In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted and stole 190 olive saplings in Qusra belonging to 4 Palestinian families. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles near Nablus...
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January 10, 2021
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January 9, 2021
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...
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January 7, 2021
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...
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January 4, 2021
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at vehicles and houses in Sarta and threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles traveling near Rawabi. Israeli settlers also razed Palestinian-owned...
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January 3, 2021
In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler was injured when her car was hit with stones; Israeli forces subsequently arrested 20 Palestinians in nearby Dayr Nidham, claiming they were connected to the...
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December 28, 2020
In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 2 car repair shops in Luban al-Sharqiyya and handed 1 demolition order for a rural school in the Jordan Valley east of Tubas. 13 Palestinians were...
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December 27, 2020
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...
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December 22, 2020
In the West Bank, an Israeli settler rammed a Palestinian car at a checkpoint near Birzeit and was subsequently shot at by Israeli forces, believing the Israeli settler was trying to attack...
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December 21, 2020
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling south of Nablus, east of Bethlehem, and near Ya‘bad, damaging several cars and causing at least 3 injuries. 1 of...
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December 10, 2020
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers clashed with Palestinians while touring an evacuated settlement outpost south of Jenin. Israeli forces raided the headquarters of the Union of Palestinian Women’...
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December 5, 2020
In the West Bank, Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed at the funeral in al-Mughayyir for a 14-year-old boy who was shot and killed by Israeli forces on 12/4; tear-gas related injuries were...
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December 4, 2020
In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed a 14-year-old Palestinian using live ammunition during a protest against a settlement outpost in al-Mughayyir; 4 were shot by rubber-coated bullets...
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December 3, 2020
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers and military escort stormed Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, leading to clashes with Palestinians protesting the incursion; 2 Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated...
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December 2, 2020
In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized 1 tractor south of Hebron. 17 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Qalqilya, Hebron, Ramallah, Jenin, Tulkarm, Salfit,...
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November 29, 2020
In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians, including 1 minor by live ammunition as they were protesting the Psagot settlement east of al-Bireh; others suffered tear-gas...
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November 14, 2020
In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian was arrested at a checkpoint near Bayt Jala. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during raids in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval...
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November 7, 2020
In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian near the separation wall west of Jenin. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Kafr Qaddum; 2 were...
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November 5, 2020
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers toured an archaeological site in Sabastiyya; during the settler tour, the site was closed to Palestinians by Israeli forces. Israeli settlers also attacked...
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November 3, 2020
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 2 elderly Palestinians south of Jenin, leading to the hospitalization of both Palestinians. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinians driving...
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November 2, 2020
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers harvesting olives in Bayt Furik. Israeli forces demolished 1 house under construction near Yatta. Israeli forces also assaulted 1...
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October 31, 2020
In the West Bank, Israeli forces forced Palestinian farmers off their lands in Bayt Umar. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians in Hebron; 1 Palestinian minor was hit by a rubber-coated...
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October 29, 2020
In the West Bank, Israeli forces attacked Palestinian worshippers in al-Ibrahimi Mosque during morning prayers at the advent of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. 5 Palestinians were arrested during...
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October 26, 2020
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized some 100 Palestinian-owned olive trees in al-Mughayyir. Israeli forces uprooted 60 olive trees and razed land in Salfit. Israeli forces also delivered...
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October 20, 2020
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers emptied wastewater on Palestinian agricultural lands near Sabastiyya. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinians harvesting olives in Dayr al-Hatab, forcing...
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October 18, 2020
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed tracts of Palestinian-owned land near ‘Urif. Israeli forces demolished 2 residential structures, 2 agricultural structures, and damaged water pipes near...
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October 17, 2020
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 30 olive trees in Qaryut. Israeli forces violently dispersed protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-...
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October 14, 2020
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers started construction of a settler-only road southwest of Nablus, connecting 2 settlements. Israeli settlers also vandalized electric poles in Jalud. Elsewhere,...
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October 12, 2020
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers in the Yitzhar settlement erected a sign saying, “[e]ntry for Arabs is dangerous.” Israeli settlers also stole olive harvests in Burin. Elsewhere, Israeli...
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October 11, 2020
In the West Bank, more than 50 Palestinians were injured, including 10 by live ammunition and 13 by rubber-coated bullets, when Israeli forces raided al-Amari refugee camp, leading to clashes....
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October 10, 2020
In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Rafat, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets and tear-gas related injuries were reported. 20 Palestinians were...
