they’re also suffering as a result of Hamas’ terrorism.” (HA 2/22; HA 2/23)

After a 2-day G20 meeting in Brazil, EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borrell and Brazilian foreign minister Mauro Vieira say that there is unanimous agreement among the G20 members in support of a 2-state solution. (REU 2/22)

The Houthi movement announces that Israeli, UK, and U.S.-owned ships are banned from the Red Sea. (AJ, AJ 2/22)

Haaretz reports that Israeli forces shot and killed an Israeli citizen and injured his girlfriend on 10/7/2023, mistaking them for Palestinians. (AJ, HA 2/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid ‘Asira al-Qibliya, injuring a Palestinian, and attempt to set a house on fire. Israeli settlers also begin construction of a settler road in al-Muarajat. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raid al-Minya, threatening Palestinians. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian, uproot streets, and damage property during a raid in Jenin. Israeli forces also shoot and kill a Palestinian child in ‘Azzun. Elsewhere, Israeli forces issue demolition notices for a house and an agricultural structure in Khillet al-Farra in the Masafer Yatta area. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli authorities force a Palestinian family to demolish their 3-story apartment building in at-Tur, displacing 5 families comprising 23 people. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza City, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 118 people, including 12 at a square in Nuseirat refugee camp, 22 in a home in Nuseirat refugee camp, 25 in a home in Dayr al-Balah, and 2 at a Doctors Without Borders shelter for staff members and their families in Khan Yunis. 8 patients die due to a lack of power and oxygen and 21 people are evacuated from the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Majdal Zoun, killing a woman and a child. Hezbollah militants fire rockets at Israeli military bases in Metila and Matzuva. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Damascus, killing 2 people in an apartment building. In Yemen, U.S. forces attack 4 Houthi-related sites. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/21; AJ, AJ, UNOCHA 2/22; UNOCHA 2/23)

More than 29,313 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 12,000 children and 7,200 women, and around 69,333 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 395 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 101 children. More than 4,528 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, 235 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,396 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. The UK and Jordan airdrop 4 tons of aid to the Tal al-Hawa Hospital. 50 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 2/21; UNOCHA 2/22)

Khaled Shawish becomes the ninth Palestinian prisoner to die in an Israeli prison since 10/7/2023. 53-year-old Shawish had been imprisoned by Israeli since 2007. 20 lawyers representing Palestinians at the Ofer military court announce a strike, citing poor treatment of Palestinian prisoners and defense lawyers, including beatings of prisoners on their way to court and searches of lawyers entering Israeli facilities. (AJ, WAFA 2/21; HA 2/22)

UNOCHA reports that around 4,000 Palestinians were displaced in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in 2023, including 1,326 from demolition of which 173 were from punitive demolitions, 911 during Israeli military operations which destroyed 220 structures, 1,539 from settler violence, and 200 due to movement restrictions in the Masafer Yatta area. (UNOCHA 2/21)

The Israeli-run Jerusalem District Attorney’s Office announces that it will prosecute the head of the Supreme Islamic Council in Jerusalem Ekrima Sa’id Sabri for incitement to terrorism, saying he visited families of Palestinians who carried out attacks on Israelis in October 2022. (HA 2/21)

Israeli military advocate general Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi issues a warning to Israeli soldiers that “improper conduct” including unjustified use of force, destruction of property, and looting are criminal actions. Tomer-Yerushalmi says her office has “come across cases of improper conduct.” (HA 2/21; AJ 2/22)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh meets with UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Tor Wennesland, EU representative to Palestine Alexandre Stutzman, and World Bank country director for the West Bank and Gaza Stefan Emblad in Ramallah, discussing the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, long-term aid for rebuilding Gaza, and the PA’s financial crisis. (WAFA 2/21)

The Knesset votes 99 to 9 to reject “international dictates regarding a permanent settlement with the Palestinians and the establishment of a Palestinian state.” (AJ, AJ, HA, REU 2/21)

