The Palestine Chronology

For the first time in a week, a Palestinian youth allegedly stabs and injures an IDF soldier in Tel Aviv. He is arrested after the incident. Elsewhere, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Hebron, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and in East Jerusalem; they also patrol nr. Hebron and Salfit throughout the day. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land nr. Khan Yunis and establish a watchtower nr. Gaza City. (HA, MNA, TOI 5/30; PCHR 6/2)

The Israeli cabinet unanimously approves Yisrael Beytenu chair Lieberman as DM; the Knesset approves his appointment in a 55–43 vote, and he is then sworn in. In a press conference following the vote, PM Netanyahu welcomes Egyptian pres. al-Sisi’s 5/17 speech calling for a return to Palestinian-Israeli peace talks predicated on the Arab Peace Initiative, stating that the initiative has some “positive elements.” His embrace of the Arab Peace Initiative is widely viewed as a ploy to deflect allegations that he has formed the most rightwing govt. in Israeli history and has no intention of making peace with the Palestinians. (HA, JP, KNE, MNA, TOI, YA 5/30; REU 5/31)

Israeli police assault a Palestinian citizen of Israel in Tel Aviv. A video of the incident shows them beating him without provocation after asking for his ID. Off Gaza’s n. coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats twice, causing 3 injuries. They also arrest 3 fishermen. In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinian youths in c. Hebron, firing tear gas canisters and causing no serious injuries. They also conduct late-night raids nr. Ramallah, Tulkarm, and Jenin, arresting 7 Palestinians; and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. (MNA, WAFA 5/22; PCHR 5/27)

Israel’s cabinet approves the revised framework agreement with the consortium of energy companies—Noble Energy and the Delek Group—contracted to extract natural gas from the Leviathan field, located off Israel’s n. coast. The new version of the agreement will allow future govts. to renegotiate the terms of extraction. (JP, TOI 5/22)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night raids nr. Tulkarm, Ramallah, and Jericho, arresting 4 Palestinians, and patrol during the day in Tulkarm, nr. Jericho, Qalqilya, and Hebron. Off Gaza’s s. coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats overnight, injuring 1 fisherman (3 others are arrested and 2 boats are confiscated). In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault a group of Palestinian youths in Ras al-Amud, injuring 1. In Israel, Israeli forces destroy the bedouin village al-‘Araqib in the Negev for the 97th time. Meanwhile, around 2,000 Israelis gather in Rabin Square in Tel Aviv to demonstrate in support of Azaria, the Israeli soldier who shot and killed a detained Palestinian on 3/24. (EI, MNA, WAFA 4/19; PCHR 4/21)

Following Jordan’s 4/18 announcement that it is no longer planning to support the installation of cameras at Haram al-Sharif, an Israeli official says that “Israel’s support [for the initiative] remains unchanged.” (TOI 4/19)

Amid deescalating violence in Israel and the West Bank, an Israeli security guard detains a Palestinian woman after she allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli woman in a small city nr. Tel Aviv. Later, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian man at a checkpoint nr. Nablus as he walks toward a group of Israeli settlers, alleging that he was planning a stabbing attack. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces carry out punitive demolitions of the 3 Jenin-area homes of Palestinians killed on 2/3 in a confrontation with Israeli forces in East Jerusalem, sparking minor clashes with stonethrowing Palestinians in the village; there are no serious injuries. Israeli forces also shut down a number of Palestinian shops in a village nr. Nablus and erect several mobile checkpoints around the village. IDF troops conduct raids and house searches nr. Bethlehem, Salfit, Hebron, Ramallah, Nablus, and Qalqilya, arresting 12 Palestinians, issuing arrest summons to 1, and confiscating a vehicle and surveillance tapes; patrol nr. Qalqilya and Hebron. Israeli settlers raze a small swath of Palestinian land nr. Nablus. Off Gaza’s c. coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 4/3; PCHR 4/7)

Early in the morning, the Israeli authorities put into effect their decision to extend the fishing zone off the s. Gaza coast to 9 naut. mi. The Israeli-enforced fishing zone remains 6 naut. mi. off the n. coast. (MNA 4/3)

