The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians in al-Mazra‘a al-Gharbiya, injuring 2. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Arroub refugee camp, injuring 3 with live ammunition and others with tear gas and baton rounds. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beit Umar, injuring 1 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Abu Dis, injuring 1 minor with a baton round to his head and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Husan and Hebron, causing tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolished 6 residential structures in Wadi Juheish near Yatta. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Bethlehem, Jenin, Qabatiya, and Salfit. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/20; MEMO, MEMO 12/21; PCHR 12/22; UNOCHA 1/16)

The Palestinian prisoner Nasser Abu Hamid died of cancer in an Israeli hospital while incarcerated on 7 life sentences. Abu Hamid was sentenced in 2002. The Palestinian Prisoners’ Administration said Abu Hamid died due to Israeli medical neglect. The PA called for a day of mourning and condemned Israel’s decision to hold Abu Hamid’s body for future negotiations. There were rallies in several cities throughout the West Bank and Gaza mourning Abu Hamid. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, MDW, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/20; AN, AP, HA, MEE, MEMO, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 12/21)

In Syria, Israeli forces conducted air strikes south of Damascus, killing 2 people. (AP, HA, MEMO 12/20)

In the West Bank, 100s of Israeli settlers attended a ceremony at a Yeshiva in the Homesh settlement outpost. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinians in Hebron and physically assaulted 2. Israeli forces shot and killed 3 Palestinians and injured 10 others during late-night raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor with 2 shots in his back and injured 2 others with live ammunition in Abud; Israel claimed that the 3 had thrown stones at settler cars in the area. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered a demolition order for 1 home in Maeen and 2 stop-work orders for homes in Shaab al-Butum and Qawawis in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also raided an office of the PA Ministry of Culture in Jenin, damaging books and paintings. Meanwhile, Israeli forces removed a Palestinian flag from the roof of a school in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, replacing it with an Israeli flag. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwad, Nablus, Beita, Beit Furik, Jenin, Jenin refugee camp, Bethlehem, Aida refugee camp, and Hebron. (AJ, AN, AP, HA, HA, HA, IN, MDW, MEE, MEMO, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/8; MEE, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR 12/9; PCHR 12/15; UNOCHA 12/22)

The Palestinian civil affairs authority said that Israel had approved 650 of 900 travel applications submitted by Palestinian Christians in Gaza to visit relatives in the West Bank and abroad during the Christmas holidays. (MEE, MEMO, WAFA 12/8; ALM 12/14; MEMO 12/15)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Chinese president Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Arab-China Summit in Riyadh. (WAFA, WAFA 12/8)

Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu requested to a 2-week extension for forming the next Israeli government from Israeli president Isaac Herzog. President Herzog granted a 10-day extension on 12/9. (HA, REU, TOI 12/8; HA 12/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian homes in Tarqumiyah. Israeli settlers also vandalized 4 vehicles and 2 houses and set fire to olive trees in Ramin. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor and injured 4 others during a late-night raid in Jenin refugee camp. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 house and agricultural structures in Duma and 1 agricultural structure in Nabi Ilyas. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Nil’in, Abu Dis, Tulkarm, and Bayt Awwa. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of al-Waha and al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (AA, AJ, HA, JP, MEE, PCHR, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/21; MDW 11/22; PCHR 11/24; UNOCHA 11/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided Jenin, injuring 1 Palestinian with live ammunition and arresting 1. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work notices to 2 families for several structures in Humsa. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Nil‘in, Burqa, Qalqilya, Aida refugee camp, Hebron, and Kuseis. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level agricultural land east of Dayr al-Balah. Israeli forces also opened fire east of Khan Yunis and al-Bureij refugee camp; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/10; PCHR 11/17; UNOCHA 11/25)

Israel ended the trial program to extend the hours at the Allenby Bridge crossing. The trial program ran from 11/6 to 11/10 and was initiated under U.S. pressure during President Joe Biden’s visit to Israel in July. The U.S. had announced that Israel would open the crossing 24 hours a day from September, but Israel insisted on carrying out the trial before changing the operating hours. The Times of Israel reported that Israel is preparing to open the Allenby crossing 24 hours a day between Sunday morning and Friday afternoon and on Saturdays between 8 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. starting from 2 April 2023. (AN 11/13; TOI 11/24)

Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir attended an event commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the death of Israeli American terrorist Meir Kahane. Ben-Gvir, who is expected to become a minister in the incoming Benjamin Netanyahu-led government, was jeered when he said that unlike Kahane he does not support expelling all Palestinians from Israel. Ben-Gvir said “Kahane’s main characteristic was love.” At the event, participants burned Palestinian flags. U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price called Ben-Gvir’s attendance “abhorrent.” (HA 11/9; AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, REU 11/10; MEE, MEMO 11/11)

Adalah and the Center for Constitutional Rights wrote a letter to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken and ambassador to Israel Tom Nides urging them not to move forward with plans to build an embassy in Jerusalem on lands confiscated from Palestinians. The letter, written on behalf of the Palestinian landowners, stated “[s]hould the US proceed with this plan, it would not only be complicit with Israel's illegal confiscation of Palestinian-owned land, but it would also become an active participant in the seizure of the land of US citizens.” (MEE, WAFA 11/11; WAFA 11/14; MDW 11/17)

The Israeli government and the world soccer federation FIFA announced that direct flights between Israel and Qatar would be available for World Cup ticket holders. Palestinian ticket holders were said to be allowed to use Ben-Gurion International Airport if they receive a special permit. (AJ, AP, ALM, HA, MEMO, REU 11/10; REU 11/17; HA 11/18; AJ, MEE, REU 11/20)

In the West Bank, armed Israeli settlers blocked a road to az-Zubaidat near Jericho. Israeli settlers also vandalized 120 olive trees in Turmus ‘Ayya. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor while securing Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus for a tour of the site by newly elected Israeli right-wing politicians, 3 others were injured by live ammunition and baton rounds while others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian man trying to enter Israel through the separation wall west of Jenin. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beit Umar, injuring 5 with live ammunition and baton rounds, while others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolished 1 residential structure in Kafr ad-Dik and seized 3 caravans in Birin. Meanwhile, Israeli forces prevented roadwork near Deir Nidham, seizing a concrete truck and a concrete mixer. Israeli forces also delivered demolition notices for 5 structures used for tourism in Duma. 18 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Nabi Salih, Bayt Rima, Biddu, Beit Duqqu, Qalandia refugee camp, al-Ubeidiya, al-Twana, al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, and Tulkarm. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled farmland east of Dayr al-Balah. (AJ, MDW, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/9; MDW, PCHR 11/10; ALM 11/11; UNOCHA 11/13; UNOCHA 11/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized more than 100 olive trees near Turmus ‘Ayya. Israeli settlers also vandalized 60 olive trees in Jalud, spraying them with chemicals. Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian home in Qibya and 1 Palestinian home east of Jericho. 21 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Balata refugee camp, Jenin, Qalqilya, and Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities demolished 1 bakery in Shu’fat refugee camp and 1 house under construction in Bayt Hanina. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Shu’fat refugee camp. In the Naqab, Israel began construction of a new town, Hiran, on the lands of Umm al-Hiran which Israel has slated for demolition. The demolition of Umm al-Hiran and construction of Hiran has been halted since 2017 when Israeli police killed 1 Palestinian man trying to protect his property. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/7; MEMO 11/8; MDW 11/9; PCHR 11/10; UNOCHA 11/13)

