The Palestine Chronology

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 forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured 7 others during a raid in Nablus; 6 were arrested. An Israeli soldier was filmed assaulting the Palestinian human rights activist Issa Amro in Hebron. A video of the incident was circulated by New Yorker journalist Lawrence Wright, who was given a tour of Hebron by Amro at the time of the assault. The Israeli soldier was later sentenced to 10 days in military jail, despite receiving support from Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwad, al-Mazra‘a al-Gharibiya, Jaba’, Dura, Ein as-Sultan, and Dheisheh refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian 13-year-old allegedly stabbed and killed 1 Israeli soldier at a checkpoint in Shu’fat refugee camp before being shot and injured by a settler. 1 Israeli minor was also stabbed and injured in the Old City; Israeli police later arrested a 14-year-old Palestinian who was said to be a suspect. Israeli authorities demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in Jabel Mukaber; 25 Palestinians were injured by baton rounds and 5 by tear gas while protesting the demolition. 4 Palestinians were arrested in Silwan and Jabel Mukaber. In Gaza, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes in Beit Hanun and Khan Yunis, causing damage. (AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/13; AJ, BBC, HA, MEE 2/14; AN, PCHR, TOI 2/16; UNOCHA 2/21)

National Security Minister Ben-Gvir ordered the Israeli police commissioner Kobi Shabtai to increase the frequency of Palestinian home demolitions in East Jerusalem. (HA 2/14)

Israelis protested throughout Israel against the first committee reading in the Knesset of the bill that seeks to weaken the judicial branch of the Israeli government. (ALM, AP, HA, HA, HA, IN, MEE, REU 2/13)

EU high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borell met with Saudi foreign minister prince Faisal bin Farhan and Arab League secretary-general Ahmed Aboul Gheit in Brussels to discuss the Middle East peace process. (WAFA 2/14)

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

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

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

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

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

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s north coast to continue the Great March of Return and to cheer on approximately 30 Palestinian boats sailing in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade. IDF troops and Israeli naval forces violently disperse the demonstrations; at least 30 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion across Gaza’s border fence to level land near Dayr al-Balah and open fire on a Palestinian bird-hunter approaching the border fence near Bayt Hanun. In East Jerusalem, Israeli MK Yehuda Glick leads a group of 40 right-wing Jewish activists on a tour of Haram al-Sharif. A Palestinian demolishes his storehouse, parking area, and staircase in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes and a sheep barn in Fasayil village near Jericho. IDF troops shut down the main street in Bayt Umar while they conduct raids in the village, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no reported injuries. They also arrest 20 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, Tubas, Hebron, Nablus; and patrol in and around Nablus, Jenin, and Hebron. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/3; MNA 12/4; PCHR 12/6)

The IDF launches a major military operation, dubbed Operation Northern Shield, aimed at exposing and demolishing tunnels stretching from southern Lebanon into northern Israel. Hezbollah has reportedly built a network of such tunnels since 2006. Kicking off the operation, Israeli forces uncover a tunnel stretching 40 meters into Israel and booby-trap it to prevent anyone from entering from the Lebanese side. (HA, JP, JP, TOI, YA 12/4)

Hours before the launch of Operation Northern Shield, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo in Brussels to discuss recent developments in the Middle East, including Iran’s nuclear program. Netanyahu reportedly tells Pompeo about Operation Northern Shield and asks him to tell the Lebanese government that they need to stop Hezbollah from acquiring precision-guided missiles. (HA, JP, TOI, TOI 12/3)

Hundreds of right-wing Jewish activists visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents of the area; 20 Palestinians are lightly injured and 1 is arrested. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops injure 4 Palestinians during clashes sparked by an arrest raid in ‘Askar refugee camp near Nablus; arrest 6 Palestinians during additional raids near Hebron, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Jenin; and patrol near Nablus and Tulkarm. Israeli forces demolish the outer wall of a Palestinian cemetery and the foundation of a planned multi-purpose center near Jenin. Israeli settlers enter the grounds of Palestinian high school in Urif village near Nablus, throwing rocks and sparking minor confrontations with the students; there are no reported injuries or arrests. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a 4-story Palestinian residential building in Shu‘fat refugee camp They also demolish a memorial to a Palestinian killed by Israeli forces on 7/21/17 in Abu Dis, sparking clashes with residents of the neighborhood; there are no injuries reported. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/7; HA, PCHR  11/8; PCHR 11/15)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when Israeli soldiers opened fire on Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border on 10/26. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 187. (PCHR 11/8)

