The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, unidentified gunmen opened fire at an Israeli settler vehicle near Qalqilya. Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians with batons, pepper spray, and stone at a spring near Tubas. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a raid in Jericho. Israeli forces also leveled land and uprooted olive trees in Kafl Haris and razed an agricultural road in Zanuta. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters during a raid in Dheisheh refugee camp, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolished a water cistern serving 6 Palestinian families in al-Baqa’a. 16 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Jericho, Tulkarm, Hebron, Ramallah, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the home of Islamic Waqf Department deputy director Najeh Bkeirat in Sur Bahir, detaining him. Israeli forces also demolished a retaining wall in al-Tur and a pergola in Wadi al-Juz. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Silwan, damaging a house and causing tear-gas related injuries. (QDS, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/12; MEE, PCHR, WAFA 7/13; BTselem 7/19; UNOCHA 7/29)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas visited Jenin for the first time in 12 years, giving a speech in Jenin refugee camp. Abbas praised the steadfastness of the Jenin residents in light of Israel’s attacks. The visit followed Israel’s large-scale attack on Jenin refugee camp on 7/3 and 7/4. Around 1,000 PA troops secured the area for Abbas. Abbas also canceled a meeting with representatives of different Palestinian factions without giving a reason. (AJ, ALM, AN, AP, BBC, HA, MEE, NYT, QDS, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 7/12; MEE 7/13; MDW 7/14)

2 Israeli settlers, including an off-duty soldier, were charged with terrorism, 1 for vandalizing a mosque in ‘Urif and the other for placing a chair in front of the door of a Palestinian home in Umm Safa and setting the chair on fire. Both incidents occurred in June. (AJ, HA, REU, TOI 7/12)

In Lebanon, Israeli forces opened fire at people approaching the border fence to Israel near Metula; 3 members of Hezbollah were said to be injured. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, HA, MEE, REU 7/12; HA 7/13)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant visited Azerbaijan, discussing strategic, diplomatic, and security ties with President Ilham Aliyev, Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov, and other officials. (ALM 7/12; HA 7/13; ALM 7/14)

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) said she would not attend Israeli president Isaac Herzog’s address to Congress, citing Israel’s ban on Omar and representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) from entering Israel and Palestine in 2019, Israel’s increase in its killing of Palestinians in the West Bank, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement that he wants to crush Palestinians’ hope of statehood. Later on 7/13 and 7/14, Omar was joined in her boycott by Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and Cori Bush (D-MO). Omar and Bowman also boycotted a speech by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi in June. (AX, HA, HA, MEE 7/13; HA, MEE 7/14; HA 7/15; WAFA 7/16)

A U.S. national security council spokesperson said that “[t]here is no talk of some kind of formal reassessment. The United States and Israel share a special bond, and our enduring commitment to Israel’s security is ironclad.” The statement followed a New York Times column by Thomas Friedman, who said a U.S. reassessment of its ties to Israel was inevitable. (NYT 7/11; HA, HA 7/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Huwwara, injuring 1 and causing damage. Israeli settlers also vandalized citrus and almond trees and other property near Kafr ad-Dik. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man after he shot and killed an Israeli soldier near the Kedumim settlement, west of Jit. Hamas claimed responsibility for the killing of the soldier, citing Israel’s massive attack on Jenin on 7/3 and 7/4. Israeli forces also razed a road and seized a tent and a vehicle near Duma. Elsewhere, Israeli forces opened fire at a Palestinian vehicle traveling near Haris, causing damage. Israeli forces also demolished 2 residential structures in Wadi Abu Hindi, displacing 13 Palestinians. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ramallah, Kafr Ni’ma, Silat ad-Dhahr, Tura, Yatta, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan and al-Eizariya. (AJ 7/5; AJ, AP, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/6; UNOCHA 7/8; PCHR 7/13; UNOCHA 7/29)

The Jerusalem District Court acquitted an Israeli police officer for the killing of the 32-year-old autistic Palestinian man Eyad al-Hallaq who was shot and killed in East Jerusalem on 5/30/2020. Al-Hallaq’s parents called the acquittal a “disgrace.” The police officer was subsequently reinstated and send on a commanders’ course. The police officer ignored al-Hallaq’s counselor who told him that al-Hallaq had special needs. After the acquittal, Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was filmed calling al-Hallaq’s mother a terrorist when she confronted him outside of the court. Ben-Gvir also referred to the police officer as a hero. (AJ, AP, GDN, HA, MEE, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA 7/6; MDW 7/7; HA 7/8)

The Jenin Brigades issued a statement saying “[i]t is heart-breaking that we are being fatally stabbed in the back by our own people, the PA security services, which committed an act on Tuesday that no fighter or defender of this land would accept,” referring to a PA arrest of 2 Palestinians who were wanted by Israel. (MDW 7/6)

The UAE said it would donate $15 million to UNRWA and Algeria said it would donate $30 million to the PA to help rebuilt Jenin refugee camp after the 2-day long Israeli invasion of the camp on 7/4 and 7/5, which caused wide-spread damage to Palestinian property. (ALM, AP, HA, WAFA 7/6; HA, NA 7/8)

In Lebanon, 2 rockets were fired at Israel without causing damage and Israel subsequently fired 15 artillery shells at Kfarchouba. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, MEE, REU 7/6)