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted and stole 190 olive saplings in Qusra belonging to 4 Palestinian families. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles near Nablus, damaging 1. Israeli forces confiscated 1 Palestinian-owned cargo truck in Atuf. Israeli forces also delivered a demolition order for a house under construction in Khirbet Ras al-Ahmar. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Hebron, Yatta, Jenin, and Atuf. In East Jerusalem, 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 protesting the razing of land in Silwan and 1 in Issawiyya. 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. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Abasan, Dayr al-Balah, al-Bureij refugee camp, Khuza‘a, and north of al-Sifa; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 1/10; WAFA 1/11; PCHR 1/14)
The PA said it will receive its 1st doses of COVID-19 vaccines in March from the company Astro-Zeneca. The PA foreign ministry also said in a statement that Israel is “ignoring its duties as an occupation power and committing racial discrimination against the Palestinian people, depriving them of their right to health care . . . The search by the Palestinian leadership to secure the vaccines from various sources doesn't exempt Israel from its responsibilities towards the Palestinian people in providing the vaccines.” Many human rights organizations, Amnesty International amongst them, have maintained that it is Israel’s responsibility to provide vaccines to the Palestinian people it occupies, a responsibility Israel denies, citing the Oslo Accords. Israel has been vaccinating Palestinian citizens of Israel and Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem along with Israeli settlers in the West Bank. (AI 1/6; ALM 1/8; AJ, HA, JP, REU, WAFA, WAFA 1/10; AJ 1/11)
In Lebanon, residents of Beirut complained about low-flying Israeli jets, which is said to become more frequent. On 1/8, an Israeli fighter jet flew over Lebanese air space for 6 hours. UNIFIL has said the Israeli violation of Lebanese air space is a near daily occurrence. (AA, BB, HA 1/10)
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 settlers threw stones at vehicles and houses in Sarta and threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles traveling near Rawabi. Israeli settlers also razed Palestinian-owned agricultural land in Khirbet al-Farisiyya. Israeli forces punitively razed agricultural lands in Dayr Nidham after an Israeli settler was injured by a stone-thrower on 1/3. Israeli forces also blocked all entrances and exits to Dayr Nidham for the 2d day in a row. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians, including 2 with live ammunition and 1 with a rubber-coated bullet in ‘Aqabat Jabir during a raid; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also raided a hospital in Tulkarm, firing stun grenades. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians trying to enter Israel for work by the separation barrier west of Ya‘bad. Israeli forces also demolished 1 agricultural structure in al-Khadir and demolished 1 agricultural structure, 1 water well, and 6 fences in Anabta. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Surayf, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers made roadblocks and vandalized Palestinian-owned cars near the Old City. 6 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City and al-Tur. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi, Bayt Hanun, and al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/4; PCHR 1/7)
Iranian forces seized a South Korean tanker headed to the UAE from Saudi Arabia. An Iranian government official also said that Iran had resumed 20% uranium enrichment at the Fordow nuclear facility. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU 1/4; HA 1/10)
Ahead of the Gulf Cooperation Council summit on 1/5, Saudi Arabia reopened its land border with Qatar, and Kuwait reopened air space and sea borders to the country. This comes after a 3.5-year dispute between Qatar and Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, where the quartet of countries claimed that Qatar is sponsoring terrorism, an allegation Qatar has denied. (AJ, ALM 1/4)
In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler was injured when her car was hit with stones; Israeli forces subsequently arrested 20 Palestinians in nearby Dayr Nidham, claiming they were connected to the stone-throwing, and closed all exits and entrances to the city. Israeli settlers raided the Nahalin area, attempting to uproot trees before they were stopped by Palestinians protecting their land. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Luban al-Sharqiyya, causing damage. Israeli forces pushed and injured 1 Palestinian child in Sinjil. 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Jaba‘ and Ya‘bad. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces handed 1 Palestinian family an eviction order in Silwan and told them to pay $2,200 in legal fees. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 2 nautical miles of Bayt Lahiya and al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA 1/3; WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/4; PCHR 1/7)
The Israeli high planning committee approved the land seizure of dozens of dunams of Palestinian-owned land near Artas and al-Khadir for Israeli settlement expansion. (WAFA 1/3; MEMO 1/4; PCHR 1/7)
The Palestinian Prisoner's Society said in a statement that 30 new cases of the COVID-19 virus had been registered among Palestinian prisoners at the Ktzi’ot prison in Israel. These bring the total COVID cases among Palestinian prisoners to 171 since the start of the pandemic. (WAFA, WAFA 1/3)