An unidentified assailant allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli soldier in Tel Aviv. He then flees the area. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth at a checkpoint nr. Nablus on suspicion that she was planning to carry out an attack, and fire tear gas canisters at Palestinian students in a village nr. Bethlehem, causing a number of injuries. Late at night, they conduct a raid on an alleged weapons manufacturing workshop in a village nr. Bethlehem, arresting 3 Palestinians and confiscating a number of weapons. They conduct further raids nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, and Nablus, arresting 3 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 2; patrol in 5 villages nr. Hebron. Israeli forces demolish a motorcycle repair shop outside Qalandia r.c. Meanwhile, a Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained in clashes with the IDF on 2/29. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 4 stores in Bayt Hanina. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Khan Yunis. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 3/15; MNA 3/16; PCHR 3/17)

Israeli nongovernmental organization Peace Now reports that the Israeli govt. has reinstated its policy of confiscating large swaths of Palestinian land, specifying that the Israeli govt. declared 2,342 dunams (580 acres) nr. Jericho “state land” on 3/10. After the report, both the UN secy.-gen. and the U.S. State Dept. criticize the Israeli govt.’s settlement expansion policy. (MNA, PCN, REU, TOI 3/15; REU, WAFA 3/16; EI 3/30)

After a weeklong search, Israeli police shoot and kill the Palestinian citizen of Israel suspected of carrying out the 1/1 attack in a Tel Aviv pub. The suspect was killed in a firefight during a police raid in the suspect’s hometown of Arara. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 2 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in and Ni‘lin), Hebron, and 4 areas along Gaza’s border; 11 Palestinians are injured. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in Hebron and 1 village nr. Bethlehem, arresting 2 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 3; patrols in 1 village nr. Salfit, 2 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron. Late at night, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of the Ramallah-area home of the Palestinian who stabbed and killed 2 Israelis in East Jerusalem on 10/3, sparking clashes wherein 3 Palestinians are injured. (HA, MNA, NYT, TOI 1/8; TOI 1/9; PCHR 1/14)

The Israeli authorities return the bodies of the 4 Palestinians killed by the IDF on 1/7 (a joint funeral will be held nr. Hebron on 1/9), and Haaretz reports that the Israeli govt. is no longer holding any bodies of Palestinians killed in the West Bank. (HA, MNA 1/8)

Ajnad Bayt al-Maqdis fighters fire 5 rockets toward s. Israel; 2 land in open areas nr. Sderot, causing no damage or injuries, and 3 land short of the border fence. Holding Hamas responsible, IAF jets launch late-night air strikes on 2 Hamas military sites in Gaza City and Bayt Hanun, causing extensive damage but no injuries. (HA, MNA, TOI 1/1; PCHR 1/7)

A Palestinian citizen of Israel opens fire in a Tel Aviv pub, killing 2 and injuring 7. The attacker flees and, according to Israeli police on 1/4, kills a 3d Israeli civilian, a taxi driver, in n. Tel Aviv. (The suspect will be killed in a shootout in n. Israel on 1/8.) In the West Bank, Israeli authorities return to their families the bodies of 23 Palestinians killed recently by the IDF, including 17 to the Hebron area. They also return to a Palestinian transportation company in Nablus 11 buses confiscated since 10/1 for carrying Palestinian youths to protests. The IDF conducts a late-night raid in Tulkarm, arresting 1 Palestinian; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 nr. Nablus. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists at demonstrations against Israel’s occupation and recent crackdown on the oPt in 2 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in and Ni‘lin), 2 nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum and ‘Azun), and along Gaza’s border nr. Bayt Hanun; 5 Palestinians are injured. (AP, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 1/1; HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/2; HA 1/4; PCHR 1/7)

In Israel, a Palestinian stabs and injures 3 Israelis in Ra’anana nr. Tel Aviv, and Israeli police arrest him after he attempts to flee the scene. Then, IDF troops conduct a late-night raid of the suspect’s Tubas-area home, sparking clashes with stone-throwers and injuring 4 Palestinians. During the day, Israeli soldiers shoot and injure a Palestinian in c. Hebron after she allegedly attempts to stab them; patrol in 4 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting the recent Israeli crackdown on the oPt in 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah, injuring 1; conduct further raids and house searches in Hebron and 1 nearby village, as well as 1 village nr. Jenin, arresting 3 Palestinians. Palestinian youths throw Molotov cocktails at an Israeli military structure nr. Ramallah late at night, setting it on fire and sparking minor clashes. Armed Palestinians then throw pipe bombs at an Israeli checkpoint nr. Ramallah, sparking a brief firefight with Israeli troops; 2 young Palestinian bystanders are lightly injured. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 12/19; HA, MNA 12/20; PCHR 12/31)