Off Gaza’s southern coast, Egyptian naval forces shoot and kill a Palestinian fisherman. It’s unclear why they opened fire. (WAFA 11/7; MNA, TOI 11/8)

The organizing committee behind the Great March of Return announces that the protests will resume on 11/9 as planned, but that the demonstrations will be quieter and protesters again will stay away from the border fence, as they largely did during the protests on 11/2. Meanwhile, The Hamas-run Finance Ministry in Gaza pays partial salaries to civil servants across the region. The payment is reportedly made in connection with developments in the ongoing Egyptian effort to broker a de-escalation of violence. (HA 11/8)

After meeting with PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki in Brussels, Belgian foreign minister Didier Reynders tweets that Belgium is upgrading the status of the Palestinian mission in Brussels, a significant step toward recognition of the State of Palestine. The specific nature of the upgrade is unclear. Reynders and al-Maliki also sign a joint declaration affirming their intention to further develop bilateral relations in a variety of ways. (WAFA 11/7; JP, MEMO, MNA 11/8)

In East Jerusalem, around 60 Jewish settlers tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian and confiscate a number of computers during a raid nr. Shu‘fat r.c. In the West Bank, IDF troops raid Nur Shams r.c. nr. Tulkarm late at night, arresting 1 Palestinian and sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths (3 are injured, 1 seriously). They arrest 7 more Palestinians during raids nr. Bethlehem and Nablus. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis on 2 occasions, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 6/20; MNA, WAFA 6/21; PCHR 6/23)

The EU Foreign Affairs Council endorses the French peace initiative at its monthly meeting in Brussels. The Council also requests the EU’s External Action Service to devise a set of economic and security incentives to cajole the Israelis and Palestinians into an agreement. (HA, MNA, TOI 6/20; AP, HA, WAFA, YA 6/21)

In n. Gaza, a mbr. of Hamas’s armed wing, Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades (IQB), dies in a tunnel collapse nr. Bayt Lahiya. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in and around Hebron, al-‘Arub r.c., 2 villages nr. Jenin, 1 nr. Bethlehem, and al-Fara‘a r. c. near Tubas, arresting 15 Palestinians and issuing an arrest summons to 1. Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian agricultural lands nr. Hebron, destroying 250 olive trees. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority security forces (PASF) conduct raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Tubas, arresting 4 Palestinians affiliated with Hamas and issuing arrest summons to 3 others. In East Jerusalem, an Israeli police officer assaults a Palestinian tour guide after an argument at Haram al-Sharif. Late at night, Israeli forces demolish 3 Palestinian-owned stores and a home under construction in Silwan. (MNA 5/18; JP 5/19; PCHR 5/21)

The Israeli PM’s office confirms that Dep. PM Silvan Shalom has been appointed to oversee any resumption of negotiations with the Palestinians. Former justice min. Tzipi Livni (Zionist Union) filled this role in the previous govt. (AFP, HA, JP, TOI 5/18; AFP 5/19)

PA pres. Mahmoud Abbas’s spokesperson calls PM Netanyahu’s 5/17 remarks about Jerusalem a clear violation of UN res. and states that there will be no peace in the Middle East unless the Palestinians have a capital in East Jerusalem. (HA, TOI 5/18)

After a meeting of the European Union (EU) FMs in Brussels, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini says that the EU is “ready and willing” to play a major role in a new round of peace negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians. Mogherini will be traveling to the region to meet with Netanyahu and Abbas on 5/20–21. (JP, REU 5/18; TOI 5/19; HA 6/7)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts a house search and raid in Jericho, arresting 2 Palestinians; patrols in Nablus, al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Jenin. Israeli settlers park a group of mobile homes on Palestinian land nr. Nablus, establishing a new settlement outpost. Elsewhere, Palestinians in a village nr. Ramallah say that the Israeli authorities have informed them that they are planning on opening a major road e. of the city, having kept it closed since 2001 (Israeli forces will open the road on 5/25). Israeli authorities also inform farmers nr. Salfit that they plan to demolish 20 olive trees in the area. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces and settlers surround and attempt to evacuate a Palestinian-rented home in the Old City, but the tenants’ lawyer secures a stay on a 3/15 eviction order until 5/2015; small clashes break out. Separately, Israeli forces conduct house searches and raids in Issawiyya and Ras al-Amud, arresting 7 Palestinians. (HA, MNA, WAFA 3/16; PCHR 3/19; EI 3/25)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that if he is chosen to serve a 3d consecutive term as PM, there will be no Palestinian state, responding to the confusion on 3/8 when his office refuted a Likud Party statement that said he was disavowing his 2009 Bar Ilan speech, in which he 1st came out in favor of the 2-state solution. (AFP, HA, MNA, TOI, YA 3/16)