Israeli prosecutors said that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had requested that the news site Walla, in 315 incidents, cover Netanyahu and his family positively and his political opponents negatively. The allegations are part of the corruption cases against Netanyahu, who in 1 of the cases is accused of promoting regulations favorable to the owner of Bezeq telecom company in exchange for positive coverage on the Walla news site. (ABC, HA, TOI 1/3; AJ 1/4)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 2 car repair shops in Luban al-Sharqiyya and handed 1 demolition order for a rural school in the Jordan Valley east of Tubas. 13 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bayt Umar, Hebron, Bethlehem, al-Khadir, Qarawat Bani Hassan, Dayr Istya, Kafr Haris, Jaba‘, and Qalqilya; clashes erupted during the raid in Jaba‘, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In Gaza, Israeli authorities said that 1 rocket was launched from Gaza toward Israel, but fell on the Gaza side of the fence. Israeli forces opened fire at farmlands east of Gaza City; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of Sudaniyya and Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/28; PCHR 12/31)
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, an Israeli settler rammed a Palestinian car at a checkpoint near Birzeit and was subsequently shot at by Israeli forces, believing the Israeli settler was trying to attack Israeli forces manning the checkpoint; no injuries occurred from the incident as the Israeli forces held fire when the settler identified himself as Jewish. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles driving near Awarta, Bayt ‘Aynun, and Tuqu‘, damaging several. Elsewhere, it was reported that 1 Israeli settler tried to run over 3 Palestinian children near Hebron; no injuries were reported. Israeli settlers also set up a caravan on Palestinian-owned land near Jenin. Israeli forces demolished 1 garage in al-‘Izzariya and notified the family of 1 Palestinian minor who was killed in East Jerusalem on 12/21 that their house would be punitively demolished. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Dhariyya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 car repair shop in Jabal Mukabir. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Jabaliya 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. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/22; WAFA 12/23; PCHR 12/24)
The Israeli military said that it would increase its presence in the West Bank because it believes that tensions will rise as 1 Israeli settler was found dead, believed to have been killed over the weekend. Israeli officials said they had recorded 13 attacks on Palestinians and Palestinian property since the settler was found dead on 12/20. (HA 12/22)
PA president Mahmoud Abbas discussed the prospect of an internationally-held peace process conference with Russian president Vladimir Putin via phone. The 2 also discussed the PA’s purchase of the Russian made COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V. (ALM, Kremlin, WAFA 12/22)
The Israeli Knesset was dissolved as the governing coalition could not agree to a 2020 state budget, resulting in a 4th round of Israeli elections in less than 2 years on 23 March 2021. (AJ, AP, BBC, HA, HA, 12/22; AJ, HA, HA, LT 12/23)
Special advisor to U.S. president Donald Trump Jared Kushner led a delegation of U.S. and Israeli officials to Morocco to discuss the details in the Moroccan-Israeli normalization deal. The U.S.-Israeli delegation met with Moroccan king Mohammed VI in Rabat. Haaretz reported that Morocco does not want a signing ceremony like Bahrain and the UAE have had with Israel, as it considers the normalization deal a resumption of past diplomatic relations. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU 12/22)
The EU contributed $5.6 million to the UNRWA. (WAFA 12/22)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling south of Nablus, east of Bethlehem, and near Ya‘bad, damaging several cars and causing at least 3 injuries. 1 of the Israeli settlers was killed when Israeli forces chased after them and the car flipped over; 4 other settlers suffered injuries and were released without charges. Israeli settlers subsequently attacked a police compound in East Jerusalem, leading to clashes and 50 arrests. Later, 1 Palestinian bus driver from East Jerusalem was attacked near the settlement where the Israeli settler, who died earlier, was buried; 2 Israeli settlers used pepper spray and stones and threatened him with a gun as they yelled “Death to Arabs.” Israeli settlers also slashed the tires of Palestinian cars near Hebron and blocked roads near Kafr Qaddum. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian man near Nablus, causing him to need treatment at a hospital. Israeli forces shot and injured 5 Palestinians using live ammunition during raids in Nablus. Israeli forces also demolished 2 Palestinian-owned houses, 1 water well, and 1 agricultural structure in al-Samou, displacing 20 Palestinians, and delivered 1 stop-work order for a water well in Dhariyya. 6 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Jenin refugee camp, Jenin, Nablus, al-Mughayyir, and Dahaysha refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor, who had opened fire on Israeli forces near the Haram al-Sharif compound; he was killed as he was fleeing the scene and 1 Israeli soldier was injured as he fell during the pursuit. Israeli forces also raided 3 Palestinian-owned stores in Bayt Hanina, seizing tobacco products with PA labels. 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Silwan to avoid an Israeli-imposed demolition fee of 70,000 NIS ($22,000). 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Silwan and Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands on 3 separate occasions east of Bayt Hanun and al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also made incursions and levelled 48 acres of farmland planted with peas and potatoes belonging to 7 Palestinian families. In Israel, Palestinian citizens of Israel protested Israeli police inaction in addressing violence in their communities. More than 100 Palestinian citizens of Israel have been killed in communal violence and Israeli police are largely inactive in solving the issue. The protesters drove a caravan from Kafa Qara to the Knesset. (WAFA 12/19; HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/21; AJ, WAFA 12/22; HA 12/23; PCHR 12/24)
Special advisor to U.S. president Donald Trump Jared Kushner met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of a joint trip by Israeli and U.S. officials to Morocco on 12/22 as part of the 2 countries’ normalization deal. (HA 12/21)
As part of the normalization deal between Israel and Sudan, President Trump signed a bill giving immunity to the state of Sudan for future U.S. lawsuits by victims of the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings in East Africa. The bill also provides Sudan close to $1 billion in aid and loans. (AJ, AX 12/22)