Israel imposed a ban on seafood and fish exports from Gaza to the West Bank, saying that 20 tons of fish were attempted to be smuggled from the West Bank to Israel. The collective punishment imposed on fishermen and workers in Gaza affected some 5,500 Palestinians employed in the industry. (HA 11/9; HA 11/10; MEMO 11/11)

1 Israeli settler succumbed to injuries sustained in a stabbing attack 2 weeks prior in al-Funduq. (HA 11/8)

Israeli forces arrested 1 Israeli settler accused of attacking Israeli forces and Palestinians. The man was later placed in administrative detention, the only Jewish person out of more than 800 administrative detainees, after an Israeli court only allowed Israeli police to hold him until 11/11. (HA 11/9)

1 Israeli settler was indicted by the Israeli state prosecutor’s office on terrorism-related charges for assaulting 1 Palestinian man in Sheikh Jarrah on 10/13. (HA 11/7)

U.S. president Joe Biden called incoming Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to congratulate him on his election. President Biden told Netanyahu, “[w]e're brothers, we'll make history together … my commitment to Israel is indisputable." (AJ, ALM, AX, HA 11/7)

The UN Human Rights Council established independent commission of inquiry began hearings in Geneva on Israeli human rights abuses. (AJ, MEMO, MEMO 11/7)

In the West Bank, a 14-year-old Israeli settler was shot in the head by a stray bullet in the Kiryat Arba settlement. It was reported that the bullet was assumed to have been fired during a wedding celebration. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Sa‘ir, causing damage. Israeli settlers also vandalized 23 Palestinian-owned vehicles in Beit Iksa, slashing tires and writing racist graffiti. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian family harvesting olives near al-Shuyukh with clubs, pipes, and stones, hospitalizing 5 members of the family. Israeli settlers also raided Burin, throwing stones at Palestinian homes, causing damage. Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians, including a 14-year-old, and injured 4 others during a raid in Jenin refugee camp. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian man during a raid in Beit Duqqu. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 residential structure and sealed 2 water wells in Arab al-Feihat and demolished 2 residential structures in Bruqin. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Beit Sira, Bayt Rima, al-Mughayyir, Aida refugee camp, Fawwar refugee camp, Nablus, Jenin, Kufeirit, and Ya‘bad. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian after he allegedly stabbed 1 Israeli police officer in the Old City; 2 Israeli police officers were lightly injured by shots fired by other police officers. After the incident Israel closed the Haram al-Sharif compound to Palestinians, only allowing Jewish visitors. In Gaza, 4 rockets were fired by Palestinian militants toward Israel, 3 landing inside of Gaza and a 4th being intercepted; causing no injuries or damage. Israel subsequently conducted air strikes on Gaza hitting sites in Maghazi refugee camp, causing damage. It was later reported that Hamas authorities had arrested 2 Palestinians suspected of having fired the 4 rockets. (AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/3; AA, AJ, AP, MDW, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR, TOI, WAFA 11/4; HA, MEE, TOI 11/6; PCHR 11/10; ALM, UNOCHA 11/13; HA 11/18)

Israel said it had lifted all restrictions on movement in and out of Nablus after a 3-week siege of the city. Subsequently, PA prime minister Muhammad Shtayyeh toured the city with 30 representatives from foreign countries. Prime Minister Shtayyeh called the siege imposed on Nablus collective punishment. (HA, WAFA 11/3; ALM 11/4; MEMO 11/5)

Outgoing Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid spoke with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken in a phone call. The U.S. State Department said Blinken “underscored the need for all parties to urgently de-escalate the situation” in the West Bank. (HA 11/5)

128 scholars signed a statement urging the UN not to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism, calling it “divisive and polarizing. The IHRA working definition of anti-Semitism has been criticized for conflating criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism. The statement suggested the UN instead use the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism. (JDF, JP 11/1; AJ 11/3)

In the West Bank, 1 12-year-old Palestinian boy died of wounds sustained during an Israeli raid on Jenin on 9/28. The boy was shot in the stomach by Israeli forces using live ammunition. Armed Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinians harvesting olives in Khallet Hassan. Israeli settlers also threw stones and bottles at Palestinians in Hebron, causing injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers burned copies of the Quran near al-Ibrahimi Mosque. In East Jerusalem, more than 200 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Shu‘fat, injuring 2 with baton rounds. (AJ, AP, ABC, HA, MEE, MEMO, PBS, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/10; MEE, MEMO, MEMO 10/11; MDW 10/12; PCHR 10/13; UNOCHA 10/16; HA 10/28)

All crossings to Gaza and the West Bank were closed due to the Sukkot holiday. (HA 10/7)

In the West Bank, Palestinian militant factions protested PA cooperation with Israel by burning tires and throwing stones at PA security forces in Nablus and Jenin. In Nablus, 1 Palestinian was killed and 2 were injured during the unrest; the PA claimed it was not present during the killing of the man, who was said to be a bystander. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian man during a funeral procession in Beit Umar; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also fired tear gas at Palestinians protesting a raid in Rumana, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian NGO worker, detained others, and seized 1 vehicle while the workers were doing maintenance work on solar panels in Wadi al-Faw. Israeli forces also pumped cement in 2 water wells in al-Ras and Kafr Abbush and seized a stone-cutting machine in Beit Fajjar. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Biddu, Beit Duqqu, Bethlehem, Bayt Rima, and Deir Nidham. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinian merchants at the Old City’s al-Khawajat market. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Tur. In Israel, 1 elderly Israeli woman was beaten to death in Holon; the Palestinian suspect was later found hanged in Tel Aviv. (AJ, HA, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/20; GDN, HA, MEMO, PCHR, WAFA 9/21; AP, HA, PCHR, TOI, TOI 9/22; MDW 9/23; ALM 9/28; UNOCHA 9/30)

1 Palestinian cancer patient died in Gaza while waiting to obtain a permit from Israel to travel to East Jerusalem for treatment. The man is the 6th Palestinian in Gaza to die of cancer this year while waiting for Israeli permission to travel for treatment. (PCHR 9/21)

A group of lawyers and rights organizations said they had referred the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh to the ICC on behalf of her family. A forensic investigation by Al Haq and Forensic Architecture also found that Israeli soldiers deliberately targeted Shireen Abu Akleh when she was shot on 5/11/22. (AHQ, AJ, FA, INT, MDW, MEE, WAFA, WAFA 9/20; GDN, MEE 9/21; HA, JP, MEMO, TOI 9/22; MEMO 9/25)