New Hampshire governor Chris Sununu signed an anti-BDS executive order barring the state from investing in companies that boycott Israel. The executive order was signed at a ceremony attended by Israeli ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan. (MDW, MEE 7/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided Burqa, vandalizing 3 vehicles and leading to confrontations between Israeli forces and Palestinian; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli settlers also assaulted 1 Palestinian family in the Masafer Yatta area, injuring 1 minor. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set up tents in Deir Balut. Israeli settlers also toured a religious site in Kifl Haris. Israeli forces hit 1 Palestinian minor with a military vehicle during a raid in Beit Furik, causing injuries. Israeli forces also issued a notification that Israel will seize 2 dunams (.5 acre) of land in al-Khader. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian man trying to enter Israel for work at the separation wall near Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers led by former MK Yehuda Glick toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/4; WAFA 6/5; PCHR 6/8; UNOCHA 6/18)

The Israeli cabinet decided to expand a law allowing Israeli residential communities to choose who can live in the communities and to subsidize land prices in communities with “demographic and security hardships,” as part of the larger policy of Judaizing the Galilee. (HA 6/5; MEE 6/6; WAFA 6/7)

Khader Adnan, a popular member of Islamic Jihad, died in his cell in the Magen-Nitzan prison in Ramle after an 86-day hunger strike in protest over his administrative detention. Adnan was the first Palestinian prisoner to die while on hunger strike since 1992 and several organizations had for weeks warned about his condition. In response to the death of the 45-year-old Adnan, Hamas and Islamic Jihad fired rockets at Israel, injuring 3 Chinese nationals working at a construction site in Sderot. Israeli forces conducted airstrikes and fired artillery shells at Gaza, killing 1 Palestinian man, injuring 5 in Beit Hanun, and causing damage in Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabalia refugee camp. A ceasefire, brokered by the UN, Egypt, and Qatar took effect on 5/3 at 4 a.m. In the West Bank, PA forces violently dispersed a march in support of Adnan in Jenin using tear gas and stun grenades, arresting 3, including activist Ghassan al-Saadi. 1 Israeli settler was injured when unidentified assailants opened fire at vehicles near the Avnei Hefetz settlement north of Shufa. Israeli settlers threw stones at a Palestinian home in Kisan. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the death of Adnan in Beit Umar, al-Khader, Ramallah, Hebron, al-Ram, Nabi Salih, Kafr al-Labad, and Qalqilya, leading to tear-gas related injuries. A general strike in protest over the death of Adnan was observed in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jalazun refugee camp, Fawwar refugee camp, Beit Umar, and Beit Tamer, including former cabinet minister Khaled Abu Arafeh. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, AX, HA, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, MEE, MEE, MEE, NYT, PCHR, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/2; AI, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 5/3; HA, MDW, PCHR 5/4; MEE, UNOCHA 5/5; MDW 5/6; UNOCHA 5/19)

Islamic Jihad spokesperson Daoud Shihab said that Israel had ignored attempts by Islamic Jihad, through Egyptian mediators, to secure Khader Adnan’s release. PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh called Adnan’s death a “premeditated assassination” and the PA called for an international investigation. The International Committee of the Red Cross called on Israel to immediately release the body of Adnan to his family. (AJ, AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/2; HA 5/7)

A Jerusalem court convicted a former border police officer of assaulting a Palestinian woman in East Jerusalem in November 2021 while she was still working for the Israeli military. (TOI 5/2; HA 5/3)

Amnesty International released the report “Automated Apartheid,” saying that Israel is using a new advanced facial recognition technology called Red Wolf to collect biometric data on Palestinians in the West Bank. The facial recognition cameras are installed at checkpoints in Hebron and are linked to the Blue Wolf and Wolf Pack database systems. Amnesty called on the international community to prohibit companies from providing surveillance technology to Israel. (AI, HA, MEE, WAFA 5/2; AJ 5/7)

EU high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borrell met with Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen in Brussels more than a month after Cohen signaled that Borrell would not be allowed to visit Israel and the West Bank due to his criticism of the Israeli occupation. The 2 parties agreed to hold an Israel-EU association meeting by the end of 2023. Cohen said the meeting could take place in Jerusalem. (HA 5/1; ALM 5/2)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler was injured in a drive-by shooting on a settler running race near the Ofra settlement. Israeli forces subsequently closed down most roads in the Ramallah area. Israeli settlers blocked the DCO checkpoint and threw stones at a Red Crescent ambulance. Israeli settlers also obstructed traffic on a road between Nablus and Jenin. Israeli forces also issued demolition orders for 2 homes in ‘Ain al-Hilweh and 1 in Nueimeh. 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Qalqilya and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the Bab al-Rahma area of the Haram al-Sharif compound for the third day in a row. (ALM, HA, QDS, QDS, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/25; WAFA 4/26; PCHR 4/27; UNOCHA 5/5)

The PA Foreign Ministry said that 190 Palestinians had been evacuated via bus from Khartoum to Gaza via Egypt. The 190 people, mainly students, were evacuated due to the fighting that broke out between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese military last week. (QDS 4/24; QDS, WAFA 4/25)

The PA Ministry of Education said that most teachers had resumed work in Palestinian public schools after striking since the start of the semester. According to the ministry, the PA granted the public school teachers some concessions, including better pay. (WAFA 4/24; QDS, WAFA 4/25)

PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki addressed the UN Security Council ministerial meeting on the Middle East and the question of Palestine, calling on its members to help “bring the Nakba to an end.” On the sidelines of the meeting, al-Maliki met with UN secretary-general António Guterres who he briefed on the latest developments and called for accountability for Israel. Al-Maliki also met with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov. (WAFA 4/24; WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/25)

In a statement celebrating Israel’s 75th Independence Day, U.S. president Joe Biden did not mention the two-state solution or Palestinians but said he would work with Israel to “create a more prosperous, peaceful, and integrated Middle East.” (WH 4/25; HA 4/26)

