The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Tura, causing tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli police shot and injured 1 Palestinian man in the Old City. Israeli police also violently removed Palestinian worshipers from the Haram al-Sharif, including inside al-Aqsa Mosque, injuring 6. In Gaza, 16 rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage to 1 factory in Sderot. Israeli forces conducted airstrikes causing damage in Nuseirat refugee camp and Gaza City and fired artillery shells at Dayr al-Balah, Khan Yunis, and Beit Lahiya. Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, MDW, MEE, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/5; AJ, PCHR 4/6; HA, HA, MEE 4/7; UNOCHA 4/20)

The PA and Jordan requested that the UN Security Council convene to discuss Israel’s attacks at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Jordanians also gathered near the Israeli embassy in Amman demanding that the Israeli ambassador be expelled. The Arab League held an emergency session to discuss the Israeli raids. (AJ, HA, WAFA 4/5; HA 4/9)

After Columbia University in New York City announced plans to open a new center in Tel Aviv, 94 faculty members signed a petition against the plans, citing Israel’s human rights record and political crisis. (MEE, NYT 4/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian at the Havat Gilad settlement outpost near Nablus, claiming he had tried to ram his car into an Israeli soldier and a police officer. The PA condemned the killing, saying it occurred after a normal traffic accident, and the man’s family rejected the notion that he would have tried to commit an attack. Israeli forces also shut the main entrance to Beit Umar. Elsewhere, Israeli forces fired tear gas and sound bombs at Palestinian activists trying to enter al-Twana. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Burin, Balata refugee camp, and Kafr Ein. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinians working in a quarry east of Dayr al-Balah, forcing them to leave the area. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/24; ABC, AJ, AP, TOI, WAFA 9/25; MDW 9/28; PCHR 9/29; UNOCHA 9/30)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz said that he does not think that there will be a 2-state solution in the foreseeable future, during an interview with Kan. Defense minister Gantz also said he would not form a coalition with the 3 Palestinian parties Hadash, Ta‘al, and Balad at the upcoming elections but said he would cooperate with the United Arab List. (HA 9/24)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian man hit 1 Israeli soldier with his car in a crash near the Halamish settlement near Deir Nidham. Israeli forces arrested the Palestinian man who also sustained injuries; it was unclear if he hit the soldier on purpose. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Sabastia and closed a road between Jenin and Nablus. Israeli settlers with military escort also closed an entry to al-Lubban al-Sharqiya. Israeli forces shot and injured 5 Palestinian protesters with rubber-coated bullets at a checkpoint near Birzeit University; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also uprooted 40 dunams (9.9 acres) of land planted with olive and almond saplings, demolished agricultural structures in Battir, and demolished 1 residential tent in Bayt Jala, displacing 6. 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Beit Sahour, Dheisheh refugee camp, Tulkarm, Bir al-Basha, Jaba‘, and Kobar. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a raid in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also opened fire and fired tear gas at Palestinian farmers northeast of Beit Hanun, causing tear-gas related injuries. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza City, damaging 1 boat; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of al-Shuka. In the Naqab desert, Israeli police violently dispersed Palestinians protesting a forestation program designed to displace Palestinian Bedouins from their land near Sawa; 16 were arrested and 2 Israeli police officers were reportedly injured. There were also reports that stone-throwers had attacked 1 bus, that large stones had been placed on railway tracks, forcing a train to stop, and that 1 Israeli journalist was assaulted and his car set on fire. (HA, HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/11; AJ, PCHR 1/13)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Sharm al-Shaykh. President Abbas was in Egypt to participate in the World Youth Forum. (MEMO, WAFA 1/11; MEMO 1/12)

Israeli authorities charged 1 Israeli police officer with assaulting 1 Palestinian woman by ripping off her hijab, pulling her hair, and hitting her in East Jerusalem. (HA 1/11)

The Israeli supreme court ruled that the Israeli interior ministry cannot continue to deny Palestinians married to Israeli citizens residency rights, using a temporary ban that expired in July 2021. Interior minister Ayelet Shaked has instructed her ministry to hold up Palestinian applications for family unifications. (HA, WAFA 1/11)

In the West Bank, PA forces arrested 3 Palestinians in Jenin, leading to gunmen opening fire at a PA office in the city; the 3 Palestinians were released shortly after by the PA. Armed Israeli settlers raided Susiya, chanting racist slogans and throwing stones, injuring 1 Palestinian man. Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in al-Bireh, injuring 1 journalist with a rubber-coated bullet; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 12 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 5 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 4 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Qalqilya, injuring 5 with rubber-coated bullets. Separately, Israeli forces confiscated 1 excavator in Kuseis near Dura. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in Beita and Aida refugee camp and 3 at a checkpoint near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished parts of their own home in Ras al-Amud. 1 Palestinian was arrested at the Damascus Gate plaza. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen northwest of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian agricultural lands east of al-Fukhari, Dayr al-Balah, and al-Qarara; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/7; HA, JP, TOI 1/8; PCHR 1/13)

