The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor after he allegedly rammed a car into the Jabara checkpoint near Tulkarm; 1 Israeli soldier was moderately injured. Israeli forces temporarily evicted Palestinian families from their homes in Ibziq for 10 days, saying the Israeli military will carry out drills in the area. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned house east of Yatta, displacing 5, and started installing a concrete structure near the entrance of Fawwar refugee camp. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwad, Burqa, and Dura. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own apartment in Silwan, displacing 6. 4 Palestinians were arrested during a late-night raid in Isawiya, including 1 minor. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/6; MDW 12/7; PCHR 12/16)

The Israeli-run Jerusalem municipality announced that construction of an Israeli settlement in the Qalandia (Atarot) airport area was postponed on environmental grounds. The decision follows pressure from U.S. officials for Israel to drop the plans, which would create 9,000 new settlement units in East Jerusalem. The environmental survey is expected to take 1 year to complete. Regional cooperation minister Issawi Frej spoke at the committee meeting discussing the plan, arguing for reestablishing the airport for joint Israeli and Palestinian usage, but his suggestion was rejected. (AJ, ALM, ALM, HA, MEE, REU 12/6; MEMO, WAFA 12/7)

The PA said it would cut wages by 25% as it continues to financially struggle. The PA blamed the wage cuts on Israel’s continued deduction of PA tax revenue, which Israel says amounts to what the PA pays in stipends to Palestinian prisoners and their families. (HA, REU 12/6)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Algerian president Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Algiers. President Tebboune announced that Algeria will grant the PA $100 million in financial aid and that Algeria will host a meeting between Palestinian factions. (WAFA 12/5; HA, MEMO, WAFA 12/6)

Israel formally joined the EU research and development program 2021-2027 Horizon Europe, which has a $108 billion budget. Israel will not be allowed to use EU-granted funds in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights. (ALM 12/8)

The national security advisors of Iran and the UAE met in Tehran, discussing ways to overcome the 2 countries’ differences. (HA, MEMO 12/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian houses and vehicles in ‘Urif, causing damage. Israeli settlers also threw stones at vehicles traveling near Silat ad-Dhahr. Israeli forces arrested the wife of a Palestinian man who shot and killed 1 Israeli settler in East Jerusalem on 11/21 as she was entering the West Bank via the Allenby Bridge from Jordan. Israeli forces also blocked off the entrances to Deir Abu Mash’al. Elsewhere, Israeli forces handed a stop-work order for a water well in Atuf. 17 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Tulkarm, Wadi al-Far‘a, and Qalandia refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the home of PA Jerusalem governor Adnan Ghaith in Silwan, injuring 4 by physical assault and temporarily detaining 3. 2 Palestinians were arrested in Silwan. (HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/22; PCHR 11/25)

Israel said it had arrested 50 alleged operatives of Hamas in the West Bank, claiming that they were plotting to commit attacks against Israelis. It was unclear when Israeli forces had apprehended the alleged plotters. (HA 11/22)

2 Palestinian prisoners held on administrative detention suspended their hunger strikes as their lawyers made deals with Israel to release them within a few months. 1 of the prisoners had been hunger-striking for 131 days when he suspended his protest; the other for 51 days. (AP, MEMO, WAFA 11/22; MEE 11/23)

Israel and Jordan signed an agreement of intent to build a solar power plant in Jordan to supply 600 megawatts of electricity to Israel in exchange for Israel to send 200 million cubic meters of desalinated water to Jordan. The agreement was signed in the UAE in the presence of U.S. climate envoy John Kerry. Jordanians protested against the agreement in Amman on 11/23. (HA, JP, MEE, MEMO, MEMO 11/22; AA, HILL 11/23; MEMO 11/25; HA 12/9)

26 Democratic members of the U.S. house of representatives urged U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken to prevent settlement construction in the E1 area of the West Bank by pressuring Israel. The 26 members were led by representative Mark Pocan (D-WI). (HA 11/22; MEE, MEMO 11/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinians driving near Silat ad-Dhahr. Israeli forces delivered stop-work notices for 9 houses in al-Ramadin and Arab Abu Farda near Qalqilya and demolished 2 agricultural structures in Tarqumiyah. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, causing tear-gas related injuries. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jalazun refugee camp, Beitunia, Silwad, Rantis, Tulkarm, Jannatah, and Beit ‘Anan; Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the raid in Beit ‘Anan with live ammunition and tear gas and no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israel said it had downed a drone belonging to Hamas, which crashed into the sea. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen 2 and 6 nautical miles from the coast; no injuries were reported. (HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/8; PCHR 11/11)

Islamic Jihad charged the PA with creating division among Palestinians by arresting its members in the West Bank. It was unclear when and how many members of Islamic Jihad the PA had arrested. (MEMO 11/9)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with a bi-partisan group of senators led by Chris Coons (D-DE) in Ramallah. The group discussed reopening the consulate to Palestinians in Jerusalem and U.S. aid to Palestinians. (WAFA 11/8; TOI 11/10)

In Syria, Israeli forces conducted air strikes in Homs and Tartus, injuring 2 Syrian soldiers and causing damage. (HA 11/8)

Haaretz reported that the Israeli military did not know that AP and Al Jazeera had offices in al-Jalaa high-rise in Gaza before deciding to level it on 5/15. Top officials in the Israeli military, including chief of staff Aviv Kochavi, were alerted to the fact after the decision was made to target the building, but before the strike was carried out, and nevertheless decided to go ahead with the strike. Israel never publicly released any evidence to back its claim that Hamas operated out of al-Jalaa building. (HA, MEMO 11/8)