18 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives and 1 Republican voted against a resolution celebrating Israel’s Independence Day. The resolution did not have any reference to a two-state solution or to Palestinians but instead lauded normalization efforts. 9 other Democrats did not vote. (HILL 4/25; HA 4/26; QDS 4/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian and injured 4 others during a raid in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, including at least 2 who were fleeing the Israeli soldiers. Israeli forces also shot and injured 3 Palestinians with baton rounds and 10 with tear gas during a raid in Qarawat Bani Hassan. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Deir Abu Mash‘al and al-Walaja, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also issued demolition notices for 2 residential structures, brick walls, a roof, and a bathroom in Khirbet Humsa and 1 agricultural structure in ‘Ain as-Sakout, and seized a bulldozer near Qalqilya. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Hebron, Surif, Ya’bad, Kafr Qoud, Nablus, and Tammun. In East Jerusalem, 4 Israeli settlers were injured in a car ramming and 1 Palestinian man was shot and killed by an Israeli settler after he allegedly hit the 4 with his car. Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli police assaulted worshippers at the Haram al-Sharif compound’s Bab al-Rahma prayer area and cut electricity to building. 2 Palestinians were arrested in Sur Baher. (AJ, AN, AP, BBC, HA, HA, IN, MEE, QDS, QDS, QDS, QDS, QDS, QDS, REU, REU, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/24; HA, WAFA 4/25; PCHR 4/27; UNOCHA 5/5)

The PA Foreign Ministry condemned the 3-day long Israeli blockades of Jericho and the Nablus area coinciding with the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. (WAFA, WAFA 4/24)

In Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that Israeli forces fired more than 20 artillery shells near Hader in Quneitra, allegedly targeting Iranian supported militants. (AA, ALM, HA 4/24)

Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen said that Israel Aerospace Industries had sold 2 satellites to Azerbaijan coinciding with his recent trip to Baku. (ALM 4/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinian shepherds and tried to steal their sheep near al-Juwaya in the Masafer Yatta area. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Dura, Battir, Qalqilya, and Fasayil. PA forces arrested 18 Palestinians accused of resisting PA forces’ violent dispersal of a funeral procession on 3/8. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian at the Damascus Gate plaza. 2 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinians east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Israel, about half a million Israelis protested against the Israeli government in several cities, with the largest crowds in Tel Aviv and about 50,000 in Haifa. It was the tenth Saturday in a row that Israelis have voiced their opposition to the judicial overhaul being carried out by the government. (AP, BBC, HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/11; PCHR 3/12 PCHR 3/16; UNOCHA 3/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian homes and vehicles in Beit Umar. Israeli settlers also assaulted 1 Palestinian herder in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured 2 others during a raid in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp. Israeli forces also demolished 1 house in Furush Beit Dajan, displacing 7. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Qusra, Qalqilya, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities issued a demolition notice for a home in Silwan. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Isawiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled farmland east of Khan Yunis. (AP, HA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/1; AJ, MDW, PCHR 3/2; UNOCHA 3/19)

PA security forces prevented some 150 Palestinians from holding a press conference at the Watan Media Network office in Ramallah. The group was planning on criticizing the PA’s decisions to withdraw a draft resolution against Israel at the UN Security Council and to participate in the Aqaba summit on 2/26. (PCHR 3/3)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh toured Huwwara to inspect the damage after the Israeli settler raid on 2/26. Shtayyeh said it was time to confront the settlers through popular resistance. (WAFA 3/1)

The PA foreign ministry called on the U.S. and international organizations to intervene to end the Israeli sieges of Jericho and Huwwara. Jericho has been under siege since 1 Israeli American man was killed near the Dead Sea on 1/27 and Huwwara was still affected by the large-scale Israeli settler raid on 2/26. (WAFA 3/1)

Israeli finance minister and minister in charge of the civil administration at the defense ministry, Bezalel Smotrich, said “Huwwara needs to be wiped out. I think that the State of Israel needs to do that, not, God forbid, private individuals,” when asked about the Israeli settler attack on Huwwara on 2/26. The U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price condemned Smotrich’s comments, calling them “irresponsible, repugnant, and disgusting” and calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reject the comments. UN high commissioner for human rights Volker Türk called the comments “unfathomable.” Later on 3/4, Smotrich said “being upset, I misspoke” and Netanyahu called Smotrich’s statements “inappropriate” in a tweet on 3/5. (AJ, AJ, ALM, AX, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, REU 3/1; MDW, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/2; AJ, ALM, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/3; PCHR, WAFA 3/4; AP, REU 3/5)

The Knesset passed the first of three readings of a bill that will reintroduce the death penalty to Palestinians. The legislation stipulates that a person who “causes the death of an Israeli citizen when the act is carried out from a racist motive . . . with the purpose of harming the State of Israel and the rebirth of the Jewish people in its homeland,” can receive the death penalty. The first reading passed 55-9. Germany expressed concern over the bill, saying it could negatively impact Israel-German relations. (DW 2/28; MEE, TOI, TOI 3/1; MDW 3/6)

Axios reported that the UAE postponed a trip by Prime Minister Netanyahu to the country in January, due to fears that Netanyahu would increase tensions Iran during the visit. (AX 3/1)