An Israeli court ruled that Israel can revoke the residency permits of 17 Palestinians related to a Palestinian accused of killing 4 Israeli soldiers in Jerusalem in 2017. Interior minister Ayelet Shaked subsequently said that she would revoke the 17 Palestinian family members’ residency permits and work to deport them to the West Bank. The family lives in Jabel Mukaber in East Jerusalem. (HA 9/21; MEMO 9/22)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with King Abdullah II of Jordan on the sidelines of the UNGA. (MEMO, WAFA 9/21)

Türkiye president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid held a meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA. It was the 1st time since 2008 that an Israeli prime minister has met with the leader of Türkiye. (AX, HA 9/20; AJ, ALM, MEE, REU 9/21)

In the West Bank, armed Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians working their land near Tuba, injuring 1 Palestinian; 1 settler was also reported injured. Israeli forces subsequently arrested 1 Palestinian. A video of the incident showed Israeli settlers firing several shots and aiming their gun at Palestinians. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jenin, Ya‘bad, Jalazun refugee camp, al-‘Amari refugee camp, Qalandia refugee camp, Hebron, Bayt Awa, Bethlehem, and Aida refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Beit Lahiya and northwest of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of Dayr al-Balah. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/12; HA, MDW, WAFA 9/13; HA 9/14; HA, PCHR 9/15; UNOCHA 9/16)

The Israeli supreme planning council approved expanding the road leading to the Israeli settlement Har Gilo south of Jerusalem. The widening of the road is a planned precursor to building a new settlement next to Har Gilo, which will completely enclose al-Walaja. The new settlement, if constructed, will add 560 new settlement units next to Har Gilo. (HA 9/12; PCN 9/13)

Religious Zionist party chairman Bezalel Smotrich called for Israel to ban Palestinian parties in Israel during a speech on counterterrorism at Richman University. Smotrich’s party list, which is merged with Jewish Power, is polling to become the 4th largest in Israel at the 11/1 elections. (HA 9/12)

Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid met with German chancellor Olaf Scholz and foreign minister Annalena Baerbock during the 2d day of his visit to Germany. Prime Minister Lapid said that the 2 countries are in talks with Germany about buying the Arrow 3 missile defense system from Israel. (ALM, HA, MEE, REU, REU 9/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided Khalayel al-Looz near Bethlehem, causing injuries and damage to property. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured 16 others during a late-night raid in Jenin to punitively demolish the home of a Palestinian accused of killing 3 Israelis in Tel Aviv in April. The Palestinian man killed was reportedly filming the Israeli raid with his mobile phone when he was shot in the chest. The punitive demolition was carried out with explosives and Israeli forces cleared out 29 nearby buildings before blowing up the apartment. 1 other Palestinian later succumbed to his injuries on 9/11. Israeli forces also raided Jalazun refugee camp, injuring 4 with live ammunition; 4 were arrested. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Arroub refugee camp, injuring 1 minor with a stun grenade to his head. Israeli forces also seized 2 caravans and building equipment and demolished 2 agricultural structures and a water well in al-Khader. 16 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Bireh, al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, Kisan, Bethlehem, and Hebron. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Dayr al-Balah and Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, CNN, HA, JP, MEE, MEMO, NAT, PCHR, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/6; PCHR 9/8; HA, MEE 9/11; UNOCHA 9/16)

Israel said it had arrested some 60 Palestinians in the West Bank and Israel who Israeli police said were suspects in weapons smuggling from Jordan to the West Bank and Israel. (HA 9/7)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo. (WAFA 9/6)

In Syria, for the 2d time in a week, Israeli forces attacked Aleppo Airport, killing 3 people, wounding 5, and damaging the airstrip. The Syrian transportation ministry said the damage put the airport out of commission and that flights would be diverted to Damascus Airport. The Aleppo Airport was operating again on 9/9. (AP, MEE, MEMO, REU 9/6; MEMO 8/7; AP 9/8; AP 9/9)

Haaretz reported that the U.S. state department has ordered the U.S. embassy in Israel to investigate reports of abuse of Palestinians by the Israeli ultra-Orthodox Netzah Yehuda battalion, including circumstances of the death of Palestinian American Omar Asad, who died in the battalion’s custody in January. (HA, MEE 9/6; MEMO 9/7)

The ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s said it would submit an amended lawsuit against its parent company Unilever after its 1st lawsuit had been rejected by a U.S. federal court. Ben & Jerry’s is suing Unilever for selling the rights to manufacture Ben & Jerry’s ice cream to an Israeli company after Ben & Jerry’s announced it would end sales of its ice cream in West Bank settlements and stop its licensing agreement with the Israeli company to produce its ice cream in Israel. (MEE, REU 9/6; HA, MEMO 9/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 3 Palestinian-owned vehicles and sprayed “Jews wake up, Arabs leave” and the Star of David on a wall near the vehicles in Marda. Israeli forces violently dispersed a funeral procession in Abu Dis for a Palestinian woman who was killed in June 2021 and whose body was handed to her family on 8/23; 1 was injured by a baton round to his head. Israeli forces demolished 1 agricultural structure and 1 carwash in Huwwara and residential and agricultural structures belonging to 8 families near Fasayil. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Bireh, Jalazun refugee camp, Beit Rima, Silwad, Qatanna, al-Azza refugee camp, Husan, Beit Sahour, Nablus, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Silwan, displacing 10. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian agricultural lands east of al-Qarara; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/24; PCHR 8/25; UNOCHA 9/2)

1 6-year-old Palestinian boy died in Gaza after being denied exit permits for medical treatment at the Hadassah medical center in Jerusalem. The boy was unable to attend 2 appointments for medical treatment on 1/12 and 8/10, as the request for his exit permit remained “under review.” (HA 9/1)

The Israeli army suspended 4 soldiers of the Ultra-Orthodox Netzah Yehuda Battalion after a video surfaced of them beating 2 Palestinians near Ramallah. The 4 soldiers had detained the 2 Palestinians after stopping their car. A statement from the Israeli military said that the soldiers used “unnecessary force.” (AP, HA, MEMO 8/24)

Islamic Jihad leader Ziyad al-Nakhala met with Hezbollah secretary general Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon, discussing Israel’s latest offensive against Islamic Jihad in Gaza. (ALM 8/24)

Axios reported that the U.S. is pressuring Israel to keep its promise to open the Allenby Bridge crossing to Jordan 24/7, rather than the current limited hours of operations. (AX 8/24)

