The Palestine Chronology

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 1 rocket into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces clash with residents in Tulkarm during a patrol, wounding 1 Palestinian child struck on the head by a stun grenade. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and 2 nearby villages, and 1 village nr. Jenin at night; patrols in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Nablus at night. (MNA 12/25; PCHR 12/26)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian farmers close to the border fence nr. Khan Yunis, wounding 1. The army says it targeted the group because it was laying an explosive device. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 nearby villages at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, in Nablus and Balata r.c., and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Jericho at night. (MNA 12/20; PCHR 12/26)

PA Pres. Abbas holds talks in Egypt with foreign ministers from Arab League mbr. states about the current state of the peace process. He also meets with Egyptian interim pres. Mansour to discuss regional developments and the national reconciliation effort with Hamas. (MNA 12/21)

Iran’s Dep. FM Abbas Araghchi says that talks in Geneva with reps. of the P5+1 are continuing for a 4th day and making slow progress. According to Araghchi, the issue of uranium enrichment is still a point of contention. (AP, JP 12/21)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian farmers close to the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no injuries. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and the nearby Askar r.c. and ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c. at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm in the morning and in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon. Meanwhile, Israeli forces confiscate 10 dunams and restrict access to a further 500 dunams of private land in Qusra village nr. Nablus. The land in question lies between the village and illegal settlement outpost Esh Kodesh. Also, Israeli forces hand out evacuation orders to 10 Palestinian families in Barta’a al-Sharqiya village nr. Jenin. (MNA 12/17; PCHR 12/19)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working close to the border fence nr. Bayt Lahiya, wounding 1. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Jenin and in Qalqilya and 1 nearby village at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Qalqilya and 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night. (PCHR 12/19)

UN OCHA publishes a report estimating that around 10,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been forced to flee their homes due to flooding, and that 2 have died. Israel allows 450,000 litres of fuel into the Gaza Strip, paid for by Qatar. Meanwhile, an estimated 20 villages and neighborhoods in the Nablus district of the West Bank are without electricity. (AFP, MNA, REU 12/15)

A rogue Lebanese soldier shoots and kills 1 Israeli soldier along the border, hours after which Israeli troops shoot 2 Lebanese soldiers, injuring them, in a location nearby. Israeli DM Ya’alon declares that Israel sees the Lebanese govt. and Lebanese army as “responsible for what happens on their side.” (AP, HA, REU 12/16)

Iranian FM Zarif says that Iranian negotiators will resume talks on its nuclear program with the P5+1 group, after suspending negotiations on 12/12 to protest new U.S. measures targeting companies deemed to be evading sanctions. (AP 12/15)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces open fire on agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no casualties. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot a Palestinian civilian with live ammunition in c. Hebron during a raid. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in Hebron at night; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries except in Kafr Qaddum with 2 injured by tear gas canisters. Meanwhile, Jewish settlers vandalize property in a village nr. Nablus, leaving “price-tag” graffiti. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian worshippers at Haram al-Sharif, using tear gas, rubber-coated metal bullets, and stun grenades, injuring around 40. (MNA 12/6; PCHR 12/12)

As he departs Israel, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry says that Israel and the Palestinians are closer than they have been in years to achieving a peace deal. Speaking to reporters at Ben Gurion Airport, Kerry issues an upbeat assessment following 2 days of meetings with Netanyahu (who he met on 3 separate occasions) and Abbas (who he met once). Kerry says that 160 experts were involved in preparing a security plan presented by Gen. John Allen during the trip to both Netanyahu and Abbas (the details of which are not revealed). Separately, Israeli FM Lieberman tells the annual Saban Forum at the Brookings Institution in Washington that a deal is unlikely but talks are positive if only for the sake of conflict management. (HA, JTA 12/6)

An explosion targets IDF troops patrolling the border fence between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Syria, causing no injuries or damage. Army investigations conclude that the blast was from a bomb remotely-detonated as troops passed by. (YA 12/6; AFP 12/7)

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons announces in a statement that it has verified the destruction of Syria’s unfilled munitions, as well as the destruction of parts of buildings at weapons production facilities. (AP 12/6)

The UNGA approves Jordan’s 2-year term on the UNSC, taking the place that Saudi Arabia rejected on 10/18 as a protest over the UN’s response to the civil war in Syria. Jordan will assume its role on 1/1, having secured 178 votes from the body’s 193 mbrs. (AFP 12/6)

