The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition, 2 with baton rounds, and injured others with tear gas during a raid in Beit Umar. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Wadi al-Juz, displacing 9. In Gaza, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians marked the 58th anniversary of the founding of Fatah in Gaza City. (AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA 12/31; WAFA 1/1; PCHR 1/5; UNOCHA 1/16)

231 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces and settlers during 2022. 173 of the Palestinian casualties were in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, marking the highest death toll for the West Bank since 2005. 53 Palestinians were killed in Gaza, including 49 during Operation Breaking Dawn, and 5 in Israel. (MDW, MEE 12/31; HA 1/4)

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, 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 threw stones at Palestinians and Israeli activists working an olive grove near Turmus ‘Ayya and set fire to 2 Palestinian-owned vehicles. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian homes in ‘Ayn Bus. Israeli forces shot and killed 5 Palestinians and injured 21 others during a late-night raid in Nablus. Israel claimed it was raiding Nablus to destroy an explosives lab belonging to the Lion’s Den group; at least 1 anti-tank missile was fired by Israeli forces during the raid. The PA called the raid a war crime and said it had reached out to the U.S. to pressure Israel to end its deadly raids. Tens of thousands attended the funeral procession for the 5 victims and a general strike was issued in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian during a raid in Nabi Salih. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Hebron against the raid in Nablus, injuring 3 with live ammunition and others with baton rounds and tear gas. Israeli forces also seized 2 residential tents in al-Juwaya in the Masafer Yatta area, and assaulted Palestinians resisting the seizure. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian home in Bani Na‘im. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Bireh, injuring 1 with live ammunition. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Aida refugee camp, injuring 1 with live ammunition. (NYT 10/24; AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, AX, BB, BBC, CNN, DW, GDN, HA, HA, INT, JP, LT, MDW, MEE, PCHR, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WSJ 10/25; AJ 10/26; ALM, PCHR 10/27; UNOCHA 11/1; UNOCHA 11/13; HA 11/18)

The Israeli military suspended the security coordinator of the Har Bracha settlement after a video from 10/21 showed that he aided Israeli settlers in attacking Palestinians while in military uniform near Burin. The security coordinator was seen providing a settler with a gas grenade while he was watching the settlers attack Palestinians. The security coordinator was reinstated on 10/30. (HA 10/26; HA 10/31)

PLO secretary general Hussein al-Sheikh met with the ambassadors of Jordan, Egypt, France, and Germany, known as the Munich Group, to continue talks about developing a political horizon for ending the occupation. (WAFA 10/25)

Leader of the Hamas political bureau Ismail Haniyeh met with a delegation from the Taliban-led Afghan government in Istanbul. (MEMO 10/26; MEE 10/28)

Israeli president Isaac Herzog met with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken in Washington. Secretary Blinken said that the 2 discussed the need to deescalate the situation in the West Bank. (HA 10/26)

Amnesty International urged the ICC to “investigate unlawful attacks committed during Israel’s August 2022 assault on the Gaza Strip as war crimes.” Amnesty said it had investigated 3 deadly incidents during the assault, 2 of which it with certainty ascribed to Israel and 1 which “likely” was caused by an unguided rocket fired by Palestinian militants. The 2 Israeli attacks Amnesty investigated killed 6 Palestinian civilians, including “a four-year-old boy, a teenager visiting his mother’s grave, and a 22-year-old student at home with her family.” Amnesty said that of the 49 Palestinians killed, 33 were killed by Israel and 7 were killed by rockets fired by Palestinian militants; it was unclear who had caused the deaths of the remaining 8. (AI, AJ, MEE 10/25)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian child, shot by Israeli forces during a raid in al-Bireh on 9/28, succumbed to his injuries. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles in Huwwara and attacked Israeli soldiers with pepper-spray; 1 off-duty Israeli soldier was later arrested for attacking Israeli soldiers. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near al-Bireh. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set fire to a vehicle and a water tank and vandalized 80 olive and almond trees in al-Mughayyir. Israeli forces temporarily expelled Palestinians in parts of Khirbat al-Karmil to convene a conference for settlers and soldiers in the village, which is in Area A. Israeli forces also assaulted 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint near Beit Furik, causing injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters near al-Bireh, injuring 2 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bethlehem, injuring 2 minors with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition in al-Ram. Israeli forces also closed the main entrance to Beit Umar. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Sa‘ir, injuring 1 minor with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 2 minors with live ammunition and arresting 4. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Nabi Salih, injuring 1 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Arroub refugee camp, causing tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians in ‘Azzun, causing tear-gas related injuries and assaulting a crew of journalists from Palestine TV. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Biddu, injuring 1 with a baton round. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting against restrictions imposed on Nablus, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolished 1 house in Dura, displacing 8, and destroyed a water pump south of Nablus, disrupting water supply in Burin, Madama, ‘Urif, and Asira al-Qibliya. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided a house in Shu‘fat where the family and friends of a Palestinian killed by Israeli forces on 10/19 were meeting to remember him. Israeli authorities delivered a demolition notice against a Palestinian-owned home in Silwan. 1 minor was arrested during a late-night raid in Isawiya. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, MEMO, NBC, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/20; MDW 10/21; PCHR 10/27; UNOCHA 11/1)