Palestinian amb. to Iraq Ahmad Aqil says that the Iraqi Higher Judicial Council has issued a res. applying equal status as Iraqi citizens to Palestinian refugees in Iraq—except for full Iraqi nationality. While it is consistent with existing law protecting the rights of Palestinian refugees that passed under Saddam Hussein, those laws were not thoroughly enforced after his overthrow and around 22,000 Palestinians left Iraq. (MNA 3/16)

Iranian FM Zarif and U.S. Secy. of State Kerry, along with other reps. of Iran and the U.S., meet in Lausanne, Switzerland, for a week of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. Zarif travels to Brussels to meet with envoys from several EU mbr. states as well as EU foreign policy chief Mogherini. (AFP, JP, TOI 3/16)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval forces twice open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage and detaining 4 Palestinian fishermen. In the West Bank, 100s of Palestinians organized by Fatah gather in various locations to call for boycotts of Israeli products, an end to the Israeli occupation, and for the Israeli govt. to unfreeze transfers of tax revenues held since 1/2. Dozens of Israeli settlers, accompanied by IDF troops perform religious rites in a Palestinian village nr. Nablus, leading to clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians in nearby Balata r.c. and ‘Askar r.c.; 1 Palestinian is moderately injured by live ammunition. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Qalqilya; patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. and Nur Shams r.c., as well as nr. Hebron, Tulkarm, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, an undercover Israeli policeman arrests a 10-year-old Palestinian in Shu‘fat suspected of throwing stones at the light rail, sparking clashes in the area during which 1 Israeli officer is lightly injured. Meanwhile, Israeli municipal officials deliver a demolition notice to a Palestinian in Sur al-Bahir. Israeli police detain 3 Palestinian women as they exit Haram alSharif. (MNA 1/24; WAFA 1/25; HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 1/26; MNA, WAFA 1/27; PCHR 1/29) 

Reps. of the Middle East Quartet (the U.S., EU, UN, and Russia) meet in Brussels to discuss methods of revitalizing the peace negotiations in the wake of the 12/30 UNSC vote rejecting a timetable for the Israeli occupation. (REU 1/27)

The IDF announces that it has dismissed 43 veterans and active reservists of Unit 8200, an intelligence gathering division, in response to their refusal of service, which they announced in a letter published by the Guardian and Yedioth Ahronoth on 9/12. (+972, HA, YA 1/26)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops on the e. border fence twice open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands, causing no injuries. Late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the coast nr. alSudaniyya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, PA security forces enter the H2 area of c. Hebron and arrest 2 Palestinians. IDF troops deliver demolition orders to several homes, tents, and other residential structures in 2 bedouin communities s. of Hebron. The IDF conducts house searches in Jalazun r.c., as well as nr. Hebron and Bethlehem; patrols nr. Salfit, Hebron, Tulkarm, Jenin, and in al-‘Arub r.c. An IDF raid in ‘Askar r.c. nr. Nablus sparks clashes with stone-throwing residents; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces enter Shu‘fat r.c. and clashes break out with residents, causing no injuries; conduct house searches in Ras al-Amud and Jabal Mukabir. An unknown assailant throws a firebomb at a bus nr. the Old City, causing some damage. (IMEMC, JP, MNA 12/2; MNA 12/3; PCHR 12/4)

Israeli PM Netanyahu fires Fin. Min. Lapid and Justice Minister Livni from his cabinet. Netanyahu criticizes the 2 ministers for disloyalty, citing their opposition to his “nation-state” bill, and tells the press that he will soon call for the 19th Knesset to be dissolved. Meanwhile, reps. of the 4 nonZionist parties in the Knesset, Balad, Hadash, Ra’am, and Ta’al, meet to discuss running as a joint list in the upcoming elections. (AFP, FP, HA, JP 12/2; AFP, REU, YA 12/3)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry holds talks with European FMs at a NATO meeting in Brussels. They discuss France’s draft UNSC res., which sets a timetable on IsraeliPalestinian peace negotiations. (AFP, REU 12/2; AFP, HA 12/3)