The Directorate of the Islamic Waqf in Jerusalem said Israel is preventing the implementation of a Waqf decision to increase the number of Waqf guards at the Haram al-Sharif compound. The Waqf said it needs to increase the number of guards due to the increase in Israeli settlers touring the compound. (MEMO 1/8; WAFA 1/10)

Norwegian representative to the UN Mona Juul said that she will use her time as president of the Security Council to prioritize the Palestinian-Israeli conflict by elevating a meeting on the issue on 1/19 to the ministerial level. (WAFA 1/7)

In the West Bank, an Israeli settler rammed by car 1 Palestinian man walking at the Beit Sira checkpoint, killing the man; it was unclear whether the settler rammed the man intentionally. Israeli settlers also tried to attack a car repair shop in Bazariya, but were repelled by Palestinians. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man during a late-night raid in Balata refugee camp; Israel claimed the man had opened fire at Israeli soldiers raiding the camp; no Israelis were injured. Israeli forces also seized 1 excavator in Dura. 8 Palestinian minors were killed in a traffic accident in the Jordan Valley; PA president Mahmoud Abbas declared a day of national mourning after the accident. 21 Palestinians were arrested in Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, al-Far‘a refugee camp, and Tulkarm; during the raid in al-Far‘a refugee camp, Israeli forces injured 1 Palestinian with a rubber-coated bullet and others with tear gas. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles northwest of Rafah; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah and Maghazi; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/6; PCHR 1/13)

Israeli deputy economy minister Yair Golan from the Meretz party called Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians a pogrom, in relation to attacks near at the Homesh settlement outpost. Deputy Economy Minister Golan was condemned by many Israeli politicians for his comments, and for calling the settlers “subhuman,” including by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett who said Golan’s remarks were “bordering blood libel” and that “[s]ettlement activity in the West Bank represents modern-day pioneering.” (AP, HA, TOI 1/6; HA, MEMO 1/7; HA, MEMO 1/8)

The Dutch government announced that it will no longer provide funding to the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC). Israel put UAWC, along with 5 other Palestinian rights organizations, on its terror list on 10/22/2021, claiming that the organizations are linked to the PFLP. The international community, including the EU, has criticized the terror designations for the organizations, saying Israel have not provided any evidence to support its claims. The Dutch government’s decision follows an external review predating the Israeli terror designation, which found that UAWC employees have personal ties to members of the PFLP, but that no funding has been used for PFLP purposes and that there are no organizational links between the PFLP and UAWC. The PA condemned the Netherlands’ decision to end funding, calling it pandering to anti-Palestinian sentiments. (AJ, ALM, AP, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 1/6; AJ, WAFA 1/10; MEMO 1/11)

The Israeli military attorney told Adalah that it would not hand over the alleged evidence against the 6 rights organizations deemed terrorists by Israel, saying that the evidence is classified. (Adalah, WAFA 1/6)

Israeli Walla News reported that Israel’s director of European affairs at the foreign ministry, Aliza Bin Noun, shouted at European diplomats during a meeting where the Europeans complained about Israeli plans to build new settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. (MEE, MEMO 1/7)

A U.S. district judge in New York dismissed a lawsuit brought against the PLO and PA for the stabbing of 1 American man in an Israeli settlement in the West Bank in 2018. The judge called the U.S. law the Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act of 2018, that allows individuals to sue the PLO and the PA, unconstitutional. (REU 1/7; WAFA 1/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided the home of Hassan Yousef, a member of the PLC for Hamas, in Beitunia and arrested him. Israeli forces also raided Rummana, dispersing Palestinians protesting the raid with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered a demolition order for a house under construction in Nahalin. Israeli forces had arrested and severely beaten a man during a late-night house raid in Qalqas; the man was later admitted to a hospital in Beersheba. 2 others were arrested during late-night raids. In East Jerusalem, 20 Israeli settlers vandalized 12 Palestinian-owned vehicles in Bab al-Zahara. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Isawiya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Jabalia refugee camp and 6 nautical miles north of Rafah; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/12; MEMO 12/13; PCHR 12/16; MEE 1/2)

In Lebanon, 4 people were killed and 7 injured during a shootout in the Burj el-Shemali refugee camp. The event unfolded during the funeral procession for 1 person who was killed during an explosion in the camp on 12/10. There were differing reports of the events, including 1 that said the shooting was between Hamas and Fatah members. Hamas claimed that the killings were ordered by the PA. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 12/12; HA, MEMO 12/13)

Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett arrived in the UAE for meetings with UAE foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and later, on 12/13, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This marked the 1st time an Israeli prime minister visited the UAE, planned since the normalization deal between the 2 countries in 2021 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (AJ, AP, HA, HA 12/12; REU 12/13)

The Washington Post reported that Israel had conducted air strikes in Syria on 3/5/2020 and 6/8/2021, allegedly to counter Syria’s chemical weapons program. (TOI, WP 12/13; HA, MEMO 12/14)