Palestinians in East Jerusalem and the West Bank observed a general strike in protest over the killing of a Palestinian man on 10/19 near Ma’ale Adumim. (F24, MEMO, WAFA 10/20)

The new Israeli-imposed restrictions for entry into the West Bank, outside of Israeli settlements, took effect. The heavily criticized restrictions were 1st published earlier this year in the policy paper “Procedure for entry and residence of foreigners in the Judea and Samaria area,” issued by Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories and have been slightly amended after criticism by U.S. and EU lawmakers. (GDN, MDW 10/20; NA, TOI 10/21)

Haaretz reported that Israel will approve the purchase of 2 helicopters by the PA for usage of PA officials. The helicopters, which will be stationed in Jordan, are reportedly funded by Gulf state donations. The PA will need permission from Israel to use the helicopters in the West Bank. (HA 10/20; ALM 10/21)

At a conference in Eliat attended by Morocco, Bahrain, and the UAE, Israel and Bahrain signed an agricultural cooperation deal. (REU 10/20)

The ACLU filed an appeal with the U.S. supreme court asking it to review the appeals court decision to uphold an Arkansas state law that penalizes companies boycotting Israel. The ACLU said the law violates the 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. (ACLU, AJ, FOX, GDN 10/20; TOI 10/21; MDW 10/25)

The UN-mandated commission of inquiry on the occupied West Bank, Gaza, east Jerusalem, and Israel released a 28-page report, calling on the International Court of Justice to make a legal opinion on the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and said the occupation is unlawful due to its permanence and Israel’s “de-facto annexation policy.” (AP, UN, WAFA 10/20; HA, MEE, WAFA 10/21)

In the West Bank, dozens of Israeli settlers escorted by Israeli forces stormed Huwwara, attacking Palestinians, stores, and vehicles; 53 Palestinians were injured and 6 were arrested. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian vendors selling produce in Bardala, damaging their products. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Dura, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian man during a raid in Aqabat Jabr refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a funeral procession for a Palestinian minor killed on 10/12 in al-Arroub refugee camp, causing tear gas related injuries. Israeli forces also shot and injured 2 Palestinians with baton rounds during a raid in Kafr Dan, tear-gas related injuries were also reported. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in ‘Anata, Dheisheh refugee camp, Bethlehem, Hebron, Qalandia refugee camp, and Kafr Dan. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers stormed the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians; 20 Palestinians and 2 settlers were injured. Dozens of Palestinian-owned vehicles were vandalized and 5 Palestinians were arrested. MK Itamar Ben-Gvir joined the settlers brandishing guns and threatening to shoot Palestinians. Israeli settlers also toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Sur Baher, displacing 3. 13 Palestinians were arrested in Isawiya and al-Thuri. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired tear gas at al-Bureij refugee camp near a school, causing tear-gas related injuries among students and staff. (ABC, AP, HA, HA, MEE, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WP 10/13; AJ, JP, MDW, MEE, MEMO, WAFA 10/14; MEE 10/15; UNOCHA 10/16; PCHR 10/20; UNOCHA 11/1)

Israeli deputy mayor of Jerusalem Aryeh King called on Jewish settlers to volunteer to “protect” East Jerusalem neighborhoods during ongoing Palestinian protests in East Jerusalem over Israel’s continued siege of ‘Anata and Shu‘fat. (HA 10/12)

Israeli public security minister Omer Bar-Lev instructed Israeli police to ease the checkpoint restrictions around Shu‘fat, in what was described as an effort to ease tensions in East Jerusalem after days of protests against the siege of Shu‘fat and ‘Anata, which started on 10/8. (HA 10/13)

14 Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, signed an agreement in Algeria to hold Palestinian elections. The agreement comes after 2 days of meetings mediated by Algerian officials. At the meetings were Hamas chairman of the political bureau Ismail Haniyeh, Fatah member Azzam al-Ahmad, and PFLP secretary general Talal Naji. The agreement recognized the PLO as the sole representative for the Palestinian people and called for elections within 1 year. According to leader of the DFLP Tayseer Khalid, Hamas and Fatah rejected a clause in the agreement to form a unity government. (AJ, CNN, F24, HA, JP, MEMO, NA, REU 10/13; MEMO, NAT 10/14; MEMO 10/15)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Kazakhstan. During the meeting, President Abbas said he does not trust the U.S. as a mediator for peace, instead voicing support of mediation efforts by the Quartet. Abbas also met with the leaders of Qatar, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan. A U.S. spokesperson criticized Abbas’s comments, calling President Putin “a far cry from the type of international partner needed to constructively address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” (AP, HA, MEMO, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/13; ALM, AX, TOI 10/15 HA, JP 10/16)