The UNGA passes a res. introduced by Egypt, which calls on Israel to give up its nuclear weapons and put its nuclear facilities under international oversight. (YA 12/2; EI 12/4)

The French parliament passes a symbolic res. that facilitates recognition of Palestinian statehood. The res. “invites the French govt. to use the recognition of the State of Palestine as an instrument to gain a definitive res. of the conflict,” and sets a 2-year deadline for the creation of an independent Palestinian state. (AFP, IMEMC, MEMO, REU, RT 12/2; WAFA 12/3)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin and Qalqilya; patrols in Tulkarm in the morning, and in Jericho and 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers attack a Palestinian family home in Burin village nr. Nablus, causing no serious damage or injuries. (MNA 10/23; PCHR 10/24)

Palestinian pres. Abbas meets with European Council pres. Herman van Rompuy in Brussels and demands that European companies end all business with settlements. Meanwhile, speaking to a German newspaper, Abbas says that the lack of progress in negotiations is in part due to Netanyahu’s insistence on starting from scratch. Meanwhile, Arab League spokesperson Nasif Hata emerges from a meeting in Paris with U.S. Secy. of State Kerry to say that the body is not optimistic about the renewed peace talks. (AFP, AP, JP 10/23)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry holds extensive talks with Israeli PM Netanyahu in Rome, with discussions focusing on the peace process, Iran, and Syria. Kerry is particularly keen to seek answers from Netanyahu on Israel’s positions vis-à -vis a final settlement with the Palestinians, during 7 hours of talks. Since negotiations began on 7/29, 13 Israeli-Palestinian meetings have taken place, 3 of them in the previous 5 days. (HA, REU 10/23)

In Lebanon, 3 days of fighting in Tripoli between supporters and opponents of Syrian pres. Asad have killed 2 and wounded 33. (AFP 10/23)

The day before U.S. Pres. Obama arrives in Israel, the IDF and Israeli police raze 6 structures in 2 unauthorized Jewish settler outposts in the West Bank (Oz Zion and Ramat Migron). In retaliation, Jewish settlers vandalize 18 Palestinian cars and a bus in Nablus. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin at night. (MNA, YA 3/19; PCHR 3/21)

Palestinian PM Salam Fayyad and EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton sign a deal in Brussels for the EU to provide $9 million of new funding for Palestinian development, aimed at supporting the Palestinian presence in West Bank Area C (under full Israeli civilian and security control). Fayyad and his delegation then attend the annual meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC)—the main donor body responsible for formulating broad policy for development assistance to the Palestinians. There he presents a paper on how the Israeli occupation affects the Palestinian economy. Donors are asked by the Palestinian delegation to protect projects in Area C and are told how irregularities in aid transfers to the PA and Israel’s withholding of tax revenue have worsened a financial crisis. After talks, Norwegian FM and AHLC head Epsen Barth Eide says that progress was made towards securing the $1.2 billion needed to fund the PA this year (see QU 168). (AFP, MNA 3/18; HA 3/19)

A World Bank report warns of the continued deterioration of the Palestinian economy, citing Israeli-imposed restrictions and the impact of closures (See Docs in JPS 168). The report also notes a drop in donor funding, and the PA’s large debts to banks and suppliers. Palestinian gross domestic product grew 6.1% in the first three quarters of 2012, down from an 11% average in 2010 and 2011. (HA 3/12)

The EU criticizes Israel’s settlement expansion plans in a statement released at a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels. Sweden’s FM Carl Bildt says European governments are increasingly frustrated by the settlement policy. The ministers also emphasize that the EU’s agreements with Israel only apply to the pre-1967 territory, which a diplomatic source tells the Israeli media could be a sign of future action related to settlement products. (JP, REU 12/10)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says that construction plans for the E1 area e. of Jerusalem do not prevent the eventual emergence of a Palestinian state, and repeats the offer of direct talks with Mahmud Abbas ‘‘without preconditions.’’ Meanwhile, Palestinian cheif negotiator Saeb Erakat outlines 3 conditions for a return to talks: (1) agreement that the goal of the peace process is a withdrawal to the 1967 borders; (2) restarting negotiations from the point they were halted; and (3) setting a 6-mo. timetable for agreement on all final-status issues. He adds that Israel should halt settlement activity, but does not list it as a condition. (AFP, JP 12/10)

