The Palestine Chronology

In the West bank, Israeli settlers plowed 10 dunams (2.5 acres) of Palestinian farmland in al-Kharouba. Israeli forces punitively demolished the family home of a Palestinian prisoner in Aqraba. Israeli forces also shot and injured a Palestinian using a baton round and seized a vehicle in Ramallah. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians, including a child, in Deir Nizam. Israeli forces also raided Carmel, assaulting a Palestinian and seizing vehicles. Meanwhile, Israeli forces made 15 Palestinians close their shops in ‘Azzun. Israeli forces also seized a tractor in Qaryut. Separately, Israeli forces demolished a well and issued stop-work notices for 3 homes in Beit Umar. 23 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Qalqilya, Salfit, Nablus, and Jericho. In Gaza, Israeli forces bombed Rafah, Khan Yunis, Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza City, al-Bureij, Jabalia refugee camp, and Dayr al-Balah; it was unclear how many casualties there were. Israeli forces also raided al-Awda Hospital, arresting all boys and men over the age of 16 and stripping them to their underwear, including 6 Doctors Without Borders staffers, and bombed the UNRWA headquarters in northern Gaza. In Lebanon, Israeli forces shelled several sites, killing 4 Hezbollah members. 2 Israeli soldiers were injured in Malkia. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/19; AJ 12/20)

More than 19,667 Palestinians had been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 7,729 children and 5,153 women, and around 54,000 had been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 294 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 74 children. More than 3,387 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured since 10/7. 132 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 719 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 12/3, at least 52,000 housing units had been destroyed and 253,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 60% of all housing units. 104 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing and 60 entered via the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing. (UNOCHA 12/19)

A survey conducted by the Euro-Mediterranean Monitor said 71% of Palestinians in Gaza suffer from extreme hunger. 98% said they were not able to eat enough food. 64% said they had eaten grass and expired food. (AJ 12/19)

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh met with Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Qatar. (AJ, HA 12/20)

Islamic Jihad released a video of 2 Israeli captives who called on Israelis to pressure the Israeli government to get them released. (AJ, REU 12/19; HA, HA 12/20)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant visited Israeli soldiers in southern Gaza, saying the Israeli ground invasion would expand to other areas beyond Khan Yunis in the south. President Isaac Herzog said Israel is willing to negotiate a new temporary ceasefire with Hamas. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU 12/19)

UN Security Council members negotiated for the second day in a row over the wording of a resolution. The U.S. opposed language calling for a ceasefire and putting the UN in charge of inspecting aid deliveries to Gaza instead of Israel. The vote was postponed until 12/20. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said a ceasefire would “validate” Hamas’ Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 12/19; NYT, WAFA 12/20)

French foreign minister Catherine Colonna said that France will sanction violent Israeli settlers, saying she had witnessed the violence they commit during her trip to the West Bank last week. The PA called the decision a step in the right direction. (AJ, WAFA 12/19)

Senior Houthi official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti said the Yemeni government would not cease its attacks on Israel-linked ships until Israel stops its attacks on Gaza, even if it means war with the U.S.-led naval coalition. (AJ, HA, REU 12/19; NYT 12/20)

The Foreign Press Association in Jerusalem said it has filed a petition with the Israeli Supreme Court to gain “immediate access” to Gaza for international media. (AP, HA, REU 12/19; NYT 12/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided at-Tuba and Wadi Ijheish in the Masafer Yatta area, assaulting Palestinians and stealing 6 sheep and agricultural equipment. Israeli settlers also raided Qaryut, vandalizing property. Israeli forces shot and killed 5 Palestinians during raids in Askar refugee camp, Dheisheh refugee camp, Bayt Rima, Balata refugee camp, and Tammun. Israeli forces also shot and injured 38 people, including at least 3 children, during raids in Tammun, Dheisheh refugee camp, Balata refugee camp, ‘Urif, Askar refugee camp, Nablus, and Bayt Rima. Meanwhile, Israeli forces punitively demolished the family home in Askar refugee camp of a Palestinian man killed by Israeli forces in Nablus in May; the man was accused of taking part in the killing of 3 Israeli settlers in April. Israeli forces also punitively demolished the family home of a Palestinian killed by Israeli forces in Burqa and delivered a punitive demolition notice to the family of a Palestinian killed in Rumana. Elsewhere, Israeli forces razed land near Abu Basal to expand a nearby settlement. Israeli forces also closed the Dream Radio station in Hebron, threating to destroy its contents if it did not stop broadcasting. 35 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Jenin, Hebron, Qalqilya, Tubas, Salfit, and Tulkarm. The PA Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs said more than 1,590 Palestinian have been arrested in the West Bank since 10/7. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinians in Silwan, igniting a fire and causing injuries. In Gaza, some communications were restored after being cut off by Israel on 10/27. At least 302 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks. Islamic Jihad said Israel has assassinated 1 of its senior political officials, Taysir Alghouti, and killed several members of his family in Rafah. Islamic Jihad also said it attacked some Israeli military vehicles in Gaza. 2 Israeli soldiers were injured by a mortar shell in Gaza. Rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage. In Hanita, Islamic Jihad said 2 al-Quds Brigades fighters had been killed during an operation near the Blue Line. In Lebanon, Hezbollah said it had downed an Israeli drone. (AJ, HA 10/28; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/29; AP, AJ 10/30)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said at least 8,005 Palestinians have been killed, including around 5,000 women and children, and 20,242 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. 1,800 Palestinians, including 940 children, have been reported missing. In addition, media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 115 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 33 children. More than 2,150 have been injured. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals; 5,431 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1.4 million Palestinians, more than half the population in Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. As of 10/23, at least 27,781 housing units had been destroyed and 150,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. At least 45% of all housing units have been either destroyed or damaged in Israeli airstrikes. The bodies of 62 unidentified Palestinians were buried in a mass grave near al-Shifa Hospital. It was the third time Palestinians in Gaza had to resort to burying Palestinians killed by Israel in a mass grave since 10/7. 33 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza. Israel opened a second water pipe to Gaza. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said Israel has ordered it to evacuate al-Quds Hospital; airstrikes later damaged the hospital as well as the al-Shifa and Indonesian hospitals. UNRWA said the slow flow of aid has prompted thousands of Palestinians in Gaza to take food supplies from its warehouses. The UN said nearly 1,000 Palestinians have been displaced from their homes in the West Bank since 10/7 due to Israeli settler attacks and Israeli military demolitions. (AJ 10/28; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 10/29; AJ, AJ, AP, WAFA 10/30)