Lebanese president Michel Aoun officially said that Lebanon had accepted the maritime boundaries agreement with Israel, emphasizing that the agreement “does not signify any type of normalization.” Knesset members will vote on the agreement in 2 weeks. (AP, HA, MEMO, REU 10/13)

In the West Bank, armed Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives near Awarta. Israeli settlers also vandalized 8 olive trees near Hebron. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinians and vandalized 1 greenhouse in Ein al-Beida. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian child in al-Mazra'a al-Gharbiyeh as Palestinians protested an Israeli settler incursion in the village; 50 Palestinians were injured by baton rounds and tear gas and Israeli forces attacked Palestinian paramedics trying to save the Palestinian child’s life. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian child in Qalqilya at the separation wall. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 13 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also shut down an entrance to Tuqu‘. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces and settlers assaulted Palestinians harvesting olives in Wadi Rababa. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/7; CNN, PCHR 10/8; AJ, MDW, NYT 10/9; PCHR 10/13; UNOCHA 10/16; HA 11/4)

Israel’s defense ministry said that Israel will pay the family of Omar Abdalmajeed As’ad, a U.S. citizen who was killed by Israeli forces during an arrest raid in Jiljilyya on 1/12, $139,000 in exchange for the family withdrawing its lawsuit against the state. The brother of As’ad told The Guardian that his family had not been contacted by the Israeli defense ministry and that they would not accept a deal that forces them to drop their lawsuit, saying they want justice. (TOI 10/7; AJ, AP, HA 10/9; MEMO 10/10; GDN 10/11; AP 10/12; MEE 10/21)

Israel announced that it will close the crossings to the West Bank and Gaza from 10/9 at 4 P.M. to 10/10 at 11.59 P.M. and again from 10/16 at 4 P.M. to 10/17 at 11.59 P.M. for the Jewish Sukkot holiday. (HA 10/7)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler was injured by glass from his vehicle window after shots were fired at his car near Huwwara. For the 2d day in a row, Israeli settlers escorted by Israeli forces shot and injured Palestinians in Sinjil, including 2 with live ammunition and others with baton rounds and assault; 6 vehicles were damaged. Israeli settlers also vandalized 1 Palestinian-owned vehicle near Ya‘bad. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Jib, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 4 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 2 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, causing tear-gas related injuries. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwad, Husan, Dheisheh refugee camp, and al-Azza refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own agricultural structure. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinians herding cattle east of Abasan. 2 Palestinians were arrested while attempting to enter Israel east of Khan Yunis. In Israel, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel near the separation wall at Baqa al-Gharbiyye, claiming he was helping Palestinians in the West Bank enter Israel through the wall. (HA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/9; WAFA 9/10; HA 9/11; PCHR 9/15; UNOCHA 9/16)

In the West Bank, a group of 20 Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians planting olive tree saplings in Sinjil, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 5 others by physical assault; the settlers also vandalized 5 vehicles nearby. Israeli settlers also assaulted 4 Palestinians with pepper spray and damaged Palestinian-owned property near Burin. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers erected a settlement outpost on a tract of land outside of Birin. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor after the minor allegedly lightly injured an Israeli soldier with a hammer at a checkpoint in Beitin. Israeli forces also raided Balata refugee camp, firing tear gas from drones and injuring 4 with baton rounds. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jenin refugee camp, Nablus, Qalandia refugee camp, Biddu, and Surif. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Silwan. Israeli forces violently arrested 1 Palestinian man walking to the Haram al-Sharif compound in the Old City, beating him and kneeling on his neck; the man’s nose was broken and needed 4 stiches to his forehead after the attack. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled farmland east of Juhor ad-Dik. (ABC, AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEMO, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/8; MEMO 9/9; ABC, AP, HA 9/11; PCHR 9/15; UNOCHA 9/16)

Israel police said it had arrested a 19-year-old Palestinian man in possession of an assault rifle in Jaffa and that he allegedly admitted to wanting to commit an attack. The man did not resist the arrest. (HA, JP 9/8)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas sent his condolences to King Charles III after his mother Queen Elizabeth II of the UK passed away at the age of 96. (WAFA, WAFA 9/8; WAFA 9/10)