Administrator of USAID Samantha Power said during a speech at a gala hosted by the Alliance for Middle East Peace that aid to Palestinians suffers under politicization, which makes it controversial. Administrator Power said that aid to Palestinians had broad consensus for decades but that that consensus had been waning. (HA 12/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers placed a large menorah on the roof of a mosque in Nabi Samwil. Israeli settlers with military escort blocked an entrance to al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian homes in Burqa. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian, physically assaulted 1, and injured others by tear gas suffocation during a late-night raid in Silwad. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Surif, Tubas, Silat al-Harithiya, Nablus, and ‘Asira. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces delivered a demolition notice for an apartment and office building in Silwan. Israeli forces also arrested and interrogated PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith before releasing him to house arrest and renewing his ban on contacting PA officials. 16 others were arrested during late-night raids in Isawiya and Qalandia refugee camp. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah and north of Beit Lahiya; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/25; MEMO 11/26; WAFA 11/27; PCHR 12/2)

Egypt announced that it had signed an agreement with Israel to increase the amount of natural gas it receives from Israel. Egypt exports the gas it buys from Israel to the European market using its liquefied gas terminals. (MEMO 11/26)

Germany, through its development bank, donated $33 million to the UNRWA in support of programing in Lebanon and Gaza, including rebuilding the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp. (MEMO, WAFA 11/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a field planted with wheat crops near al-Mughayyir, causing extensive damage. Israel deployed more forces to the West Bank, increasing the number of military forces by 50%. Israeli forces seized 1 excavator east of Yatta. 1 Palestinian was arrested at the Qalandia checkpoint. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters by the Damascus Gate plaza, injuring 3. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Hebrew University near Issawiyya, injuring 2 and arresting 3; 3 Israeli police officers were reportedly lightly injured. Earlier, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian in the area, leading to several other Palestinians coming to his defense. Elsewhere, Israeli forces closed off Shaykh Jarrah to prevent Palestinians from entering the neighborhood and violently dispersed Palestinians in the area, leading to 19 injuries, including 5 that required treatment at a hospital. 6 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around the Haram al-Sharif compound, Bayt Hanina, Shu‘fat, and Sur Bahir. In Gaza, Israel said incendiary balloons from Gaza started several fires in Israel. 2 rockets were also reportedly fired from Gaza toward Israel; no damage was reported. Israeli forces subsequently attacked Dayr al-Balah, causing damage. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protests against Israeli aggression in East Jerusalem near the Gaza fence east of Khan Yunis, injuring 1 protester with live ammunition and 2 with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters east of al-Bureij refugee camp; no injuries were reported. 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 Israel, Palestinian citizens of Israel protested Israel’s aggression against Palestinians in East Jerusalem in Haifa and Nazareth. (HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 5/9; AP, HA, HA 5/10; PCHR 5/11)

The Israeli high court of justice postponed the eviction hearing for the Palestinian families in Shaykh Jarrah under the most immediate threat of eviction. The hearing, which has already been postponed a number of times, was scheduled for 5/10. The postponement was made after a request by the Israeli attorney general Avichai Mendelblit, whom the attorneys representing the Palestinian families have requested be part of the proceedings. (GDN, HA, NYT 5/9; HA, REU 5/10)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “[w]e firmly reject pressure not to build in Jerusalem. And sadly, these pressures have been increasing recently. I say to our closest friends: Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. Just as every nation builds its capital and builds in its capital, we also reserve the right to build Jerusalem and build in Jerusalem. This is what we have done, and this is what we will continue to do.” His comments came after days of international condemnation of Israeli efforts to evict Palestinians in East Jerusalem, replacing them with Israeli settlers. (AJ, BBC, HA 5/9)

Jordan summoned the Israeli envoy to the country to express its condemnation over Israeli behavior in East Jerusalem in recent days. Jordan’s king Abdullah II also called PA president Mahmoud Abbas to express his support. Jordan called the Israeli violence against Palestinians in East Jerusalem “barbaric.” Protests outside the Israeli embassy in Amman called for Jordan to end its peace treaty with Israel. President Abbas also discussed the situation with Tunisian president Kais Saied. (HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 5/9)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to Israeli national security advisor Meir Ben-Shabbat, expressing concern over the recent violence in East Jerusalem and the Israeli eviction threat over the Palestinian families in Shaykh Jarrah. According to Axios, Security Advisor Ben-Shabbat told U.S. security advisor Sullivan that the U.S. and the international community should stay out of Israel’s actions in East Jerusalem. The spokesperson for UN secretary-general António Guterres urged Israel to “exercise maximum restraint and respect the right to freedom of peaceful assembly” and to stop demolitions and evictions in East Jerusalem. Pope Francis also called on the parties to stop the violence. Pakistan and Switzerland were also among the countries to criticize Israel’s aggression. (AX, HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 5/9; AX, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA 5/10)