The EU donated $87 million to UNRWA. (WAFA 3/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian shepherd in Ein al-Beida. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 man protesting soldiers beating his son who was arrested during a house raid in Qalandia. The Palestinian man’s wife said her husband had gone outside to stop the soldiers’ assault on their son when he was shot and killed. Israeli forces also shot and killed 2 Palestinians and injured 7 others during a raid in Qabatiya. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 agricultural structure in Duma. Israeli forces also issued an eviction notice to a family in Hajja in preparation for a punitive demolition. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Qalandia refugee camp, Dheisheh refugee camp, ad-Doha, al-Baqa‘a, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers wrote hateful graffiti aimed at Christians on the walls of the Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate building in the Old City. Israeli forces raided the home of PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith, informing him that his ban on contacting PA officials and entering the West Bank had been extended for 6 months. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/12; AP, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR 1/13’ ; UNOCHA 2/16; PCHR 1/19; UNOCHA 2/3)

Peace Now and Bimkom said that a clause in the Likud Party and Religious Zionism Party coalition agreement could see Israel seize 13,000 dunams (3,250 acres) of Palestinian-owned land in the West Bank and 70 buildings in Hebron transferred to settlers as Israel claims that the land and buildings were owned by Jewish people before 1948. The land Israel intends to seize is located near Bethlehem, Nabi Samwil, Battir, and Beit Furik, including land in Area B. (HA 1/12)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh met with U.S. special representative for Palestinian affairs Hady Amr in Ramallah. Prime Minister Shtayyeh urged the U.S. to act quickly to end Israeli measures to weaken the PA and undermine the 2-state solution. (WAFA 1/12)

The head of the Hamas political bureau Ismail Haniyeh met with UN Middle East peace process envoy Tor Wennesland in Doha, Qatar. (MEMO 1/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian home in Yatta and 4 homes in Shaab al-Butum in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also closed al-Ibrahimi Mosque for Muslim worshippers. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Qalqilya, Kafr Qalil, Jenin, and al-Asakra. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in the Old City and al-Ram. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA,, WAFA 1/3; AA, AN, AP, TOI 1/4; PCHR 1/5; UNOCHA 2/16)

The newly appointed Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir toured the Haram al-Sharif compound, prompting widespread condemnation. During the election National Security Minister Ben-Gvir had expressed his desire to change the status quo of the Holy Sites to allow “equal rights for Jews” at the compound. Hamas had warned the Israeli government against the tour of the compound saying it “would lead to an explosion.” In a tweet posted during the visit, Ben-Gvir said that the compound is open to everyone. The PA called the visit a “provocative step against the Palestinian people.” U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides said any threat against the status quo is unacceptable. Jordan condemned the “storming” of the compound and said it required “international intervention,” before summoning the Israeli ambassador. France, Turkey, Egypt, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Islamic Jihad, Hamas, and the OIC also condemned Ben-Gvir’s actions. (WAFA 1/1; HA, HA, MEE, WAFA 1/2; AJ, AJ, ALM, ALM, ALM, AP, AX, BBC, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, NYT, REU, REU, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/3; ALM, HA, MDW, MEE, MEE, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/4; BBC, JP, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 1/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized an agricultural warehouse in Shufa. Israeli settlers also installed a caravan on Palestinian-owned land in Jaba‘. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Qalqilya and Beit Umar. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 2 Israelis, including 1 minor, vandalized more than 30 tombstones at the Protestant Christian cemetery at Jabal Sahyoun/Mount Zion. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/1; MEMO 1/2; HA 1/3; AJ, ALM, AN, MEE, WAFA 1/4; AP, GDN, PCHR, WAFA 1/5; AP, HA, HA, REU 1/6; HA, UNOCHA 1/16)

Israel’s new tourism minister Haim Katz said his ministry seeks to channel resources to promote tourism in West Bank settlements. (AP 1/2; MEMO 1/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to 2 commercial structures in al-Zawiya, causing damage. Israeli forces demolished 2 houses in Jericho. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Yatta, Dura, Bethlehem, Tuqu’, Bruqin, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound, closing it off to Muslim worshippers. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Sur Bahir. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/19; PCHR, UNOCHA 12/22)

Israeli police said that a Palestinian man had confessed to intentionally ramming an Israeli in Tel Aviv on 12/8. The Palestinian man’s lawyer said that the man denies ramming the Israeli intentionally and said that his confession was made under threats and violence by Shin Bet officers. (HA 12/19)

Hamas Political Bureau deputy chief Khalil al-Hayya met with UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Tor Wennesland in Gaza. (MEMO 12/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinians with pepper-spray near Huwwara. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Salem during an arrest raid, causing tear-gas related injuries; 1 Palestinian was arrested. Israeli forces also demolished 1 commercial structure near Ya‘bad and assaulted the owner who tried to prevent the demolition. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 agricultural structure in Ein al-Balad. 22 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Mughayyir, Biddu, Hebron, Dura, Sa‘ir, Zawata, Nablus, Rujeib, Beita, Tulkarm, Nur Shams refugee camp, Qalqilya, Kafr Ra’i, and Tura. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/14; PCHR 12/15; UNOCHA 12/22)

A poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research found that 72% of the 1,200 Palestinians surveyed in the West Bank and Gaza supported forming armed resistance groups in the West Bank. 32% of the respondents supported a diplomatic solution to the occupation, based on the 2-state framework. (HA 12/15)

Turkish media reported that 7 people in Turkey had been arrested by Turkish police in coordination with the National Intelligence Organization for spying on Palestinians in the country on behalf of the Mossad. (HA, MEE 12/14)

In Lebanon, 1 Irish UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) soldier was killed and another injured during a routine patrol in al-Aqbieh in southern Lebanon. It was reported that UNIFIL vehicles had hit a resident of the town before the convoy was hit by small arms fire. Hezbollah said it was not involved in the incident. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, NYT, REU, REU 12/15; AP 12/18; AP 12/21)