Canadian foreign minister Karina Gould said Canada would provide the UNRWA with $70 million over the next 3 years. (AJ 12/22)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers clashed with Palestinians while touring an evacuated settlement outpost south of Jenin. Israeli forces raided the headquarters of the Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees, an office of the PFLP, and the Abu Judeh Print Shop. Israeli forces also seized 1 coffee shop cart in Huwwara. 26 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around al-‘Arub refugee camp, Bayt Umar, Tubas, Kaubar, Abu Dis, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler attacked a 6-year-old boy in Silwan. 1 Palestinian began demolishing his grocery store in Jabal Mukabir and 1 Palestinian family received a demolition order for their house in Silwan. 2 Palestinians were arrested in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 12/10; PCHR 12/17)
The Tulkarm, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Hebron, governorates entered a week-long lockdown to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. (WAFA 12/10)
U.S. president Donald Trump announced that Morocco had decided to normalize relations with Israel in a deal where the U.S. reverses decades of policy to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara. As part of the deal, Morocco will open a diplomatic office in Tel Aviv and Israel in Rabat, which eventually will be turned into embassies; both will also grant overflight rights to each other. The UN recognizes the legitimate rights of the Sahrawi people to self-determination as it does the Palestinian people. U.S. officials later told Reuters that the U.S. is negotiating with Morocco to sell 4 sophisticated drones to the country. According to the prime minister of Morocco Saad-Eddine El Othmani, the king of Morocco Mohammed VI and PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke on the phone after the announcement of the normalization deal. Prime Minister El Othmani also said Morocco still rejects the U.S. peace plan and remains “supportive of the Palestinian cause.” Hamas called the normalization deal a betrayal while the PA has been silent. Moroccans protested the normalization in several cities after the announcement. It was reported by the New York Times that the U.S. also promised Morocco to facilitate an investment of $3 billion over 3 years as part of the deal. (AJ, AP, AX, BBC, GDN, HA, POL, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU 12/10; AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, REU 12/11; AJ, AJ, REU, TOI 12/12; AJ, GDN, HA 12/13)
India contributed $2 million to the UNRWA. (WAFA 12/10)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed at the funeral in al-Mughayyir for a 14-year-old boy who was shot and killed by Israeli forces on 12/4; tear-gas related injuries were reported. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a raid in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in the Old City and Issawiyya. 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, (IN 12/6; PCHR 12/10)
For the 24th week in a row, Israelis protested against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu outside of his official residence and throughout Israel. Some 30 Israelis were arrested during the protest. The protesters are demanding that Prime Minister Netanyahu resign due to his COVID-19 response, the Israeli economy, and the corruption cases against him. (HA 12/5; AJ, WAFA 12/6)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed a 14-year-old Palestinian using live ammunition during a protest against a settlement outpost in al-Mughayyir; 4 were shot by rubber-coated bullets and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a seed planting event in Bayt Dajan, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum and a similar protest in Salfit; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians in Hebron, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 at a checkpoint in the Jordan Valley near Jenin and 1 during a late-night raid in Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler tried to set fire to the Church of All Nations, but only managed to cause moderate damage before being stopped by church guards; the settler was arrested by Israeli forces shortly after. PA president Mahmoud Abbas called the incident a terror attack. 1 Palestinian was arrested at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers near Bayt Lahiya and Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/4; AJ, HA, HA, HA, MEE, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/5; AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/6; GDN 12/7; PCHR 12/10; +972 12/14)
The Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud said at a virtual meeting that Saudi Arabia’s demand before normalization with Israel is a “peace deal that delivers a Palestinian state with dignity and with a workable sovereignty that Palestinians can accept.” (AJ 12/4)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers and military escort stormed Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, leading to clashes with Palestinians protesting the incursion; 2 Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Salfit, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 6 agricultural structures and confiscated feeding and watering equipment in Dayr Dibwan. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Dheisheh refugee camp, Bayt Jala, al-‘Izzariya, Qalqilya, Jenin, and Tubas. 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. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/3; PCHR 12/10)
Bahrain’s minister of industry, commerce, and tourism Zayed Rashid al-Zayani said, while on a trip to Israel, that Bahrain will not differentiate between products originating in Israel and Israeli settlements. The comments were retracted on 12/4 when Bahrain’s state news agency BNA said the minister was misunderstood and that Bahrain would not violate UN resolutions on the issue. (AJ, ALM, TOI 12/3; HA, HA 12/4; AJ, HA, REU, TOI 12/5)