In Israel, security forces in Petah Tikva shoot and kill a Palestinian worker from a village nr. Nablus, during a police-led search for Palestinians without permits. In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with residents in 1 village nr. Jenin during a raid. In 1 village nr. Ramallah, Jewish settlers attack property and residents who in turn fight back with stone-throwing. As a result, Israeli forces fire tear gas grenades at the Palestinian villagers, causing no serious injuries. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 3 villages nr. Jenin at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah at night. In Sur al-Bahir, East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolishes 3 apartments in an effort to avoid the charges associated with a demolition conducted by the municipality. (MNA 11/30; PCHR 12/5)

Thousands of demonstrators protest against the proposed Prawer Plan in several locations across Israel, including the Negev village Hura, Haifa, nr. Highway 444 in the “Triangle,” Jerusalem, and Jaffa, with a total of 34 arrests nationwide. The largest protest is in Hura, where protesters throw stones and the police retaliate. Israeli FM Lieberman harshly attacks the protesters, and says the govt. is “fighting for the lands of the Jewish people.” Solidarity protests also take place nr. Ramallah, where Palestinians clash with Israeli forces nr. Beit El settlement, and in Gaza City. (HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 11/30; ToI 12/2)

Egypt’s 50-mbr. constituent assembly votes on 138 articles of the 247-article draft constitution, limiting the scope of Shari‘a law and allowing the army to try civilians in military tribunals. Meanwhile U.S. Defense Secy. Chuck Hagel calls DM Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to express concern about a new law curbing protests, according to a statement by Dept. of Defense spokesperson Carl Woog. Also in Egypt, security forces kill 3 mbrs. of al-Tawhid walJihad, a militant group, in the n. Sinai nr. Shaykh Zuweid. (AP, NYT, MNA 11/30)

In the West Bank at night, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 nearby villages; Jenin, Jenin r.c., and 1 nearby village; 2 villages nr. Bethlehem; and Balata r.c. nr. Nablus. IDF troops also patrol in Tulkarm in the morning, in 3 villages nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, and 3 villages nr. Jenin, 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night. (PCHR 11/28)

Reps. from Iran and the P5+1 reach a deal in Geneva. The “Joint Plan of Action” establishes a 6-mo. interim period, in which the 2 sides swap confidence-building measures to facilitate negotiations over a long-term agreement. Specific measures include a 5% limit on Iran’s uranium enrichment, well below the level required for weapons-grade material, and approximately $4.2 b. in sanctions relief. (To read the full text of the agreement, see document A1 in JPS 171.) The interim deal is endorsed by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Pres. Hassan Ruhani, while U.S. Pres. Barack Obama says the agreement cuts off Tehran’s possible routes to a nuclear bomb. Separately, reports surface in the media that the U.S. and Iran had been holding secret talks since 3/2013, away from the P5+1 track, reportedly led by Dep. Secy. of State William Burns. It is also reported that Obama advised Netanyahu of these talks in 9/2013. (AP, HA, REU 11/24; AP 11/25)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces launch air strikes targeting 2 chicken farms, a border fence tunnel, and an Islamic Jihad training site nr. Khan Yunis. There are no injuries reported in any of the attacks. IDF troops also conduct a limited incursion in s. Gaza to level land nr. the border fence. The IDF also shells agricultural land nr. Gaza City, with no damage or casualties. Separately, a Palestinian fighter is killed in an accidental explosion in Gaza City. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 3 nearby villages and al-‘Arub r.c., and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, and Ramallah at night. Meanwhile, a Palestinian man shot by Israeli forces in 2006 dies of his wounds. Jewish settlers vandalize 2 cars and leave racist graffiti in a village nr. Nablus. (MNA 11/19; PCHR 11/21)

Following the 11/16 decision by Hamas officials, Ma’an News Agency’s office in Gaza City reopens, following 4 mos. of closure, with the authorities also announcing that Al-Arabiya TV’s offices would also reopen. Hamas closed the 2 news organizations on 7/25 after they reported that Muslim Brotherhood officials who had fled Egypt were being sheltered in the Gaza Strip. (MNA 11/19)

UNRWA Under Secy.-Gen. Jeffrey Feltman tells the UN Security Council (UNSC) that the agency will be unable to pay salaries to roughly 30,000 employees in 12/2013, including teachers and medical personnel, due to a $36 m. deficit. Meanwhile, hundreds of teachers gathered outside the High Court of Justice in Ramallah after the PA appealed to the court with the claim that the limited strike launched on 11/17 was in contravention of labor laws. (AFP, MNA 11/19)