Save the Children said more children have been killed in Gaza in the past 3 weeks than the total number of children killed in conflicts around the world since 2019, saying so far 3,324 have been killed in Gaza and 36 in the West Bank. (AJ 10/29; AJ 10/30)

A Palestinian citizen of Israel, actress Maisa Abd Elhadi, was charged by Israel with incitement to terrorism and expressing solidarity with a terrorist organization for an Instagram post. Interior Minister Moshe Arbel directed the Population and Immigration Authority to determine if he could revoke her citizenship. Elhadi was arrested on 10/12. (HA 10/30)

Reporters Without Borders said their investigation into the Israeli killing of Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah on 10/13 in Lebanon concluded that Israel intentionally targeted him and other journalists. (AJ 10/28; REU 10/29; AJ 10/30; AP 10/31)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant signed an order to place the settler activist Ariel Danino on administrative detention for 4 months for his involvement in settler attacks on Palestinians. (HA 10/29)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Bahraini foreign inister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani in Ramallah. PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki spoke with UK foreign secretary James Cleverly. (WAFA, WAFA 10/29)

A leaked internal U.S. State Department memo recommended that President Joe Biden pressure Israel to allow more aid to enter Gaza, estimating that 52,000 pregnant women and 30,000 babies were drinking brackish or contaminated water due to the lack of water in Gaza. (HA 10/29; AJ 10/30)

The Washington Post reported that the U.S. pressured Israel to turn communications back on in Gaza. (AJ 10/30)

International Committee of the Red Cross president Mirjana Spoljaric said “[i]t is unacceptable that civilians have no safe place to go in Gaza amid the massive bombardments, and with a military siege in place there is also no adequate humanitarian response currently possible. This is a catastrophic failing that the world must not tolerate.” (HA 10/28)

30 Israeli human rights and civil society organizations urged the international community to “act urgently to stop the state-backed wave of settler violence which has led, and is leading to, the forcible transfer of Palestinian communities in the West Bank.” The French foreign ministry called on Israel to take action to protect Palestinians in the West Bank. (AJ 10/28; HA, WAFA 10/29)

President Biden told Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu that more humanitarian aid has to enter Gaza immediately. Before the 2 spoke, U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan said Israel “has a responsibility to rein in the settlers.” Sullivan also said Israel must distinguish between “terrorist targets” and civilians and claimed Hamas was using human shields. Biden also spoke with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. (AJ 10/28; AJ, HA, REU, REU, WAFA 10/29)

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said, “the world is witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe taking place before our eyes,” in reference to the situation in Gaza. (AJ 10/28; HA 10/29)

Pope Francis called for a ceasefire and the release of the Hamas-held captives. (HA, REU 10/29)

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan visited the Rafah crossing, saying the ICC has ongoing investigations into potential war crimes committed by Hamas and Israel. Khan said impeding aid to Gaza could constitute a war crime. (AJ 10/28; AJ, HA, HA, REU, WAFA 10/29; AJ 10/30)

Jordan said it has asked the U.S. to deploy the Patriot air defense system in Jordan. (AJ 10/28; REU 10/29)

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations were held in many cities across the world, including in Islamabad, Beirut, Berlin, Madrid, Athens, and Ottawa. (AJ 10/28; AJ, REU, WAFA 10/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to 2 cars in Huwwara. Israeli settlers also vandalized 70 olive trees in Yasuf. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers uprooted 30 olive and grape trees and damaged water tanks and solar panels in Shaab al-Butum in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinians in Kisan. Israeli forces carried out an airstrike from a fighter jet on al-Anasari Mosque in Jenin, killing 2 Palestinians. It was the first time since the Second Intifada that Israel has used fighter jets in the West Bank. Israeli forces shot and killed 5 others, including a minor, during raids in Qabatiya, Tammun, Zawata, and Askar refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian they claimed had tried to ram Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint near al-Arroub refugee camp. Israeli forces also seized a bulldozer and arrested the driver in Qablan. 52 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, al-Bireh, Hebron, Nablus, Qabatiya, Kafr Ra’i, Tubas, and Salfit, including al-Bireh mayor Islam al-Tawil. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in support of Gaza, arresting 6 people. In Gaza, Israeli forces killed nearly 400 Palestinians in airstrikes. Israeli forces also targeted the vicinity of al-Shifa and al-Quds hospitals. An Israeli soldier was killed and 3 wounded in anti-tank fire during a raid in near Khan Yunis. Rockets were fired at Israel causing no new fatalities. In Lebanon, Israeli forces attacked and killed militants in a missile strike that were allegedly firing anti-tank missiles at Israel. In Syria, Israeli forces fired missiles at Damascus and Aleppo international airports, killing 2 airport workers in Damascus and causing enough damage to close both airports. In Egypt, Israeli tank fire hit an Egyptian military post, injuring 7; Israeli called the incident an accident. (AP 10/20; AJ, HA 10/21; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/22; AJ, HA, REU 10/23)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said as of 5 p.m. at least 4,651 Palestinians had been killed, including at least 1,524 children, and 14,245 had been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7, including 47 entire families consisting of 500 people. The UN said that about 70% of Palestinians killed in Gaza are children and women. It is estimated that hundreds are still trapped in rubble. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 92 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 27 children. More than 1,734 have been injured, including at least 360 with live ammunition. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals; 4,932 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1.4 million Palestinians, more than half the population in Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. At least 26,756 housing units have been destroyed and 139,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. At least 42% of all housing units have been either destroyed or damaged in Israeli airstrikes. UNRWA said 29 of its staff members have been killed in Gaza since 10/7. AP reported that 17 aid trucks entered Gaza today, including 7 carrying fuel. The WHO said 4 trucks of medical supplies had entered Gaza to help more than 300,000 patients. The Gaza Ministry of Endowments said 31 mosques have been destroyed in Israeli airstrikes. (AJ 10/21; HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/22; HA 10/23)

The Palestinian Prisoners Society said 300 Palestinians have been placed in administrative detention and 1,130 have been arrested since 10/7. (AJ 10/21)

Israel evacuated 14 towns near the Blue Line. (HA 10/22)

Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian spoke with Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and Islamic Jihad secretary-general Ziyad al-Nakhalah. (AJ 10/21; HA 10/22; HA 10/23)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with 25 ambassadors and representatives in Ramallah, urging a united front in ending the Israeli attacks on Gaza. (WAFA 10/22)

Katyusha rockets were fired at the U.S. Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq. (HA 10/22)