Tunisia led a group of 9 nations requesting an emergency meeting at the UN security council for the violence in Jerusalem. (WAFA 5/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian shepherd in Mareeha, near Jenin, causing moderate injuries. Israeli forces temporarily evicted Palestinians in Khirbet Humsa, citing military drills. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters demonstrating against Israeli harassment of Palestinians in East Jerusalem, at the Separation wall near Bethlehem, leading to tear-gas related injuries and 1 arrest. 2 others were arrested during late-night raids in Bethlehem and Jalbun. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israel reopened the Gaza fishing zone after closing it on 4/26. Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Dayr al-Balah and within 4 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 4/29; PCHR 5/6)

Israeli forces said it was a mistake when it detained 5 Palestinian children between the ages of 8 and 13 in the south of Hebron on 3/10. An investigation found that there was no reason to detain the 5 children. (TOI 4/29)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas announced that the Palestinian elections scheduled for 5/22 were postponed, citing Israeli ambiguity regarding whether Palestinians in East Jerusalem would be allowed to partake in the elections. President Abbas said that “as soon as Israel agrees [to allow Palestinians in East Jerusalem to partake] we will hold elections within a week.” Besides the Jerusalem issue, there was speculation that Abbas and Fatah had an interest in postponing the elections as splintering within the Fatah party has made Hamas the likely winner of the elections. Several Palestinian political leaders criticized Abbas’s decision to postpone elections, demanding a new date set. Hamas released a statement, calling the decision “a coup against the path of national partnership and consensus.” (CNN, HA, NPR, WAFA 4/29; AJ, AJ, ALM, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA 4/30; WAFA, WAFA 5/1; HA, HA, WAFA 5/2)

In Israel, 45 Israelis were killed and more 150 injured during a stampede at a Jewish religious event on Jabal al-Jarmaq/Mount Meron. Upwards of 100,000 were said to have participated in the event. PA president Mahmoud Abbas wrote a letter to Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin expressing his condolences. (AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, HA, HA, HA 4/30; AP 5/1; AJ, HA 5/2)

In the West Bank, 4 Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian farmer working his land in al-Khadir; the man was later taken to a hospital for treatment of his injuries. Israeli forces raided Salfit, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 26 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bayt Kahal, Hebron, Dheisheh refugee camp, al-Mughayyir, Tell, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces handed the former Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Shaykh Ekrima Sabri a notice banning him from traveling for 2 months. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire and sprayed water on Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles west of Dayr al-Balah, causing damage to 1 boat, which sank; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. In Israel, anti-Palestinian Israelis vandalized more than 30 cars by slashing tires and writing in Hebrew “expel or kill” on them with graffiti in Kafr Kassim; The mayor of Kafr Kassim called it “an act of terrorism.” Israeli forces demolished the bedouin village al-‘Araqib for the 185th time since 2000. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/25; PCHR 4/1)

Israel’s Channel 12 News reported that 1 Israeli-owned cargo ship was hit by an Iranian missile in the Arabian Sea. (REU 3/25; ALM, HA 3/26)

The U.S. state department announced that it would send $15 million in COVID-19 aid to the occupied Palestinian territories through Catholic Relief Services and U.S. AID emergency food assistance programs. (ALM, AP, HA, WAFA 3/25; AJ, WAFA 3/26)

Norway donated $900,000 to the Palestinian Central Election Commission to support the 2021 Palestinian elections. (WAFA 3/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 25 olive seedlings, stealing 22 of them in Tell. Israeli forces sealed off 8 villages near Ramallah, leading to clashes with Palestinians in 1 of the villages, Dayr Abu Mash‘al, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed an anti-settlement protest in Beita, injuring 1 Palestinian with a rubber-coated bullet to his head, and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Anata, and 1 at a checkpoint in Halhul. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 house in Shu‘fat refugee camp. Israeli police physically assaulted and arrested 3 Palestinians in Silwan after stopping their car. 2 others were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya and al-Tur. In Gaza, rockets launched from Gaza landed in an open area near Beersheba, where Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was visiting during his election day campaign; no injuries or damage were reported. Israel subsequently attacked Gaza with fighter jets and helicopters, firing 5 missiles at sites near Gaza City and at 1 site in Dayr al-Balah, causing severe damage. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/23; AJ, WAFA, WAFA 3/24; PCHR 3/25)

Israel closed all crossings for the Israeli elections. (WAFA 3/21)

A poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research found that a single Fatah list would get 43% of the votes for the parliamentary elections while Hamas would win 30%; 18% were undecided. However, within the population of Fatah supports, some 10% would vote for a party headed by Mohammad Dahlan and 7% for a party head by Nasser al-Kidwa. (AP, HA, PCPSR 3/23)

Israelis voted in the general elections for the 4th time in 2 years. This time, there was not an obvious coalition to formed either, as many right-wing parties had promised not to support a government with Benjamin Netanyahu as its prime minister. Netanyahu, who had convinced the Palestinian-Israeli party Ra’am (United Arab List) to break with the Joint Arab List, also relied on religious Zionist parties, to the right of his Likud party, to be able to form a government. Those parties, including a significant majority of Likud, were vocally opposed to being in a governing coalition with Palestinian-Israelis. Ra’am leader Mansour Abbas said after the election that he was not wedded to either the right wing or left wing at that point. Meretz (Vigor) and Labor both had a better election than anticipated and went over the electoral threshold. So did the terrorist-supporting Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power), made up by followers of Meir Kahane. The Joint Arab List ended up with 6 mandates, down from 15, partially a result of lower Palestinian-Israeli voter turnout and because Ra’am received 4 mandates that previously would have gone to the Joint Arab List. (REU 3/22; AJ, AP, AP, GDN, HA, HA, HA 3/24; ALM, HA, HA, REU 3/25; AJ 3/26)