Israel’s Finance Ministry deducts more than $71 m. from VAT taxes Israel collects and holds on the PA’s behalf and transfers it to Israel’s Electric Corporation to cover 37% of the PA’s electricity debt. (YA 12/10)

Independent politician Khalil Assaf says that the PA has officially agreed to allow Hamas to hold a festival in Nablus commemorating the movement’s 25th anniversary. (MNA 12/10)

In the West Bank, the IDF, citing military exercises, compels 6 Palestinian families to leave their homes in a village in the n. Jordan Valley. The IDF also notifies Palestinian farmers nr. Salfit that the road connecting the village to their fields will be demolished in the next 2 weeks. The IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, in 1 village each nr. Jericho and Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem in the afternoon, and in Ramallah and nearby Qaddura r.c. at night. The Ramallah raid targets prisoner support NGO Addameer and the Palestinian NGO Network, as well as the Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees. In all 3 cases, soldiers ransack the offices and confiscate equipment, including computer hardware. (WAFA 12/10; MNA 12/10; PCHR 12/13; AP 12/11)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that Iran is getting closer to being able to build a nuclear bomb and that 2013 will be the year to confront the issue. Western diplomats say that Israel is suspected to be behind a series of leaks, intended to increase pressure, about Iranian nuclear weapon experiments. Diplomats say that the P5+1 world powers expect to hold a fresh round of talks with Tehran in early 2013. (JP, Guardian, REU 12/10)

EU diplomats meet in Brussels to discuss the possibility of all 27 EU mbr. states writing to the Israeli government to protest recent settlement expansion news. No agreement is reached. British foreign secretary William Hague rules out sanctions against Israel, but says further steps would be considered if the expansion plans were not rescinded. In a letter to UN secy.-gen. Ban and the UNSC, the Palestinians accuse Israel of planning further ‘‘war crimes’’ by expanding Jewish settlements, and urge Israel to be held to account. Speaking in Bethlehem, PA FM Riyad al-Maliki says that the PA will seek to capitalize on the European support to increase international pressure on Israel. (HA, MNA, REU 12/4)

In occupied East Jerusalem, Israeli bulldozers arrive in the Palestinian neighborhood of al-Tur to demolish a home located on the premises of a designated national park, but lawyers secure a delay. Also, after 2 yrs. in which the Israeli Interior Ministry demolished no homes, supervisors begin patrols in occupied East Jerusalem to prepare for the resumption of demolitions of ‘‘illegally built’’ homes. (HA 12/4)

Palestinian authorities in Nablus report that Israel is changing procedures at al-Hamra checkpoint, controlling Palestinian movement between the n. West Bank and Jordan Valley, so that Palestinians will no longer need permits to cross. Meanwhile, the IDF demolishes a mosque in a village in the s. Hebron Hills nr. Yatta and 2 structures nr. Nablus. The IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Jericho, Ramallah, and Tulkarm in the morning, and 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron and 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. (MNA 12/4; PCHR 12/6)

The UNGA approves a resolution 174–6 (with 6 abstentions) calling on Israel to join the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) and open its nuclear program for inspection. Those voting against were Israel, the U.S., Canada, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau. (AP 12/4)

In the morning, IDF troops on the n. Gaza border w. of the Erez crossing direct gunfire and 1 artillery shell at open areas around the former Nisanit settlement site, causing no reported injuries. IDF troops on the n. Gaza border nr. Bayt Lahiya launch 4 artillery shells at open areas near the border, causing no reported injuries. Late at night, Israeli warplanes make a total of 7 air strikes on greenhouses and open areas nr. the Bayt Lahiya border in the north, a suspected weapons factory in c. Gaza, and a smuggling tunnel on the Rafah border, causing no injuries. A Palestinian civilian dies of injuries sustained in a 11/14/01 IDF air strike on a UNRWA school in Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes 9 Palestinian stores in al-Oja village in the Jordan Valley, n. of Jericho; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around Ramallah (where they target the home of Hamas-affiliated Reform and Change PC mbr. ‘Abd al-Jabir Fuqaha, arresting him, summoning his son for interrogation, and confiscating his computer, phone, and files), in Nablus, and nr. Hebron; conducts late-night patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya (summoning 3 Palestinians for interrogation). In East Jerusalem’s Shaykh Jarrah neighborhood, Israeli security forces raid the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) office and a protest tent outside, detaining Hamas-affiliated PC mbrs. Muhammad Toutah and Khalid Abu Arafa, who had been living at the ICRC offices since 6/2010 to protest Israel’s 9/2009 decision to revoke their Jerusalem IDs on the grounds that they are affiliated with a “terrorist organization” (i.e., Hamas); Israeli authorities expel them to the West Bank. Hamasaffiliated PC mbr. Ismail Ashkar comments, “Every time we move toward reconciliation and reactivating the Palestinian parliament, we see Israel targeting our lawmakers.” (AFP, JP, NYT, YA 1/24; WP, WT 1/25; PCHR 1/26; OCHA 1/27)