In response to U.S. air strikes in Syria on 8/23, groups said to be affiliated with Iran attacked the U.S. Mission Support Site Conoco in Syria, lightly injuring 1 U.S. soldier. The U.S. responded by attacking militants with helicopters, killing at least 2 people. (REU, REU 8/24; AJ, HA, MEE 8/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles in the Old City of Hebron, causing damage. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Beit Sira, Hebron, Jenin, Tubas, Tulkarm, and Qalandia refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting Israeli air strikes on Gaza at the Damascus Gate plaza, assaulting several and arresting 1. In Gaza, Israel continued its assault on Gaza for the 2d day in a row, assassinating Islamic Jihad commander in southern Gaza Khaled Mansour, using fighter jets to fire 6 missiles on a 3-story building in Rafah refugee camp; 2 other members of Islamic Jihad were killed in the assassination, as were 4 others, including 1 child. 35 were injured, including 18 children. Israel further killed 7 other Palestinians in air strikes: 2 on a street in Beit Hanun; 2 riding a motorcycle in Khan Yunis; 2 near a market in Khan Yunis; and 1 while firing a mortar shell east of Jabaliya. Additionally, 7 Palestinians were killed in an explosion in Jabaliya refugee camp, including 4 children; it was unclear whether the explosion was caused by an Israeli missile or misfire of an Islamic Jihad rocket. This raises the death toll from Israel’s Operation Breaking Dawn to 31 since 8/5, including 10 children. 265, including 95 children, have been injured. The Gaza power plant stopped operations in the middle of the day due to a lack of fuel. 2 Israeli soldiers were reportedly lightly injured by a mortar shell. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, ALM, AP, AX, GDN, HA, HA, MDW, MDW, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, NYT, PCHR, PCHR, PCHR, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/6; AJ, AJ, AP, CNN, F24, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, JP, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA 8/7; HA, UNOCHA 8/8; AHQ 8/9; PCHR, REU 8/11; HA 8/13 HA 8/16; UNOCHA 8/19; MDW 9/1)

The UNRWA closed all of its facilities, except for health services, in Gaza due to the Israeli attacks. (WAFA 8/6)

Islamic Jihad leader Ziad al-Nakhala met with head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Hossein Salami in Tehran. Major-General Salami told al-Nakhala that Palestinians are not alone in their struggle against Israel. (AJ 8/6)

U.S. national security council spokesperson John Kirby said that the U.S. is working with Israeli and Palestinian partners to achieve calm in Gaza but “remain[s] unwavering in our commitment to Israel’s security.” Spokesperson Kirby also said that the U.S. “absolutely fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorist groups.” Secretary of defense Lloyd Austin “expressed concern regarding reports of civilian deaths and called for a timely and thorough investigation into any civilian casualties,” according to a readout of Austin’s conversation with Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz. (AJ, HA, WAFA 8/6; MDW 8/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 residential structure and 1 agricultural structure, razed agricultural land, and seized 1 water tank and agricultural equipment in az-Za‘ayyem. Israeli forces also delivered 1 demolition notice and ordered the removal of electric wiring in al-Twana in the Masafer Yatta area. Elsewhere, Israeli forces issued 2 stop-work notices for houses in Shaab al-Battam in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also uprooted 20 olive trees and demolished a water well in Taqqua. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Arroub refugee camp, Hebron, Biddu, Ramallah, Nablus, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities demolished the home of 1 Palestinian family in Silwan, displacing 8; 2 were arrested while attempting to prevent the demolition. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Abasan and Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/3; PCHR 8/4; UNOCHA 8/19)

All crossings between Israel and Gaza were closed for the 2d day in a row. Israel also sent more troops to the Gaza fence area. (MEE 8/3; ALM, AP, HA, MEMO, PCHR 8/4; MEMO 8/5)

PA finance minister Shukri Bishara said that the PA recorded a surplus of $72 million in its budget during the 1st half of 2022. (WAFA 8/3)

The EU donated $20 million in support of the PA’s Covid-19 vaccination campaign. (WAFA 8/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor during a late-night raid in Jenin refugee camp where Islamic Jihad commander Bassam al-Saadi was arrested after being shot and injured; 2 others were also arrested during the raid at al-Saadi’s home. A general strike was declared in Jenin after the killing and arrests. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 22 with baton rounds and 75 others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 3 houses and 1 demolition order for a house in Kafr ad-Dik. Israeli forces also demolished 1 car wash in Bizarya and 1 home in Sabastiyya, displacing 8. 16 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ya‘bad, Nablus, al-Far‘a refugee camp, al-Ama‘ari refugee camp, Jannatah, and al-Azza refugee camp; 4 Palestinians were injured by live ammunition while protesting the raid in al-Far‘a refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished commercial structures in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (AP, MEE 8/1; AA, AJ, ALM, HA, HA, HA, JP, MEMO, NA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/2; MDW, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO 8/3; MEMO, PCHR 8/4; UNOCHA 8/19)

Haaretz reported that Egyptian military intelligence officials were meeting with leaders of militant factions in Gaza to prevent a response to the arrest to Islamic Jihad commander al-Saadi (see above). Israel also closed all crossings to Gaza in anticipation of a retaliatory attack. (HA, HA, WAFA 8/2)

The EU, Finland, and Italy contributed $16 million to the PA to help pay for referrals to East Jerusalem hospitals. (WAFA 8/2; MEMO 8/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers and soldiers violently dispersed Palestinian and Israel activists during a tree-planting event in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man during a raid in Jenin. Israeli forces also demolished 2 agricultural structures and razed a road used for agricultural purposes in Anzah, vending stalls near the al-Jalamah checkpoint, and 4 shacks and 3 agricultural structures in ‘Anata. Elsewhere, Israeli forces notified 6 Palestinian families in Khirbet Humsa that they must leave their homes from 7/4 to 7/7 between 7am and 11pm while Israeli forces conduct military exercises in the area. 13 Palestinians were arrested, including 12 during late-night raids in Silwad, Nablus, Jenin, and Azza refugee camp, and 1 at a flying checkpoint in ‘Azzun. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles northwest of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEE, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/29; PCHR 6/30; UNOCHA 7/22)

Israel’s prime minister Naftali Bennett told members of his party Yamina that he will not be running for the next Israeli elections. Interior minister Ayelet Shaked will lead Yamina in the Israeli elections in the fall. The Knesset is expected to dissolve in the coming days. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, MEE, MEMO, REU 6/29)

The parent company of Ben & Jerry’s, Unilever, said it had sold its Israeli business interests to the Israeli company American Quality Products Ltd, allowing the Israeli company to use the Ben & Jerry’s name to sell ice cream in Israel and Israeli settlements. Ben & Jerry’s released a statement saying it disagreed with Unilever’s decision. American Quality Products had earlier this year announced that it was suing Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever over Ben & Jerry’s decision to stop selling its ice cream in Israeli West Bank settlements and ending its licensing deal with American Quality Products to produce its ice cream in Israel. (AP, AX, CNN, HA, JP, MDW, MEE, MEMO, NYT, REU 6/29; AJ, HA, REU 6/30; MEE 7/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians using live ammunition during a raid in Dheisheh refugee camp. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ramallah, Bayt Rima, Beit Ula, Fawwar refugee camp, Idhna, Jenin, Jericho, and Fari‘ah refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Silwan and Shu‘fat refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/23; PCHR 6/30; UNOCHA 7/2)

The Israeli justice ministry began the process of registering land adjacent to the Haram al-Sharif compound, including at the Ophel Archeological Park in the Old City. (HA 6/26; MEE 6/27; MEMO 6/29)

Israeli military authorities extended the administrative detention period of 1 Palestinian prisoner by 4 months despite promising to release him at the end of his current detention period after he had been hunger striking for 111 days. The man is currently hospitalized for complications related to his hunger strike, which he ended on 6/21. The man resumed his hunger strike on 7/2 (WAFA 6/23; WAFA 7/5)

Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh met with Hezbollah secretary general Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut. There were also reports that Haniyeh was scheduled to meet with Lebanese president Michel Aoun and prime minister Najib Mikati. (HA 6/23)

The PLO executive committee met in Ramallah. During the meeting, the committee discussed the U.S. Biden administration’s failure to fulfil its promises to the Palestinian people and plans to initiate national dialogue to end the intra-Palestinian political division. (WAFA 6/24)

Peace Now released a report marking the first year of the Bennett-Lapid government, detailing how the current Israeli government has accelerated the displacement of Palestinians compared to average numbers during the Netanyahu governments. Compared with the yearly average of the Netanyahu governments, the Bennett-Lapid government has promoted 26% more settlement units, issued tenders for 15% more settlement construction, demolished 35% more Palestinian homes in the West Bank, and 59% more Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem. Additionally, settler violence has risen with 45% and 45 more Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces compared with the yearly average of the Netanyahu governments. (PCN 6/23)

Israel’s foreign minister Yair Lapid met with his Türkiye counterpart Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu in Ankara, in a bid to further normalized relations between the 2 countries. (AJ, ALM, HA, MEE, REU 6/23)

24 Democratic senators, led by Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), wrote a letter to the Biden administration, calling on it to “ensure that a comprehensive, impartial, and open investigation” into the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh is conducted. The senators also addressed secretary of state Antony Blinken, attorney general Merrick Garland, and FBI director Christopher Wray. (HA, MEE, REU 6/23; AJ, MDW, WAFA 6/24)

President of Suriname Chandrikapersad Santokhi told the National Assembly that Suriname would not build an embassy to Israel in Jerusalem, citing budget constraints. Suriname announced plans to open an embassy to Israel in Jerusalem during a visit by its foreign minister Albert Ramdin on 5/30. (AJ, HA 6/24)

UNRWA announced that it had received pledges of $160 million for its general programming, but warned that it still expects a shortfall of $100 million in its core budget for 2022. (WAFA 6/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed activists protesting Israeli military drills in Masafer Yatta. Israeli forces also demolished parts of road used to access agricultural lands near Ras Karkar. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished a car repair shop in ‘Anata, 1 house under construction in Nil‘in, 4 structures in Nahalin, and 1 agricultural structure in al-Khader. 8 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Beit Furik, Jenin, Qabatiya, Kafr Abbush, Ein as-Sultan refugee camp, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities demolished 1 agricultural structure in Isawiya and razed land in Bayt Hanina. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Shu‘fat refugee camp. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level agricultural lands east of Rafah. Israeli forces also opened fire at Palestinian herders east of Jabaliya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/22; PCHR 6/23; UNOCHA 7/2)

The Israeli military began construction of a 45-kilomiter concrete barrier in the northern part of the West Bank that will replace a metal fenced area of the separation wall. (HA, MEMO 6/22)

Israeli military reopened an iron gate to the Abud village near Ramallah after Haaretz submitted an inquiry into why it had been closed. The iron gate to Abud had been closed since 6/8, forcing residents to take long detours to reach Ramallah. (HA 6/26)

The PA granted bail for 14 Palestinian security officers accused of partaking in the killing of PA critic Nizar Banat on 6/24/2021. The next court hearing in the case is scheduled for 7/3. (MEE 6/22)

110 of 120 members of the Knesset voted, in a preliminary vote, to dissolve the Knesset. A final vote is expected next week. (ALM, AP, AX, HA, REU 6/22)

Axios reported that the U.S. is working on a roadmap for normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia ahead of President Joe Biden’s visit to the 2 countries in July. (AX, MEE, TOI 6/22; AX, TOI 6/23)

A U.S. federal appeals court upheld an Arkansas law requiring state contractors to pledge not to boycott Israel. The judge writing the opinion claimed that “[b]ecause those commercial decisions are invisible to observers unless explained, they are not inherently expressive and do not implicate the First Amendment.” The American Civil Liberties Union said it would appeal the case to the Supreme Court. (AJ, AP, FOX, HA, HUFF, MDW, MEE, WP 6/22; TOI 6/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian farmer with a metal bar while he was working his land east of Hebron, causing head injuries. Israeli forces shot and killed 3 Palestinians and wounded 10 others during a raid in Jenin refugee camp. Islamic Jihad said that the 3 men were members of their organization. The PA condemned the killings. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 11 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 4 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Burin, injuring 5 Palestinians and 2 solidarity activists with baton rounds; 22 others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 13 residential structures, 4 outhouses, and 1 water well in Khirbat al-Dabi‘I in the Masafer Yatta area. In Gaza, 1 Israeli observation balloon fell in Gaza and Israeli forces fired at Palestinians retrieving the balloon after it fell; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, PCHR, REU, TOI, TOI, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/17; WAFA 6/18; PCHR 6/23; ALM 6/25; UNOCHA 7/2)

2 Palestinians were indicted for assaulting 1 Israeli police officer in Isawiya after the Israeli police officer fired 17 shots in the air. The 2 Palestinians were not indicted for assaulting a police officer as the prosecution believed that they did not know he was an officer, but had entered the neighborhood to threaten Palestinians. The police officer claimed he had entered the neighborhood by mistake while traveling with another police officer and his brother. (HA 6/18)

In the West Bank, 3 Israeli settlers, including 2 minors, were injured by Palestinians throwing stones at their vehicle near Huwwara. Israeli settlers vandalized 140 olive and almond trees and water tanks in Qaryut. Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians, including a minor during a raid in Jenin; 1 Palestinian security officer was also arrested during the raid. Israeli forces also demolished 2 agricultural structures in the Masafer Yatta villages of al-Twana and al-Juwaya. Elsewhere, Israeli forces erected a watchtower in Hebron. Israeli forces also demolished 1 mosque under construction in Arab al-Ramadin, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians; 3 were injured with live ammunition and baton rounds, and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Abu Dis, Ras Karkar, Harmala, Surif, Dura, and Aqabat Jaber refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 2 Palestinian fishermen and confiscated their boats within 6 nautical miles northwest of Rafah; the 2 were released through the Erez crossing on 5/25. (JP, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/24; AJ, HA, PCHR, TOI 5/25; PCHR 5/26; UNOCHA 6/4)

A CNN investigation confirmed eyewitness reports and other independent investigations that Israeli forces shot and killed Palestinian American Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh on 5/11 in Jenin refugee camp and that her killing was likely deliberate. CNN’s investigation was based on 11 video clips, forensic findings at the scene of the murder, audio analysis of the gunshots, and 8 eyewitness testimonies. Explosive weapons expert Chris Cobb-Smith found in his analysis that the markings from the shots near the body of Abu Akleh indicated that the murder was deliberate as they did not suggest they were a result of a burst of automatic fire, but intentionally targeted. CNN further confirmed through eyewitness accounts that there was no crossfire in the area where Abu Akleh was killed, as Israel continues to claim. Israel has refused to open a criminal investigation into the killing. (AP, CNN, HA, MDW, TOI 5/24; HA, JP, MEMO, WAFA 5/25)