A double suicide bombing kills 23 outside the Iranian embassy in Beirut, including an Iranian diplomat. The attack was claimed by al-Qa‘ida linked group Abdullah Azzam Brigades that, in a statement, said their demands were the withdrawal of Hizballah forces from Syria and the release of Salafist jihadists from Lebanese jails. Following the bombings, Hizballah’s dep. leader Naim Kassem says that the group will not be swayed from its course of support for the Syrian govt. Saudi Arabia condemns the attack as “cowardly.” (AFP 11/19; AP, REU 11/20)

Egyptian security forces storm Tahrir Square in Cairo, clashing with protesters who had gathered to mark the anniversary of deadly 2011 demonstrations. One person is killed in the confrontation. (AFP 11/19)

In the West Bank, residents of Qusra village nr. Nablus defend their land from settlers uprooting seedlings. IDF troops intervene and open fire on the Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets, injuring 8. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Bethlehem at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin at night. In East Jerusalem, around 80 Israeli security officers enter Haram al-Sharif and tour the area. (MNA 11/18; PCHR 11/21)

French pres. Hollande meets with PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah and later with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. In a joint press conference with Abbas, Hollande calls for a complete halt to Israeli settlement activity. In a speech to the Knesset in honor of the French leader’s visit, Netanyahu invites Abbas to address the Israeli parliament and to recognize Israel as a “Jewish state.” He also thanks Hollande for his opposition to a deal with Iran earlier in the month. (AFP, HA, MNA 11/18)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, wounding 1. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in Bethlehem and 1 nearby village, 1 village each nr. Jenin and Ramallah, and in Nablus and Tulkarm at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin in the afternoon. (PCHR 11/14)

Israel’s cabinet approves the destruction of a Bedouin village in the Negev to be replaced by a religious Jewish settlement Hiran. The cabinet also approves the return of Avigdor Lieberman to the position of FM following his acquittal on corruption charges. (HA, ToI 11/10)

U.S. officials led by Undersecy. of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman arrive in Jerusalem to brief the Netanyahu govt. on the latest developments with regard to talks with Iran. Netanyahu tells his cabinet that over the weekend he spoke with Pres. Obama, Russian pres. Putin, French pres. Francois Hollande, German chancellor Angela Merkel, and British PM David Cameron to lobby them on the Israeli position vis-à-vis Iran. (HA, ToI 11/10)

Gunmen kill 2 Egyptian soldiers in an attack on a military facility nr. Ismailia. (JP 11/11)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and in Bethlehem and 1 nearby village and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Jenin and in 1 village nr. Salfit at night. Jewish settlers attack Palestinians in Burin village nr. Nablus, with Israeli soldiers subsequently also attacking residents with tear gas and stun grenades. (MNA 11/9; PCHR 11/14)

PA Pres. Abbas meets in Amman with Jordan’s FM Nasser Judeh for routine talks about the latest developments in the peace process. (WAFA 11/9)

Talks with Iran in Geneva end late Saturday without a deal, but with all sides agreed on the need to resume discussions on 11/20. U.S. Secy. of State Kerry says that “significant progress” had been made on remaining points of difference. An unnamed senior Israeli official responds by saying that his govt. will campaign hard against a deal viewed as very bad for Israel. (AP, JP, REU 11/9)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion nr. Jabaliya r.c. and level land close to the border zone, and also open fire on farmers, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops kill 2 Palestinians in separate incidents at checkpoints; 1st, at Za’atra nr. Nablus, where a Palestinian shoots fireworks at soldiers and is shot dead, and 2d, at Container checkpoint nr. Bethlehem where Israeli soldiers say a Palestinian attempted to attack them. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkam in the afternoon, and in 2 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers vandalize Palestinian cars nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces close 2 offices of charities it says are cover for Hamas activities. (JP, MNA 11/7; PCHR 11/14)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry heads to Amman, Jordan, and holds talks with King Abdallah and FM Nasser Judeh, with the king praising the “trust” Kerry has among all sides in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. At a joint press conference with Judeh, Kerry says that Israeli and Palestinians leaders had reaffirmed to him their commitment to negotiations. Later that day, Kerry holds another round of talks with Abbas, in Amman. In media interviews, he also reveals he will return the next day for another meeting with Netanyahu, an unplanned addition to the trip. In an interview broadcast on Israeli television, Kerry warns that without a peace deal, Israel could face a 3d intifada and “increasing isolation” and “delegitimization.” (AFP, AP, REU 11/7)

Swiss scientists say that tests show Yasir Arafat died with high levels of radioactive polonium in his body, but do not say that this was definitively the cause of death. Palestinian officials demand an international investigation into the “killing” of their former leader, according to PLO official Wassel Abu Yousef. (AFP, BBC, REU 11/7)

Diplomats from Iran and the P5+1 group begin talks in Geneva, coordinated by the EU’s Catherine Ashton, in an attempt to work out the details of a deal to end the dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program. (HA, REU 11/7)