Israeli foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi and Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi met at a facility by the Allenby crossing between the West Bank and Jordan to talk about Jordanian-Israeli relations and the possibility of renewed talks on Palestinian-Israeli peace. (AJ 12/4)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized 1 tractor south of Hebron. 17 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Qalqilya, Hebron, Ramallah, Jenin, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Shu‘fat refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis; 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. (WAFA, WAFA 12/2; PCHR 12/3)
PA president Mahmoud Abbas extended the COVID-19-related state of emergency for another 30 days as cases continued to rise in the West Bank. (WAFA 12/2)
The PA said it would pay its civil servants their full salaries for November plus an additional 50 percent as the PA starts repaying its civil servants who have only received 50 percent of their salaries for months. The announcement came as the PA also said it received more than $1 billion from Israel, which had been withheld by Israel since February. (AJ, REU, WAFA, WAFA 12/2; ALM 12/3)
The Israeli Knesset voted, in a preliminary vote, to dissolve itself, paving the way for a 4th Israeli election in 2 years. Among the votes to dissolve the Knesset was Kahol Lavan party leader Benny Gantz, who is currently serving as deputy prime minister and minister of defense. The bill was proposed by Yesh Atid and supported by Meretz and Labour, and eventually supported by Gantz’s party, which is part of the government it seeks to dissolve. 3 of the 4 parties that constitute the Joint Arab List also voted for the bill. The last party, United Arab List, was not present for the vote. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, TOI 12/2; HA 12/3)
The foreign ministry of the Czech Republic released a statement saying the country will open a branch of its embassy in Jerusalem, which will be manned by a diplomat. The country’s main embassy will remain in Tel Aviv. The president of the Czech Republic is a proponent of moving the country’s embassy to Jerusalem. The PA summoned the Czech Republic’s representative to Palestine to protest the decision, demanding it be reversed. (HA, REU 12/2; WAFA 12/3)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians, including 1 minor by live ammunition as they were protesting the Psagot settlement east of al-Bireh; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli municipality demolished a staircase leading to the Lion’s Gate at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces arrested 5 Palestinians as they were headed to the funeral of 1 Palestinian killed by Israeli forces on 11/25 at a checkpoint in the West Bank, near East Jerusalem. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 11/29; WAFA, WAFA 11/30; PCHR 12/3)
The WHO delivered 15 ventilators to Gaza hospitals as the COVID-19 virus continues to challenge the Gazan health system. The ventilators were paid for by Kuwait. (REU 11/29; HA 11/30)
An Israeli court rejected a petition filed by Palestinians to reclaim their land that had been seized by Israel and used by settlers to build settlement outposts south of Jerusalem in the West Bank. The ruling paves the way for Israel to legalize the settlement outposts. (HA 11/30)
PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with the King Abdallah II of Jordan in the Jordanian city of Aqaba. In a statement released by Jordan after the meeting, Jordan reaffirmed its commitment to a Palestinian state. President Abbas later traveled to Egypt, meeting with secretary-general of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit and the Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry. Abbas is scheduled to meet with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on 11/30. This marked the 1st time Abbas left the West Bank in 2020. (WAFA 11/28; HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 11/29; WAFA, WAFA 11/30)
The Israeli security cabinet approved the transfer of $756 million to the PA in tax funds but continues to withhold $181.5 million that the PA pays to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons and their families. (HA 11/29)
According to Iraqi officials, 1 Iranian senior commander of the Revolutionary Guard, Muslim Shahdan, had been killed in an air strike along with 3 others as they entered Syria from Iraq in a car. There were no reports of who carried out the air strike, but Israel has frequently been carrying out air strikes in Syria and Iraq and is believed to have assassinated an Iranian nuclear scientist on 11/27. (HA, TOI 12/1)
UN secretary-general António Guterres said in a statement commemorating the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People that “the question of Palestine remains distressingly unresolved,” and criticized Israel for continuing to make a 2-state solution less viable. (WAFA 11/29)
In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian was arrested at a checkpoint near Bayt Jala. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during raids in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (PCHR 11/19)
For the 21st Saturday in a row, thousands of Israelis protested prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu outside of his official residence and throughout Israel. (HA 11/14; WAFA 11/15)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian near the separation wall west of Jenin. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Kafr Qaddum; 2 were injured by rubber-coated bullets. Elsewhere, Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed during raids in al-‘Arub refugee camp, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 3 Palestinians were arrested in and around Anata, Hebron, and Bethlehem. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen 1 nautical mile west of Bayt Lahiya; 1 Palestinian was lightly injured by 1 rubber-coated bullet. (WAFA 11/7; PCHR 11/12)
For the 20th Saturday in a row, thousands of Israelis protested prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu outside of his official residence and throughout Israel. (HA, WAFA 11/7)
Lebanese president Michel Aoun asked the Lebanese foreign ministry to retrieve evidence of U.S. claims against Christian politician Gibran Bassil after the U.S. put sanctions on him on 11/6. Bassil is also President Aoun’s son-in-law. (HA, HA, REU 11/7)