Israel’s civil administration retroactively legalized the Mitzpe Lachish settlement outpost and approved construction of 158 new settlement units near Dura. (WAFA 5/24; MEMO 5/25)

The U.S. announced sanctions against 1 individual alleged to have raised money for Hamas and on Hamas’s Investment Office, which holds assets in Sudan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and the UAE. (ALM, HA, MEE, MEMO, REU 5/24)

Referencing the U.S. decision to delist Kahane Chai from its list of foreign terrorist organizations on 5/13, the PA called on the U.S. Biden administration to remove the PLO from the U.S. list of foreign terrorist organizations. (WAFA 5/24; MEMO 5/25)

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) slammed the EU for withholding aid from the PA due to 1 Hungarian Commissioner’s dissatisfaction with PA school textbooks. The NRC said the withholding of aid is jeopardizing the life of more than 500 cancer patients that have been unable to access proper treatment at the Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem and have led to salary cuts and cuts in aid to the most vulnerable Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. The EU is withholding some $230 million in aid. (AJ, WAFA 5/24; MEMO 5/25)

Former Israeli foreign minister and prominent MK of the Likud party Israel Katz boasted that he had threatened Palestinian students in Israel with a 2d Nakba if they continue to wave Palestinian flags at universities. Katz said, “Remember our independence war and your Nakba, don’t stretch the rope too much. [. . .] If you don’t calm down, we’ll teach you a lesson that won’t be forgotten.” (MDW 5/24; HA 5/26)

Turkey’s foreign minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu arrived in Israel for a 2-day visit to Israel, Jerusalem, and the West Bank. Turkey’s and Israel’s normalization efforts were reported as a way for Turkey to strengthen its relations with the UAE and Egypt, for Israel and Turkey to cooperate in Syria to build a gas pipeline between the 2 countries, and for Israel to incentivize Turkey to take a tougher stance on Hamas. During the 1st day of his trip, Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu met with PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki in Ramallah, voicing support for a 2-state solution and criticizing Israeli settlements. Çavuşoğlu also met with PA president Mahmoud Abbas. The Turkish and Palestinian officials signed 9 cooperation agreements, including on economics, trade and infrastructure, and for developing an industrial area in Jenin. (AJ, ALM, AP, F24, HA, REU, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 5/24; HA, HA 5/25)

President Abbas met with president of the EU parliament Roberta Metsola in Ramallah. (WAFA 5/24)

Politico reported that U.S. president Joe Biden, in a 4/24 phone call to Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett, had assured him that the U.S. administration would not take Iran’s Revolutionary Guard off the U.S. list of terrorist organizations. President Biden’s decision was seen as an obstruction in finding common ground between the U.S. and Iran with the U.S.’s reentering the Iran Nuclear Deal. Prime Minister Bennett’s office confirmed the reporting. (HA, JP, POL 5/24; AX, MEMO 5/25; HA 5/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 20 olive trees in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in Deir Salah in Area A. Israeli forces also raided the Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces opened fire near a girl’s school in Duma, causing panic among students. 1 Palestinian minor was arrested at the Havat Maon settlement. 9 others were arrested during late-night raids in Hebron, Harmala, Rafat, Tell, Jenin refugee camp, and al-Yamun. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/18; PCHR, WAFA 5/19; UNOCHA 6/4)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh and foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki met with Dutch foreign minister Wopke Hoekstra in Ramallah. Foreign Minister Hoekstra also met with representatives from the Palestinian NGO Al Haq, drawing ire from Israel as Al Haq is 1 of 6 Palestinian rights organizations that were deemed terrorist organizations by Israel in 10/2021. Hoekstra subsequently told reporters that “there isn’t a single European state—nor the United States—that has arrived at the same conclusions as has Israel [in regards to the terrorism accusations]. If there is proof, then we should see and we should review it. An accusation in and of itself can never be sufficient for a country that subscribes to the rule of law.” (WAFA, WAFA 5/18; JP 5/19)

The Hamas-affiliated Islamic Wafa bloc won the Birzeit University student council elections with 28 of 51 seats. The Fatah-affiliated Shabibia bloc won 18 seats. (MEE, MEMO, MEMO 5/19; MEMO 5/20; ALM 5/25)

Haaretz reported that the leaders of Turkey, Jordan, and the UAE had accepted an invitation by Israel’s president Isaac Herzog to discuss regional cooperation in climate change. (HA 5/18)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian man shot by Israeli forces during a raid in Jenin refugee camp on 5/13 succumbed to his injuries. An Israeli settlement guard detained 1 Palestinian minor near the Yitzhar settlement. Israeli settlers also vandalized 50 olive trees in Yasuf. Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian man from al-Bireh carrying an axe; Israeli police claimed that a suicide note was found on his person. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters during a Nakba Day commemoration near al-Bireh, injuring 20, including 7 with live ammunition, 3 with baton rounds, and 6 with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians commemorating the Nakba at Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also delivered a demolition notice for 1 house in as-Samu. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen northwest of Rafah; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Israeli forces arrested 3 Palestinian students at Tel Aviv University during a Nakba Day protest, claiming the 3 had assaulted right-wing counter protesters; 2 were released the same day. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/15; HA, MDW, MEMO, MEMO 5/16; PCHR 5/19; UNOCHA 6/4)

Israel reopened the crossings between Gaza and Israel for the 1st time since 5/3. (HA 5/14; MEMO 5/15; PCHR 5/19)

The Israeli high court of justice rejected 4 petitions against the planned Jerusalem cable car project. The project had been heavily criticized by Palestinians for seeking to deepen the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem and by Israelis who believe the cable car would harm the aesthetics of the city. (AP, HA, REU 5/15; MEE 5/16)

The Jerusalem Post reported that Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett instructed his government to examine options of demolishing the family homes of Palestinian citizens of Israel convicted of committing attacks against Israeli Jews and whether Israel can deport their families to Gaza. (JP 5/16)

Berlin police arrested more than 170 pro-Palestine protesters marking Nakba Day. Berlin police had banned all Palestinian events and protests in the days surrounding Nakba Day, citing the potential for anti-Semitic sentiments. 1 of the banned pro-Palestine protests was organized by the Jewish organization Jüdische Stimme. (HRW 5/20; +972 5/21)