Israeli president Isaac Herzog claimed that Hamas militants planned to use cyanide on Israelis, showing documents he said were found on a USB drive in the possession of militants killed by Israel. The documents Herzog presented did not seem authentic as the word “Al Qaeda” was written in English in a large font. (HA 10/22)

Israel closed its Public Diplomacy Ministry, allocating the budget of the ministry to rehabilitation of Israeli towns near the Gaza fence. (HA 10/22)

The New York Times reported that the U.S. has asked Israel to suspend its ground invasion of Gaza to allow negotiations over releasing more captives held by Hamas. President Joe Biden reiterated his belief that Israel has a “right to defend itself,” but said it must operate within the laws of war. Biden also discussed the situation in Gaza with Pope Francis. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. “expects a likelihood” of regional escalation and claimed that Hamas is preventing U.S. citizens from leaving Gaza. (AJ 10/21; AJ, HA, NYT, REU 10/22; HA 10/23)

President Biden, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, French president Emmanuel Macron, UK prime minister Rishi Sunak, German chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni issued a joint statement reaffirming their support for Israel’s war against Hamas, calling for the release of all captives, and calling for Israel to adhere to international law and protect Palestinian civilians. (AP 10/20; AJ, HA 10/22)

The Israeli Education Ministry removed Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg from the Israeli curriculum because of her support for Palestinians in Gaza and calls to end Israeli attacks. (HA 10/22)

Thousands marched in solidarity with Palestine in Copenhagen, Paris, Sydney, Brussels, Sarajevo, Sao Paolo, Santiago, and elsewhere. 2 people attacked a pro-Palestine demonstration in Skokie near Chicago, 1 attempted to ram protesters, while another, wearing an Israeli flag as a cape, sprayed pepper spray at protesters. Both were arrested. (WAFA 10/22; AJ 10/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort raided Duma, setting cars on fire and attacking Palestinians. Israeli forces shot and injured a Palestinian with live ammunition who was trying to fend off the settlers. Israeli settlers also set fire to a tent near Kisan; the Palestinian couple who owned the tent were later reported missing. Elsewhere, an Israeli settler attempted to ram Palestinians on a street in Tuqu’. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling west of Jericho, causing damage. Israeli forces also shot and killed a Palestinian who allegedly attempted to ram soldiers at a checkpoint in Hebron using a tractor. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Arroub refugee camp, killing a Palestinian and injuring 1 other with live ammunition. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a funeral procession in Beit Umar, killing 1 person and injuring 5 with live ammunition and others with baton rounds and tear gas. Israeli forces also shot and injured 2 people with live ammunition and injured 12 others with tear gas in ‘Ayn Bus. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Huwwara, injuring 3 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Jalamah checkpoint, injuring 2 with live ammunition. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Bireh, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 3 with baton rounds. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at a checkpoint near Beit Furik, causing tear-gas related injuries. 40 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Tulkarm, Nablus, Salfit, Tubas, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Isawiya, injuring 1 with live ammunition. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed nearly 200 Palestinians and caused widespread destruction. Near Gaza, Palestinian militants attacked Kibbutz Sa’ad and Kibbutz Be’eri; no injuries were reported. Hamas fired rockets at Jerusalem, hitting targets around the city and in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc, saying it was retaliation for Israeli attacks on civilian targets. Near the Blue Line, mortar shells were fired from Lebanon toward Israel; no injuries were reported. Israel also said it had 3 killed gunmen entering Israel from Lebanon; Hezbollah denied having an active operation into Israel. Islamic Jihad later claimed responsibility. Israel later fired artillery shells at Marwahin and used combat helicopters to attack South Lebanon, killing 5 members of Hezbollah. 3 Israeli soldiers were killed and 5 injured by forces in Lebanon. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/9; AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 10/10; HA 10/11)

The Gaza Ministry of Health reported that as of 9:30 p.m. at least 687 Palestinians had been killed and 3,800 injured in Gaza, while 17 Palestinians, including 4 children, had been killed and 295 injured in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7. Israeli media reported more than 900 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 2,616 injured. Israel said it had hit 500 targets in Gaza overnight and 1,100 since 10/7. Hamas said Israeli airstrikes have killed 4 Israeli captives in Gaza. The UN reported that more than 187,518 Palestinians were displaced, including 137,427 sheltering in UNRWA facilities. 790 housing units were destroyed and 5,330 were damaged since 10/7. (AJ, ALM, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/9; ALM, AP 10/10)

The Israeli emergency rescue organization Zaka said that the bodies of 108 Israelis were found in Kibbutz Be’eri as were the bodies of Palestinian militants. Military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said the bodies of 70 militants were found in the town. (HA 10/10; AP 10/11)

Hamas’ Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson Abu Obaida said the Qassem Brigades would not negotiate the release of captives while Gaza was being bombarded. Earlier in the day Abu Obaida said Qassam Brigades would begin executing 1 Israeli captive each time Israel bombs a civilian target. There was no indication that the threat was carried out as civilian buildings were being bombed by Israel. Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk told Al Jazeera that Hamas is open to discussing a truce and all political dialogue. Hamas leader Ali Barakeh said only half a dozen members of Hamas planned the attack on Israel on 10/7 and none of its allies were informed but Hezbollah and Iran would join the battle if “Gaza is subject to a war of annihilation.” (AJ, REU, REU, REU 10/9; AJ, AP, HA 10/10)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, and Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman about the Hamas-Israel war. In a statement, bin Salman’s office said Saudi Arabia “continues to stand with the Palestinian people in their pursuit for their legitimate rights, striving for a dignified life, realizing their hopes and aspirations, and achieving a just and lasting peace.” (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/9)

Israeli military spokesperson Hagari said Israel had regained control in all communities surrounding Gaza but that Palestinian militants still could be in the area. (HA 10/9)

Reuters reported that Qatar was mediating a prisoner exchange that will see Israeli women and children released by Hamas in exchange for the release of 36 Palestinian women and children from Israeli prisons. Egyptian sources also said that Egypt was in close contact with Israel and Hamas to prevent further escalation, calling on Israel to exercise restraint and Hamas to keep the captives in good condition. (HA, REU, REU 10/9; HA, HA 10/10; HA 10/11)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant said that he had ordered that no power, water, food, or gas enters Gaza, saying “[w]e are fighting human animals and we act accordingly.” His office later said Gallant had ordered the intensity of the Gaza bombings to increase. Several Israeli politicians called for the formation of an emergency unity government, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who said the emergency government should “bring about the complete elimination of Hamas and the terrorist organizations in Gaza.” Benny Gantz’s National Unity party demanded that Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir not be part of the war cabinet and that no legislation unrelated to the war would be promoted. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 10/9; AP 10/10)