The UN General Assembly adopted the resolution, “Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources,” calling on Israel to end its exploitation of the natural resources of the lands it occupies. The resolution passed with 159 votes in favor, 8 against, and 10 abstentions. (UN 12/14; MEMO, WAFA 12/15)

The European Parliament passed a resolution calling for an international conference to facilitate a 2-state solution to the Israeli occupation. The PA expressed dissatisfaction with the resolution not calling for the recognition of the State of Palestine, labeling of settlement products, and accountability for Israeli crimes against Palestinians. (WAFA, WAFA 12/15)

Norway donated $15 million through the World Bank Trust Fund to the Palestinian Umbrella for Resilience Support to the Economy in support of PA transparency, inclusivity, and the economy. (WAFA 12/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Huwwara, causing damage. Israeli settlers also threw stones at a secondary school in Madama. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man near Silwad, alleging that the man had opened fire at Israeli forces in the area. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Ein, injuring 1 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians with live ammunition during a raid in Nablus. Israeli forces also razed land in al-Walaja. Meanwhile, Israeli forces issued a stop-work order for a residential structure in Umm Qossa in the Masafer Yatta area. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Beit Duqqu, al-Asakra, Tuqu’, as-Samu, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during a late-night raid in al-Tur. (AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/7; MDW, PCHR, WAFA 12/8; UNOCHA 12/22)

Axios reported that the U.S. is lobbying UN human rights chief Volker Türk not to update the list of companies operating in the Israeli settlements. (AX 12/7; MEMO 12/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 2 Palestinians with pepper spray in Hebron. 1 Israeli settler also shot and injured 1 Palestinian man near the Adora settlement. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers blocked roads near al-Twana. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Huwwara, injuring 1 Palestinian and causing damage. Israeli forces delivered a demolition notice for a school under construction in the al-Saffi community in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also demolished 1 car repair shop in Nabi Ilyas. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Qalqilya, Jalbun, Nazlet Zeid, Tulkarm, Yatta, and Asira ash-Shamaliya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of al-Waha and al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, 22 Palestinians were killed in a fire in the Jabalia refugee camp. The PA called on Israel to open its crossings to Gaza to allow the injured to receive treatment in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, which Israel subsequently said it had done. The preliminary investigation suggested that the fire escalated quickly due to a large amount of gasoline stored in the house. (AJ, GDN, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/17; AJ, MEMO, MEMO, REU 11/18; MDW, MEE 11/19; AP 11/20; PCHR 11/24; UNOCHA 11/25)

U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides visited the Kiryat Netafim settlement. Ambassador Nides said he visited the settlement to offer condolences to the family of an Israeli settler who was stabbed to death on 11/15 in the Ariel settlement, allegedly by a Palestinian. Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, who accompanied Nides, told Nides that “we will build Samaria [the West Bank]. We are believers, and we know that this is our land.” (HA 11/17)

PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh met with U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for Palestinian-Israeli affairs Hady Amr in Ramallah. (WAFA 11/17)

Israel and Jordan signed an agreement to rehabilitate the southern part of the Jordan River. (HA, MEMO 11/17; ALM 11/18)

The UN social, humanitarian, and cultural issues committee adopted a draft resolution affirming the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. 167 counties voted in favor, 5 against, and 7 abstained. (WAFA, WAFA 11/17)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole olive harvests and harvesting equipment in Yasuf. Israeli settlers also razed Palestinian farmland in Wadi al-Faw. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Ramallah. Israeli forces demolished 3 Palestinian houses in al-Doyouk al-Tahta. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Arroub refugee camp, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces placed dirt mounds at the main entrance to ‘Azzun. 19 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jaba‘, Nablus, Iraq Burin, Biddu, Tuqu‘, Hebron, Dura, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished parts of their own home in the Old City. 2 Palestinians were arrested in Silwan and Jabel Mukaber. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 5 Palestinian fishermen and seized 1 boat. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/26; HA, MEMO, PCHR, PCHR, WAFA 10/27; UNOCHA 11/13)

Employees from the Israeli ministry of education inspected the bags of students from the al-Iman School in Beit Hanina looking for Palestinian textbooks. (WAFA 10/26; WAFA 10/27)

4 members of the Lion’s Den turned themselves in to the PA after negotiations with PA security officials. (HA 10/27)

In Syria, 4 people were reportedly killed in Israeli air strikes near Damascus. (AP 10/26; AJ, HA 10/27)

Axios reported that UAE foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan told former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the UAE has concerns about Netanyahu’s alliance with Itamar Ben-Gvir and the Otzma Yehudit party. According to Axios, foreign minister Al Nahyan told Netanyahu that a government that includes the Otzma Yehudit party could impact the UAE-Israel relationship. (AX, HA 10/26; MEMO 10/27)

Israel’s president Isaac Herzog met with U.S. president Joe Biden in Washington. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, REU 10/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers blocked a road between Nablus and Qalqilya. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man at the separation wall near Qalqilya after he tried to enter Israel for work with other Palestinian workers. Israeli forces also prevented Palestinians and international activists from harvesting olives in al-Twana. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian minor was shot and seriously injured in Sheikh Jarrah after he allegedly had stabbed 1 Israeli settler in the French Hill neighborhood an hour prior. Israeli forces later arrested the Palestinian minor’s father and brother. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired tear gas at farmers east of Khuza‘a, causing tear-gas related injuries. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/22; MDW 10/24; PCHR 10/27; UNOCHA 11/1)