Israeli embassies and mission in the Hague, Brussels, London, New York, Boston, and Houston receive envelopes containing a suspicious white powder that turns out to be flour, raising fears of an anthrax attack. No one takes responsibility. (DS 1/24; JPI 2/3)

International mediation efforts continue, with UN Secy.-Gen. Annan, Russian FM Ivanov, EU foreign policy dir. Javier Solana each meeting separately with Arafat, Barak. Egypt's Musa flies to Damascus to confer with Syrian pres. Asad, who phones Arafat to express Syrian support. Mubarak also phones Arafat and rejects Clinton's proposal (10/8) for a summit in Egypt, saying Israel must 1st agree to pull its troops back fr. PA areas, stop threatening Lebanon and Syria (see 10/8), bar official Israeli visits to the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount, agree to an international inquiry. (ATL, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, MENA, XIN 10/10 in WNC 10/12; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 10/11; Milliyet 10/11, al-Quds 10/12 in WNC 10/13; CSM, WJW 10/12)

Meanwhile, Israeli-Palestinian clashes abate somewhat. Inside Israel, Israeli Jews stab to death 2 Israeli Arabs nr. Tel Aviv, set fire to 3 Arab apartment buildings in Jaffa, and set fire to 3 Palestinian homes and a Jewish-owed restaurant that employed Palestinians in Tel Aviv. Clashes btwn. Israeli Jews and Arabs are also reported in Haifa, Tiberias, and Acre, where Israeli police intervene, firing tear gas and live ammunition, wounding 1 Israeli Arab. (Israeli police say they have arrested some 400 Israeli Arabs, 200 Israeli Jews since clashes began.) Jews fr. West Jerusalem damage Palestinian property in East Jerusalem. In Gaza, the IDF demolishes another apartment building in Netzarim Junction, which was evacuated earlier because it had been hit by IDF shells. Jewish settlers reportedly attack Palestinians in Hebron, Khan Yunis, Rafah and outside Jinin, Nablus, Ramallah; some incidents involve settlers firing automatic weapons. In Rafah, a 12-yr.-old Palestinian is shot dead by the IDF. Nr. Ramallah, IDF soldiers wound a Palestinian ambulance driver with live ammunition. (ADM, BBC, MM 10/10; ADM, MM, NYT, WP 10/11; AFP 10/10, MA 10/11, Le Monde 10/12 in WNC 10/12; MM, WJW, WP 10/12; MEI 10/13; WP 11/30)

Protests in solidarity with the Palestinians are held in Brussels, Cairo, Madrid. In the U.S., rallies are held in Ann Arbor, New Haven. (RL 10/10 in WNC 10/12; WT 10/11)

Citing "compelling national security interests," the State Dept. restores Amb. to Israel Indyk's security clearance. (NYT, WT 10/11; WJW 10/12) (see 10/4)