An unnamed diplomat says that Jordan will replace Saudi Arabia on the UNSC for a 2-year term, after Riyadh rejects the position out of anger with the body’s inability to take what it deems appropriate action with regard to issues like Syria and Israeli-Palestinian relations. (AP 11/8)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin, Jerusalem, Nablus, and Ramallah at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. (PCHR 11/7)

Israel issues tenders for the construction of more than 1,700 homes, shortly ahead of a visit by U.S. Secy. of State Kerry. The tenders are part of 3,500 homes whose planned construction was announced after the latest prisoner release. The tenders are for homes in East Jerusalem settlements Ramat Shlomo and Gilo, as well as West Bank settlements like Elkana, Ma’ale Adumim, and Beitar Ilit. There is also 196 homes planned for Karnei Shomron, a settlement outside the “blocs” Israel expects to keep in any future deal. Separately, Israeli media report that PM Netanyahu intends to build a separation barrier between the West Bank and Jordan, as part of the govt.’s plans to maintain an Israeli presence in the Jordan Valley. Responding to developments, Pres. Abbas spokesperson Abu Rudayna says that the decision to build a fence along the border with Jordan is aimed at undermining Kerry’s upcoming mission, while PLO mbr. Wassel Abu Yousef slams the settlement tenders and says the PLO is considering how to get UN action against these decisions. Kerry, in Egypt, responds to a question at a press conference with FM Nabil Fahmy by saying that settlement construction disturbs “people’s perceptions of whether . . . we’re moving in the right direction.” (AFP, JP, MNA, REU, ToI 11/3)

U.S. Undersecy. of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman assures Israel that Obama has not offered any sanctions relief to Iran and that Israeli security is a priority of the administration. Speaking to Israeli television, Sherman says that the U.S. may offer temporary, limited sanctions relief as part of the diplomatic process while leaving core oil and banking sanctions in place. (HA, JP 11/3)

In Egypt, U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry expresses optimism about a return to democracy, and describes Cairo as a vital partner of Washington. Unnamed senior State Dept. officials say that Kerry did not discuss ousted pres. Morsi’s trial in meetings with Pres. Adly Mansour and Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. (REU 11/3)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF kills 4 mbrs. of Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades in 2 separate incidents. First, IDF troops working to close a tunnel on both sides of the border are targeted by an explosion, wounding 5 soldiers. Returning fire, they kill 1 Palestinian. Subsequently, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) bombs another tunnel, killing 3 Palestinians who were inside. In addition, IDF troops along the border nr. Jabaliya r.c. open fire on an open area, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Palestinian gunmen open fire on a settler vehicle close to Hawara checkpoint nr. Nablus, causing no injuries. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village each nr. Nablus and Jenin at night; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Jenin and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon. Jewish settlers vandalize around 300 olive trees nr. Qalqilya. Meanwhile, suspected Jewish settlers attack a Palestinian truck driver, as well as 2 Israeli soldiers at the entrance to Bet Ayn settlement. (HA, MNA ToI, YA 10/31; PCHR 11/7)

Reports emerge that Palestinian negotiators Saeb Erakat and Mohammed Shtayyeh have handed in their resignation letters to PA Pres. Abbas, in response to what the 2 describe as Israel’s lack of commitment to the peace process. However, PLO official Wassel Abu Yousef denies that any such resignation had taken place. At a meeting of the PLO executive cmte, Abbas says that the Palestinian leadership will take steps in response to Israeli settlement construction, but without specifying exactly what. (HA, JP, MNA, ToI 10/31)

The IAF attacks a shipment of missiles located at a Syrian military base, a strike confirmed by an anonymous Obama administration official. The air strike targets missiles at a base nr. Latakia thought to be en route to Hizballah. Meanwhile, the OPCW announces that Syria has met a deadline in the internationally mandated disarmament program, with equipment and production facilities rendered inoperable. (AP, REU 10/31)

U.S. VP Joe Biden and other administration officials work to convince lawmakers to hold off from passing further sanctions targeting Iran, to let the current efforts to secure a negotiated solution have some breathing space. Comments by sens. emerging from the private briefing with Senate Democratic leaders and Republican and Democratic mbrs. of the Senate Banking Cmte. indicate that the Obama administration had done enough to convince many of the need to wait. (AP, REU 10/31)