Israel signed a free trade agreement with Guatemala, including for industry, food, and agricultural goods. (REU 9/8)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian man was shot and killed after allegedly stabbing 1 Israeli soldier near the Hebron settlement Kiryat Arba. Israeli settlers, led by MK Itamar Ben-Gvir, toured Nabi Samwil, leading to attacks on Palestinians. Israeli settlers also vandalized a greenhouse near Zawata. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set up tents outside of al-‘Awja. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 7 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 5 with baton rounds and 23 others with tear gas. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during late-night raids in al-Yamun and 1 at the Za‘atra checkpoint. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Ras al-Amud, displacing 11. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Shu‘fat refugee camp. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, MEE, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/2; PCHR 9/8; UNOCHA 9/16)

Japan contributed $1.5 million to UNRWA for food security programs in Gaza. (WAFA 9/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to agricultural lands between Turmus ‘Ayya and al-Mughayyir, damaging olive trees, and threw stones at vehicles, damaging 1. Israeli settlers also vandalized 55 grapevine saplings and damaged a water tank in al-Khader. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured 1 other with live ammunition during a raid in Tubas; the man was said to have been buying bread after dawn prayers when he was shot in the head. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian protester and injured others with tear gas in Hebron. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 5 with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 1 with a baton round and 37 with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 6 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also uprooted 55 grapevine saplings and demolished 1 water well in al-Khader. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during late-night raids in Tubas and 3 at checkpoints near Nablus and al-Jib. (AJ, AP, MEE, MEMO, PCHR, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/19; PCHR 8/25; UNOCHA 9/2)

Israel approved granting an additional 1,500 work permits for Palestinians in Gaza. (AP 8/19)

The Israeli central command froze the administrative detention of Khalil Awawdeh while he is in the hospital for treatment related to his 170 days of hunger strike. Awawdeh’s lawyer also petitioned the Israeli high court of justice to have him released from administrative detention. (HA, TOI 8/19; WAFA 8/20)

The foreign ministers of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden released a joint statement calling the Israeli raids on 7 Palestinian rights organizations “not acceptable,” expressing deep concern over the raids and reiterating that the countries have not seen evidence that justify the Israeli attacks on Palestinian civil society. (HA, JP, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 8/20)

The Republic of Korea donated $1 million to UNRWA technical and vocational education and training programs in Jordan. (WAFA 8/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinians protesting Israel’s decision to make parts of Masafer Yatta a firing zone near Susiya. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 9 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 1 with a baton round and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, an Israeli military vehicle rammed into 1 Palestinian in Kufeirit, causing a fracture and bruises. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Burqin. In Gaza, Israel launched an operation dubbed Operation Breaking Dawn by assassinating northern Gaza Islamic Jihad commander Taysser al-Jabari and 1 of his bodyguards in an air strike on the Palestine Tower, a 13-story building in Gaza City; 2 stories of the building were severely damaged. Shortly after, another 8 Palestinians were killed in air strikes throughout Gaza: 3 on a street in al-Shuja‘iya, including a 5-year-old; 1 in al-Zaytun; 1 in her home in al-Fukhari; 1 in Beit Lahiya; and 2 in Khan Yunis. 63, including 9 children, were injured in the air strikes, which also caused extensive damage to property. Islamic Jihad responded by firing rockets at Israel; no injuries were reported. Israel had prepared for the operation by closing off areas near Gaza in Israel and calling up thousands of reservists. The PA called for an immediate ceasefire. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, ALM, AP, HA, MDW, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, NYT, NYT, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/5; ALM, ALM, AX, HA, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, MEE, MEMO, PCHR, UNOCHA, WAFA 8/6; HA, HA 8/7; HA 8/8; AHQ 8/9; PCHR 8/11; HA 8/13; UNOCHA 8/19; MDW 9/1)

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 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, Israeli settlers with military escort raided Nabi Salih and attempted to steal a Palestinian flag, leading to a confrontation between Israeli forces and Palestinians; 1 was injured by a baton round and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli settlers also set up a settlement outpost near Khirbet al-Farisiyya. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles south of Bethlehem. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 1 with baton rounds, 1 with burns from a tear gas canister, and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Beit Umar and Qaryut, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also seized 1 excavator near Yatta. 2 Palestinians were arrested at a checkpoint near Nablus. In Gaza, 3 Palestinians were arrested near the Gaza fence east of Khan Yunis. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/3; WAFA 6/4; PCHR 6/9; UNOCHA 6/17)

Israel released the director of Health Work Committees, Shatha Odeh, after arresting her on 7/7/2021. (WAFA 6/3)

The White House postponed president Joe Biden’s trip to Israel from later this month to July, saying it will be part of a broader trip to the Middle East that will include Saudi Arabia. (HA 6/1; AJ, AP, NBC 6/3; AX, HA 6/4)

80 Democrats in the U.S. Congress, led by David Price (D-NC), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), and Joaquin Castro (D-TX), wrote a letter to secretary of state Antony Blinken urging the Biden administration to take action against efforts to undermine the 2-state solution. The Democrats mentioned 5 issues of concern, including settler violence and non-intervention by Israeli forces, settlement expansion, demolitions, increased funding for West Bank settlements, and the PA program for paying stipends to Palestinian prisoners. (HA 6/3)