All major news outlets called the 2020 U.S. presidential election for Joe Biden after 5 days of vote counting. It took news outlets longer to call the 2020 president election because of the large amounts of mail-in ballots cast due to the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. president Donald Trump refused to concede the elections, making unsubstantiated allegations of voter fraud. (AP, NYT 11/7; CNN, NYT, REU 11/8; WAFA 11/9; WP 11/12)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers toured an archaeological site in Sabastiyya; during the settler tour, the site was closed to Palestinians by Israeli forces. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian shepherds near ‘Ayn al-Hilwa. Israeli forces delivered an eviction order to 1 Palestinian near Bethlehem as Israel is seizing his property. 15 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Nablus, Ramallah, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. 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, WAFA 11/5; PCHR 11/12)
At the UN General Assembly, member states passed 6 resolutions related to Palestine with large majorities, including support for the UNRWA, Palestinian refugee property rights, and support against Israeli settlements. (TOI, WAFA 11/5; WAFA 11/8)
The UK pledged $20.7 million to the UNRWA. (WAFA 11/5)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 2 elderly Palestinians south of Jenin, leading to the hospitalization of both Palestinians. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinians driving near Burqa, causing damage. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized dozens of olive trees in Jalud and 25 olive trees in ‘Ayn Bus. Israeli forces demolished the Palestinian village Khirbet Humsa in the Jordan Valley, including 18 residential tents, displacing 74 people, including 41 minors. Agricultural structures and water tanks were also demolished, and 3 vehicles were seized. The village is located in what Israel deems a firing zone. Israeli forces also seized 9 tractors, 5 water tanks, 2 vehicles, and solar panels near Tubas. 12 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, Tulkarm, Ya‘bad, Jenin, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces razed a plot of land in Bayt Hanina and demolished 1 horse shed in Jabal Mukabir. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level farmland east of al-Bureij. 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, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/3; AJ, PCHR, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, +972 11/4; BBC, B’Tselem, CNN, EI, GDN, PCHR, REU 11/5; HA, WAFA 11/6; WAFA, WAFA 11/7)
The foreign minister of Malawi Eisenhower Mkaka and Israeli foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi released a joint statement saying Malawi would open an embassy to Israel in Jerusalem by the end of 2021. (HA, MEMO, REU 11/3)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers harvesting olives in Bayt Furik. Israeli forces demolished 1 house under construction near Yatta. Israeli forces also assaulted 1 Palestinian in Bidya before arresting him. 8 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Salfit. 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 11/2; PCHR 11/5)
Egypt opened the Rafah crossing. It is planned to be open until 11/5. People entering Gaza must isolate at an isolation facility for 21 days before being able to enter the general public. (MEMO 11/1)
The Palestinian Prisoner Society said that 12 Palestinian prisoners in the Gilboa prison tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. (WAFA 11/2)
Israel’s intelligence affairs minister Eli Cohen said that Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Morocco, and Niger are “on the agenda” for normalization deals. (HA, REU 11/2)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces forced Palestinian farmers off their lands in Bayt Umar. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians in Hebron; 1 Palestinian minor was hit by a rubber-coated bullet. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Kafr Qaddum; 1 Palestinian was hit by a rubber-coated bullet, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 2 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 10/31; PCHR 11/5)
In Israel, thousands of protesters continued the weekly demonstrations against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding his resignation. This marked the 19th Saturday in a row that thousands of Israelis have protested outside of Netanyahu’s official residence. (HA 10/31; WAFA 11/1)
Haaretz published official figures from the Israel government which shows that only 22 percent of murders of Palestinian citizens of Israel were solved by the Israeli police while 53 percent of murders of Israeli Jews in Israel were solved. Palestinian citizens of Israel have long complained about the lack of Israeli authorities’ involvement in fighting crime in their community. (HA 10/31)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces attacked Palestinian worshippers in al-Ibrahimi Mosque during morning prayers at the advent of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Bayt Sahour, and Dura. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 2 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 10/29; PCHR 11/5)
The PA requested help from the UN to get a baptismal font back that was seized by Israel near Bethlehem on 7/20 this year. The baptismal font dates back to the 5th century. (WAFA 10/29)
A large Israeli military drill in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights caused massive damage with some 1,500 dunams (400 acres) burned by fires sparked from the drill. (TOI 10/29; HA 10/30)
U.S. secretary of defense Mark Esper visited Israel, meeting with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz. Haaretz reported on 10/27 that Israel has requested F-22 fighter jets from the U.S., which are currently only used by the U.S. military. Meanwhile, the White House notified Congress of its intent to sell 50 F-35 fighter jets to the UAE as part of the normalization deal between Israel and the UAE. (AJ, HA, HA 10/29; LT 10/30)