In the Gaza Strip, unidentified suspects plan explosives on a car of a Popular Resistance Cmte. leader, but the car blows up without causing injuries. In the n. West Bank, a Palestinian throws an improvised explosive device at an Israeli settler bus nr. Ya‘bad village, causing no injuries. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin and Salfit at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon and in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers vandalize more than 30 olive trees nr. Nablus. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara). There are no serious injuries, except in Bil‘in where 1 person is injured by a rubber-coated metal bullet, and in Kafr Qaddum, where 2 are struck by tear gas canisters. (MNA 10/25; PCHR 10/31)

Thousands of supporters of ousted pres. Morsi march in Cairo, ahead of his expected court appearance on 11/4. There are clashes in Alexandria and Suez, where police disperse crowds with tear gas. (AP, REU 10/25)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. IDF troops also conduct a limited incursion nr. al-Maghazi in c. Gaza to level land, before withdrawing. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Jericho and Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in Tulkarm and 1 nearby village, and 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin and Ramallah at night. Jewish settlers attack farmers in Burin village nr. Nablus, injuring 1. In East Jerusalem, Jewish right-wing extremists escorted by Israeli police tour the al-Aqsa compound. (MNA 10/24; PCHR 10/31)

An unnamed Israeli official confirms that the govt. will press ahead with plans to build in the so-called settlement blocs and East Jerusalem, claiming that such construction is in accordance with agreements reached as talks recommended. Meanwhile, the Financial Times reports that the PA has sent letters to 50 countries urging them to clamp down on companies doing business with West Bank settlements, citing an unnamed Palestinian official. (HA, FT, REU 10/24)

The White House hosts a meeting of Senate cmte. leaders’ aides as part of a drive to get new sanctions targeting Iran delayed. At the same time, dep. national security adviser to Pres. Obama Ben Rhodes tells a conference in Washington that the U.S. will not be easing sanctions until Tehran takes “concrete steps.” (REU 10/24)

Gunmen kill an Egyptian policeman in al-Arish, while separately, an explosive device injures 2 border guards nr. Rafah. (MNA 10/24)

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)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct 2 separate limited incursions to level land close to the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun and Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, IDF troops kill 1 armed Palestinian after he sought refuge in a cave nr. Bayt Liqya village, a man wanted for his alleged role in an attack on an Israeli bus during “Operation Pillar of Defense” in 11/2012. In addition, a Palestinian run over by a settler car in Qalqilya on 10/15 dies in hospital from his injuries. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the morning, and in Hebron and 3 nearby villages at night. In Qabatya nr. Jenin, IDF troops set up a flying checkpoint at the entrance to the village where around 20 soldiers check IDs and inspect vehicles. Residents throw stones and soldiers fire tear gas, causing no reported injuries. Also in the West Bank, IDF troops temporarily displace 17 families in the n. Jordan Valley on the basis of conducting military drills. Jewish settlers nr. Bethlehem uproot 80 olive seedlings, and other settlers nr. Bethlehem pump sewage water on agricultural lands, while in a further separate incident nr. Bethlehem, settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles, causing minor damage. Settlers nr. Qalqilya uproot more than 50 olive trees, while separately, settlers from Yitzhar assault a Palestinian farmer from Burin village nr. Nablus. (MNA 10/22; PCHR 10/24)

PA Pres. Abbas warns that the Palestinians will not accept Israeli control over a border with Jordan and that it could be a deal breaker. Speaking on a visit to Lithuania, Abbas also praises EU demands that Israel stops settlement construction. (AFP 10/23)

Reps. of 11 countries from the “Friends of Syria” group meet in London to encourage the Syrian opposition to join talks under the proposed “Geneva 2” framework. However, SNC head Ahmed Jarba tells a news conference following the meeting that their conditions included the impossibility of Asad being allowed to remain in power. The SNC says it will continue internal discussions about whether or not to attend the proposed peace conference. (REU 10/22)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on open land nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Jericho and Nablus at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Nablus in the morning, and in Tulkarm, Jenin (clashes, 1 injury) and 2 nearby villages at night and 1 village nr. Jericho. (PCHR 10/10)

Hamas chief Khalid Mish‘al meets Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara to discuss national reconciliation and the general situation in the Gaza Strip, with no public statement from either men forthcoming. (MNA 10/8)

Gunmen shoot and kill 1 Egyptian soldier in Port Said, while Egyptian security forces raid Shaykh Zuweid and al-Arish, detaining dozens. (MNA 10/8)

In the West Bank, Palestinian gunmen open fire on Psagot settlement nr. al-Bireh, wounding 1 child. Israeli soldiers and settlers attack residents in Burin village nr. Nablus, and in a patrol in al-Bireh, IDF troops shoot and injure 1 Palestinian with a rubber-coated metal bullet. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Bethlehem at night; in al- ‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Jewish settlers damage 120 olive trees nr. Nablus, while in a separate incident, settlers throw stones at Palestinian houses nr. Ramallah. (HA, MNA 10/5; PCHR 10/10)