Axios reported that Israeli prime minister Netanyahu told U.S. president Joe Biden that Israel will invade Gaza. The Washington Post reported that the U.S. is preparing for a prolonged war in Gaza and is assessing Israeli diplomatic, political, and military needs. The White House briefed members of Congress that Israel will need replenishment for the Iron Dome, ammunition rounds, precision-guided missiles, and small-diameter bombs. Biden said in a briefing that 11 U.S. citizens have been killed by Hamas and that there likely are U.S. captives being held in Gaza. The U.S. also said Iran was complicit in the Hamas attack and warned Iran about getting involved in the fighting. Iran denied any involvement or knowledge. (ALM, HA, HA, REU, REU 10/9; HA, REU, REU 10/10)

Egyptian officials said they had warned Israel about an imminent attack from Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office denied having received warnings. (HA 10/9)

President Erdoğan spoke to Israeli president Isaac Herzog, urging him to end indiscriminate attacks on Gaza. (AJ, ALM 10/9)

The UN Security Council convened a meeting on the situation in Gaza without releasing a statement. Secretary-General Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and said 137,000 Palestinians were sheltering in UNRWA facilities. Guterres also said he was deeply distressed by Israel’s decision to prevent all power, food, and gas from entering Gaza. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 10/9; AJ, HA 10/10)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken deleted a tweet on X in which he said he “encouraged Turkey’s advocacy for a cease-fire.” The tweet was replaced by language that supported Israel’s “right to defend itself.” (HA 10/9)

Hungary, Bulgaria, and Poland evacuated hundreds of their own citizens and European and Israeli nationals from Israel. (HA, HA 10/9)

The U.S., Germany, the UK, France, and Italy issued a joint statement of support for Israel, saying the countries are coordinating to “ensure Israel is able to defend itself, and to ultimately set the conditions for a peaceful and integrated Middle East region.” (AP, REU 10/9; HA, HA 10/10)

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov condemned violence against Palestinians and Israelis and criticized the U.S. for its “destructive policy” of undermining the Quartet by monopolizing Israeli-Palestinian dialogue during a press conference with Arab League secretary-general Ahmed Aboul Gheit. (REU, WAFA 10/9)

The EU, Germany, and Austria said they suspended all aid to Palestinians in response to Hamas’ operation in Israel. None of the aid in question is delivered to Hamas. Later EU countries, including Ireland, France, Spain, and Luxembourg, objected to the EU Commission's decision and EU Crisis Management commissioner Janez Lanercic said the EU aid would continue. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, REU 10/9; AJ 10/10)

The Bank of Israel said it will sell $30 billion of foreign currency to maintain the shekel’s stability in light of the war with Hamas. The shekel had lost 10% of its value compared to the dollar in 2023 before the war. (AJ, ALM, HA, REU 10/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 60 olive tree saplings in Salfit. Israeli forces demolished 1 greenhouse in Jayyus and 1 house in Idhna. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work notices for 8 apartments and an animal barn in Qaryut. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in al-Bireh against assassination by Israeli forces of 3 Palestinians by Israeli forces in Nablus on 2/8, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting a settler tour in Jericho, injuring 2 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. In Gaza, Palestinians marched in protest over the assassination by Israeli forces of 3 Palestinians by Israeli forces in Nablus on 2/8; the protesters condemned the killings and criticized the PA for its security cooperation with Israel. Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Abasan; no injuries were reported. 2 Palestinians crossed the Gaza fence and set 1 empty Israeli military vehicle on fire before returning to Gaza; no injuries were reported. In the Naqab desert, Israeli right-wing activists set up 20 mobile structures erecting a new settlement, calling it Ma’aleh Paula near the Bedouin village Beit Kama. Israeli police raided the new settlement, dismantling the structures and briefly detained 15 of the Israelis who refused to leave. The right-wing activists were joined by Itamar Ben-Gvir, Simcha Rothman, and Orit Strock of the Religious Zionism party, and Shlomo Karhi of Likud. Israeli authorities also demolished 3 apartments under construction in Nazareth, leading to a confrontation with local residents; no injuries were reported. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/9; AJ, MEMO, PCHR, WAFA 2/10; INT 2/15; UNOCHA 2/28)

The PLO Central Council agreed to suspend the PLO recognition of Israel until Israel recognizes the state of Palestine along the 1967 borders and halts all settlement activity. The Central Council also voted to suspend security cooperation with Israel. For the decision to be enacted, it will need to be approved by the PLO Executive Committee. (HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 2/9; HA 2/13)

The World Bank released a report on the Palestinian economy, saying that it is held back by lack of access to a digital economy, partly due to Israeli restrictions on high-speed internet. Israel allows the West Bank to have 3G internet speeds and only 2G in Gaza. In Israel, the internet speed is 4G and moving toward 5G. (ALM, HA 2/10)

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

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers and stole olives from the farmers in Dayr Sharaf near Nablus. Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians during a raid near Ramallah; tear-gas related injuries were reported and 1 glass door was damaged by a tear gas canister. Al-Ibrahimi Mosque was closed by Israeli authorities for Palestinians from midday. 18 Palestinians were arrested, including 17 during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Nablus, Jenin, and Bethlehem, and 1 Palestinian was arrested at a checkpoint near Salfit. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 9/29; PCHR 10/3)

A Palestinian man arrested on 9/25 and still in Israeli detention was hospitalized after allegedly being severely beaten during interrogation by the Shin Bet. (HA, WAFA 9/29)

Israeli authorities imposed a closure of all entries in and out of the West Bank and Gaza for Jewish New Year celebrations. The closure will last through 10/1. (WAFA 9/29)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, Rafah, Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, and al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 17 Palestinians are injured. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities order a Palestinian restaurant in the Old City to close for 10 days as punishment for hiring a West Bank resident who did not have permission to enter East Jerusalem. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor amid clashes sparked by a raid in Balata refugee camp near Nablus. They also patrol near Hebron, Salfit, and Tulkarm. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/1; MNA, MNA 3/2; PCHR 3/7)

Texas comptroller of public accounts Glenn Hegar places the U.S.-based home-sharing company Airbnb on Texas’s “List of Companies that Boycott Israel,” triggering a suspension of all state dealings with the company. The move is reportedly an implementation of the law Texas passed in 2017 barring state contracts with companies that boycott Israel. (HA, JTA 3/4)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during raids near Hebron, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Salfit, Nablus, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes his own home in Silwan in order to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis and Rafah, causing no damage. (PCHR 2/7)