The Washington Post reported that Israel has a secret program called Blue Wolf that includes a large database of pictures of Palestinians taken by Israeli soldiers incentivized with prizes. The pictures are then used to enhance Israel’s facial recognition technology, allowing the occupation to monitor the movements of Palestinians in the West Bank. The sources told The Post that Israeli soldiers have an app on their phone called Wolf Pack, which contains pictures, family history, education, and a security rating for “virtually every Palestinian in the West Bank.” As part of the surveillance program, Israel has installed face-scanning cameras in Hebron. 1 former Israeli soldier told the Post that in some cases, Israel can see into Palestinian private homes. (HA, MEMO, WP 11/8; MEE 11/9)

Front Line Defenders published an investigation showing that the Israeli NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware had been used to spy on 6 Palestinian human rights activists, including 1 field researcher working for Al-Haq, the executive director of Bisan Center for Research and Development—a U.S. citizen—1 Palestinian lawyer who works for Addameer and had his permanent residency in East Jerusalem revoked on 10/18, and 3 unidentified Palestinians. Front Line Defenders investigated 75 iPhones and found 6 were infected with Pegasus spyware, later confirmed by Citizen Lab and Amnesty International. The 3 named victims work for organizations deemed to be terrorist groups by Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz on 10/22 for alleged connections with the PFLP. NSO Group was blacklisted by the U.S. on 11/3 for facilitating attacks on human rights activists and journalists. AJ, ALM, AP, Front Line Defenders, GDN, HA, HA, IT, MEMO, REU 11/8; HA 11/9; MEMO 11/11)

6 progressive-leaning members of U.S. congress, including Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), Mondaire Jones (D-NY), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Barbara Lee (D-CT), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), and Mark Pocan (D-MN) met with Israel’s foreign minister Yair Lapid during a J Street-sponsored trip to Israel and Palestine. (HA 11/8)

A U.S. court rejected NSO Group’s claim of immunity in a lawsuit brought by Facebook, also known as Meta Platforms Inc., about the hacking of its WhatsApp servers. (HA 11/8; MEMO 11/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid in Qalandia refugee camp; both were taken to a hospital for treatment. Israeli forces also razed a paved road connecting Ya‘bad and Mariha and delivered a demolition notice for a house under construction in Ghazara. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Qalandia refugee camp, Rantis, Tulkarm, and Tulkarm refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces and Israeli settlers clashed with Palestinians at the Damascus Gate plaza, injuring dozens of Palestinians; 22 were arrested. A video showed Israeli forces pulling 1 woman by her hair and beating Palestinians with batons. Palestinians in East Jerusalem have in recent weeks expressed dismay over Israeli forces’ decisions to disperse Palestinians present at the Damascus Gate plaza, leading to stone throwing. Palestinians also threw stones at a public bus near the plaza, lightly injuring 2 in the bus. In Israel, Israeli authorities delivered eviction notices for some 30 Palestinian shop owners in Tayibe and Qalansuwa, claiming that their stores were built without the correct zoning permits. (AJ, AP, HA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/19; HA, MEE 10/20; PCHR 10/21)

Hussein al-Sheikh, head of the PA Civil Affairs Committee, said Israel had approved the registration of 4,000 unregistered Palestinians living in the West Bank, allowing them to receive Israeli-issued ID cards to be used at Israeli checkpoints. The 4,000 registrations was part of an agreement made between PA president Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli minister of defense Benny Gantz. (AP, HA, MEMO, WAFA 10/19; ALM, REU 10/20)

Swedish foreign minister Ann Linde met with PA president Mahmoud Abbas and prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh in Ramallah. After Foreign Minister Linde’s meetings, she criticized the alleged corruption in the PA on Swedish public radio. (Sveriges Radio 10/19; JP, TOI 10/21)

The far-right Kahanist Israeli lawmaker Itamer Ben-Gvir of the Religious Zionist party and Ayman Odeh of the Joint List got into a physical altercation at a hospital in Rehovot, where Ben-Gvir was trying to provocatively visit a Palestinian prisoner who has been hunger striking for 90 days. The Palestinian is protesting his administrative detention and is said to be in life-threatening condition. Odeh was with the family of the hospitalized prisoner when Ben-Gvir tried to provoke the family. Ben-Gvir later filed a complaint against Odeh at a police station, saying he was physically attacked. A video of the incident showed Odeh pushing Ben-Gvir. (HA 10/19; AP 10/21; WAFA 10/22)

U.S. ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield called reports of Israeli settler violence against Palestinians and their property “abhorrent” and called on Israel to fully investigate the incidents and the lack of response by Israeli forces during a UN security council meeting. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield also noted that the U.S. believes that the UN security council has an outsized focus on issues related to Israel. UN Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland also briefed the council on Israeli settlement plans in E1, calling them “very worrying.” (JP 10/19; HA 10/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers from the Yitzhar settlement vandalized 150 olive trees in Burin. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian shepherd leading a herd of sheep near the Yitzhar settlement. Israeli forces also demolished 1 agricultural structure and delivered 2 demolition orders in Nabi Samwil, demolished 11 residential structures in al-Qabbun, and seized 1 tractor, water tanks, and solar panels. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrested 33 Palestinian students from Birzeit University after detaining 45 students who were visiting the family who were victims of an Israeli punitive demolition in Turmus ‘Ayya on 7/8; 12 of the 45, all females, were released the same day. 16 other Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Beita, Tulkarm, al-Far‘a refugee camp, and Tuqu’; during the raid in al-Far‘a refugee camp, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians, injuring 1 with live ammunition. (HA, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/14; AP, HA, MEE, MEMO, PCHR, WAFA 7/15; HA 7/20)

The UAE inaugurated its embassy to Israel in Tel Aviv as agreed to in the 2 countries’ normalization deal from 2020. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, REU 7/14)