The Middle East Quartet members met for the 1st time since 2018 to discuss “meaningful negotiations” between Israelis and Palestinians. PA president Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the statement made by the Quartet. (AP, REU 3/23; HA, WAFA 3/24; WAFA 3/26)

The Dutch foreign ministry summoned the Israeli ambassador to the country for clarification as to why PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki had his VIP travel card confiscated after meeting with ICC personnel in the Hague. The Dutch foreign ministry said that “the ICC must be able to carry out its work without interference.” (HA, MEMO, REU, WAFA 3/23)

In the West Bank, the Israeli military said that 1 Palestinian tried to ram a group of soldiers at a checkpoint near Ya‘bad and that a gun fell from the car as it passed the soldiers; no injuries were reported. 1 Israeli settler struck an Israeli soldier near the Kedumim settlement. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles on the Nablus-Ramallah and Qalqilya-Nablus roads, damaging some; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians at a checkpoint in Hebron, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 6 during late-night raids in and around Qaryut, al-Twana, Luban al-Sharqiyya, Ramallah, and Balata refugee camp; 2 were arrested at checkpoints near Tubas and Nablus. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of al-Bureij refugee camp and Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (HA 1/9; JP 1/11; PCHR 1/14)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with the head of the Palestinian Central Election Commission Hanna Nasser to discuss dates for general Palestinian elections. President Abbas said a date would be set no later than 1/20. (WAFA 1/9)

Israeli protesters demonstrated against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the 29th Saturday in a row in Jerusalem. The protesters are demanding that Prime Minister Netanyahu resigns due to his COVID-19 response, the Israeli economy, and the corruption cases against him. (AJ, WAFA 1/10)

The U.S. embassy in Rabat said the assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs David Schenker had made “a historic visit” to the Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara. The U.S. recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in December 2020 was part of the Moroccan-Israeli normalization deal. (AJ 1/9; AP 1/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 3 Palestinian farmers in Kafr Malik, who were then taken to a hospital for treatment. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 differently abled Palestinian using live ammunition at a checkpoint near Jericho. Israeli forces also sealed the entrances to al-Mughayyir. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 8 residential structures near Bayt Iksa and confiscated a generator, 25 olive seedlings, 2 doors, and 4 windows in Farasin. 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Dheisheh refugee camp, Qabatiya, Qalqilya, Yatta, and Sa‘ir; 2 Palestinians were shot by live ammunition during the raids in Dheisheh refugee camp and Qabatiya. In East Jerusalem, a number of Palestinians burned 1 vehicle belonging to a settler in al-Tur; Israeli forces intervened, leading to tear-gas related injuries and 2 arrests. 1 other Palestinian was arrested during a raid in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3-6 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/7; PCHR 1/14)

Axios reported that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was seeking to consolidate his power over Israel’s Iran policy before the Joe Biden presidency. In a letter to Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz, foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi, ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer, and the Mossad director and IDF chief of staff, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that, “the Israeli government position regarding the Iran nuclear deal will be finalized exclusively by the Prime Minister on the basis of analysis done by the national security council in the Prime Minister’s office.” Axios wrote that Netanyahu wants a more hawkish stance on President-Elect Biden’s wish to re-enter the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action than the rest of the relevant cabinet members and officials. (AX 1/7)

An Iraqi court issued an arrest warrant for U.S. president Donald Trump in connection with the assassination of Iranian general Qassim Soleimani and commander of the Iraqi Popular Mobilisation Committee Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who were killed in 1/3/2020 at the Baghdad airport by U.S. forces. Iran put out a “red notice” request through Interpol for the arrest of President Trump on 1/5. (AJ, HA 1/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces injured 2 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets during a raid at a hospital in Ramallah, including 1 pregnant woman and 1 doctor; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also delivered demolition notices for 4 houses and 1 greenhouse in Ti’inik near Jenin. 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Hebron, Jalazun refugee camp, Qaddura, Dayr al-Ghusun, and Nur Shams refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a, Dayr al-Balah, and al-Qarara; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/27; PCHR 12/31)