The Fatah Central Committee convenes in Ramallah to discuss the prospect of forming a new PA government and the situation in Gaza. They are reportedly working to form a new government comprising representatives of the major PLO factions and several independent figures, but not any representative of Hamas. There are no reports of progress or any major decisions. (MNA, WAFA 2/3)

Approximately 10,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, Rafah, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp; at least 15 Palestinians are injured. Also along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Rafah. Five unidentified assailants raid the Gaza City office of the PA-run Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation and destroy much of the technical equipment on site. The assailants flee before the police arrive on the scene. Later, a PA official says, “We hold the Hamas authorities fully responsible for this crime.” In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during a raid near Ramallah; and patrol near Nablus, Jenin, Hebron, Salfit, and Qalqilya. They also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in al-Mughayyir near Ramallah; 2 Palestinians are injured. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian school in Urif village near Nablus, sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; 1 Palestinians is injured and another is arrested (AFP, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA 1/4; MNA 1/5; PCHR 1/10)

Following a complaint from Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the IDF formally censures Colonel Avi Bluth for failing to pass along the Netanyahu’s order to postpone the evacuation and dismantlement of 2 makeshift residential structures at the site of the former illegal settlement outpost Amona on 1/3. In the context of a disciplinary hearing, IDF Chief of Staff Eisenkot reportedly “made it clear to Colonel Bluth that he had erred in handling the incident and that it would have been expected that he would have conducted himself more professionally.” (HA, JP, TOI, YA 1/4)

In the West Bank, hundreds of armed Israeli settlers visit the Saint Saba Monastery outside Bethlehem overnight, sparking a tense confrontation between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; there are no clashes or injuries reported. Separately, Israeli settlers puncture the tires of several Palestinian vehicles and spray racist graffiti on nearby walls in Yasuf village near Salfit overnight; uproot approximately 100 trees on a Palestinian farm near Hebron; and damage a Palestinian vehicle’s windshield near Nablus. Israeli forces uproot approximately 200 cactus seedlings from a Palestinian farm near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, Tubas, Jenin, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Ramallah. An IDF raid in Dahaysha refugee camp sparks minor clashes; 1 Palestinian is injured. Unidentified assailants throw stones at an Israeli settler family driving near Hebron, lightly injuring a settler infant. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians at a checkpoint at the entrance to Issawiyya and 15 more Palestinians during raids in the neighborhood. They also demolish 2 Palestinian homes in Jabal Mukabir. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian bird-hinter approaching the border fence near Gaza City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, MNA 12/18; MNA, MNA, WAFA 12/19; PCHR 12/20)

UN Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov reports to the UN Security Council (UNSC) that the Israeli authorities approved or advanced approximately 2,200 new housing units in West Bank and East Jerusalem settlements between 9/13 and 12/14, marking a record low since the UNSC established its current monitoring system with Resolution 2334 of 12/2016. (HA, TOI, YA 12/19)

The Wall Street Journal reports that the secret U.S.-backed effort to build a relationship between Israel and Saudi Arabia has ground to a halt recently following the Saudi government’s removal of 2 top officials involved in the killing of a dissident journalist in Istanbul on 10/2. The killing and the ensuing international outcry have reportedly restricted Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman’s “room to maneuver” and “dampened [his] appetite for risky foreign policy endeavors.” Israeli prime minister Netanyahu said as recently as last week that the killing of the journalist was “horrific,” but that it did not overshadow the value of a strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia. (HA, TOI, WSJ 12/18)

In the West Bank, IDF troops open fire at a Palestinian vehicle driving outside Silwad village near Ramallah, injuring the driver. They also shoot and critically injure a Palestinian minor during clashes sparked by an alleged stone-throwing attack outside Qalqilya. IDF raids in al-Khadir near Bethlehem and Jalazun refugee camp near Ramallah spark additional clashes; 1 Palestinian is injured and 7 are arrested. IDF troops arrest 11 more Palestinians during further raids near Salfit, Ramallah, Hebron, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles driving between Nablus and Ramallah, between Nablus and Tulkarm, and outside Hebron, causing minor damage to several. Three settler families set up makeshift homes on Palestinian-owned land outside the Kiryat Arba settlement in protest of the recent Palestinian attacks on their fellow settlers. Unidentified assailants throw stones at Israeli settlers driving near Nablus, moderately injuring 1 settler. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Meanwhile, an Israeli settler assaults a Palestinian near the Old City. Israeli forces then arrest the Palestinian victim of the assault and a 2d Palestinian during raids in Silwan. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Jabal Mukabir to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/16; MNA, MNA 12/17; HA 12/18; PCHR 12/20)

Following a week of escalated tensions and violence across the West Bank, Israel’s Education Minister Naftali Bennett leads a rally outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office in Jerusalem calling for a stronger crackdown on the occupied Palestinian territories. Bennett accuses the “security establishment” of choosing “the rights of Palestinians over the security of Israelis.” The crowd chants slogans calling for Netanyahu to resign. Meanwhile, the Israeli cabinet unanimously votes to back a piece of legislation, dubbed the “Young Settlement Bill,” which would direct the government to administer 66 illegal settlement outposts as it would legal settlements for a period of 2 years. During that time, the government would be directed to figure out a way to retroactively authorize the 66 outposts. (TOI 12/16; FMEP 12/21)

The IDF announces that it has discovered a fourth Hezbollah-built tunnel leading from southern Lebanon into northern Israel in the context of Operation Northern Shield. (HA, TOI, WP 12/16; TOI 12/18)

An elderly Palestinian woman dies of complications related to a heart attack at Haram al-Sharif (Israeli forces reportedly prevented an ambulance from reaching her in time to administer the proper treatment). In the West Bank, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of a Palestinian home in al-Amari refugee camp near Ramallah, sparking clashes with residents of the area; at least 56 Palestinian are injured. The home belonged to the Palestinian responsible for fatally injuring an Israeli soldier during clashes in the camp on 5/24. IDF troops shoot, injure, and arrest a Palestinian minor who was allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at Israeli settler vehicles outside Ramallah earlier in the day. They also arrest 13 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Salfit. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Nablus; 1 Palestinian is injured and there are no reports of serious damage. In 4 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City and Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 fishermen is injured and 3 are arrested. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA 12/15; EI 12/18; PCHR 12/20)

Australian prime minister Scott Morrison announces that the Australian government has decided to recognize West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. He also says that Australia will not move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem until a final peace agreement is reached. Morrison’s announcement draws criticism from Israelis and Palestinians alike. PLO secretary general Saeb Erakat calls on Arab and Muslim countries to sever all ties with Australia. Numerous senior Israeli officials criticize Morrison for recognizing only West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. (AJ, AP, CNN, HA, TOI 12/15)