Members of the Somalia parliament elected Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the country’s new president. During Mohamud’s previous tenure, he secretly met with then Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv in 2016, discussing potential normalization. (TOI 5/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers allowed their sheep to graze on Palestinian farmland planted with olive tree saplings and chickpeas in al-Khader. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Burqa. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized 40 olive tree saplings in Sinjil. Israeli settlers also erected structures on Palestinian-owned land in Jalud. Meanwhile, armed Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian man and set up a canopy near al-Khader. 2 Palestinian minors were arrested near the Aida refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians at the Haram al-Sharif compound to clear the area for Israeli settlers; 15 Palestinians were injured by baton rounds and tear gas, and some 60 were arrested. Nearly 1,000 Israeli settlers toured the compound, waving Israeli flags. The PA and Jordan condemned the dispersal of Palestinians at the compound and the settler visit. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian was arrested near the Gaza fence east of Khan Yunis. In Israel, unknown assailants killed 3 people and wounded 4 others during a knife and axe attack in the Ultra-Orthodox city of Elad. Israel said they had identified 2 suspects from Jenin. PA president Mahmoud Abbas condemned the attack. Thousands of Palestinians commemorated the Nakba by marching to the depopulated village of Mi‘ar in the Galilee. (AA, AJ, AN, AP, F24, HA, HA, HA, JP, MEE, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, NBC, NPR, NYT, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/5; AJ, AP, AP, CNN, HA, JP, REU, WAFA 5/6; PCHR 5/12; UNOCHA 5/13)

Israel extended the closure of all crossings between Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel to 5/8, citing the attack in Elad (see above). The crossings were scheduled to be reopened at midnight on 5/5. (HA 5/1; HA 5/5; AJ 5/6)

Israel published a declaration signed on 4/12, which seizes 22,000 dunams (5,445 acres) of land south of Jericho for an Israeli nature reserve named Nachal Og in the West Bank. About 6,000 dunams (1,483 acres) are privately owned by Palestinians. Palestinians will be forbidden from grazing their livestock and planting on the 22,000 dunams once the declaration takes effect, 60 days after its publishing. (WAFA 5/5; PCN 5/24; HA 5/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian homes in Kafl Haris, injuring 2. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian and wounded 4 others during a raid in Jenin refugee camp. 6 were arrested during the raid and a punitive demolition notice was posted on the family home of 1 Palestinian who allegedly killed 3 Israelis on 4/7 in Tel Aviv. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ramallah, Hebron, and Beit Duqqu. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen northwest of Rafah, arrested 6, and seized 1 boat. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEE, PCHR, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/27; MEMO, PCHR 4/28; UNOCHA 5/13)

1 Palestinian citizen of Israel was sentenced to 14 years in prison for allegedly planning an attack in Jerusalem in November 2020. According to the Israeli prosecutor, the man admitted that he wanted to harm Israeli soldiers but not civilians. (HA 4/27)

A 97-page Israeli document called “Procedure for Entry and Residence for Foreigners in Judea and Samaria Area,” originally published in February, surfaced in the media. The document, which will replace a 4-page ordinance on entry to the West Bank on 5/22, further complicates travel to the West Bank, especially for Palestinians. Palestinians holding foreign citizenship must, according to the new ordinance, include names and ID numbers of all relatives and people they might stay with while traveling to the West Bank. Palestinians must also declare if they own property in the West Bank or stand to inherit. Foreigners visiting Palestinians in the West Bank must also be given prior permission while those visiting settlers do not have to. Israel will also limit the number of foreign students at West Bank universities to 150; this will not apply to settlement universities. (AJ 4/27; AP 5/5)

In Syria, 9 people were killed, including 5 Syrian soldiers, during an Israeli air attack near Damascus. The 4 other victims were described as soldiers of other nationalities. (AP 4/26; AJ, AP, HA, MEMO 4/27; MEMO 4/28)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Jordanian king Abdullah II in Amman. The 2 discussed the recent events at the Haram al-Sharif compound. (WAFA 4/27)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian shot by Israeli forces in al-Yamun on 4/18 succumbed to his injuries. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 6 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also raided Nabi Salih, injuring 1 Palestinian with a baton round. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian attempting to enter Israel for work at the separation wall west of Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians at the Haram al-Sharif compound, injuring 57, including 15 who were taken to hospitals for treatment; 2 were in serious condition; 1 of them fell into a coma after being hit in the head with a baton round. 1 Israeli police officer was injured by a rock to his face. For the 1st time, Israel used drones to fire tear gas at Palestinians at the compound. Some 150,000 worshippers prayed at the compound for the 3d Friday of the month of Ramadan. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Isawiya, Jabel Mukaber, and Ras al-Amud. In Gaza, Israel said 2 rockets were launched at Israel but fell inside of Gaza. In Israel, Israeli police violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Umm al-Fahm; tear-gas related injuries were reported. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, MDW, MEMO, NPR, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/22; HA, MEMO, WAFA 4/23; AJ 4/24; PCHR 4/28; UNOCHA 5/13)

Israel closed all crossings from the West Bank and Gaza to East Jerusalem and Israel for the Jewish holiday of Passover. The closure will remain in effect until an unspecified time on 4/23. Exceptions were made for Palestinians from the West Bank who had been issued permits to pray at the Haram al-Sharif compound for the Friday prayers. (HA 4/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians and wounded 6 others during a raid in Kafr Dan. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian using live ammunition during a raid in Nabi Salih. Israeli forces also raided the Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm, injuring 1 Palestinian with live ammunition and 1 with a baton round to his face. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians during a raid in Budrus, injuring 1 with live ammunition and arresting 7. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Abwein, injuring 1 minor with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Bireh, injuring 1 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians during a funeral procession in Beita, causing 35 injuries from tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces blocked the entrances to al-Arroub refugee camp. Israeli forces also delivered notices that it will seize 264.4 dunams (65 acres) of land in Humsa al-Tahta and Furush Bayt Dajan for military purposes. 33 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Nur Shams refugee camp, Kafr Dan, al-Yamun, Tell, Balata, al-Bireh, al-Khader, Beit Umar, Halhul, al-Arroub refugee camp, and Hebron. Palestinians in the Ramallah and Bethlehem districts held a general strike in protest against the killing of several Palestinians by Israeli forces in the past 24 hours. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in the Old City and al-Tur. (ABC, AJ, AP, HA, MEE, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/14; WAFA, WAFA 4/15; PCHR 4/21; UNOCHA 4/23)

The Israeli military announced a curfew for Palestinians in the West Bank between 4 P.M. on 4/15 and 4/17 for the Jewish holiday of Passover. Crossings between Gaza and Israel will close during this period. Israel also announced that the restrictions on Jenin will end with the curfew on 4/17. The wide-ranging punitive restrictions in Jenin were instituted on 4/9. (HA 4/14; HA 4/15)

Haaretz reported that the Israel education ministry is requiring outside administrators of educational programs declare that their presentations do not portray the Israel Independence Day as the Nakba or challenge the notion of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. According to the Haaretz reporting, Adalah filed a challenge to the requirement in an Israeli court on 4/13. (HA 4/14)

Israel said it had successfully tested a laser-based missile defense system. The “Light Shield” is intended to be fully operational years from now, but will be placed near Gaza by the end of 2022 for further testing. (AP, HA 4/14; ALM 4/15)