At the third day of the ICJ hearings on the legality of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, the U.S. argues that the ICJ should not order the unconditional withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories without security guarantees. Hungary similarly says the ICJ should not exercise its jurisdiction. Colombia, the Comoros, Cuba, Egypt, the UAE, Russia, France, the Gambia, and Guyana also present arguments. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 2/21; NYT 2/22)

UK House of Commons speaker Lindsay Hoyle breaks with precedent by allowing the Labour Party to introduce its own amendment to a motion introduced by the Scottish National Party (SNP) calling for a ceasefire. The Labour Party amendment waters down the language of the SNP motion, removes language criticizing Israel, and adds language defending its conduct. The Labour motion is adopted after SNP and Conservative Party MPs leave the vote in protest. (AJ, AJ, AP 2/21; AJ, AP 2/22)

The UK High Court of Justice rejects a petition to suspend UK arms exports to Israel. The Guardian reports that the UK is considering suspending arms export licenses to Israel if Israel invades Rafah. (AJ, GDN 2/21)

A video from 2/15 shows U.S. congressman Andy Ogles (R-TN) telling a pro-Palestinian activist that “I think we should kill them all if that makes you feel better. Hamas and the Palestinians have been attacking Israel for 20 years. It is time to pay the piper.” (AJ, HA 2/21)

The Wall Street Journal reports that the U.S. intelligence community has assessed with “low confidence” that some UNRWA staffers took part in Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, suggesting that the U.S. has not seen corroborating evidence. (HA 2/21; AJ 2/22)

The European Broadcasting Union says it is reviewing the lyrics of the Israeli song submitted to the Eurovision contest to examine if it is too political. The song is titled “October Rain” and is about events on 10/7/2023 and its aftermath. The Israeli contestant, Russian Israeli singer Eden Golan, performed in Russian-annexed Crimea in 2016. (HA, NYT 2/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers shoot and injure 2 Palestinians, including a child, and set a vehicle and a home on fire during a raid in ‘Asira al-Qibliya. Israeli settlers also assault 2 Palestinians and damage their vehicles after raiding their home in Kisan. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes and set a car on fire in Madama. Israeli settlers also demolish 3 structures in Susiya. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers set fire to a vehicle in Huwwara. Israeli forces shoot and injure 4 Palestinians during raid in Tell, al-Ram, Tammun, and Ramallah. Israeli forces also violently disperse a funeral procession in Biddu, injuring 2 people with baton rounds. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrest 27 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, Tubas, Tell, Deir Ghassana, ‘Azzun, and Arrabah. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian child succumbs to injuries sustained from Israeli forces on 2/11 in the Old City. Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, Khan Yunis, and Gaza City, killing at least 164 people, including at least 74 people in Rafah. Israeli forces also shoot and kill 7 and injure at least 14 others at the Nasser Hospital. 3 Israelis soldiers are killed in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb several places, killing 5 members of Hezbollah, including in a home in Chihine. Islamic Jihad says 2 of its fighters were killed by Israel near the Blue Line. In the Red Sea, Houthi fighters attack a cargo ship with naval missiles, saying it is U.S. owned. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/12; AJ, AP, HA, HA 2/13; AJ, AP, HA 2/14)

More than 28,340 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 11,500 children and 7,200 women, and around 67,984 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 387 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 99 children. More than 4,426 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, 227 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,326 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. 9 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. UNRWA Gaza chief Thomas White says there is an outbreak of hepatitis A and a very high number of Palestinians experiencing diarrhea. (AJ, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 2/12; UNOCHA 2/13)

Israel says it forces rescued 2 Israeli captives from a building in Rafah. Israel says the large-scale airstrikes on Rafah that killed at least 74 Palestinians were a diversion for the rescue mission. (HA, NYT 2/11; AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, UNOCHA, REU, REU 2/12; NYT 2/13)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas meets with Qatari emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha, discussing the possibility of a unity government in Palestine. (HA, WAFA 2/12)

Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah meets with Islamic Jihad secretary-general Ziad al-Nakhalah. (AJ, HA 2/12)