Along Gaza’s northern border, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian fisherman working from the shore near Bayt Lahiya. The incident comes hours after the Israeli authorities informed their Palestinian counterparts in Gaza that fishermen were allowed to return to the sea today. As ordered by Israeli defense minister Lieberman on 10/31, the fishing zone is limited to 6 nautical miles from Gaza’s northern shore and 9 nautical miles from its southern shore. (EI, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/14; PCHR 11/15)

Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot, injure, and arrest a Palestinian approaching the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp The IDF claims he was throwing grenades at Israeli posts. Dozens of right-wing Israeli activists stand in the road leading to the Kerem Shalom border crossing for several hours, blocking the entry of goods and fuel into Gaza in protest of the recent rocket fire. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian outside a police station in Jabal Mukabir after he allegedly stabs and lightly injures 4 Israeli police officers (the Palestinian will succumb to his injuries on 11/20). The Israeli police deploy in force in the neighborhood after the incident, conducting arrest raids and blocking off several roads. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers torch a Palestinian-owned vehicle and spray racist graffiti on nearby walls in Urif village near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Tubas and near Hebron; shoot and injure a Palestinian during clashes sparked by further raids near Nablus; and patrol near Hebron and Salfit. (HA, HA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/14; HA, MNA, PCHR 11/15; PCHR 11/22)

In response to the Israeli security cabinet’s 11/13 decision to agree to a cease-fire with the armed Palestinian groups in Gaza, Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman announces his resignation and calls for snap elections. Lieberman takes specific issue with both the cease-fire and the decision to allow Qatari money into Gaza to pay the civil servants of the Hamas-run government. “There is no other definition, no other significance, but a capitulation to terror,” he says. “What we are doing now as a country is buying short-term quiet at the cost of our long-term security.” Without Lieberman’s Yisrael Beytenu in the ruling coalition, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc still holds a majority of the seats in the Knesset (61–59). (BBC, HA, HA, IHY, TOI, TOI, TOI, YA 11/14; HA 11/15)

Israel Television News Company publishes a poll showing that 74% of the Israeli public is dissatisfied with Israeli prime minister Netanyahu’s handling of the recent conflict with Hamas. The poll was reportedly taken in the hours after Defense Minister Lieberman resigned earlier today. The results also show that Netanyahu’s Likud party would only win 29 seats in the Knesset if elections were held today, marking the weakest Likud has polled since 3/2018. Meanwhile, dozens of right-wing Israelis gather in Sderot for a 2d day in a row to protest Netanyahu’s handling of the recent escalation of violence. (HA, JP, TOI 11/14)

The Israeli bombardment of Gaza continues for a 3d day in a row, with air strikes and artillery fire reported across the region. Two Palestinians are killed by Israeli drone strikes near Gaza City and Bayt Lahiya, at least 20 more are injured in other strikes throughout the day, and at least 1 residential building in Gaza City is destroyed. The Israeli authorities also shut down the Erez border crossing and bar Palestinian fishermen from the sea. With the violence ongoing in Gaza, Egyptian, UN, and Norwegian mediators work to de-escalate the situation. In the early afternoon, the main Palestinian factions in Gaza reportedly agree to a cease-fire brokered by those international mediators. It’s unclear if Israel is party to the agreement or what the terms are. Shortly after the first reports of a cease-fire, Israel’s security cabinet concludes a 7-hour meeting about the situation in Gaza and decides to resume the air strikes in Gaza “as necessary.”

The Israeli Air Force then strikes several sites across Gaza, killing 1 Palestinian near Jabaliya refugee camp and injuring 3 near Khan Yunis. Hours later, the security cabinet reportedly agrees to a cease-fire along the lines of the agreement that ended Israel’s assault on Gaza in the summer of 2014, and an uneasy calm returns to Gaza in the evening. “The situation remains very precarious and can blow up again,” says a foreign source involved in the talks. “Israel reserves its freedom to operate,” says a senior Israeli official who also confirms that the cabinet agreed to the cease-fire. The Palestinian factions, including Hamas, later release a joint statement indicating their commitment to the cease-fire “as long as Israel doesn’t break it.” Meanwhile, hundreds of right-wing Israelis gather in Sderot to protest the cease-fire. They chant, “Bibi go home,” and clash with the police.  (EI, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, NYT, HA, HA, HA, JP, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA, YA 11/13; PCHR 11/15)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained in an Israeli air strike in Rafah on 11/13, bringing the Palestinian death toll from this latest Israeli assault to 14. (WAFA 11/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles driving between Jenin and Nablus, causing minor damage to several. A separate group of settlers torches a Palestinian vehicle late at night outside Urif village near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during raids near Hebron and Tulkarm; and patrol in and around Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Salfit. (WAFA 11/13; PCHR 11/15)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops detect and dismantle an explosive device lashed to a balloon in an open area near the border fence. Separately, 2 Palestinians cut through the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp, throw an incendiary device at an IDF post, and return to Gaza. The attack causes no reported damage. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a water pipeline in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is lightly injured. IDF troops conduct raids in al-Walaja near Bethlehem, sparking minor clashes; there are no reported injuries. They arrest 12 Palestinians during further raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Nablus, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers harass Palestinian farmers working near Nablus; there are no reported injuries. A settler assaults a Palestinian in Hebron’s Old City, breaking he man’s jaw. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-Ram, sparking clashes; there are no reported injuries. They arrest 1 more Palestinian during a raid in Silwan. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/13; MNA 10/14; PCHR 10/18) 

Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman says that he will not allow any more Qatari-funded fuel transfers to Gaza until all violence along Gaza’s border is “entirely” over. “As long as the violent protests continue on the Gaza border, including the launching of incendiary balloons and kites and the burning of tires near Israeli towns, the fuel and gas for the Gaza Strip will not be renewed.” Lieberman ordered the transfers to stop on 10/12. Meanwhile, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh says that the protests and other resistance activities along Gaza’s border will continue until the “siege on Jerusalem, [Haram al-Sharif] and all the lands of Palestine is lifted.” (TOI 10/13)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. They set fire to tires, throw improvised explosive devices, and chant slogans. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 3 Palestinians are killed and at least 126 are injured (3 critically). This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 170. Meanwhile, Israeli artillery also shell a Hamas post near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, an IDF patrol in al-Mazra‘a near Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 7 Palestinians are injured. They also patrol near Hebron and Nablus; arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids in Jenin; and violently disperse Palestinians at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya and Luban al-Sharqiyya near Nablus (7 Palestinians are injured). Israeli settlers harass Palestinians picking olives near Nablus, sparking minor confrontations between the harvesters and their own IDF escort; there are no reported arrests or injuries. Israeli settlers also assault and attempt to block Palestinian farmers from accessing their lands in 2 separate incidents near Salfit and 1 near Qalqilya. IDF troops intervene in each ensuing confrontation; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Hizma village, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; 1 Palestinian is injured. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/5; MNA 10/6; PCHR 10/11)