In Iran, colonel Ali Esmailzadeh of the Quds Force died in an incident at his home in Karaj. Iran denied that Esmailzadeh was assassinated. Local reporting said Esmailzadeh fell from the roof or a balcony at his home. Esmailzadeh’s death follows an incident on 5/22 in which another Iranian colonel was assassinated and an incident on 5/25 in which an Iranian scientist was killed in a drone strike. Both of those incidents were reportedly linked to Israel. Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett told International Atomic Energy Agency director Rafael Grossi in a meeting that “Israel reserves the right to self-defense and action against Iran to stop its nuclear program.” (AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA 6/3; NYT, TOI 6/4; REU 6/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians in Burin, throwing Molotov cocktails at several homes. Israeli settlers also assaulted 1 Palestinian man working his land near Ya‘bad, causing bruises. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bazariya, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Burin, injuring 2 with baton rounds and 7 with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Dayr Sharaf, injuring 1 with a baton round and 23 with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters near Tulkarm, causing tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Bireh, injuring 2 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Jalama checkpoint, causing tear-gas related injuries. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Atuf, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also raided Dheisheh refugee camp, injuring 3 Palestinians with live ammunition. In East Jerusalem, some 70,000 Israeli settlers and racist right-wing Israeli activists marched through the Old City, chanting racist and Islamophobic slogans like “Death to Arabs,” insulting the Prophet Muhammad, and mocking the death of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh during the annual flag march; Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the march; 81 were injured by baton rounds and pepper spray, 23 of whom were treated at hospitals. More than 60 were arrested, only 2 of which were Israeli settlers. Israeli settlers also attacked several Palestinians and their property in the Old City, including with assault and pepper spray. More than 2,500 Israeli settlers led by MK Itamar Ben-Gvir also toured the Haram al-Sharif compound, raising Israeli flags. Elsewhere, after the flag march, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians and their property, including several vehicles in Sheikh Jarrah, assaulting 1 Palestinian journalist covering the events for the Israeli public broadcaster Kan. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinians east of al-Qarara and Gaza City; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Gaza; no injuries were reported. (REU, WAFA 5/26; ALM, HA, MEE, REU 5/27; ALM, HA, MDW 5/28; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, MEE, NPR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WSJ 5/29; AJ, AJ, ALM, ALM, AP, CNN, HA, HA, HA, IN, LAT, MEE 5/30; MEMO 5/31; AP, HA, HA 6/2; UNOCHA 6/4)

While speaking at Elon Moreh during an event celebrating the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem, the commander of the Samaria brigade Roi Zweig said that “the [Israeli] army and the settlement enterprise are one and the same.” (HA 5/30; MDW 6/3)

The Israeli government told the high court of justice that it is enforcing a ban on Israeli settlers accessing the Homesh settlement outpost. Haaretz reporting said that the Israeli military is not enforcing the ban and allows Israeli settlers to access the outpost regularly. (HA 6/2)

The Times of Israel reported that the U.S. Biden administration had shelved plans to reopen the U.S. consulate to Palestinians in Jerusalem and instead is promoting the deputy assistant secretary of state for Israeli and Palestinian affairs Hady Amr to special envoy to Palestinians. The Palestinian Affairs Unit at the U.S. embassy to Israel will, according to the TOI reporting, begin to report to Hady Amr rather than to the U.S. ambassador to Israel. PA officials have voiced frustration with the U.S. administration for failing to fulfill its promises to Palestine and using the Israeli government coalition’s instability as an excuse. (TOI 5/29; AA 5/30; MEMO 5/31; HA 6/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers marched to the Homesh settlement outpost, but were blocked by Israeli forces. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinian minors in Hebron. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers with military escort raided Burqa, leading to a confrontation between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers; 2 Palestinians were injured with baton rounds and 7 with tear gas. Israeli settlers also opened fire at Palestinians in Shufa, forcing them to leave their land; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor during a raid in al-Khader; the minor suffered 3 shots to his neck and back while hiding in a garage. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh called the killing intentional. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 4 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Huwwara, injuring 2 with live ammunition, 1 who was hit by a stun grenade, and 5 with pepper spray. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita and Bayt Dajan, injuring 2 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during a raid in Idhna and 1 at a checkpoint near al-Ibrahimi Mosque. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians were arrested near the Gaza fence east of Khan Yunis. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/27; CNN, HA, MEE, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/28; HA 6/1; UNOCHA 6/4)

An Israeli court ruled that 7 Palestinians had to be released after being arrested as a “preventive measure” ahead of the Israeli settler flag march in East Jerusalem on 5/29. (HA 5/27)