Hamas political bureau chief Khalid Mishal meets with Turkish pres. Erdoğan in Istanbul, marking their 1st meeting since the reported 12/ 16 Turkish-Israeli understanding. They reportedly discuss recent regional developments. (JP, TOI 12/19)

Stabbing and other small-scale violent incidents continue in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) and Israel. In Tel Aviv, 2 Palestinians armed with knives attack a group of Israelis at an office building, killing 2 and injuring 2. Israeli police arrest 1 of the attackers and the other flees. Later, IDF troops raid the Hebron-area home of 1 of the suspects, delivering punitive demolition orders and arresting 3. Nr. Bethlehem, a Palestinian driver opens fire in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc, injuring 10 settlers and killing 3 others, including a U.S. citizen. Israeli forces shoot at the driver, causing him to crash his car and killing 1 Palestinian bystander in the crossfire; they arrest the driver at the scene. In c. Hebron, Israeli forces fire tear gas and skunk water, blocking a number of Palestinian children from accessing their school, after a Palestinian allegedly throws a tear gas canister at an Israeli checkpoint and injures a soldier. Also, a Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained in clashes with the IDF on 11/11. (HA, MNA, NYT, WAFA, YA 11/19; PCHR 11/26)

Elsewhere, a number of Palestinian municipalities in Israel, including Nazareth, Rahat, and Sakhnin, go on strike in protest of the 11/16 outlawing of the Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement. In the West Bank, IDF troops and stone-throwers clash during raids in Dahaysha r.c. and patrols nr. Jenin, injuring 4 Palestinians and arresting 1, respectively. Israeli forces continue their string of late-night house searches and raids in the Hebron, Ramallah, Jalazun r.c., and Dahaysha r.c. areas, arresting 12 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 4; patrol during the day nr. Jenin, Tulkarm, Salfit, Hebron, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers leave racist graffiti and throw stones at Palestinian homes in a village nr. Ramallah late at night, causing minor damage. Israeli forces begin demolishing a synagogue in the Givat Ze’ev settlement nr. Jerusalem, pursuant to the Israeli govt.’s 11/16 compromise with settler leaders (the demolition will be completed by 12/10). In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with and violently disperse Palestinians at a checkpoint in Abu Dis, seriously injuring 1 Palestinian; arrest 4 Palestinians on raids in Issawiyya and Jabal Mukabir; assault a Palestinian youth in Ras al-Amud. (EI, HA, MNA, NYT, WAFA, YA 11/19; MNA, TOI 11/20; PCHR 11/26)

Israel’s Coordinator of Govt. Activities in the Territories (COGAT) Unit cmdr. Yoav Mordechai signs an agreement with the PA Minister of Civil Affairs Hassan al-Shaykh to grant Palestinian mobile phone users in the West Bank access to 3G high-speed data services. The new services are expected to be in place by mid-2016. (AP, HA 11/19)

The Israeli crackdown on the oPt continues amid the ongoing wave of violence. In the West Bank, Israeli forces punitively demolish the Hebron apartment of the Palestinian who stabbed an Israeli woman to death outside the Gush Etzion settlement nr. Bethlehem on 11/10/2014. Throughout the day, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting w. of Tulkarm and outside a settlement nr. Ramallah, injuring 3 Palestinians. The IDF conducts a raid in a village nr. Bethlehem, sparking clashes with stonethrowing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is injured with live ammunition. IDF troops also conduct late-night raids and patrol in other areas across the West Bank, arresting 21 Palestinians, including 1 senior Hamas official on charges related to incitement, and issuing arrest summons to 4. Israeli settlers burn tires and verbally confront Palestinians nr. Salfit. In East Jerusalem, a large group of Israeli settlers escorted by Israeli forces forcibly evict Palestinians from 2 homes in Silwan. The property was allegedly purchased by the Israeli settler association Ateret Cohanim. Later, Israeli forces raid the Jabal Mukabir home of 1 of the Palestinians who attacked a group of Israelis on a bus in East Jerusalem on 10/13 and the Old City home of the Palestinian who attacked a group of Israelis in Tel Aviv on 10/8, taking measurements and preparing for a possible punitive demolition. They also arrest 7 Palestinians on late-night raids in Abu Dis, Ras al-Amud, and Issawiyya. In West Jerusalem, Jewish Israelis attempt to assault a Palestinian man on his way home from work, but his boss intervenes. (HA, MNA 10/19; EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/20; PCHR 10/22)