PA security forces raid Jenin r.c. and arrest a number of residents, including Islamic Jihad activists. (JP 10/5)

Egypt allows Hajj pilgrims from the Gaza Strip to exit through the Rafah border crossing, and around 100 Palestinians are permitted to return to Gaza from the Egyptian side. Meanwhile, Egypt’s Maj.-Gen. Ahmad Ibrahim says that the military has demolished 1,055 smuggling tunnels under the border with Gaza since 1/2011, with 794 of them destroyed in 2013. (MNA 10/5)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gives his support to Pres. Ruhani’s diplomatic opening to the U.S., but says he does not trust Washington as a negotiating partner. (REU 10/5)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct 2 separate incursions nr. Khan Yunis and in the c. Gaza Strip to level land by the border fence. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron, Nablus and ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c. and 2 nearby villages at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin at night. Jewish settlers destroy 50 olive trees in the s. Hebron hills. In East Jerusalem, Palestinian activists drill a hole in the separation wall nr. Abu Dis. (MNA 10/3; PCHR 10/10)

Israeli and Palestinian negotiators meet for the 1st time after a hiatus of about 2 weeks, discussions attended by U.S. envoy Martin Indyk. (HA, REU, JTA 3/10)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and Balata r.c., ‘Askar r.c. and 1 village nearby, 1 village each nr. Hebron, Qalqilya and Ramallah, and in Bethlehem at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Nablus, Ramallah, and Jenin at night. (PCHR 10/3)

Egyptian FM Nabil Fahmy says that the interim stage of the post-coup govt. should end by spring 2014, with parliamentary and presidential elections due to take place. There is also a new constitution to be voted on. Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities reopen the Rafah crossing for 4 hours, with 370 people going in and out. Thirty-five trucks of construction materials from Qatar also entered. (MNA, REU 9/28) 

Hizballah fighters clash with residents in Baalbek, with at least 3 killed and 6 wounded, with fighting beginning at a checkpoint manned by the group. Security forces are deployed to restore calm, and the next day, Hizballah hands over control of 2 checkpoints to the army. (AP 9/28, 9/29)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 1 rocket into s. Israel which causes no damage or injuries. In addition, Israeli troops fire upon a demonstration that approaches the border fence, as part of protests in solidarity with Palestinians facing restricted access to al-Aqsa mosque, injuring 5. In the West Bank, hundreds of Palestinians clash with Israeli troops as part of demonstrations marking the 13th anniversary of the 2d intifada. In al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, the IDF opens fire with rubber-coated metal bullets, hitting a child and blinding her in 1 eye. In c. Hebron, more than 200 Palestinians throw stones at Israeli soldiers, who injure 23 Palestinians with live ammunition and rubber-coated metal bullets. There is also a protest outside Ofer prison nr. Ramallah, and in the Nablus area at Hawara checkpoint (where 1 person is injured with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head). The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin and Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night. Jewish settlers set fire to 2 Palestinian vehicles nr. Beit El settlement n. of Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Palestinian youths smash a hole in the separation wall in Abu Dis before Israeli forces arrive and violently disperse them. Outside the Old City nr. Damascus Gate, Palestinians throw stones at police officers. (JP, MNA, NYT 9/28; PCHR 10/3)

Diplomats from the Quartet meet on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York and issue a statement calling on both sides to take “every possible step” to make the current negotiations a success. Envoy Tony Blair says that the meeting heard of initiatives accompanying peace talks to boost the Palestinian economy. The Quartet reps. were also joined by Tzipi Livni and Saeb Erakat in their capacities as lead negotiators for their respective sides. (AP, JP 9/28)

The UNSC votes unanimously for a res. that will see Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile secured and destroyed. Kerry says that the res. shows diplomacy is able to “peacefully defuse the worst weapons of war,” adding that destruction of the arsenal will begin in 11/2013 and run through to mid-2014. The council also backs a road map for political transition in Syria, and calls for an international conference to be convened “as soon as possible.” (AP, ToI, REU 9/27)

U.S. Pres. Obama and Iranian pres. Ruhani speak on the telephone, the highest-level contact between the 2 countries since 1979. Obama, in comments at the White House, and Ruhani, via a Twitter account, said that both are committed to solving the nuclear issue. (REU 9/27)

In the West Bank, the body of an Israeli soldier murdered in Qalqilya is discovered. The Palestinian responsible reportedly tells Israeli interrogators that he was acting in response to the incarceration by Israel of his brother since 2003. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in Nablus and 1 nearby village, 1 village nr. Bethlehem and 1 village nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, 2 villages nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Ramallah at night. (HA 9/21; PCHR 9/26)