Despite another attempt to secure a cease-fire, Israeli-Palestinian clashes in Israel and throughout the West Bank and Gaza continue, leaving 10 Palestinians, 7 Israeli Arabs, 1 IDF soldier, 1 Jewish settler dead and some 300 Palestinians injured; 3 Israeli Arabs wounded on 10/1 also die. Israel closes roads in n. Israel, the West Bank, Gaza to civilian traffic. Around 30 exchanges of gunfire btwn. Israeli security forces and armed Palestinian civilians and police are reported. Nr. Tulkarm, Palestinians set afire an industrial plant owned by Jewish settlers. Nr. Hebron, Jewish settlers fatally shoot a Palestinian. The IDF dep. chief of staff Moshe Ya'alon warns that if Palestinians do not stop attacking troops guarding Joseph's Tomb in Nablus, the IDF will move in even though the area is under full PA control; the IDF has taken up positions around areas A but has not crossed into them. Barak authorizes his forces to use "all necessary means" to protect Israeli lives, quell riots. (AP, MM 10/2; AFP, ANSA, EFE [Madrid], Interfax, RL, XIN 10/2 in WNC 10/3; RL, SAPA [Johannesburg] 10/2, JT, HJ, al-Quds, SA 10/3 in WNC 10/6; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/3; HJ, al-Quds, Sabah 10/3, MA 10/6 in WNC 10/10; MM 10/9)

The IDF claims that Muhammad al-Dura, the 12-yr.-old killed at Netzarim Junction on 10/1, had been throwing stones at soldiers before he was shot, contradicting widely broadcast footage of the incident recorded by France 2 TV showing the boy and his father pinned down by gunfire for 45 minutes. The pair were returning from errands and had been dropped off by a taxi, which refused to take them across Netzarim Junction because of heavy IDF fire. (Age [Melbourne], HA [Internet], MM, WP 10/3; MA 10/6 in WNC 10/10)

U.S. secy. of state Albright announces that she will meet with Arafat, Barak in Paris on 10/4 to discuss the clashes, the peace process. All 3 will then meet with Mubarak in Sharm al-Shaykh on 10/5. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/3; Radio France International 10/3 in WNC 10/6)

In Amman, Arafat, King Abdallah discuss the Israeli-Palestinian clashes, call on Israel to pull back forces to restore calm, and urge Arab states to convene an emergency summit. In Cairo, Mubarak, Syrian pres. Asad also call for an Arab summit. Massive rallies protesting Israeli actions are held in Amman, Cairo, Damascus, refugee camps in Lebanon, Yemen. Protests are also held outside Israeli embassies and legations in many European and North American cities, including Ann Arbor, Austin, Brussels, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Montreal, New Haven, New York, Ottawa. (AP, BDL, UPI 10/2; MENA 10/2 in WNC 10/3; MENA 10/2, JT, MENA 10/3, JT 10/4 in WNC 10/6; NYT, WP, WT 10/3; AYM 10/3 in WNC 10/12; MM, WT 10/4; WJW 10/5; HJ 10/5, al-Quds 10/7 in WNC 10/10; JP 10/13)

In Paris, PA Planning M Shaath briefs French pres. Chirac on the ongoing clashes. Chirac calls on both sides to deescalate the violence, calls for an international inquiry into the clashes. (AFP 10/2, 10/3, Le Monde 10/4 in WNC 10/6)

In New York, the UNSC begins closed-door mtgs. on several draft resolutions regarding the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli clashes. Britain, the U.S. lobby against issuing a resolution, saying, at most, a statement should be read. (UPI 10/3; HA [Internet] 10/4; WJW 10/5)

UN Secy. Gen. Annan reaches agmt. (signed 2/23) with Iraq on resuming unrestricted inspections under which UN Special Committee (UNSCOM) teams of technical experts will be accompanied by senior diplomats appointed by Annan to act as observers. The UNSC must approve the agmt. U.S. expresses cautious optimism. (RJ 2/22, ITV, MENA, RJ 2/23, al-Ahram, al-Ra'i, RL 2/24 in WNC 2/26; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/23; Le Soir [Brussels] 2/25 in WNC 3/3; MEI, PR 2/27)

Violent clashes continue in Ma'an, Jordan, for 3d straight day. (JTV, MBC, RJ 2/22, JT, JTV, RJ 2/23 in WNC 2/26; MM, WP, WT 2/23; WP 2/26; MEI 2/27) (see 2/21)

In Cairo, 15,000 students fr. `Ayn Shams, Cairo university demonstrate against U.S. policy toward Iraq. (MENA, RMC 2/22 in WNC 2/26)

3 Palestinians are injured when IDF breaks up "pro-Iraq" demonstration in Birzeit. Another protest is held at al-Najah University in Nablus. (ITV 2/22 in WNC 2/26; PR 2/27)

Jordan arrests 3 Jordanians for plotting attacks on Israeli targets, possession of explosives. (SA 2/23 in WNC 2/26)