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich says, “the Egyptians bear considerable responsibility for October 7.” A spokesperson for the Egyptian Foreign Ministry says Smotrich is trying to divert attention from Israel’s own shortcomings. Foreign Minister Israel Katz and Interior Minister Moshe Arbel say UN special rapporteur on the Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese will be banned from Israel, citing her comments that the “victims of 7/10 were not killed because of their Judaism, but in response to Israel’s oppression.” U.S. representative to the UN Human Rights Council Michele Taylor accuses Albanese of having a “history of using anti-Semitic tropes.” (AJ, HA 2/12; AJ 2/13)

U.S. president Joe Biden meets with Jordanian king Abdullah II at the White House. Biden tells the press that Palestinians in Rafah need to be protected. Abdullah II says a lasting ceasefire is needed to protect Palestinians and an Israeli invasion of Rafah would be a catastrophe. (AJ, AX, HA, NYT 2/12; NYT, WAFA 2/13)

The UN Security Council meets to discuss the situation in Rafah and an Algerian draft resolution calling for a ceasefire. Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, says the UN will not play a part in Israel’s plans for evacuation of Rafah, saying “there is no place that is currently safe in Gaza.” ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan says he is deeply concerned about Israel’s plans in Rafah, adding “[a]ll wars have rules and the laws applicable to armed conflict cannot be interpreted so as to render them hollow or devoid of meaning.” Khan also says Israel has not changed its conduct in Gaza and “those who do not comply with the law should not complain later when my Office takes action pursuant to its mandate.” (AJ, HA, NYT 2/12; AJ, HA 2/13)

The U.S. Senate votes 70-29 to approve a bill which if approved by the House and President Biden would provide $95 billion in military aid to Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel, including $14 billion to Israel, ban funding of UNRWA, and provide $9.15 billion in humanitarian assistance to civilians in conflict zones, including in Gaza and the West Bank. Biden calls on the House to immediately approve the Senate bill, which he says, “provides Israel with what it needs to protect its people against the terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah and others.” Before voting in favor of the bill, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) says Israel is committing “textbook” war crimes in Gaza. (HA 2/12; AJ, AP, HA, HA, INT 2/13)

EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borell calls on the U.S. to suspend military aid to Israel saying, “if you believe that too many people are being killed, maybe you should provide less arms in order to prevent so many people being killed.” (AJ, AJ, HA, HA 2/12)

The UK government sanctions 4 Israeli settlers. The PA foreign ministry welcomes the measure but calls it insufficient. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 2/12)

A Dutch court orders the Dutch government to halt exports of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel. The Dutch government says it will appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 2/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian-owned vehicle in al-Zawiya. An Israeli settler also rams a flock of sheep with his car in Kisan, killing 1 and injuring others. Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian with live ammunition during a raid in Qusra. Israeli forces also open fire at a Palestinian vehicle traveling in Hebron before arresting the driver. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 25 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Baqa al-Hatab, Jenin, Hebron, Tubas, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces prevent the movement of Palestinian worshippers to the Haram al-Sharif compound, limiting the entry to 13,000 worshippers for Friday prayers. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Beit Lahiya, killing at least 112 people. Israeli forces shoot and kill 4 Palestinians at al-Amal Hospital, including the Palestine Red Crescent Society’s director of the youth and volunteers department Hedaya Hamad. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Tayr Harfa, Wadi Hassan, Majdal Zoun, Marwahin, Zibqin, and Jabal Balat. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Damascus, killing an Iranian national and causing damage. In Yemen, Houthi militants fire a ballistic missile at Eilat, which Israel says is intercepted over the Red Sea. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/2; WAFA 2/3)

More than 27,131 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 11,500 children and 7,200 women, and around 66,287 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 1,296 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. UNICEF says it estimates that 17,000 Palestinian children in Gaza have been left separated from their families during the Israeli assault on Gaza and that nearly all children in Gaza require mental health support. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 2/2; HA 2/4)