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

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

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

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Burqa, causing damage. 1 7-year-old Palestinian child died during an Israeli house raid in Taqqua; the boy’s uncle said the child died of a heart attack when the Israeli forces entered his home and that he did not have any prior medical history. The U.S. state department called for “an immediate and through investigation” into the incident but later clarified that it believed Israel’s investigation was sufficient. Israeli forces also seized 1 bus in Ras al-Ahmar. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians during a raid in Dura. Israeli forces also demolished 1 Palestinian home in Artas. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Biddu, Beit Umar, Hebron, and Qalqilya. A general strike was observed in Jenin in protest over the killing of 4 Palestinians on 9/28. In East Jerusalem, 15 Palestinians were arrested in Isawiya, al-Tur, Sheikh Jarrah, Wadi Juz, and Silwan. (AA, AP, AX, HA, JP, MEE, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/29; AJ, AP, HA, MEE, NA, NAT, TOI, UNOCHA, WAFA 9/30; HA 10/2; MEE 10/3; AP, PCHR 10/6; MDW 10/7; UNOCHA 10/16)

The Israeli military announced that it will supply settlement outposts, deemed illegal by the Israeli government, with observation and warning systems, lighting, public address systems, and firefighting equipment. The move was approved by the Israeli ministry of justice. (HA 9/29)

The Israeli interior minister Ayelet Shaked informed 17 Palestinians, who are relatives of a Palestinian accused of killing 4 Israeli soldiers in 2017, that if they do not leave East Jerusalem for the West Bank by 10/7, they will be forcefully removed by Israeli forces. Interior Minister Shaked also told public security minister Omer Bar-Lev to prepare for the forced expulsion. (HA 9/29)

The Israeli central election committee barred the Palestinian party Balad from running in the upcoming Israeli parliamentary elections. Balad chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh said his party will appeal the decision, which he called “an attempt by Gantz and Lapid to engineer the Arab leadership according to their political needs. Just like the party came out stronger following previous attempts to disqualify us and to disqualify our platform, it won't work this time as well.” Balad was banned from running based on its platform, which calls for Israel to be a state for all its citizens and thus not a Jewish state. The Israeli attorney general had on 9/27 presented an opinion that Balad should not be banned from running. The election committee also rejected a request to bar Ra’am from running. (HA, WAFA 9/29; MEMO 9/30)

Al Monitor reported that Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid’s office had rejected a request by PA president Mahmoud Abbas’s office to arrange a phone call between the 2 on the occasion of the Jewish new year on 9/25. (ALM 9/29)

The Lebanese parliament failed to elect a new president of the country as more than half of the votes by 128 members were blank. (AP, HA, MEMO, REU 9/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized an irrigation pond in Bayt Dajan. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in al-Fara‘a refugee camp, claiming he threw an incendiary device at the forces during the raid. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian riding a motorbike in Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished agricultural structures in ‘Anata and delivered demolition notices against a wedding hall, a ceramic shop, a factory, and 2 car repair shops in Deir Sharaf. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwad, Kafr Ein, Dura, Hebron, Nablus, Beita, al-Fara‘a refugee camp, Ya‘bad, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 5 Palestinians were arrested. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEMO, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/7; PCHR 9/8; UNOCHA 9/16)

In response to U.S. requests for Israel to change its rules of engagement as a measure of accountability for the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh on 6/11, Israel’s prime minister Yair Lapid said “no one will dictate open fire regulations to us when we are fighting for our lives.” Prime Minister Lapid further said of the killing of Abu Akleh that he would “not allow them to put an IDF soldier on trial who defended himself against fire from terrorists, just to receive a round of applause from the world.” Several independent investigations have found that no gunfire was detected around the Israeli soldiers who killed Abu Akleh. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, REU, TOI 9/7; HA, HA, MEMO 9/8)

In the West Bank, 2 Israeli settlers were wounded by gunfire near Joseph’s Tomb. Israeli settlers opened fire at Palestinians in Kisan; no injuries were reported. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near the Yitzhar settlement, damaging 3. Israeli forces shot and injured 4 Palestinians with live ammunition, 5 with baton rounds, and 13 with shrapnel, and fired an anti-tank missile at a home during an arrest raid in Rujeib. Israeli forces also placed dirt mounds at the main entrance to Silwad. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Zeita, Deir al-Ghusun, Attil, Seida, Huwwara, Tubas, Qalqilya, Jenin, Beit Umar, and Deir Sammit. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan. (MEE, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/30; MEMO 8/31; PCHR 9/1)

An Israeli district court in Beersheba sentenced the former director of World Vision in Gaza, Mohammad al-Halabi, with another 6 years in prison, in addition to the 6 years he has already spent in Israeli prison. Human Rights Watch’s Israel and Palestine director Omar Shakir called the sentencing “a profound miscarriage of justice . . . The al-Halabi case exposes how Israel uses its legal system to provide a veneer of legality to mask its ugly apartheid over millions of Palestinians.” (AJ, GDN, REU, WAFA, WAFA 8/30; BBC, MDW, WAFA 8/31; MEMO 9/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 3 agricultural structures in al-Mughayyir. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Arrabah, Jaba‘, Faqqua, Qalqilya, Dheisheh refugee camp, Dura, and Bayt Awa. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Isawiya and Kafr ‘Aqab. (WAFA, WAFA, 8/18; UNOCHA 8/19; PCHR 8/25; UNOCHA 9/2)