A spokesperson for Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party said that President Erdoğan and Israel’s president Isaac Herzog agreed to improve the 2 countries’ ties, including on trade and tourism, in a phone conversation on 7/12. The 2 countries still do not have ambassadors in each other’s countries after they were expelled in 2018. (AJ, HA 7/12; ALM 7/13; AJ, MEMO, REU 7/14; HA, TOI 7/15)

The Israeli military said that its Iron Dome missile defense system almost shot down a fighter jet, mistaking it for a rocket during Israel’s assault on Gaza in May, dubbed Operation Guardian of the Walls. During the operation, the Iron Dome system also shot down an Israeli military drone. (HA 7/14)

Germany contributed $17.7 million to the UNRWA and the World Food Programme in support of Palestinians in Gaza. (WAFA 7/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort toured Sabastiyya, closing off parts of the town to Palestinians. Israeli settlers also vandalized Palestinian-owned homes and vehicles in Qusra. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian, alleging that she attempted to ram Israeli soldiers with a car and brandished a knife near Hizma; it was reported that the Israeli soldiers left her to bleed out. Israeli forces also shot and critically injured 1 Palestinian teen during a protest against the Evyatar settlement outpost in Beita. Elsewhere, Israeli forces sealed off entrances to ‘Azun. Israeli forces also delivered demolition notices for 6 buildings under construction near Ya‘bad and ordered a Palestinian amputee to remove his vending stall on a road north of Jericho. 22 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Beita, Tulkarm refugee camp, ‘Ayn Yabrud, Burqa, Sa‘ir, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler sprayed paint in the face of prominent Palestinian activist Muna El-Kurd in Shaykh Jarrah; El Kurd was subsequently detained as was the Israeli settler, who occupied part of the El-Kurd family home. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired missiles at Khan Yunis and Gaza City, causing damage; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also made incursions and leveled land east of Rafah. In Israel, 4 fires were said to have been ignited by incendiary balloons from Gaza. (AJ, DW, GDN, REU 6/15; AJ, ALM, AP, AP, GDN, HA, HA, IN, MEE, REU, REU, SKY, TOI, WAFA. WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/16; CNN, PCHR, WAFA 6/17)

Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor submitted a complaint to the Universal Postal Union condemning Israel’s decision to ban all mail to and from Gaza as part of tightening Israel’s blockade after “Operation Guardian of the Walls.” No mail has entered or left Gaza since 5/8. (WAFA 6/16; HA, WAFA 6/18)

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh arrived in Morocco for a 4-day visit, where he is scheduled to meet with leaders of the 3 biggest political parties. A reception for Haniyeh was given by Moroccan prime minister Saad Dine El Othmani. (HA, REU 6/17)

From the senate floor, U.S. senator Bob Menendez criticized senate republicans for fast-tracking legislation that would block all U.S. aid to Gaza, saying the republicans are using Israel as a pawn for their own “partisan political purposes.” Senator Menendez said the republican-proposed legislation “is written so broadly, that, for example, before delivering clean water or water infrastructure, the president would effectively have to certify that anyone related to Hamas would never drink that water or drink from a water fountain that carried that water. This is simply absurd.” (HA 6/17)

The Zionist anti-occupation organization Americans for Peace Now announced it had changed its position on U.S. military aid to Israel, saying it supports conditioning the aid. President and CEO Hadar Susskind wrote in Time Magazine that the events in Gaza, East Jerusalem, and Israel in May made it clear that “military aid without conditions neither serves U.S. policy interests—nor, I would argue, does it serve Israel.” (HA 6/16)

The Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported that the UK had started listing “Occupied Palestinian Territories” instead of Jerusalem on 1 of its journalist’s passports. It was unclear if the change was a result of a new UK policy. (HA 6/16)

ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda’s 9-year term ended and UK lawyer Karim Khan took over the job as top ICC prosecutor overseeing probes into war crimes potentially committed in the Palestinian occupied territory, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and the Philippines. Khan previously led a UN special investigative team looking at crimes committed by the Islamic State in Iraq. (HA 6/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up 4 caravans on Palestinian-owned land in Khirbet Zanuta. Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 1 child with a rubber-coated bullet while others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also prevented Palestinian farmers from working their lands in Husan. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during house raids in Burin, Sa‘ir, and Tulkarm refugee camp, and 1 was arrested at a checkpoint near Dura. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed a sit-in protest in Shaykh Jarrah, and violently arrested the Al Jazeera journalist Givara Budeiri while she was covering the event, breaking her arm; she was released after several hours of interrogation on the condition that she does not return to Shaykh Jarrah for 15 days. Israeli police also broke equipment belonging to her cameraman during the arrest. (AJ, AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/5; AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, PCHR, WAFA 6/6; PCHR 6/10)

Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz said that a right-wing march planned for 6/10 in Jerusalem should not be held in a way that would reignite tensions in the city. The Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar called on Palestinians in Jerusalem to protect al-Aqsa Mosque against settler incursions during the planned march. The Joint List politician Ahmed Tibi also called on public security minister Amir Ohana to cancel the march. (HA 6/5; WAFA 6/6)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian minor, shot by Israeli forces on 5/12, succumbed to his wounds. Israeli settlers shot and injured 1 Palestinian while raiding Bani Na‘im. Israeli settlers with military escort also raided Silat al-Harithiyya, leading to confrontations; no injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers also blocked a main road to al-Bireh and threw stones at Palestinian vehicles, causing damage. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Bayt Jala and al-Walaja. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian using live ammunition during a Nakba Day protest in Zeita, near Tulkarm. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Aida refugee camp, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Tura, injuring 1 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at a checkpoint near Huwwara, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 1 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Umar, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during house raids in al-Khadir and Dura, and 5 during protests near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers with military escort raided Bayt Hanina and Shu‘fat refugee camp, leading to confrontations; 2 Palestinians were injured by the Israeli forces in Bayt Hanina. Israeli settlers later raided Shu‘fat refugee camp again, injuring 2 Palestinians with live ammunition. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian, saying he had intentionally rammed 7 officers, who were lightly injured, in Shaykh Jarrah; 1 journalist was physically assaulted at the scene and others had stun grenades thrown at them. 25 Palestinians were arrested. In Gaza, 50 Palestinians were killed, including 19 children, and dozens were injured, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 153 to 203, including 60 children and 2 pregnant women. The casualties included: 43, including 19 children, and dozens wounded in air strikes hitting residential buildings in Gaza City; 1, and 2 wounded in a drone strike in Jabaliya; 1, and 11 injured in air strikes on a residential buildings in Nuseirat; 3 in air strikes on Bayt Hanun; 2 in a drone strike on a house in Rafah. Israel also attacked and demolished the homes of Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar and his brother in Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported in the air strikes. In Israel, rockets from Gaza hit 1 house in Ashdod and damaged 5 vehicles in Ashkelon; no injuries were reported. Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz extended the state of emergency in Lydda for 48 hours. Israel arrested 1 Palestinian-Israeli imam Shaykh Kamal Khatib, the deputy leader of the northern faction of the Islamic Movement in Israel, saying he had made incendiary remarks about Israel’s attacks on al-Aqsa Mosque. 28 people were wounded in a subsequent protest in Kafr Kana where he was arrested, including many by Israeli live ammunition. 8 Palestinian-Israelis were arrested in Taiba and Qalansawe. 2 Jordanian citizens were arrested in Gilboa after having crossed from Jordan into Israel. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, CNN, HA, HA, NPR, NYT, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/16; PCHR 5/17; ALM 5/19; HA, PCHR 5/20; MEE 5/21; HA 5/25; NYT 5/26; AP 6/2; NYT 6/24)

Egypt opened the Rafah crossing 1 day earlier than planned to allow the passage of students and medical patients. 95 Palestinians were reported to have been evacuated to Egypt for treatment of injuries before the border officially reopened. (HA, REU 5/16)

2 Israeli settlers were killed and 150 were injured when a structurally unsound seating area collapsed in a synagogue in Givat Ze’ev. (AJ, AP, CNN, HA, REU 5/16)

The High Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel announced a general strike on 5/18 to protest attacks on members of its community. (HA 5/16)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke to Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte about the Israeli escalation of violence in the Palestinian territories. (WAFA 5/16)

Haaretz reported that Israeli senior officials did not consider a ceasefire option at its latest security cabinet meeting. (HA 5/16)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz met with U.S. deputy assistant secretary for Israel and Palestinian affairs Hady Amr. U.S. president Joe Biden said in an Eid holiday speech that his “administration is going to continue to engage Palestinians and Israelis and other regional partners to work toward sustained calm.” Later, secretary of state Antony Blinken said that “the violence must end immediately.” Earlier in the day, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had reiterated that his government has no plans for a ceasefire, saying the attacks on Gaza “will take time.” (AJ, HA 5/16; HA 5/17)

Jordanian king Abdullah II said that Jordan has been involved in intense diplomacy with its allies in Europe and the U.S. to put pressure on Israel to stop its attacks on Gaza. (HA, REU 5/16)

28 U.S. Democratic senators, led by Jon Ossoff (D-GA), called for an immediate ceasefire “[t]o prevent any further loss of civilian life and to prevent further escalation of conflict in Israel and the Palestinian territories.” (HA, NYT 5/17)

At a UN security council (UNSC) meeting on Israel-Palestine, UN secretary-general António Guterres said that the situation was “utterly appalling,” calling for an immediate ceasefire. He said the UN is actively involved in facilitating a ceasefire. This was the 3d time in a week that the UNSC met about the situation and the 3d time the U.S. stalled any joint statement. PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki said that “[e]ach time Israel hears a foreign leader speak of its right to defend itself it is further emboldened to continue murdering entire families in their sleep.” (AJ, AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA 5/16; TOI 5/17)

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation called for an immediate halt of Israeli attacks on Gaza and “systematic crimes” against Palestinians. Saudi Arabia also condemned Israel’s “fragrant violations” of Palestinian rights. PA foreign minister al-Maliki criticized the countries that had normalized relations with Israel, saying, “running towards this colonial Israeli system without achieving peace and ending the Israeli occupation of Arab and Palestinian lands represents support for the apartheid regime and participation in its crimes.” (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 5/16)