On the sidelines of th EU FMs' mtg. in Brussels, Arafat, Israeli FM Levy hold the highest Israeli-PA mtg. since the pair met in Malta 4/15. Afterward, both men say that they made significant progress toward resuming Oslo II implementation negotiations. (MM 7/22; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/23; YA 7/25 in WNC 7/28)

In Washington, Israeli cabinet secy. Nave holds 2d mtg. with U.S. special envoy Ross. (MM, NYT 7/23; WJW 7/24) (see 7/21)

In Jerusalem, Israeli pres. Ezer Weizman discusses with Arafat dep. Abbas ways of restarting the peace talks. (NYT 7/24)

On their way fr. attending a Fatah rally in Nablus in support PA policeman Col. Musaymi (see 7/20), 4 PC mbrs. (all Fatah mbrs.) are arrested by the IDF, detained under orders fr. "high places" at the IDF's West Bank military headquarters for 5 hrs. (PR 7/25)

In Tel Aviv, an Israeli Arab wielding a sword and knife stabs 2 Israeli women at a sidewalk cafe, lightly injures 11 others. In a separate incident in Gaza, a Palestinian woman stabs, slightly wounds an Israeli border guard nr. a Jewish settlement; is arrested by PA police. (WP 7/23; PR 7/25; JP 8/2)

PA reports that the IDF has sent 8 tanks, several armored personnel carriers, long-range 175-mm. Howitzer guns into Gaza to reinforce Gush Qatif settlement bloc. (al-Hayat al-Jadida 7/22 in WNC 7/23)

Syria allows businessmen to travel to Iraq individually, declaring void explicit restrictions on travel to Iraq that have been placed on Syrian passports since 1980. (RMC 7/22 in WNC 7/23) (see 7/19)

Palestinian-Israeli talks on implementation of 9/13 agreement resume at undisclosed location in Cairo. Talks had been in hiatus since PLO walkout 11/2 over Israeli withdrawal proposals. (NYT 11/9)

Multilateral working group on regional economic cooperation opens 2-day meeting in Copenhagen. Meeting comes up with "Copenhagen Action Plan" for 35 ventures in 10 different economic areas. (MM 11/11)

Israeli settlers in West Bank and Gaza Strip block roads at 49 locations in protest of 11/7 attack on Rabbi Haim Druckman. Palestinian and his son shot and wounded near Tapuah settlement in Nablus area; "Committee for Security on the Roads" claims responsibility. Palestinian leader Faisal Husseini denounces settler violence, demands IDF "take full responsibility for the settlers," international buffer force. Israeli PM Rabin calls on settlers to "stop the avenging rioters and disturbers of the peace, in order to prevent deterioration and disorder that will harm us." (NYT, WT 11/9)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets EC FMs in Brussels on trip to gain economic support for o.t. Visit coincides with reported resignation of Yusuf Sayegh fr. Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Construction. (MM 11/8)

Spain's King Juan Carlos arrives in Tel Aviv for 1st visit by a Western monarch to Israel. (MM 11/8)

Emergency meeting of Fateh Central Comm. convenes in Tunis to discuss agreement with Israel. (al-Ra'y 9/2 in FBIS 9/2; WP 9/3)

Former Nablus mayor Bassam al-Shak'ah criticizes accord, calling those who negotiated it "connected to foreign interests that have nothing to do with the Palestinian-Israeli struggle." (MM 9/2)

Israeli FM Peres visits EC hq. in Brussels, asks for European aid to implement PLO-Israel accord. EC Pres. Jacques Delors pledges both financial and political support. (MM 9/2, 9/3)

Palestinians in Jordan estimated to number 1.8 m., roughly 40% of population. (JTV 9/2 in FBIS 9/3)

IDF Nahal soldier killed in ambush by Palestinians near Hebron. (MM 9/3)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel releases 5 of 9 passengers seized from ferry Alizur Blanco hijacked on 6/29. Nablus authorities renew town arrest of al-Quds joumalist Moh'd. Amireh & lawyer Ghassan Shaka'a. Luxury hotel workers strike for higher wages. Interior & Religious Affairs Minister Burg says massive settlement of West Bank vital to security, will be carried out despite economic crisis.

Other Countries: 70 delegates from 15 countries attend 2-day Brussels seminar on "Freedom of Trade with Israel."

Military Action

Arab World: Light arms fire directed at IDF near Kafr Kuk, S. Lebanon. IDF reopens Sidon & Tyre ports after weeklong closure.