The OPCW says that it has now received information over Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile sufficient to meet the 1st deadline of the international community plan. (AP 9/21)

Egyptian security forces raid several locations in the n. Sinai, arresting more than a dozen suspected militants. According to an AFP tally, in the past 2 mos., the army has killed some 100 Islamist militants, while 58 policemen, 21 soldiers, and 17 civilians have also died at the hands of the jihadist groups. Meanwhile, authorities close the Rafah crossing again, due to the security conditions. (AFP, AP, MNA 9/21)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct 2 separate, limited incursions nr. Khan Yunis, leveling land along the border fence before withdrawing. In the West Bank, the IDF shoots and kills a Palestinian in Jenin r.c., and wounds 4 others in subsequent clashes. Islam al-Tubasi was killed when Israeli soldiers raided his house and shot him. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Ramallah and Nablus at night; patrols in 1 village and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, and in 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. (MNA 9/17; PCHR 9/19)

For the 1st time in 6 years, Israel will allow entry into the Gaza Strip of a limited quantity of construction materials intended for private projects, according to separate reports by crossings director Nazmi Muhanna and an unnamed Israeli defense official. Three hundred and fifty trucks of cement, steel and concrete will cross into the territory weekly. (REU, WAFA 9/17)

PA Pres. Abbas meets in Ramallah with U.S. peace process envoy Martin Indyk, where the 2 assess the outcome of previous rounds of negotiations (8 meetings in total). Meanwhile, PLO Secy.-Gen. Yasir ‘Abid Rabbuh tells Palestinian media that the “indicators” of the talks have thus far been negative. (JP 9/17)

Diplomats from the U.S., Britain, Russia, France, and China begin talks in New York on a draft res. that will implement the proposed plan to rid Syria of chemical weapons. U.S. Secy. of State Kerry insists that the agreement with Moscow must be backed up by the threat of force in the case of noncompliance, talking to reporters on Capitol Hill. Russia, meanwhile, says that a res. will not allow the use of force. (AP, REU 9/17)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion along the border fence nr. Khan Yunis to level land, before withdrawing. In the West Bank, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians protesting the arrival of 1,400 Jewish worshippers at Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, injuring 7. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Jenin at night. The IDF also demolishes 4 Palestinian-owned commercial structures in Barta‘a village nr. Jenin. (HA, MNA 9/12; PCHR 9/19)

PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas meets with EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton in Paris, as well as French pres. Francois Hollande, discussing with both the peace process. (WAFA 9/12)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets Russian FM Sergey Lavrov in Geneva to discuss Moscow’s proposal of securing and destroying Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile, talks that were described by Kerry afterward as “constructive.” Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz expresses cautious support for the plan, speaking to Israeli media. Meanwhile, 3 stray mortar shells land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. (AFP, AP, JP, REU 9/12)

Egyptian interim pres. Adly Mansour extends a nationwide state of emergency for a further 2 mos. On the Rafah border, 2 Egyptian army tanks cross the initial border fence on the Egyptian side for the 1st time. Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities close the Rafah crossing for the 2d day due to unrest in the Sinai. (AFP, AP, MNA 9/12)

Iranian Amb. to the IAEA Reza Najafi says that Tehran will cooperate with the agency to “overcome existing issues once and for all,” speaking at his 1st board meeting. Distinct from the P5+1 (permanent mbrs. of the UNSC plus Germany) talks, the IAEA has held 10 rounds of talks since early 2012 to resume inspections into suspected weapon research. (REU 9/12)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Jenin and al-Fawar and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night; patrols in Nablus, 3 villages nr. Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Hebron at night. In Bayt Umar village nr. Hebron, the IDF attacks a funeral procession, sparking clashes where 2 Palestinians are injured by rubber-coated metal bullets. In East Jerusalem, Israeli troops demolish residential and agricultural structures in al-Za’ayem village, displacing around 35 people. In addition, Israel’s Housing Minister Uri Ariel visits the al-Aqsa mosque compound under police protection, heading a tour group of around 100 rightist Jewish activists. (MNA, WAFA 9/11; PCHR 9/12)

The 5 permanent mbrs. of the UNSC meet at Russia’s UN mission to discuss the contents of a new res. on the securing and dismantling of Syria’s chemical weapons. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry and Russian FM Sergey Lavrov speak by phone the day before heading to Geneva for talks with experts about the practicalities of the Russian proposal. France, for its part, aligns itself with the U.S. position of insisting that a military option remains on the table but that the diplomatic process will be prioritized. (AFP, AP, REU 9/11)