Pope Francis, for the 2d Sunday in a row, denounced the escalation of violence in Israel and Palestine, saying that the death of children was a “sign that they don’t want to build the future but want to destroy it.” (HA 5/16; WAFA 5/17)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler shot and killed 1 Palestinian and injured 1 other when the 2 confronted a group of settlers attempting to set fire to their crops near al-Rihiya, south of Hebron; +972 reported that the settlers mutilated the body of the Palestinian man they had shot dead. 10 Palestinians were killed and 209 wounded by Israeli forces throughout the West Bank. The casualties included: 1, and 39 injured during a protest in Shwaika near Tulkarm; several others were reported injured; 1 protester, and 2 injured in Salem; 1 protester in Asira; 1 protester, and 4 injured in Beita; 1 protester, and 18 others injured by live ammunition in Ya‘bad; 1 protester in Marda; 1 protester in Iskaka; 1 protester, and 4 injured in ‘Urif; 1 protester in Jericho; 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint, who allegedly tried to ram Israeli soldiers near Silwad; 148 protesters injured by live ammunition and rubber-coated bullets during protests in and around Dayr Nidham, Bayt Dajan, Bayt Furik, al-Fawar refugee camp, al-Khadir, Salfit, Tayassir, Huwwara, Aqraba, Ni‘lin, Jenin, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Qusra. 13 Palestinians were arrested, including 6 during late-night raids in and around Qalandia refugee camp, Bayt Umar, and Sa‘ir; 7 were arrested during protests at the al-Jalama checkpoint near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and injured 19 Palestinians using live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, and sound bomb canisters during protests in and around Shaykh Jarrah, Bayt Hanina, Silwan, and the Old City. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in al-Tur, Silwan, and Sur Bahir. In Gaza, 22 Palestinians were killed, including 6 children, and dozens injured, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 114 to 136, including 33 children and 2 pregnant women. The casualties included: 9, including 3 children, and 73 injured, including 20 children, in air strikes on buildings in Bayt Lahiya and Bayt Hanun; 4 in an air strike on Gaza City, including 1 child; 3, including 1 child, in air strikes on Jabaliya; 1, and 16 injured, including 2 children, in air strikes on al-Bureij refugee camp; 1, and 1 wounded in an air strike on Abasan; 1 in an air strike while riding a motorbike in Rafah; 1 Palestinian was found dead in rubble from an air strike in Dayr al-Balah on 5/13; 1 Palestinian child succumbed to wounds sustained in an air strike on Gaza City on 5/12; 1 Palestinian succumbed to wounds sustained in an air strike on 5/12 in Bayt Lahiya. Israel also said it had assassinated 3 Hamas operatives, Shadi Abed Al-Hadi, Osama Shehadeh, and Zakaria Zarendah. Israeli air strikes also destroyed an interior ministry building west of Gaza City and 3 poultry farms near Rafah, killing more than 10,000 chickens. Israeli forces also struck the fishing ports in Gaza city and Khan Yunis. Damage to power lines in Gaza was reported, significantly reducing the amount of available electricity. In Israel, Israeli forces killed 2 people after several people crossed from Lebanon into Israel by Metula. Israel also said that 3 rockets were fired at Israel from Syria, with 2 landing in open land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and 1 in Syria. 2 rockets from Gaza hit 2 houses in Sderot, causing damage and 1 injury. 1 rocket from Gaza lightly injured 1 Israeli driving near Beersheba. Israel barred people from outside of Lydda from entering the city from 4 p.m. and barred all its residents from leaving their homes after 9 p.m. 1 Palestinian-Israeli minor was seriously injured, and another minor lightly injured, after a firebomb was thrown at their house in Jaffa; Israeli police claimed without evidence that it was 2 Palestinian-Israeli men that had thrown the firebomb. Israeli forces were filmed kicking Palestinian-Israeli vehicles traveling in Umm al-Fahm and firing stun grenades at them for no apparent reason. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian-Israeli minor in Lydda, claiming he tried to throw a firebomb at them. 5 Palestinian-Israelis were arrested in Umm al-Fahm after a fire was ignited at the town’s city hall. 9 Palestinian-Israelis were arrested in ‘Akka. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian-Israeli protesters in Kafr Kana, injuring 28. Israel also told international news outlets that it would conduct a ground invasion of Gaza shortly and then later apologized to the news outlets for providing false information; analysts suspected that Israel used the media outlets to lure Hamas militants into tunnels before heavily bombarding said tunnels; Israel said that dozens were killed in the attack on the tunnels. Israel also shot down 1 drone sent from Gaza. 1 Israeli woman succumbed to injuries sustained after falling while running to a shelter in Neta’im on 5/11, raising the Israeli death toll to 9. In Jordan, some 500 protesters tried to enter the West Bank through the Allenby bridge, but were dispersed by Jordanian forces 3 miles from the border. In Amman, thousands of protesters called for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador and ending the Jordanian-Israeli peace treaty. (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, PCHR, PCHR, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/14; AJ, AP, AP, GDN, HA, HA, HA, PCHR, PCHR 5/15; TOI 5/16; HA 5/19; PCHR 5/20; MEE 5/21; NYT 5/26; +972 6/8; INT 7/15)

The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza said that 42% of the 119 people who have been killed in the Israeli attack on Gaza, at the time of reporting, were women and children. It also said 830 people had been injured. The UN estimated that 10,000 Palestinians have been internally displaced during the current escalation so far. (AJ, HA 5/14)

Spokesperson for PA president Mahmoud Abbas Nabil Abu Rudeineh said that the silence of the U.S. administration was encouraging Israeli war crimes in Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank. (WAFA 5/14)

Morocco sent 40 tons of emergency aid to Palestine and denounced Israel’s aggression toward Palestinians. (HA 5/15)

The U.S. deputy assistant secretary for Israel and Palestinian affairs Hady Amr landed in Tel Aviv in an attempt by the U.S. administration to deescalate the situation. (AX, HA 5/14; HA 5/15)

A letter co-signed by 11 Jewish Democrats in the house of representatives, led by Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), urged the Biden administration to be more active in ending the escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas and to do more to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The 11 members of Congress also expressed concern about the violence in East Jerusalem and urged Israel to halt the “unjust eviction” of Palestinians from their homes in Shaykh Jarrah, and said that the U.S. must address the deepening occupation. (HA 5/15)

Democrats in the House also debated the attack on Gaza on the floor, with 1 group of 11 speaking in defense of Palestinians and 1 group of 10 defending Israel’s actions. (AJ, HA 5/14)

ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said that she will continue with her inquiry into potential war crimes committed by Israelis and Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories despite Israel’s refusal to cooperate. Chief Prosecutor Bensouda also said that the investigation will include the current escalation of the conflict. (HA, REU 5/14)