The CEO of Golan Heights Winery in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights said in a statement that his wines will be sold in the UAE starting this week. The UAE does not recognize Israeli sovereignty in the occupied Golan Heights. (HA, REU 10/29)
U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced that U.S. citizens born in Jerusalem will be able to list Israel as the place of birth. The spokesperson for PA president Mahmoud Abbas condemned the U.S. decision. (HA 10/28; HA, REU, WAFA 10/29; AJ, IN, REU 10/30)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized some 100 Palestinian-owned olive trees in al-Mughayyir. Israeli forces uprooted 60 olive trees and razed land in Salfit. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work orders for 3 houses in al-Khadir. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 house in Taybeh. 12 Palestinians were arrested in and around Sabastiyya, Dura, Bethlehem, Jenin, Jericho, Ramallah, and Huwwara. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Bayt Hanina. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya; during the raid, clashes erupted, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 2 miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/26; HA 10/27; PCHR 10/29)
At the UN security council, PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki called for an international peace conference to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. (WAFA 10/26)
The head of the sovereign council in Sudan, General Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan, said that Sudan had normalized ties with Israel because the country would have to wait until August or September of 2021 to be removed from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. General al-Burhan also stated that Sudan still supports a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders and urged Israel to engage the Arab Peace Initiative. (HA 10/26)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers emptied wastewater on Palestinian agricultural lands near Sabastiyya. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinians harvesting olives in Dayr al-Hatab, forcing the farmers to leave. Elsewhere, in the northern part of the Jordan Valley, Israeli settlers set up a cow shed and brought cows to Palestinian-owned land. Israeli forces demolished 1 market stall in Qalqilya and delivered stop-work orders for 3 houses and dozens of other structures in Qalandia. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Tulkarm, al-‘Arub refugee camp, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired 2 missiles, hitting empty land east of Dayr al-Balah, claiming that 1 rocket was fired toward Israel earlier in the day; no injuries were reported. Israel also said it had found a tunnel running near Khan Yunis tens of meters into Israel. Israel later claimed that the tunnel was built by Hamas. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles off the shore of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (HA, HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/20; AJ, HA, WAFA 10/21; PCHR 10/22)
1 Palestinian man died while working in a quarry owned by the settler company Shapir Engineering and Manufacturing near the Modi’in Illit settlement in the West Bank. His employer did not call the Israeli ambulance service that the worker was entitled to as he was employed by a settler company, but rather called the Palestinian Red Crescent, which took 30 minutes to arrive at the scene and brought the Palestinian to a hospital in Ramallah, where he was pronounced dead. The employer also did not notify the police of the death. The family of the deceased Palestinian said that if the Israeli ambulance had been called he might have survived as they were stationed closer to the accident. (HA 10/26)
An envoy from the UAE accompanied by U.S. secretary of the treasury Steven Mnuchin and U.S. envoy for the peace process Avi Berkowitz was welcomed in Tel Aviv airport by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi, and finance minister Israel Katz. In the Tel Aviv airport, Israel and the UAE signed a mutual visa waiver agreement allowing citizens of both countries to travel to and from each other without obtaining a visa. The parties also signed a preliminary agreement to have oil from the UAE run through an Israeli pipeline supplying the European market. A member of the PLO executive committee Wasel Abu Youssef called the visit “shameful” and said such a visit emboldens Israel in committing crimes against Palestinians. A Hamas spokesperson, Hazem Qassem, said the visit “only encourage[s] the occupation to pursue the gradual annexation of West Bank lands.” Last week on 14 and 15 October, Israel announced 5,000 new settlement units in various settlements in the West Bank. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU 10/20; TOI 10/21; LT, REU 10/22)
Israel struck a target in Syria; according to Syrian state media SANA, Israel hit a school in a village in Quneitra Province. However, the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it was a Hezbollah facility that was hit by the Israeli strike. (HA 10/21)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed tracts of Palestinian-owned land near ‘Urif. Israeli forces demolished 2 residential structures, 2 agricultural structures, and damaged water pipes near Yatta. 1 Palestinian was arrested at a checkpoint near al-‘Arub refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya and al-Tur. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles off the shore of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/18; PCHR 10/22)
PLO secretary-general Saeb Erakat was transferred from his home to a hospital in West Jerusalem for treatment of COVID-19. Secretary-General Erakat had been reported to be in stable condition since testing positive for the virus but his condition had deteriorated and called for hospitalization. Erakat had a lung transplant 3 years ago, making him more vulnerable to the virus. Several Israeli MKs complained that Israel did not seek concessions from the Palestinians in return for treating Erakat. (AJ, BBC, WAFA 10/18; HA, TOI 10/19)