Three attacks including 2 car bombs kill 11 people and injure more than 15 in the Sinai, as the army continues its offensive against Islamist militants, including Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis. The dead include 9 Egyptian officers targeted at the intelligence headquarters in Rafah. Meanwhile, Israeli officials arrive in Cairo on a private jet for discussions with Egyptians security officials expected to focus on events in the Sinai. (MNA, REU 9/11)

U.S. Amb. Joseph Macmanus tells a meeting of the IAEA that there are “troubling developments” in Iran’s nuclear program amid concerns that Tehran is stalling on achieving any progress in negotiations with the international community. Iran’s FM Mohammad Javad Zarif says that Iran’s nuclear work could take place under international safeguards but would not just go away. (REU 9/11)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli troops clash with residents in Bayt Umar village nr. Hebron during a patrol, with 2 Palestinians wounded by shrapnel of a sound bomb and a bullet respectively. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Nablus in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Salfit and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and Ramallah at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces fire rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas at Al-Quds university students in Abu Dis after staff prevented soldiers from entering the campus. (MNA 9/8; PCHR 9/12)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry meets with Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas in London, their 1st such talks since direct negotiations recommenced. Earlier, Kerry holds talks with Arab League officials—including the FMs of Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia—in Paris, after which Kerry affirms the “commitment” of both sides to “continuing the talks.” The Arab League’s Peace Initiative Cmte. also expresses support for U.S. efforts to promote the direct talks. Meanwhile, Israeli officials protest Palestinian media leaks concerning the talks in complaints made to Washington. (AFP, JTA 9/8)

Following discussions in Paris, U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry says that Arab League ministers have agreed on the need for an international response to the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Asad regime. Kerry says that a number of countries immediately signed the statement produced at the G20 talks, but only names Saudi Arabia. (AFP 9/8)

Egyptian forces continue their Sinai offensive, killing 11 suspected Islamist fighters and arresting 10. (AP 9/8)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Two explosions target an IDF patrol operating adjacent to the Gaza border nr. Qarni crossing, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops demolish residential and agricultural Palestinian-owned structures in the Jordan Valley, clashing with residents and injuring 5. There are also clashes in Nablus during an IDF arrest raid, leaving 2 Palestinians injured. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin and 2 nearby villages, Hebron and 2 nearby villages at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Hebron at night. (MNA, ToI, WAFA 9/2; PCHR 9/5)

Pres. Obama’s hopes of persuading the U.S. Congress to support military action against Syria are dealt a blow with Democratic lawmakers expressing scepticism following a briefing with Obama’s national security aides, according to Rep. Jim Moran. However, Obama picks up support from Republican sens. John McCain and Lindsey Graham. (REU 9/2)

An Egyptian govt.-backed judicial panel recommends the dissolution of the Muslim Brotherhood as a legally registered nongovernment organization (NGO). It is a nonbinding decision. (Guardian, REU 9/2)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion nr. Juhur al-Dik, where they level land close to the border fence and then withdraw. In the West Bank, the IDF injures 5 Palestinians nr. Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah during clashes which result from Palestinians trying to stop Jewish settlers throwing stones at cars nr. the camp. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Bethlehem, Qalqilya and 1 nearby village, Nablus, and Jenin r.c. at night. They patrol in al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in Tulkarm and 1 nearby village, as well as 1 village nr. Jenin at night. (MNA, WAFA 9/1; PCHR 9/5)

U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Jen Psaki confirms that U.S. peace process envoy Martin Indyk participated in 1 of the sets of meetings between Israelis and Palestinians that have taken place since the resumption of talks in 7/2013 (though without specifying which one). Meanwhile, Palestinian PM Rami Hamdallah says that a 2d group of Palestinian prisoners could be freed by Israel by the end of 9/2013. (JP, REU 9/1)

Secy. of State John Kerry tells U.S. television networks that the govt. has proof sarin gas was used in a recent Damascus chemical weapons attack, urging Congress to vote for military action against the Asad regime. Meanwhile, the Syrian opposition coalition issues a statement asking Congress to approve the strike. In France, Interior Minister Mauel Valls says that his govt. would not go it alone in Syria and will wait for the decision by the U.S. Congress. (AFP, AP, REU 9/1)

Egypt’s chief prosecutor orders ousted pres. Morsi and 14 other Muslim Brotherhood leaders to stand trial on charges including inciting violence and murder. The new regime also names a constituent assembly and gives it 60 days to review amendments that would erase articles brought in by the Brotherhood and other Islamic parties last year. (NYT, REU 9/1)