In Syria, Israeli forces conducted air strikes on several targets near Damascus, causing damage. (AJ, AP, HA 4/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided Jenin, attempting to arrest the brothers of 1 Palestinian man who was shot and killed in Jaffa after he allegedly killed 3 Israelis and wounded 10 others in Tel Aviv on 4/7; Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor who was selling hot drinks near the raid. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians in Ya‘bad, injuring 6. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian in al-Khader, who they claimed had thrown a Molotov cocktail at the Israeli forces during a raid on the town. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian woman who allegedly stabbed 1 Israeli soldier in Hebron. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian widower and mother of 6 who the forces claimed had acted in a “suspicious manner” in Husan. The woman was unarmed. 20 were arrested during raids in Ya‘bad, Jenin, and Nur Shams refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (ABC, AJ, AP, CNN, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, MEE, PCHR, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/10; AA, AJ, AP, CBS, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, MEMO, PCHR, WAFA 4/11; HA 4/12; CNN, MEE 4/13; HA, PCHR 4/14; UNOCHA 4/23)

The Israeli supreme court ruled that the PA may by liable for damages to Israeli victims of attacks by Palestinians, citing payments to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and their families by the PA. The PA called the supreme court decision “piracy.” (HA, TOI 4/10; MEMO, WAFA 4/11; AN, MEMO 4/12)

The Israeli cabinet voted to form a committee to study the possibility of revoking social benefits from Palestinian citizens and residents of Israel who are related to Palestinians charged with committed terror activity. The proposal was made by prime minister Naftali Bennett, foreign minister Yair Lapid, and labor minister Meir Cohen. (HA 4/10)

In a video recorded at the Damascus Gate plaza, MK and leader of the Joint List Ayman Odeh called on Palestinian citizens of Israel in the Israeli forces to lay down their arms and leave their posts in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. (ALM, HA, MEMO 4/11; HA 4/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near al-Bireh. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Bayt Rima, Jalazun refugee camp, Kafr Ni‘ma, al-Ama‘ari refugee camp, al-Bireh, Nablus, Jaba‘, and Surif. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians at the Damascus Gate plaza, arresting 3. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 8 nautical miles northwest of Rafah, injuring 4 Palestinians before arresting them. The 4 were released on 4/8, but their 2 boats were confiscated. In Israel, 1 person shot and killed 2 people and injured 10 others at a bar in Tel Aviv. A Palestinian man from Jenin, suspected of having carried out the attack, was killed 9 hours after the incident in Jaffa. Israel also subsequently closed off many roads in Jenin, claiming to be looking for accomplices. PA president Mahmoud Abbas condemned the attack. (AJ, CNN, HA, HA, JP, MEE, NYT, REU, WAFA, WSJ 4/7; ABC, AP, AP, HA, HA, REU, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 4/8; NYT 4/9; UNOCHA 4/10; PCHR 4/14; UNOCHA 4/23)

The Palestinian Prisoners’ Society said that Israel has issued administrative detention orders against more than 400 Palestinians since the beginning of 2022. (WAFA 4/7)

Axios reported that Israel had rejected a U.S. proposal to host Israeli and Palestinian national security advisors at the White House for talks about security coordination and economic issues. (AX, HA 4/7; MEE 4/8)

In the wake of Idit Sliman leaving the Israeli government coalition on 4/6, another Yamina MK Nir Orbach said that he would leave the coalition if it did not make more “right-wing steps.” Along with demands for concessions to the Ultra-Orthodox community, Orbach said he wanted the government to focus on more settlement construction, which coalition sources said they would be working on in the coming days to appease Orbach. (HA 4/7)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler shot and killed 1 Palestinian man after he had stabbed and injured 1 other Israeli settler with a screwdriver in a bus near the Efrat settlement south of Bethlehem. Israeli settlers threw an incendiary device at 1 Palestinian minor in Jinba, causing burns to his face and hands. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian herder near Fasayil, throwing stones and releasing a dog on him, causing injuries. Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians and injured 14 others during a daytime arrest raid in Jenin refugee camp. Israel said that the arrest raid was related to the attack on 3/29 in Bnei Brak in which 5 were killed; 31 were arrested during the raid. PA president Mahmoud Abbas condemned the raid, saying Israel wants to escalate tensions ahead of the start of Ramadan. During the raid, Palestinian patients at a nearby hospital suffered tear-gas related injuries. 24 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Aida refugee camp, Bayt Jala, Husan, al-Ubeidiya, Wadi Abu Freiha, Hebron, al-Ramadin, Dura, Qalandia refugee camp, al-Zawiya, Salem, al-Far‘a refugee camp, Jenin, Ya‘bad, Nabi Elias, and Azzun. In East Jerusalem, far-right Israeli MK Itamar Ben-Gvir toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. The Joint List party and PA president Mahmoud Abbas criticized the Israeli government for allowing Ben-Gvir to tour the compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmlands east of Abasan; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/31; WAFA 4/1; HA 4/2; MEMO 4/5; PCHR 4/7; UNOCHA 4/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers tried to set fire to a mosque and wrote racist graffiti on Palestinian homes in Zeita Jama’in. Israeli settlers also vandalized 3 homes and 20 vehicles in Muhmas. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers uprooted some 200 olive trees in Turmus ‘Ayya and wrote racist graffiti in the village. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Bayt Rima, Jenin, Iktaba, Tubas, Dheisheh refugee camp, Hebron, and Sa‘ir; 3 Palestinians were injured by live ammunition when Palestinians confronted the Israeli soldiers in Dheisheh refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers slashed tires on more than 20 Palestinian-owned vehicles in Sheikh Jarrah. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmers east of Abasan and Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/24; HA 3/25; PCHR 3/31; UNOCHA 4/10)

The Israeli ministry of housing and construction added 468 settlement housing units in the Givat Hamatos settlement in East Jerusalem to its lottery, providing steep discounts to the winners of the lottery in purchasing the settlement units. Peace Now said that once the winners of the lottery are announced, it will be harder to prevent the settlement expansion of the Givat Hamatos settlement. (HA, PCN 3/24)

The PA Detainees Affairs Commission said Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons had canceled a planned open-ended hunger strike scheduled to begin on 3/25 after Israel’s prison service agreed to the prisoners’ demands. (WAFA 3/24)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with EU commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi in Ramallah. The 2 discussed Várhelyi’s insistence that the PA rewrite its schoolbooks to have EU financial support for the PA released. Prime Minister Shtayyeh told Várhelyi that the PA refuses Várhelyi’s demands. Várhelyi has been a lone voice in the EU for demanding the revision of PA schoolbooks as a condition for the EU releasing its annual aid to the PA. (WAFA 3/24)

Haaretz reported that Israeli soldiers are forced to register information about at least 50 Palestinians during their shifts at checkpoints and guard posts, and those who do not fill their quota are not allowed to leave their post until they have registered their quota. The registration of information is used in Israel’s Blue Wolf system, a database with photos and details about random Palestinians living in the West Bank including ID number, age, gender, residence, license plate number, and contacts. The Blue Wolf system was 1st reported by the Washington Post in November 2021. In footage obtained by the Israeli anti-occupation group Breaking the Silence, a security coordinator at an Israeli settlement is also heard telling Israeli soldiers to photograph foreign activists in the West Bank to make sure they will not be allowed to enter Israel at Ben Gurion Airport next time they try to enter. (HA, HA, MEE, WAFA 3/24; WAFA 3/25)