The Italian trade union of port workers said that its members in Livorno had refused to load a shipment of weapons and explosives to be shipped to Israel, citing Israel’s attack on Gaza. (AA 5/15; WAFA 5/16; IN 5/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinians in Ma’in, causing light injuries. Israeli settlers also set fire to a Palestinian-owned vehicle in Rujeib. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling between Jenin and Nablus. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinians in Burin, demolished parts of a house, and set fields on fire. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian child during a late-night raid in Tubas and injured 1 other by running him over. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in al-Fawar refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint near Huwwara, claiming he had tried to attack 2 Israeli soldiers. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 2, including 1 with live ammunition. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Yatta, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 2 with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Umar, injuring 1 minor with live ammunition and 3 others with rubber-coated bullets. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Bethlehem, Harmala, al-Khadir, and Dayr Sharif, resulting in tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 3 using rubber-coated bullets. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Tulkarm, injuring 3 with live ammunition. 40 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, al-Fawar refugee camp, Nablus, Tulkarm, Tubas, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 2 Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian with a sharp tool, slicing her face as she was leaving the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Tur, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet; others suffered tear-gas related injuries and 2 were arrested. 6 other Palestinians were arrested during house raids in the Old City, Jabal Mukabir, Silwan, and Shu‘fat. In Gaza, 34 Palestinians were killed, including 6 children, and dozens injured, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 30 to 64, including 16 children. The casualties included: 4 in a drone strike on a car east of Bayt Lahiya; 8, including 3 children, in 3 air strikes on apartment buildings in Gaza City; 1 child in an air strike on a butcher in Gaza City; 6 in a drone strike on a car in Gaza city, including 3 inside the car and 3 passersby; 1, and 1 wounded, in another air strike on a vehicle in Gaza City; 1 in an air strike in Khan Yunis; 1 in an air strike on agricultural lands near Khuza‘a; 4, and 2 injured, in a drone strike on Nuseirat refugee camp; 2, and 1 child injured, in an air strike on a liquefied petroleum gas distribution vehicle in Khan Yunis; 2, and 3 wounded, including 1 child, in an air strike on a house in Khan Yunis; 2, and 2 wounded, all children, after a helicopter fired missiles at a gas station in al-Fukhari; and the body of 1 Palestinian was found in rubble near Bayt Hanun, it was assessed that he was killed in an air strike on 5/10; the body of 1 Palestinian was found near a mosque in Rafah, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights said it was unclear if he had been killed by debris from an intercepted rocket or in an Israeli air strike. Hamas reported that the interior ministry and the passport office along with other government buildings had been hit by Israeli air strikes. Israeli air strikes also demolished 2 high-rise buildings, the 10-story al-Jawhara building, and the 14-story al-Shorouq building, which housed news outlets and other offices, and the headquarters of the interior ministry and UNRWA schools. In Israel, 1 Israeli soldier was killed and 2 injured from an anti-tank missile fired from Gaza and 1 child succumbed to injuries sustained in Sderot, raising the Israeli death toll to 7. Dozens of rockets were also fired at Israel from Gaza, most of them intercepted. A mob of Jewish-Israelis pulled 1 Palestinian-Israeli out of his car and beat him while tv cameras were rolling in Bat Yam; the man was said to be in serious condition. A mob of Jewish-Israelis also raided a number of Palestinian-owned businesses in Tel Aviv, causing severe damage. 1 Jewish-Israeli man was attacked by 5 Palestinian-Israelis in ‘Akka; he was said to be in serious condition. Jewish-Israelis also attacked a tent set up to mourn the death of 1 Palestinian-Israeli who was shot by a Jewish-Israeli on 5/10 in Lydda, throwing stones at the mourners. Elsewhere in Lydda, 1 Jewish-Israeli was shot and injured and 2 more were injured in stabbings, 21 Palestinian-Israelis were injured, including 1 by gunshot. Israeli police announced a nighttime curfew in Lydda from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. 1 Palestinian-Israeli man was injured when rammed by a car­ and beaten near Or Akiva. 1 Palestinian-Israeli was lightly injured by a mob of Jewish-Israelis while driving in Tiberias. 1 Jewish-Israeli was injured in a stabbing incident in Tamra. A mob of Jewish-Israelis also attacked 1 Palestinian-Israeli in Haifa. (AJ, NYT 5/11; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AP, BBC, CNN, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, PCHR, REU, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/12; AP, CNN, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 5/13; PCHR 5/14; TOI 5/16; HA 5/18; WAFA 5/19; PCHR 5/20; MEE 5/21; HA, NYT 5/26; HA 5/27)

1 Palestinian prisoner suspended a 56-day-long hunger strike as Israel promised not to renew his administrative detention after 7/17. (WAFA 5/12)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas discussed the current situation with EU high representative Josep Borrell, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Iraqi president Barham Salih. A White House statement also said that U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke with President Abbas and they discussed “the violence in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, and the Secretary expressed his condolences for the lives lost as a result. The Secretary condemned the rocket attacks and emphasized the need to de-escalate tensions and bring the current violence to an end.” (HA, WAFA 5/12)

At a security cabinet meeting, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other ministers decided not to accept a potential ceasefire and continue its attack on Gaza for the time being. (HA 5/13)

Israeli president Reuven Rivlin condemned what he called a “pogrom” by “an Arab mob” on 5/11, despite the majority of the violence in Israel being perpetrated against Palestinian-Israelis. (HA 5/12)

Turkey said that its president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Russia’s president Vladimir Putin had discussed the situation in Jerusalem and Gaza, and that Turkey had called for international action against Israel. (AJ, AP, REU 5/12)

U.S. president Joe Biden said, during a press conference, that he believes that “Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying in your territory,” and that his “hope is that we’ll see this coming to conclusions sooner than later.” President Biden also spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu, where he gave his “unwavering support for Israel’s security and for Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself and its people, while protecting civilians,” according to the readout. The Biden administration also dispatched deputy assistant secretary of state for Israel and Palestine Hady Amr to Israel for talks with Palestinian and Israeli officials. The White House said that senior officials have had more than 25 calls with officials from Israel, the PA, Qatar, Tunisia, Jordan, and Egypt about the situation. (HA 5/12; NYT 5/13)