Hamas official Osama Hamdan says the ceasefire proposal by Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. is not acceptable, saying a permanent ceasefire is needed. Hamdan also says Hamas demands the release of Marwan Barghouthi and Ahmad Saadat in a prisoner swap as part of the deal. Islamic Jihad leader Ziad al-Nakhala speaks to Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, discussing the ceasefire proposal. (AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA 2/2; AJ 2/3)

Al-Haq, Al Mezan, and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights condemn the decision by the U.S., Germany, the UK, Canada, Australia, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Iceland, Japan, Austria, Latvia, Lithuania, and Romania to suspend funding for UNRWA, calling their decisions collective punishment of Palestinian refugees. (WAFA 2/2)

The Israeli security cabinet convenes for a briefing on the ceasefire proposal. Sources say that the proposal includes a 142-day ceasefire where 1 Israeli captive would be released every day. Many in the security cabinet reportedly oppose the plan. (HA 2/2)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant says Israel will not stop attacking Lebanon if a ceasefire deal is reached in Gaza. MK and former defense minister Avigdor Liberman tells the Jerusalem Post that Egypt should control Gaza, Jordan should control Area A and parts of Area B of the West Bank, while Israel annexes Area C and parts of Area B. (AJ, HA 2/2)

U.S. ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield says an Algerian-circulated draft resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza could jeopardize “sensitive negotiations” for a temporary ceasefire. (REU 2/2)

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau says he is considering sanctioning “those responsible for extremist violence or extreme settler violence in the West Bank.” The U.S. sanctioned 4 Israeli settlers on 2/1. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA 2/2)

The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee schedules a vote on 2/6 on a bill called “Stop Support for UNRWA ACT” that would bar the U.S. from making contributions to the agency. (INT 2/2)

U.S. senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) says he will introduce an amendment to the foreign aid supplemental package that would cut $10.1 billion in “offensive weaponry funding” to Israel, saying the U.S. “must end its complicity in the nightmare unfolding in Gaza.” (AJ 2/2)

More than 800 officials from the U.S., UK, and EU release a letter of dissent criticizing their nations’ policies of support for Israel’s war in Gaza. (AJ, NYT 2/2; WAFA 2/3)

An AP-NORC poll finds that 50% of Americans say the “military response from Israel in the Gaza Strip has gone too far” compared to 40% in early November 2023. (AJ, AX, AP 2/2; WAFA 2/3)

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 raid a nursery in Deir Sharaf, setting fire to 2 bulldozers, a truck, and a forklift. Israeli settlers also raid Sinjil, vandalizing Palestinian-owned vehicles. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers build a settler road near al-Rakiz in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli settlers also bring their cattle to graze on Palestinian farmland near Qarawat Bani Hassan, causing damage to crops. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers place a mobile home on Palestinian-owned land near Tuqu’. Israeli forces raid Askar refugee camp, Ein as-Sultan, ‘Anata, Madama, and ‘Asira ash-Shamaliya, injuring 7 Palestinians, including 6 with live ammunition. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolish 7 structures and seize vehicles in Idhna. Israeli forces also issue a $38,500 ransom for the release of 48 cows they seized from a Palestinian in ‘Ain al-Hilweh. Israeli forces arrest 35 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Jenin, Qalqilya, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, telecommunications services are down for the fifth day in a row. Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City, Maghazi, Jabalia refugee camp, and al-Bureij refugee camp, killing at least 158 people, including at least 20 in a strike on a house in Gaza City. Israeli airstrikes also target al-Amal Hospital in Khan Yunis and an UNRWA warehouse in Dayr al-Balah, causing damage. 50 rockets are fired at Israel, causing damage in Netivot. 2 Israeli soldiers are killed in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces carry out airstrikes in Ayta ash Shab. In the Red Sea, Houthis say they targeted a Greek ship bound for Israel after its crew rejected its warnings. The U.S. attacks Houthis in Yemen for the third time in a week. In Pakistan, Iranian forces bomb what they call terrorist targets in Koh Sabz, killing 2 children. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/16; AP, AP, NYT 1/17; AP 1/19)