Israeli forces raided the offices of Union of Agricultural Work Committees, Al-Haq, Addameer, Bisan Research Center, Defense for Children International – Palestine, Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees, and Union of Health Work Committees. The raid was in response to Israel’s terrorist designations against the 7 organizations. The forces seized documents and equipment from some of the Palestinian rights organizations and sealed the doors of the offices. The UN Human Rights office condemned the Israeli raids and the EU called the Israeli allegations against the organizations unsubstantiated. The U.S. expressed concern about Israel’s raids, saying that Israel has not provided sufficient evidence to justify the terrorist designations against the organizations. In a show of solidarity, officials from the EU, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and the UK visited the offices of Al-Haq, which had been forced open by Palestinians after the Israeli forces sealed the entrance. 6 of the rights organizations were deemed terrorist organizations by Israel in October 2021, and 1 was designated as such in 2020. Several EU countries have dismissed the Israeli claims after reviewing files submitted to the EU. (+972, AI, AJ, AP, AX, BBC, B’Tselem, GDN, HA, HA, HA, JP, MDW, MDW, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, NA, NBC, NYT, PCHR, REU, REU, TOI, UNOCHA, WP, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WP 8/18; AJ, HA, MDW, MEE, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 8/19; WAFA 8/20; B’Tselem 8/21; MDW, WAFA 8/22; MEE, MEMO 8/23; ABC 8/24 ALM 8/25; HA 8/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 3 Palestinians in Burqa and threw stones at vehicles and homes in the town. Israeli forces closed the main road between Nablus and Qalqilya, impeding Palestinian movement. Israeli forces also leveled 3 dunams (0.75 acres) of land planted with olive trees near Wadi Rahal. 24 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwad, Ramallah, Huwwara, Qalqilya, Ya‘bad, Yatta, Sa‘ir, and Bani Na‘im. In East Jerusalem, 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinians east of Khuza‘a and Maghazi; no injuries were reported. (MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/26; UNOCHA 6/4)

The PA announced it had finished its investigation into the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, concluding that Israel deliberately killed her. The PA findings are aligned with investigations made by AP and CNN, and with eyewitness accounts. Israel called the PA conclusion “a blatant lie.” The investigation found that the bullet that hit Abu Akleh was a 5.56 mm round used by NATO forces and that it was fired from 186 yards. The PA will not hand over the bullet to Israel, as Israel had requested. The PA handed a copy of its investigation to the U.S. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 5/26)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas appointed PA minister for civil affairs Hussein al-Sheikh the new secretary-general of the PLO Executive Committee. The position of secretary-general had been vacant since Saeb Erakat passed due to complications from the COVID-19 virus on 11/10/2020. (HA, MEE, WAFA 5/26)

Al Jazeera said it was preparing a file to be sent to the ICC pertaining to the Israeli killing of its journalist Abu Akleh and the Israeli bombing their offices in Gaza in May 2021. (AJ, MEE, REU 5/26; AP, HA 5/27)

The Iraqi parliament approved a law criminalizing the normalization of Israel, with 275 out of 329 votes in favor. The law applied to all Iraqi citizens, state and independent institutions, and foreigners working in Iraq. Violations of the law can be punishable by death sentences or life imprisonment. (AJ, HA, WAFA 5/26; NYT 5/27; MEMO 5/30)

83 Democrats in the U.S. house and senate signed a letter to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken urging him to intervene against Israeli plans to forcefully displace more than 1,000 Palestinians living in Masafer Yatta, an area Israel has converted into a firing zone. The letter underscored that the Israeli move “could further undermine efforts to reach a two-state solution” and contravenes international law. (ALM, HA 5/26; MDW, MEE, WAFA 5/27; TOI 5/31)

The U.S. company Meta, which operates Facebook, turned down an Israeli request to block a Facebook page Israel claims is “clearly linked to Hamas.” Meta said that the Israeli claim did not hold any merit. (HA 5/26)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler attempted ramming 1 Palestinian photojournalist working for Agency France Presse with their car at the Huwwara checkpoint. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian man who had allegedly attempted to stab Israeli soldiers near the Shomron Regional Brigade military base by Nablus; the Palestinian man was taken to a hospital while none of the Israeli soldiers were injured. Israeli forces also notified Palestinians in Wadi Fukin that Israel is seizing 40 dunams (10 acres) of Palestinian-owned land near the village. 26 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Dura al-Qari, Husan, Misilyah, Barta‘a, Silat al-Harithiya, al-Fara‘a refugee camp, Qalqilya, Qarawat Bani Hassan, Dheisheh refugee camp, Halhul, Beit Umar, and Qabatiya. In Jerusalem, Israeli forces assaulted the family of 1 Palestinian who was seriously injured on 5/16 during a funeral procession in East Jerusalem at a hospital while trying to arrest their seriously injured relative. 1 of the family members was beaten unconscious by the Israeli police and treated at the hospital. Later, Israeli police informed the family that the seriously injured man was not under arrest and they were still allowed to visit him. Israeli forces also razed 1 dunam (0.25 acres) of Palestinian land and demolished 1 fence in Shu‘fat refugee camp. 1 Palestinian was arrested at the Damascus Gate plaza. In Israel, Israel said it had shot down a drone entering Israeli air space from Lebanon, claiming it was operated by Hezbollah. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/17; HA, WAFA 5/18; PCHR 5/19; UNOCHA 6/4)

Israel’s prime minister Naftali Bennett visited the Elkana settlement in the West Bank a week after his government approved 500 new settlement units there. It was Prime Minister Bennett’s 1st visit to an Israeli settlement outside of East Jerusalem since he took office. The PA denounced Bennett’s trip. (HA 5/17)

PA civil affairs minister Hussein al-Sheikh met with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bogdanov in Moscow. Deputy Foreign Minister Bogdanov met with a Hamas delegation in Moscow earlier this month. (WAFA 5/18)