25 house democrats signed a letter circulated by Marie Newman (D-IL) and Mark Pocan (D-WI) urging secretary of state Antony Blinken to condemn the planned evictions of Palestinian families from Shaykh Jarrah. (HA 5/13)

ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said that she was following the situation in Gaza and Jerusalem with concern. (MEE, REU, WAFA 5/12)

The UN security council held a 2d meeting in 3 days to discuss the escalation of the conflict between Palestine and Israel. (TOI 5/12)

In the West Bank, the Palestinian Water Authority said that Israeli settlers had vandalized a reservoir in Asira, soiling the water supply for 6,000 Palestinians. 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during late-night raids in Tulkarm and Jericho, and 1 at a checkpoint east of Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrested 6 Israeli settlers suspected of attacking Palestinians; the 6 had been part of a larger group asking people on the street questions and attacking those who responded in Arabic or with an Arabic accent. Israeli forces also attacked Palestinian protesters with stun grenades and water cannons at the Damascus Gate plaza, for the 7th night in a row. 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Jabal Mukabir. 3 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City, Issawiyya, and al-Tur. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a refugee camp; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 4/19; HA, WAFA 4/20; HA 4/21; PCHR 4/22)

The Palestinian central elections committee said it provided polling stations for about 150,000 Palestinians in East Jerusalem who live in neighborhoods on the West Bank side of the separation barrier. There are still some 150,000 Palestinians in East Jerusalem who do not know if Israel will allow them to participate in the upcoming Palestinian elections, as Israel has not responded to the PA’s request to let them participate. According to Haaretz, the PA leadership discussed postponing the elections if Israel doesn’t allow all Palestinians in East Jerusalem to participate. (WAFA 4/19; ALM, HA, WAFA 4/20; WAFA 4/21)

The PA said that the Israeli president Reuven Rivlin had called PA president Mahmoud Abbas to offer him best wishes on Ramadan. (WAFA 4/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers destroyed a Palestinian-owned fence in Qaryut. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians and arrested 1 other in Jalazun refugee camp near the Beit El settlement; Israeli forces claimed the 3 men were planning to throw Molotov cocktails at settler homes. Israeli forces also raided Bayt Dajan, leading to clashes; no injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 3 agricultural structures in Bayt Ta‘mir. Israeli forces also seized some 100 Palestinian-owned sheep near Yatta, claiming they had entered a restricted area. Palestinian farmers were stuck in the “seam zone” for 3 hours waiting for Israeli forces to open a gate after they had tended their land, on the other side of the separation barrier from their homes near Salfit. 13 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Yatta, Bayt Umar, Birzeit, Tulkarm, Anabta, and Ya‘bad. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Silwan and 1 Palestinian demolished his own restaurant in Jabal Mukabir. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Silwan and Shu‘fat refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/15; JP, TOI, WAFA 3/16; PCHR 3/18)

19 Democrats in the U.S. house of representatives sent a letter to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken urging him to pressure Israel to provide vaccines for all Palestinians in the occupied territories, citing international law. The letter was written by Mark Pocan (D-WI) and André Carson (D-IN). 5 senators wrote a similar letter to Secretary Blinken on 3/12. (HILL 3/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 1 Palestinian-owned agricultural structure in Kafr al-Dik. Israeli forces delivered demolition orders for 7 Palestinian-owned homes in Ma‘in. 17 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around al-Khadir, Husan, Hebron, Nablus, Tulkarm, Abu Dis, ‘Azun, Beita, Ramallah, al-Bireh, Sabastiyya, and Jenin refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces seized, for a 2d time, tents sheltering a family whose house was demolished in Issawiyya. 11 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya, Shu‘fat refugee camp, and al-Tur; confrontations erupted during the raids in Issawiyya, leading to tear-gas related injuries and damage to property. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/4; PCHR 3/11)

Israeli authorities allowed changes to the structure of al-Ibrahimi Mosque, allowing the construction of an elevator to the designated Jewish area of the mosque. (WAFA 3/4)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas extended the COVID-19-related state of emergency for another 30 days. (WAFA 3/4)

According to Haaretz reporting, the Shin Bet has been threatening some Palestinian activists with administrative detention if they run in the Palestinian Legislative Council elections. Haaretz confirmed that at least 1 Palestinian activist was arrested and put in administrative detention for 4 months after announcing that he would run in the elections. (HA 3/4)

Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen and Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss a joint COVID-19 plan. Prime Minister Frederiksen had, prior to the trip, praised Israel’s vaccination campaign and said that Denmark is considering opening a vaccine factory with and/or in Israel, leading her own left-wing coalition to denounce her trip. The EU expressed dismay at the 2 European leaders’ trip, saying that cooperation on COVID-19 response was an EU issue 1st and foremost. (POL, POL 3/1; GDN, HA, REU 3/2; GDN, POL 3/3; AP, DR.DK, HA, POL, REU, TOI 3/4)

U.S. vice president Kamala Harris spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss the ICC investigation into Israel. Vice President Harris expressed support for the normalization deals between Israel, the U.S., and several Arab and African countries during the Trump administration. (REU 3/4; AJ, HA, TOI 3/5)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz told FOX News that Israel is constantly updating preparations to strike Iran. Defense Minister Gantz also said that Hezbollah has hundreds of thousands of missiles. (AP, AJ, FOX, HA 3/5)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler claimed that a Palestinian tried to stab him near the Yitzhar settlement; no injuries or arrests were reported. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles in the same area around Huwwara. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers stole 7 sheep from a Palestinian family in Jalud. Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets during a raid in Kaubar. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm refugee camp, Anabta, Tell, Tubas, Kafr Malik, and Bethlehem. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles west of Gaza City and within 4 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers and shepherds east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/24; PCHR 2/25)