In a statement, UNRWA expresses “concern” about Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat’s 10/4 announcement that he plans to remove the agency from East Jerusalem. “UNRWA has continuously maintained its operations in East Jerusalem since 1967 with the cooperation and on the basis of a formal agreement with the State of Israel, which remains in force,” UNRWA’s statement reads. It’s still unclear when or how Barkat intends to implement his plan. (REU, YA 10/5)

A Palestinian minor allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli soldier at the Beit Horon checkpoint near Ramallah, causing no injuries. The minor flees the scene before the soldiers can arrest him. Elsewhere in the West Bank, an Israeli settler driver rams a flock of Palestinian-owned sheep near Hebron, killing several. IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during a raid near Salfit; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Jerusalem. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Gaza City. Late at night, Israeli aircraft conduct an air strike on a medical facility in southern Gaza, causing moderate damage. In southern Israel, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home near Beersheba. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, YA 10/4; MNA 10/5)

Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat announces plans to remove UNRWA from East Jerusalem, accusing the agency of operating illegally and inciting violence against Israelis. He says that all the schools, clinics, athletic facilities, and other services that UNRWA currently operates in the city will continue operations under Israeli control. Barkat does not say when he intends to implement this plan. UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem currently serve approximately 1,800 students. (AP, YA 10/4; TOI 10/5; AP, HA 10/6)

Hamas sources say that the PA blocked the transfer of 3 truckloads of Qatari-funded diesel fuel to Gaza this morning. Later, sources in Ramallah tell the Israeli press that the PA made threats to an Israeli gas company and to UN employees in an effort to obstruct the transfer. Earlier in the day, the Israeli press reports that Qatar has agreed to purchase $60 m. worth of fuel for Gaza’s sole power plant in an effort to increase the electricity supply in Gaza. Talks on such an arrangement have reportedly been ongoing for the past month under the auspices of UN Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov. (HA, MNA, TOI 10/4)

Along Gaza’s border, unidentified Palestinians fly incendiary kites and balloons into southern Israel, sparking 2 small fires. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers bulldoze an area of Palestinian farmland near Ramallah, sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; there are no reported injuries. Settlers also cut down 74 olive trees in a Palestinian grove near Ramallah and throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Nablus (4 Palestinians are injured). IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, and Jenin; and patrol in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp and the Old City. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/19; PCHR 8/30)

            The Israeli authorities close down the Erez border crossing, with an exception for emergency medical cases, in response to the ongoing Great March of Return. A senior Israeli official says that the closure is meant as a warning to Hamas to quell the ongoing demonstrations. (HA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA 8/19)

Along Gaza’s border fence, unidentified Palestinians fly an incendiary balloon into southern Israel, causing minor damage on the grounds of an elementary school. The IAF then conducts retaliatory air strikes on a site near Jabaliya refugee camp allegedly used as a staging area for such attacks; 2 Palestinians are injured. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces uproot more than 100 olive trees in a Palestinian grove near Salfit. IDF troops arrest 24 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Tulkarm, Jenin, Nablus, Hebron, and Salfit; and patrol near Qalqilya and Salfit throughout the day. Israeli settlers throw stones and set small fires on Palestinian land near Nablus, destroying 8 olive trees and sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and residents of the area; there are no injuries. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/17; MNA 7/18; PCHR 7/19)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when Israeli snipers opened fire on protesters along Gaza’s border fence on 5/14, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 133. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/17; PCHR 7/19)

Along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli firefighters put out 2 fires allegedly sparked by incendiary kite or balloon attacks emanating from Gaza. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis and later near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian and international activists gathering in Bani Na‘im near Hebron to protest recent Israeli takeovers of land in the area; there are no serious injuries. They arrest 2 Palestinians and 6 international activists at a similar demonstration in Hebron, arrest 1 Palestinian during raids near Salfit and Hebron, and patrol near Qalqilya and Nablus. Israeli settlers cut down approximately 250 grapevines in Palestinian farmland outside al-Khadir village near Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and arrest 2 Palestinians during a raid in the Old City, and arrest 6 more Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan. (TOI, WAFA 7/7; MNA 7/8; PCHR 7/12)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Khan Yunis, Rafah, al-Bureij refugee camp, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Gaza City. One Palestinian is killed and at least 141 are injured, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 130. On the other side of the border fence, approximately 4,000 Israelis gather to call for the return of the remains of the 2 IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians allegedly being held in Gaza. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to dozens of olive and almond trees outside ‘Urif village near Nablus while their IDF escort performs raids in Palestinian homes on the outskirts of the village, sparking clashes with residents; 1 Palestinian is injured. Settlers also start fires in 3 locations outside nearby Burin village, causing moderate damage. The settlers later accuse Palestinians of starting the fires. IDF troops patrol near Salfit and Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Islamic Waqf staff perform repair work on an area of Haram al-Sharif that Israeli police reportedly damaged recently. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/6; MNA, WAFA 7/7; PCHR 7/12)

After Israel’s High Court of Justice froze the demolition orders for Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin village near Jerusalem, on 7/5, hundreds of Palestinians perform Friday prayers in the village in solidarity with the residents. (WAFA 7/6)

Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian in the Old City of East Jerusalem after he stabs and kills an Israeli civilian. IDF troops then raid the alleged attacker’s home in the Nablus-area village of Aqraba, interrogate his relatives, and take measurements ahead of a possible punitive demolition. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during latenight raids in Issawiyya and Hizma. Israeli settlers vandalize Palestinian vehicles and spray price-tag graffiti on nearby walls in Hizma as well. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jenin; and patrol near Salfit and Tulkarm. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya on 2 separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, WAFA 3/18; HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/19; PCHR 3/22)