Israel entered its 3d COVID-19-related lockdown, limiting movement to 3,300 feet from homes and prohibiting people in Israel from visiting each other. The lockdown is scheduled to be in effect for 2 weeks. (HA 12/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and wounded 3 Palestinians who allegedly threw an explosive device at a military checkpoint in Abu Dis. 4 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces during clashes that erupted admist a raid in ‘Aqabat Jabir refugee camp, including 1 by live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently suppressed anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum and al-Sawiya, leading to 3 Palestinians injured from sounds bombs and rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 8 residential and agricultural structures in Nahalin and demolished 1 residential structure east of Ramallah, displacing 8 Palestinians. Israeli forces also sealed-off Ya‘bad in their continued harassment of the town since an Israeli soldier was killed during a raid on 5/12. 2 dunams (0.5 acres) of Palestinian-owned crops caught fire east of Yatta after Israeli forces fired flare bombs in the area. 3 Palestinians were arrested at a military checkpoint near Nablus; 1 vehicle was seized. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles northwest of Gaza City, injuring 2 Palestinians and damaging 1 boat. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/15; AJ 5/16; PCHR 5/17; PCHR 5/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed 1 Palestinian man after he allegedly deliberately tried to ram his car into Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint near Bayt Awa. Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians during raids in al-Yamun, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Separately, 1 Palestinian minor was injured by live ammunition during clashes when Israeli forces raided al-‘Arub refugee camp. Israeli forces also seized tents and a solar panel west of Jericho and demolished 1 animal barn and seized water pipes in the northern Jordan Valley. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles near Burin. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Beita and Kafr Qaddum; during 1 raid Israeli forces also seized 1 vehicle. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east of Dayr al-Balah and on agricultural lands east of Rafah; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Israeli forces arrested 10 Palestinian citizens of Israel in Wadi Ara who were protesting the killing of 1 Palestinian suffering from mental illness on 5/13. (HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/14; WAFA, WAFA 5/15; PCHR 5/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces injured 4 Palestinians using live ammunition during the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a house raid in Shu‘fat refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen 2 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya, injuring 2 fishermen with rubber-coated bullets; 2 boats were also damaged. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 5/8; PCHR 5/10; PCHR 5/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 agricultural structure east of Tubas. Israeli forces arrested 10 Palestinians in and around Dura, Qiffin, Nablus, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians during a raid in Kafr ‘Aqab, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also arrested 2 Palestinians in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 5/4; PCHR 5/7)

Syrian state media said the Syrian government had intercepted Israeli missiles targeting a research center and a military base in the Aleppo province. Separately, the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Israel had attacked positions in Dayr al-Zor near the Iraqi border, killing 14 Iranian and Iraqi nationals. (REU 5/4; AJ, HA, HA 5/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed protests in Kafr Qaddum and near Tulkarm; 1 Palestinian was injured by a rubber-coated bullet, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also forced Palestinian workers checking Palestinians arriving from Israel for COVID-19 to leave in Atil. Israeli forces arrested 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Jenin and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested PA minister of Jerusalem affairs Fadi Hidmi during a late-night raid in al-Suwana and seized $2,800 from his house; he was released after hours of interrogation. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya on 2 separate occasions; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmers east of Dayr al-Balah and Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported.(WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/3; PCHR 4/9)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree extending the state of emergency for another 30 days. The PA also introduced new measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, including restricting movement in West Bank cities between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and forcing shops to close after 5 p.m. The extended state of emergency and new measures were introduced as 171 Palestinians had tested positive for COVID-19. (WAFA, WAFA 4/3)

In the West Bank, 3 Palestinians from Halhul were sentenced to 1 year in prison by the PA for violating COVID-19 emergency measures. Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 2 houses under construction near Bethlehem. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians during raids in Hebron and Tulkarm; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 agricultural structure east of Tarqumiyya. Israeli forces arrested 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Ya‘bad, including 3 minors. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during late-night raids in Silwan, 1 was arrested during a raid in Issawiyya, and 1 was beaten and arrested on a street in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 4 nautical miles west of Gaza City, causing damage to 1 boat. Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 4/2; PCHR 4/9)

10 Palestinian prisoners in Ofer prison started an open-ended hunger strike protesting Israel’s failure to prevent Palestinian prisoners from contracting the COVID-19 virus. (WAFA 4/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian herders in al-Twana, injuring 1 who was treated at a hospital. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians during the weekly anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum; 1 Palestinian was injured by a rubber-coated bullet, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. In Gaza, Israel struck targets belonging to Hamas after a rocket was fired at Israel. Israeli authorities said it believed that Hamas operatives did not fire the rocket. Israeli forces also opened fire on agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 2 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 3/27; WAFA 3/28; HA 3/29; PCHR 4/2)

In a letter to the U.S. State Department, 6 senators from the Democratic Party urged the Trump administration to release the funds allocated to humanitarian aid for Palestinians by U.S. congress to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Congress had allocated $75 million in aid to Palestinians for the 2020 fiscal year. The 6 senators who signed the letter were Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Tom Udall (D-NM), Tom Carper (D-DE), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Bernie Sanders (D-VT). (WAFA 3/28; HA, HILL 3/30)