The U.S. state department released a statement saying that secretary of state Antony Blinken told Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid that Israel should investigate the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh on 5/11. Multiple independent investigations have concluded that Israeli soldiers killed the Al Jazeera journalist, including some that asserted the killing was intentional. Israel has refused to conduct a criminal investigation into the killing. (AJ, REU 5/27; TOI 5/28)

Pro-Israeli political action committee the Urban Empowerment Action PAC announced it will spend upwards of $1 million in a primary to unseat the only Palestinian American congressperson Rashida Tlaib in the primary elections for the 12th congressional district in Michigan. The new super PAC will put its support behind Congresswoman Tlaib’s Democratic opponent Janice Winfrey. (HA 5/29; MEE 5/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole 1 residential tent and vandalized a fence in Khirbet Martaba. Israeli also settlers assaulted 2 Palestinian minors in Qusra, leading to the hospitalization of 1 of them. Israeli forces subsequently violently dispersed Palestinians in Qusra protesting the settler attack, injuring 22 with baton rounds and tear gas. Israeli forces also shot and injured 7 Palestinians with baton rounds during a raid in Jifna; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwad, Ras Karkar, Beit Fajjar, and al-‘Ain refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, dozens of Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces assaulted and detained 4 Palestinians in the Old City. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/22; WAFA 5/23; PCHR 5/26; UNOCHA 6/4)

A Jerusalem court overturned an Israeli police decision to bar 3 Jewish people from entering the Haram al-Sharif compound after they violated the ban on praying at the Muslim site. PA president Mahmoud Abbas called the court decision “a grave assault against the historic status quo,” and Jordan said the ruling violates international law. Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett’s office issued a statement saying that there had been no policy change at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Hamas said that the court decision crossed “all red lines and is a dangerous escalation.” Israeli police appealed the decision on 5/23. (AJ, HA, MEMO, REU, TOI 5/22; CNN, HA, JP, MEE, TOI, WAFA 5/23)

The 6 Palestinians who escaped Gilboa prison on 9/6/2021 were sentenced to 5 years in prison for their escape and each fined $1,487. 5 other Palestinian prisoners were sentenced to 4 years for assisting in their escape. (AJ, AP, HA, MEMO, WAFA 5/22)

Hamas imposed a 16.5% tax on 24 products from the West Bank, including bottled water and soft drinks. PA economy minister Khaled al-Osaily called the new taxes “illegal and not permissible within the same nation.” (ALM 6/1)

Hamas and the PA warned Israel, in separate statements, against carrying out the right-wing flag march through East Jerusalem on 5/29. (HA, MEMO 5/22)

Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi, who on 5/19 announced that she was leaving the Israeli government coalition, said she would resume supporting the coalition after meetings with foreign minister Yair Lapid and several mayors. Rinawie Zoabi’s reversal brought the government coalition back to an equal number of Knesset members to that of the opposition. Rinawie Zoabi told her colleagues on 5/19 that she was leaving the coalition due to Israeli attacks on Palestinians at the Haram al-Sharif compound and at the funeral for Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. She further stated that the government coalition is not a government of change but a right-wing government. (AP, AX, HA, MEMO, NYT, REU 5/22; HA 5/23)

In Iran, a colonel in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s Quds Forces, Hassan Sayyad Khodaei, was assassinated in front of his house in Tehran by 2 people on a motorbike. Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi said on 5/23 that the assassination is being investigated and that Iran will revenge the killing. The New York Times reported later, on 5/25, that Israel had told the U.S. that it was behind the assassination of Khodaei. (AA, AJ, AP, HA, MEE, REU, TOI 5/22; AP, GDN, HA, IN, JP, MEE, REU 5/23; AJ, ALM, AP, HA 5/24; HA, NYT 5/25; HA 5/26; REU 5/29; REU 5/30)

Chairperson of the EU parliament’s relations with Palestine Manu Pineda was forced to cancel a trip to the occupied Palestinian territories with a group of other EU parliamentarians after Israel refused to allow him entry to Israel and his delegation access to Gaza. President of the EU parliament Roberta Metsola said on Twitter that she regretted the decision but that she would continue her visit to Israel. (HA, TOI 5/21; AJ, JP, TOI 5/22; HA, MEMO, WAFA 5/23; MEMO 5/25)

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 forces shot and injured 5 Palestinians during a raid in Jalazun refugee camp, including 1 with live ammunition and 4 using baton rounds; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 3 were arrested. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a raid in Meithalun. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Sanur and Jaba‘. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 5/1; PCHR 5/12; UNOCHA 5/13)

Israel announced that it will close all crossings between Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel from 3pm on 5/3 to midnight on 5/5 for the Israeli celebrations of Memorial Day and Independence Day. (HA 5/1)

Israeli president Isaac Herzog spoke with PA president Mahmoud Abbas, wishing him a happy Eid. (HA 5/1)