Israel’s public security minister Omer Bar-Lev decided to allow Israeli settlers and right-wing activists to march through the Damascus Gate plaza and the Muslim quarter of the Old City on “Jerusalem Day” on 5/29. The march will close off parts of the city to Palestinians. (AJ, AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA 5/18; HA 5/19; HA 5/20)

Prime Minister Bennett spoke to French president Emmanuel Macron. According to the official French readout of the conversation, President Macron expressed concern about Israel’s decision to advance 4,000 settlement units and urged Israel to swiftly investigate the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh on 5/11. The Israeli readout did not mention the French concern about the Israeli settlement expansion. (AJ, HA, REU 5/17)

The Lebanese interior ministry released results from the 6/15 Lebanese parliamentary elections, showing that the Hezbollah-led bloc had lost the majority in the parliament. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, REU 5/17; AJ, REU 5/18; AJ, REU 5/19; AJ 5/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces prevented Palestinian farmers from working their land in al-Diyouk al-Tahta and Khirbet Humsa, confiscating 1 tractor in Khirbet Humsa and demolishing 1 fence and 1 storage room in al-Diyouk al-Tahta. Israeli forces also delivered demolition notices for 3 poultry sheds in Ya‘bad. 16 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Beitunia, al-Bireh, Jenin, Halhul, Tulkarm refugee camp, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed the funeral procession for 1 Palestinian man who, on 5/14, succumbed to injuries sustained by Israeli forces at the Haram al-Sharif compound on 4/22; 1 Palestinian man was resuscitated after being shot by Israeli forces using a baton round, some 70 were injured, including 13 that were taken to hospitals, and 20 were arrested. 11 journalists were prevented from covering the event. Israel said 6 police officers were lightly injured by stone throwing. Israeli forces also arrested 1 of the pallbearers who was attacked by Israeli police during the funeral procession for Shireen Abu Akleh on 5/13. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 house under construction and 3 agricultural structures in Isawiya. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/16; MDW, WAFA 5/17; AJ, MEE, WAFA 5/18; AJ, REU 5/18; PCHR 5/19; UNOCHA 6/4)

U.S. congressperson Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) introduced a resolution to the U.S. House to recognize the Nakba. The resolution was co-sponsored by Betty McCollum (D-MN), Marie Newman (D-IL), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), and Cori Bush (D-MO). (AJ 5/16; MDW, MEMO, WAFA 5/17; AJ, JP 5/18; TOI 5/19)

The Intercept reported that 2 U.S. congresspeople André Carson (D-IN) and Lou Correa (D-CA) were circulating a letter demanding that the FBI investigate the 5/11 killing of Abu Akleh, who was an American citizen, in the West Bank. By 5/19, the letter had received 57 signatures from members of the U.S. House. (INT 5/16; AJ 5/19; HA, MEE, WAFA 5/20; MDW 5/26)

The EU announced a donation of $26 million in humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza. (WAFA 5/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided Palestinian farmlands south of Hebron, leading to a confrontation between Israeli activists assisting Palestinians in protecting their lands and Israeli forces. 1 Israeli activist was headbutted by an Israeli soldier. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near the Za‘atra checkpoint. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers blocked the Nablus-Ramallah road near Sinjil. Israeli settlers also unleashed dogs on Palestinians in Wadadi, causing injuries to 2 Palestinians. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man during a late-night raid in ‘Azzun. Israeli forces later violently dispersed the funeral procession for the Palestinian killed earlier in the day, injuring 2 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also took measurements for punitive home demolitions in Qarawat Bani Hassan of the family homes of 2 Palestinians accused of killing 1 Israeli settlement guard at the Ariel settlement on 4/29. 3 Palestinians were arrested in Qarawat Bani Hassan and 10 were arrested at the Qalqilya checkpoint after returning to the West Bank from East Jerusalem. In Israel, Israeli police arrested the imam at the Great Mosque in Lydda, Sheikh Yusuf Albaz, claiming he had incited violence. (HA, MEE 4/29; AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/30; HA, HA, HA, MEE, WAFA 5/1; PCHR 5/12; UNOCHA 5/13)

Israel claimed that the Mossad had prevented an attack on an Israeli employee at an Israeli consulate in Turkey. (HA 4/30; HA 5/1)

Israel prevented the director of Addameer Sahar Francis from boarding a plane at the Ben-Gurion Airport. Director Francis, who is an Israeli citizen, was travelling to participate in the World Social Forum in Mexico via the U.S. Addameer was declared a terrorist organization by Israel in 10/2021. (HA 5/4; MEE 5/5)

Police in Berlin banned all pro-Palestinian protests until 5/2, saying that anti-Semitic statements were made by some protesters at demonstrations on 4/22 and 4/23. (MEE, MEMO 4/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed Palestinian farmland near Sabastiyya. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during a late-night raid in Qalqilya and 1 at the Jalamah checkpoint. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested near the Haram al-Sharif compound. (WAFA, WAFA 4/28; MEMO 4/29; PCHR 5/12; UNOCHA 5/13)

1 Palestinian who had been on hunger strike for 57 days in protest over his administrative detention was taken to a hospital as his condition deteriorated. (WAFA 4/28)

The Israeli supreme court rejected a petition by Peace Now and the city of Hebron to prevent the construction of the Hezekiah settlement in Hebron, which will add 31 settlement units to the city. The supreme court ordered the petitioners to pay $3,000 to the Israeli state and to the Israeli settlement in Hebron. (HA 4/28; MEMO 4/29)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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