In the West Bank, Israel issued demolition orders for 4 residential structures south of Hebron and 5 homes in the Ramallah area as punitive demolitions against alleged Palestinian attackers. Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest against the U.S. administration’s peace plan in Qalqilya, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Halhul, Ramallah, Salfit, and Anata. Israeli settlers severely beat 1 Palestinian doctor visiting patients near Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Silwan and Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian lands near Bayt Hanun and east of Dayr al-Balah. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/20; PCHR 2/27)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel will expand 2 settlements, Har Homa and Givat Hamatos, in East Jerusalem with 2,200 and 3,000 housing units respectively. Prime Minister Netanyahu also said that Israel would apply sovereignty to al-Ibrahimi Mosque. The PA called Netanyahu’s announcement part of “a systematic destruction of the two-state solution.” (HA, NYT, WAFA 2/20; JP 2/23)

Israel and the PA ended its trade dispute, allowing Palestinian goods to exit the West Bank and Israeli agricultural products to enter the West Bank market. Israel started banning Palestinian goods to the Israeli market on 2/2 and later expanded the ban of export from the West Bank altogether. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 2/20)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian prisoner stabbed and lightly wounded an Israeli warden at Ofer Prison. Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian family in Hebron, causing light injuries. 2 Palestinians were hospitalized after being hit by rubber-coated bullets during a confrontation with Israeli forces in Hebron. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting against the U.S. administration’s peace plan in and around Qalqilya and Tulkarm, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 18 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Qalandia, Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, Qalqilya, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 3 Palestinian fishermen off the shore of Dayr al-Balah within the allowed fishing area; their fishing boat was also confiscated. Separately, Israeli naval forces opened fire and sprayed skunk water on fishermen west of Rafah. In Israel, 6 incendiary balloons were reportedly found in different places near Gaza; no damage was reported. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/3; PCHR 2/4; PCHR 2/6)

The PA minister of agriculture announced that the PA had decided to ban entry of Israeli products to the Palestinian market. The decision comes a day after Israel started banning imports of agricultural products from the West Bank. (WAFA 2/3)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation issued a statement after an extraordinary summit in Jeddah calling “on all member states not to engage with this plan [the U.S. administration’s peace plan] or to cooperate with the U.S. administration in implementing it in any form.” (HA, WAFA 2/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to 2 Palestinian-owned vehicles and sprayed graffiti on a wall in Far’ata village west of Qalqilya. In Gaza, 45 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces using live ammunition and rubber-coated bullets at protesters during the 85th weekly Great March of Return protest. Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also fired tear gas at Palestinian shepherds east of Rafah, causing tear-gas related injuries. In a separate incident, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (PCHR, WAFA 12/20; PCHR 12/26)

House Resolution 1865 was signed into law by U.S. president Donald Trump. H.R. 1865 is a 715 page-long appropriations bill for the 2020 fiscal year which allocates $150 million in aid to Palestine, $75 million in assistance to the PA security forces and $75 million for civilian and humanitarian programs and institutions not directly connected to the PA. The bill also seeks to “fix” the Anti-Terrorism Clarifications Act which became law on 10/3/2018 and effectively ended all aid for the PA, including security aid, as it subjected the PA to the jurisdiction of U.S. courts if the PA accepted any aid from the U.S. The “fix” gives U.S. courts jurisdiction if the PA or the PLO provides payments to any individual or family of an individual convicted of killing a U.S. citizen. (HA 12/18; Congress, FMEP 12/20)

The Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Fatou Bensouda announced that there is basis to probe Israel for war crimes committed against Palestinians, but requested the ICC to decide on the question of the jurisdiction of East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. Chief Prosecutor Bensouda said that her preliminary investigation has found that “war crimes have been or are being committed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip.” (AJ, Guardian, HA, HA, WAFA 12/20; HA 12/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli force seized a vehicle near Tubas and demolished a house under construction near Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided the office of the Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees in Hebron and seized computer hard drives. 16 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned barn in Silwan and a house under construction in al-Tur; during the latter demolition, 2 Palestinians were arrested and video shows family members who owned the property were assaulted by Israeli police. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinian farmers east of Rafah. Separately, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Dayr al-Balah. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/24; HA 9/25; PCHR 9/26)

Broward County in Florida unanimously passed a resolution condemning the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. The resolution argued that the demand for Right of Return effectively would destroy the State of Israel as a homeland of the Jewish people. (MDW 9/27)

Mercy USA for Aid and Development donated $300,000 to UNRWA for visually impaired children in Gaza. (WAFA 9/24)

In the West Bank, an Israeli settler driver allegedly rams a Palestinian youth in Hebron, causing moderate injuries. Israeli settlers block the main highway between Nablus and Ramallah, following the stone-throwing incident in the area on 4/28. IDF troops conduct raids in Jenin r.c., sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents: 1 Palestinian is injured. The IDF arrests 2 Palestinians and confiscate 1 car during further raids nr. Ramallah and Hebron, and patrols nr. Nablus and Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries (2 fishermen are arrested). Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Dayr al-Balah, and also open fire on agricultural land nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage. (MNA, WAFA 4/30; HA 5/1; PCHR 5/4)

Employees of the Palestinian telecom companies Jawwal and Paltel organize a sit-in in Ramallah in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners who have been observing the Dignity Strike since 4/17. IDF troops fire tear gas canisters at a group of Palestinians holding a similar sit-in nr. Nablus, sparking minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. (MNA 4/30; MNA 5/1)

International diplomacy to end OCL clicks into gear with France proposing that Israel and Hamas impose a 48-hr. humanitarian truce to try to defuse the violence and restore the Gaza cease-fire, with humanitarian groups, Egypt, the EU, the Quartet, and the U.S. opening mediation channels (see Quarterly Update). Israel’s security cabinet meets to discuss the French proposal but does not formally respond.