Israeli military judge Dov Gilboa attended a conference of the Kahanist party Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power). At the conference, Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir celebrated Gilboa for a 2018 opinion imposing the death penalty on a Palestinian man. (HA 5/4)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settlement security guard was shot and killed by 2 assailants at the entrance to the Ariel settlement. Israel said it arrested the alleged attackers on 4/30 in Qarawat Bani Hassan and identified them as Palestinians. Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ brigade took responsibility for the attack. Israeli settlers razed farmland in al-Farisiya. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 9 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also placed dirt mounds at the northern entrance to Salfit, blocking access. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beit Dajan, causing tear-gas related injuries. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during late-night raids in Bil‘in and Tulkarm and 1 at the Qalandia checkpoint. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers threw stones and bottles at a bus carrying Palestinians in the French Hill neighborhood. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Haram al-Sharif compound, injuring 42 with baton rounds and tear gas; 22 were hospitalized for their injuries. 1 Palestinian was arrested in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles northwest of Rafah; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 1 mosque in Jaffa was vandalized with spray paint depicting the Star of David and the Israeli flag. (AJ, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/29; AJ, AP, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/30; PCHR 5/12; UNOCHA 5/13)

The head of Bisan Center for Research and Development Ubai Aboudi said Israel had prevented him from traveling to a conference in Mexico via the Allenby bridge. Aboudi, who is a U.S. citizen, said the Israeli officers refused to tell him why they prevented him from traveling abroad. The Bisan Center is 1 of 6 Palestinian rights organizations that was placed on Israel’s terrorism list in October. 1 day later, on 4/30, Israel prevented the director of Addameer, Sahar Francis, from traveling to the same conference from Ben Gurion airport. (MDW 4/29; AA, AP 5/1; TOI 5/2)

Israel charged 2 Palestinians from Umm al-Fahm for having prior knowledge of an attack in Hadera on 3/27, in which 2 were killed by a Palestinian citizen of Israel. (HA 4/29)

The student newspaper at Harvard University, The Harvard Crimson, endorsed the BDS movement in an editorial. (JDF 4/29; MDW, TOI 4/30; HA, MEMO 5/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers shot and injured 3 Palestinians near Surif; 10 settlers had been throwing stones at Palestinian vehicles before 1 of the settlers started shooting at Palestinians. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian stores and vehicles in the Old City of Hebron, causing damage. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian family near a checkpoint in Hebron. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 with baton rounds. In East Jerusalem, Israel restricted Palestinian Christians’ access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for the celebration of the Holy Fire. 4,000 worshippers were allowed to attend the event. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians during a raid in Qalandia refugee camp; 3 were arrested. In Gaza, Israel said 1 rocket launched from Gaza landed in an open area in southern Israel; no injuries or damage were reported. Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian shepherds east of Abasan; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen northwest of Gaza City; no injuries were reported. (HA 4/22; HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/23; +972 4/27; 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. (HA 4/21)

Israel announced that it had closed the Erez crossing between Israel and Gaza, citing rockets launched from Gaza at Israel. Israel did not say when the crossing would reopen. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, WAFA 4/23; HA, MEMO 4/24; HA 4/25)

UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini said in a message that the agency is exploring the option of engaging more agencies within the UN in the work of UNRWA to help alleviate UNRWA’s chronic underfunding. (UNRWA 4/23; WAFA 4/27; TOI 5/2)

Iranian media reported that Iranian and Saudi Arabian officials had met in Baghdad to resume talks to mend the 2 countries’ ties. Omani and Iraqi officials were also at the meeting. (HA 4/23; REU 4/25)

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 settlers attacked Palestinians working their land near Sinjil. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinian shepherds near Kisan. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers blocked a road between Nablus and Qalqilya.

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting an incursion by Israeli settlers at the Haram al-Sharif compound; 30 were injured by baton rounds and tear gas.

In Gaza, 5 rockets were fired at Israel; 4 of them were intercepted and 1 caused damage to a house in Sderot. Israel subsequently conducted air strikes, causing damage to several homes in al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Nusseirat refugee camp. (HA 4/20; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, CNN, HA, IN, JP, NPR, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/21; PCHR 4/28; UNOCHA 5/13)

Israel closed all crossings from the West Bank and Gaza to East Jerusalem and Israel at 5 P.M. for the Jewish holiday of Passover. The closure will remain in effect until an unspecified time on 4/23. (HA 4/21)

U.S. acting assistant secretary of state for Near East affairs Yael Lempert and deputy assistant secretary for Israeli and Palestinian affairs Hady Amr met with PA president Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid in separate meetings in an effort to calm the situation surrounding the Haram al-Sharif compound, where Israeli forces have attacked Palestinian worshippers for a week, including in al-Aqsa Mosque. (HA 4/21; WAFA 4/22)