Israeli PM Netanyahu announces that the IDF demolished 2 underground tunnels in Gaza overnight. One of the tunnels was old and being refurbished; the other had not yet entered Israel. “Our policy is to act with determination against every attempt to harm us, and to systematically destroy the terror tunnel infrastructure, and so shall we continue,” he says, adding that “it is time for the international community to recognize that the financial aid going to Gaza is buried underground.” Hamas responds by dismissing 1 of the tunnels as “old” and “unused.” (HA, JP, TOI 3/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces block Palestinian farmers from working their lands near Qalqilya, and raze a swath of Palestinian farmland near Tubas. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol near Jenin, Qalqilya, Hebron, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Salfit. Israeli settlers park 3 mobile homes and a water tank on Palestinian land near Hebron; the Israeli authorities claim that the Israeli government owns the land. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 3/5; MNA, WAFA 3/6; PCHR 3/8)

U.S. president Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu meet at the White House and discuss Iran, Jerusalem, and the Palestinians. At a joint press conference, Trump says that he might visit Israel for the inauguration of the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem in 5/2018. Netanyahu downplays Palestinians’ concerns to focus on Iran. “Iran, Iran, and Iran was the main topic of the meeting,” he says. “I told him what I thought: that the nuclear agreement with Iran must be either totally fixed or totally canceled, and there were detailed discussions on this issue.” (HA, JP, MEMO, NYT, YA 3/5; TOI 3/12)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in al-Am‘ari refugee camp near Ramallah overnight, sparking clashes; 2 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). They arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in and around Ramallah, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron, Qalqilya, and Salfit. The Israeli authorities confiscate 24 dunams (approximately 6 acres) of Palestinian-owned land near Nablus, with the intention of building a new road for Israeli settlers in the area. In East Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher reopens, following Israeli PM Netanyahu’s 2/27 decision to freeze the tax programs that motivated church leaders’ protests. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid near Issawiyya. (HA, MNA, WAFA 2/28; PCHR 3/8)

Unidentified individuals fire a rocket from Gaza toward Israel. It lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Late at night, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducts air strikes on 10 Hamas sites across Gaza, including a tunnel leading into Israeli territory. Earlier in the day, senior Hamas official Mahmoud al-Zahar says that Hamas does not want “to expend its energy on this escalation,” and that efforts are underway to “avert a new war.” (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 2/19; PCHR 2/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers traveling to the Kiryat Arba settlement outside Hebron assault and injure their Palestinian bus driver when he attempts to explain to them that inclement weather is preventing him from driving any faster. IDF troops arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, Qalqilya, and Salfit; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolishes their own home in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan and al-Ram. (WAFA 2/18; YA 2/19; PCHR 2/22)

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against U.S. president Donald Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, as well as Israel’s settlements, the separation wall, and occupation in 2 villages near Ramallah (al-Mazra‘a and Nabi Salih), al-Bireh, Jericho, Salfit, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, 2 villages near Nablus (Beita and Huwwara), and along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, and al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 41 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct a raid in Nablus overnight, sparking clashes with stonethrowing residents; 7 Palestinians are injured. They also assault and lightly injure 5 Palestinian minors in central Hebron. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to 3 homes under construction near Bethlehem, issue arrest summons to 1 Palestinian during a raid near Hebron; and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 2/16; WAFA 2/17; PCHR 2/22)

Israeli forces return the corpses of Palestinians killed in deadly confrontations with the IDF on 9/26/2017 and 2/7 to their families in Bayt Surik near Jerusalem and Halhul near Hebron, respectively. (JP, MNA, TOI 2/17)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian youths gathering along Gaza’s border near al-Bureij refugee camp to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital; 1 Palestinian is killed and 3 are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shut down a checkpoint between Tell village and Iraq Burin village near Nablus in the context of the ongoing search for the perpetrators of the 1/9 deadly shooting. The shutdown sparks protests and later clashes between the Israeli troops and Palestinians in the area; 1 Palestinian is killed and 4 are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian protesters gathering outside Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinians and confiscate NIS 17,400 (approximately $5,100) during late-night raids near Nablus and Tulkarm, and patrol near Tulkarm, Salfit, and Hebron. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 1/11; PCHR 1/18)

Israeli PM Netanyahu instructs the Defense Ministry to connect the illegal settlement outpost Havat Gilad to the West Bank’s electricity grid. The move comes 2 days after the killing of an Israeli settler who lived in Havat Gilad. (JP, TOI 1/11)

Unidentified parties fire a rocket from Gaza toward Israel. It lands in an open area short of the border, causing no damage or injuries. An IDF tank shells and destroys a Hamas observation post east of al-Maghazi refugee camp. Israeli artillery also target a site east of Gaza City, causing a fire to break out; there is no major damage or injuries. Separately, IDF troops stationed along the border fence arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross from Gaza into Israel near Rafah, and open fire on Palestinian lands near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no damage. In East Jerusalem, approximately 524 Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning, commemorating the Jewish holiday Sukkot. Some of the settlers reportedly pray at the sanctuary. In the West Bank, the Israeli authorities shut down al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron to Muslim worshippers to make way for Sukkot-related activities at the site. IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Jerusalem, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Nablus, Salfit, and Jenin, and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. In Israel, approximately 30,000 Palestinians and Israelis gather in Jerusalem to call for a resumption of IsraeliPalestinian peace talks. The Israeli NGO Women Wage Peace organized the demonstration. Hamas denounces the PLO for supporting the rally, accusing it of “normalizing” relations with Israel. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/8; MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/9; PCHR 10/12)

Dozens of Muslim worshippers gather in the streets outside Haram al-Sharif for predawn prayers and to protest the new Israeli security measures at the sanctuary. They refuse to pass through the new metal detectors installed on 7/16, honoring the Islamic Waqf’s 7/16 call for a boycott. Later, Israeli forces violently disperse Muslims gathering outside the sanctuary for evening prayers, lightly injuring at least 15, including Palestinian National Initiative chair Mustafa Barghouti. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in al-Za’ayem. They also conduct a raid in Silwan, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. Late at night, Israeli forces raid al-Makassed Islamic Charitable Society Hospital, attempting to arrest the Palestinian injured in Silwan earlier in the day. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Tubas, Hebron, Nablus, and Salfit; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/17; MNA, WAFA, YA 7/18; PCHR 7/20)

The Israeli authorities seize 70 dunams (approx. 17 acres) of Palestinian land nr. Bethlehem for “military purposes,” according to a local anti-settlement activist. (WAFA 7/17; MNA 7/18)

Israel’s Knesset passes the 1st reading of a bill that would add the Ministry of Strategic Affairs, which oversees efforts to counter the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, on the list of bodies exempt from Israel’s Freedom of Information Law that permits citizens to obtain information from the govt. Should the bill pass, the ministry’s ability to keep its anti-BDS activities and methods secret from the public would be ensured. (KNE, MNA 7/18; MDW 7/19)