U.S. secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the U.S. will seek a seat at the UN Human Rights Council and that the U.S. would counter “unacceptable bias against Israel.” (ALM, JP, NBC, REU 2/24)

The chairman of the house foreign affairs committee Gregory Meeks (D-NY) said that even if Israel were to de jure annex the West Bank, he would not support leveraging U.S. military aid to Israel. Rep. Meeks has previously made comments to the opposite effect. (HA, MEE 2/24)

The U.S. state of Kentucky adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) controversial working definition of anti-Semitism. Kentucky is the 1st U.S. state to adopt the IHRA’s working definition of anti-Semitism, which conflates criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism. For more about the IHRA working definition of anti-Semitism, see the IPS publication Zionism, Israel, and Anti-Semitism: Dangerous Conflation. (HA 2/28)

The Israeli high court of justice ruled that Israeli officials must explain why the Jerusalem cable car project was approved at Israel’s national infrastructure committee and not through the Jerusalem district and planning committee and why they have categorized the project as a transportation project and not a tourism project. The high court of justice gave the Israeli government until 4/22 to respond and meanwhile the project was ruled to be suspended. (ALM 3/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 15 tents, seized 3 vehicles, and arrested 1 Palestinian activist trying to prevent the forces from demolishing and seizing Palestinian property in Khirbat Humsa; Israeli forces demolished 25 structures in Khirbet Humsa on 2/1. The EU said it would send representatives to Khirbet Humsa on 2/4 to witness the destruction; more than 70 Palestinians were displaced during the mass demolitions on 2/1 and 2/3. Israeli forces also conducted military drills in the Masafer Yatta area, damaging crops and agricultural structures for the 2d day in a row. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 house under construction in Anata and 11 vending stalls near Jenin. Israeli forces also delivered 1 demolition notice for a house in al-Khadir. 25 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Tuqu‘, al-Fawar refugee camp, Bayt Umar, Hizma, Salfit, Nablus, Sabastiyya, Tulkarm, and Qabatiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of al-Shuka and arrested 1 Palestinian in the vicinity of the Gaza fence; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/3; AP, HA, HA, NBC, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 2/4; OCHA 2/5)

The Israeli high court of justice approved the punitive demolition of the family home of 1 Palestinian accused of killing an Israeli settler on 12/20/2020. The punitive demolition will displace 7 people: the accused Palestinian, his wife, 3 children, and 2 parents. (HA 2/3)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed retired police major general Aharon Franco to lead efforts to combat violence in Palestinian communities in Israel and said he had allocated $30 million for the efforts. Franco has made degrading comments about Muslims in Israel in the past. The Israeli plan to combat violence in the Palestinian communities includes confiscating weapons and the construction of police and fire stations in several cities and towns. Ayman Odeh of Hadash (The Democratic Front for Peace and Equality) called the plan inadequate and an “election ploy.” (HA 2/4)

3 of the 4 parties in the Joint Arab List announced they will remain on the same slate for the March elections as the more conservative Ra’am (United Arab List) broke with the alliance. The 3 remaining parties in the Joint Arab List are Hadash, Ta’al (Arab Movement for Renewal), and Balad (National Democratic Alliance). Hadash leader Ayman Odeh will continue to lead the slate. The leader of Ra’am Mansour Abbas said his party had not decided on who it would support amidst rumors that the party will support Benjamin Netanyahu. (HA 2/3; AJ, AP 2/4; MEMO 2/5)

Israeli forces conducted air strikes in Syria near Quneitra, causing damage but no injuries. Israeli forces also flew a drone over Lebanon, which evaded an anti-aircraft missile fired at it. Hezbollah said it shot down an Israeli drone on 2/1. (AP, HA, HA 2/3; AJ, JP, JP 2/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided Palestinian lands near Bethlehem before being fended off by Palestinians. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian teen, claiming he tried to stab 2 Israeli soldiers with a knife at a checkpoint near Nablus; none of the Israeli soldiers were injured. When Israeli forces raided the deceased Palestinian’s family home in Qarawat Bani Hassan, clashes erupted. Israeli forces also seized 1 agricultural structure in al-Burj and razed Palestinian-owned farmland in Luban al-Sharqiyya. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Tubas, leading to clashes; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces also assaulted 1 Palestinian near Husan who was later taken to a hospital for his injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition during a raid in Hizma. 10 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Bayt Fajjar, Tulkarm, Jenin refugee camp, Nablus, and Qalqilya; during the raids in Jenin refugee camp, clashes erupted and 1 Palestinian was shot with live ammunition, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, 11 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp. (HA, ALM, AP, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/26; AJ 1/27; PCHR 1/28)

At the UN security council, PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki criticized Israel for not providing vaccines for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, saying that Israel is evading its responsibility to do so. (TOI 1/26)

Acting U.S. ambassador to the UN Richard Mills said at the UN security council that the Biden administration will restore U.S. aid to programs in the West Bank and Gaza and reopen diplomatic missions for Palestinians in East Jerusalem and Washington. He further stated the administration’s commitment to a mutually agreed upon 2-state solution and asked both Israelis and Palestinians to refrain from committing unilateral actions that goes against the viability of a 2-state solution, including “Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank and annexation plans, demolitions, incitement to violence and providing compensation for individuals imprisoned for acts of terrorism.” Acting Ambassador Mills also expressed support for the normalization deals brokered by the Trump administration. (AJ, ALM, AP, AX, HA, HILL, NYT 1/26)

Also at the UN security council, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov backed PA president Mahmoud Abbas’s call for an international conference to promote peace between Palestine and Israel. Foreign Minister Lavrov said the conference should be held in the spring or summer and that it should include participants from Israel, Palestine, Russia, the UN, the U.S., the EU, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. (TOI, WAFA 1/26)