The Arab league slammed Israel for interfering with Muslims’ rights to worship at the Haram al-Sharif compound and criticized the Israeli government for continuing to allow Jewish people to worship at the Holy site. The statement was released after a meeting of Arab League foreign ministers in Jordan from the UAE, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, and the PA. (AJ, REU, WAFA 4/21)

Iran said it had arrested 3 people suspected of being Mossad agents. (HA 4/20; AP 4/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 2 Palestinian shepherds in al-Mughayyir. Israeli forces beat 1 Palestinian man walking with his child in Hebron, causing cuts and bruises. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 5 with baton rounds. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/16; PCHR 4/21; UNOCHA 4/23)

Palestinians in the West Bank are under an Israeli-imposed curfew for the Jewish holiday of Passover, in effect until 4/17. Crossings between Gaza and Israel are closed. (HA 4/14; HA 4/15; HA 4/16)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas wrote letters to Pope Francis and the leaders of the AU, EU, UN, and OIC, urging them to intervene against Israeli-led violence on the Haram al-Sharif compound. (WAFA 4/16)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian minor succumbed to injuries sustained by Israeli forces during a raid in Kafr Dan on 4/14. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Qarawat Bani Hassan, injuring 1 Palestinian minor with live ammunition and others with tear gas; the minor was also arrested. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 1 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 3 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Qaryut, Beita, and Bazariya, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians at the Haram al-Sharif compound, including inside al-Aqsa Mosque, injuring more than 152 Palestinians with baton rounds, batons, and tear gas, including 8 who were admitted into intensive care facilities. Several Palestinian journalists at the compound were violently beaten by Israeli police, causing broken limbs. 3 Israeli police officers were lightly injured. Some 470 Palestinians were arrested at the compound before noon prayers, where some 50,000 worshippers were praying, about half from the West Bank. Around 440 were released within 24 hours, some of whom were banned from entering the compound until after the end of Ramadan. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, MEE, NYT, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/15; MEMO, REU 4/16 HA 4/18; PCHR 4/21; UNOCHA 4/23)

Hamas, the PA, Jordan, Morocco, UAE, Bahrain, the United Arab List, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned the Israeli-led violence at the Haram al-Sharif compound (see above). The U.S. state department released a statement urging “all sides to exercise restraint, avoid provocative actions and rhetoric, and preserve the historic status quo on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount.” The spokesperson for UN secretary general António Guterres expressed grave concern about the situation in Jerusalem. (HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/15; HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/16)

Palestinians in the West Bank are under an Israeli-imposed curfew for the Jewish holiday of Passover, beginning at 4 P.M. and continuing until 4/17. Crossings between Gaza and Israel are closed. (HA 4/14; HA 4/15; HA 4/16)

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh spoke to Arab League secretary general Ahmed Aboul Gheit about the Israeli attacks on Palestinians at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Haniyeh also spoke with Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and speaker of the Kuwaiti parliament Marzouq al-Ghanim in separate calls. (MEMO 4/16)

At a Passover seder hosted by U.S. vice president Kamala Harris and 2nd gentleman Doug Emhoff, the couple served wine made by the settler winery Psagot Winery in the West Bank. The senior advisor for communications to Vice President Harris said in a tweet that “the wine served at the Seder was in no way intended to be an expression of policy.” (HA, MDW 4/17; MEE 3/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles west of Ramallah and south of Hebron, causing damage. Israeli settlers also threw stones at 1 Palestinian vehicle near Silwad, causing damage. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian American man working his land in Mukhmas near the Ramat Migron settlement outpost, causing severe injuries. The man was arrested by Israeli soldiers before being released after showing proof that he owns the land during his interrogation. Israeli settlers also opened fire at 1 Palestinian vehicle traveling in Tarqumiyah, injuring 1. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid in Turmus ‘Ayya. Israeli forces also shot and injured 3 Palestinians during a late-night raid near Tulkarm. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 4 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Ram, injuring 1 Palestinian minor who lost 1 of his eyes after being hit with a baton round. In East Jerusalem, between 50,000-80,000 Muslim worshippers prayed at the Haram al-Sharif compound on the 1st Friday in the month of Ramadan. Some 25,000-40,000 of them were from the West Bank. Israel only allowed Palestinians 50 years or older to enter East Jerusalem from the West Bank for Friday prayers. Past years have seen more than 200,000 Muslim worshippers pray at the compound on the 1st Friday of Ramadan. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians at the Damascus Gate plaza, injuring 2 with baton rounds and arresting 2 others. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces detained 6 Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles northwest of Rafah in 2 separate incidents before confiscating their 3 boats. (AP, HA 4/5; ALM 4/6 HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/8; WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/9; PCHR 4/10; +972 4/13; PCHR 4/14; UNOCHA 4/23; HA 5/27)