An Israeli delegation signed a joint declaration with Bahraini officials in Manama. U.S. secretary of the treasury Steven Mnuchin and U.S. envoy for the peace process Avi Berkowitz were also present during the signing. According to unnamed Israeli officials who spoke to Haaretz, Israel had anticipated signing a “peace declaration” during the trip, but it was decided to scale back the language due to protests in Bahrain against the normalization deal with Israel. (AJ, HA, BBC, REU 10/18)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 30 olive trees in Qaryut. Israeli forces violently dispersed protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protesters near Yatta; 1 elderly man was assaulted by Israeli forces and detained for 1 hour. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinian minors using rubber-coated bullets during clashes in Hebron. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Dura. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian started demolishing his own shop in Jabal Mukabir to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles off the coast; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/17; PCHR 10/22)
In Israel, protests against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued for the 17th Saturday in a row with thousands of protestors outside of his official residence and thousands more around Israel. (HA 10/17; WAFA 10/18)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers started construction of a settler-only road southwest of Nablus, connecting 2 settlements. Israeli settlers also vandalized electric poles in Jalud. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized some 300 Palestinian-owned olive trees in al-Jaba‘. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian passing through a hole in the separation wall near Jenin. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Qaddura refugee camp, Kafr Malik, Tulkarm, and Balata refugee camp; during the raid in Balata refugee camp, Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed; 2 Israeli soldiers were reported lightly and moderately injured. In East Jerusalem, 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya; clashes ensued during the raids and 1 military SUV was burned. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/14; PCHR 10/15)
Israel’s civil administration’s supreme planning council approved 1,877 new settler units in 11 different settlements throughout the West Bank. Jordan, the Arab League, and the PA condemned the Israeli settlement expansion. (AJ, REU, WAFA, WAFA 10/14; AJ, HA, PCN, WAFA 10/15)
The Israeli approved the Israeli-UAE normalization agreement in an 80-13 vote. (HA 10/14)
In Lebanon, direct talks between Israel and Lebanon began at a UN base. The 2 sides negotiated, with the U.S. as mediator, where their maritime borders should be drawn. Hezbollah and Amal criticized the Lebanese government for sending civilians and politicians to the negotiations. (AJ, HA, REU 10/14)
India donated $1 million for UNRWA general programming. (WAFA 10/14)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers in the Yitzhar settlement erected a sign saying, “[e]ntry for Arabs is dangerous.” Israeli settlers also stole olive harvests in Burin. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Burqa, injuring 5 with rocks and damaging vehicles. Palestinians accessing their land on the other side of the separation barrier from where they live found some 60 olive trees were vandalized and olive crops were stolen. Israeli forces blocked off several roads to villages in the Jenin area, preventing Palestinians from harvesting their olive crops. 11 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Halhul, Kafr Qaddum, Nablus, and Ya‘bad. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested in Shu‘fat refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/12; PCHR 10/15)
Israel approved construction of 500 new settlement housing units in the Tzur Hadasah settlement near Bethlehem. (MEMO, WAFA 10/12)
B’Tselem said that a Palestinian man who has been hunger striking to protest his administrative detention for nearly 80 days is “on the verge of death.” (AJ 10/12)
PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh asked members of the EU parliament, during an online debate, to recognize the state of Palestine and to be more active in a future peace process. (WAFA 10/13)
The Israeli cabinet approved Israel’s normalization deal with the UAE; the Knesset is set to vote on the deal on 10/15. (HA, HA, REU 10/12)
In the West Bank, more than 50 Palestinians were injured, including 10 by live ammunition and 13 by rubber-coated bullets, when Israeli forces raided al-Amari refugee camp, leading to clashes. Israeli forces also raided Iraq Burin south of Nablus, and in Tulkarm, leading to clashes; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli forces prevented farmers from harvesting their olive crops in several villages near Bethlehem. Israeli forces also seized 1 bulldozer and 2 containers near Ramallah. 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Anata, Qalqilya, and Rafat. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza City. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/11; PCHR 10/15)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Rafat, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets and tear-gas related injuries were reported. 20 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Hebron, Tubas, Jenin, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers harassed Palestinians praying on the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces raided Issawiyya, leading to clashes with Palestinians; tear-gas related injuries were reported and 2 were arrested. 1 other Palestinian was arrested. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/10; PCHR 10/15)
In Israel, Israeli protesters demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clashed with police in several places throughout Israel. According to Haaretz, tens of thousands protested throughout Israel, including in front of Netanyahu’s official residence for the 16th Saturday in a row. (AJ, HA 10/10; HA, WAFA 10/11)
PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with the president of the World Jewish Congress Ron Lauder in Ramallah. The meeting lasted some 3 hours and Lauder arrived in a Jordanian helicopter. It is unclear what the meeting was about. The World Jewish Congress said that Lauder was in Ramallah “for a private visit at Abbas’ invitation, to discuss a range of issues regarding Palestine and the Middle East.” (HA, WAFA 10/10)