Israeli actions: The IDF conducts 70 air strikes on Gaza, while the Israeli navy continues shelling from the sea, killing at least 10 Palestinians and wounding 40, bringing the death toll to about 370. The IDF reports hitting 110 individual sites, with primary targets being tunnels on the Rafah border, suspected weapons factories and rocket-launching sites, civil and naval police stations, and groups of resistance mbrs. In Gaza City, at least 20 air strikes hit Haniyeh’s offices, PA Interior Min., and main PA government complex in Gaza City, all of which had been targeted previously; 1 air strike hits an ambulance, killing 1 paramedic, seriously wounding a doctor and the driver. Part of Gaza’s main power grid is also hit, cutting all power to Gaza City. A fuel depot in Rafah is destroyed. In al-Bureij r.c., a mosque and health clinic are hit. In Khan Yunis, a money exchange is destroyed. At least 7 homes across the Strip are targeted. Target locations include Abasan, Bayt Hanun, Bayt Lahiya, al-Bureij r.c., Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City, Jabaliya town and r.c., Khan Yunis, al-Maghazi (c. Gaza), al-Mughraqa, al-Qarara, Rafah. The IDF launches a YouTube channel to broadcast declassified videos of its operations in Gaza, “other footage of interest to the international community” (JPI 1/8) and begins regular briefings for Internet bloggers worldwide.

Palestinian actions: Palestinians fire 41 rockets, 10 mortars into Israel, damaging 1 home in Sederot and causing several light injuries (excluding shock); 1 rocket lands in Beersheba, 25 mi. fr. the Gaza border, marking the farthest strike to date; 2 other long-range rockets land in Ashdod. Humanitarian notes: Israel allows 93 trucks into Gaza (50 carrying medical supplies and food donated by aid groups; 43 carrying commercial goods), but Gaza City’s Shifa Hospital says it is out of 150 kinds of medicine and 230 other medical supplies, including gloves, scissors, sterilization equipment, nitrogen for anesthesia. Fuel shipments are still cut off; Gaza’s power plant shuts down for lack of fuel. (BBC, HA, Independent 12/30; IDF, IFM, NYT, REU, UNOSAT, WP, WT 12/31; JP, PCHR 1/1; ITV 1/2; IDF 1/3; WP 1/4; IFM 1/8; NYT 1/13)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian worker in Mod’in Ilit settlement, angry over Israel’s war on Gaza, stabs, wounds 4 Jewish settlers before being shot and wounded by a paramedic who arrives on the scene. The IDF fires live ammunition, rubber-coated steel bullets, percussion grenades, tear gas at Palestinians demonstrating against OCL in al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, wounding 3 (including teenagers ages 13, 14); makes simultaneous afternoon incursions into Beita and Hawara villages nr. Nablus, imposing curfews through 12/31; conducts simultaneous late-night raids, house searches on 4 villages nr. Jenin, firing on residential areas in all cases, causing no injuries and arresting only 1 teenager; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Abu Dis and Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, and nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm. (PCHR, WJW 1/1)

In Gaza, the IDF assassinates IQB mbrs. Ra’ed Habib and Munir al-Jamal in an air strike on their car in Gaza City, wounding 6 bystanders; makes 5 other air strikes on Hamas and ESF targets in Bayt Lahiya, Dayr al-Balah, and Gaza City, wounding 10 bystanders, destroying 2 alleged weapons factories, damaging several homes. In retaliation, Hamas fires 17 rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, injuring 2 Israelis in Sederot. The Israeli navy fires on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza City coast, forcing them to return to shore. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in, fires on residential areas of Kafr Dan nr. Jenin, wounding 3 Palestinians; conducts arrest raids, house searches in and around Nablus and neighboring Balata r.c.; fires rubber-coated steel bullets, percussion grenades, tear gas at Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists holding a weekly nonviolent protest against the separation wall in Bil‘in nr. Ramallah, injuring 2. Jewish settlers scuffle with Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists demonstrating against the wall in Bani Na‘im nr. Hebron; the IDF intervenes, detaining 5 activists. Meanwhile, Fatah-Hamas fighting in Gaza continues, leaving 4 Palestinians dead and more than a dozen wounded. Incidents include Abbas’s presidential guard firing RPGs and mortars at the predominantly Hamas Islamic University in Gaza City. A 7-yr.-old Palestinian boy dies of injuries received in the 5/17 Fatah attack on a funeral in Rafah. (AP, WP 5/18; NYT, WP, WT 5/19; PCHR 5/21; OCHA 5/23; PCHR 5/24)