Israeli PM Netanyahu orders the Israeli police to suspend their construction of a concrete barrier in East Jerusalem between Jabal Mukabir and the nearby Israeli settlement East Talpiot, responding to complaints from his cabinet about dividing Jerusalem. The police erected sections of the planned 300 m barrier on 10/18. (HA, TOI 10/19)

Israel’s Foreign Ministry summons the French amb. to Israel to a disciplinary meeting, during which Israeli officials criticize the French plans to push for the UNSC to sponsor an international observer force at Haram al-Sharif, as reported in the French press on 10/17. Meanwhile, U.S. secy. of state Kerry says that the U.S. opposes the French proposal for an international observer force. (HA, JP, TOI 10/19)

Stabbing and other small-scale attacks continue in Israel and Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians attack a group of Jewish Israelis on an Israeli bus in Jabal Mukabir, killing 2 and injuring at least 10 (a 3d Israeli will succumb to injuries sustained in the attack on 10/27). Israeli police shoot the 2 Palestinians, killing 1 and seriously injuring the other. In West Jerusalem, a Palestinian driver rams an Israeli pedestrian, then gets out of his car and stabs 5 other Israelis (1 Israeli will succumb to his injuries later in the day). Israeli police shoot and critically injure the Palestinian before arresting him (the Palestinian succumbs to his injuries later in the day). In Israel, Israeli police shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian after he stabs and moderately injures an Israeli in Ra’anana, n. of Tel Aviv. Later, a Palestinian stabs and injures 4 Israelis in the same city. Several Jewish Israelis assault and detain him as he attempts to flee, including 1 Israeli driver who rams the man with his vehicle. An Israeli man attacks a Palestinian citizen of Israel in Netanya, lightly injuring him. In Kiryat Ata nr. Haifa, a Jewish Israeli stabs and moderately injures another Jewish Israeli, mistakenly identifying him as a Palestinian. Following the morning’s attacks, Israel’s security cabinet meets and decides not to return the bodies of Palestinians shot and killed by Israeli forces after carrying out attacks on Israeli citizens. Instead of returning the bodies to their families, they will bury them secretly. The cabinet also decides to revoke the residency status of Palestinian attackers, bar any homes punitively demolished from being rebuilt, and allow the police to “impose a closure on, or to surround, centers of friction and incitement in Jerusalem, in accordance with security considerations”. (HA, JP, NYT, TOI 10/13; EI, HA, MNA, NYT 10/14; HA 10/27)

For the 5th day in a row, IDF troops open fire on hundreds of Palestinians protesting along Gaza’s border fence e. of al-Bureij r.c. and nr. the Erez border crossing, injuring 51. They also disperse and drive back around 30 Palestinians who cross the s. border. The Israeli authorities close the Erez crossing shortly after the clashes. Later, Palestinians open fire on Israeli forces patrolling along the border fence e. of Khan Yunis, causing no damage. Off the coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 10/13; HA 10/14; PCHR 10/15; PCHR 10/22)

Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops clash with and violently disperse Palestinians protesting and throwing stones throughout the region, killing 1 Palestinian in Bethlehem and injuring at least 33. Israeli forces raid the Jenin home of the Palestinian who allegedly stabbed and injured an Israeli soldier in Afula on 10/8, preparing for a possible punitive demolition. The IDF also conducts raids and house searches nr. Hebron, Nablus, and Tulkarm, arresting 13 Palestinians. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian drivers nr. Nablus and nr. Hebron, injuring 1 Palestinian in the former and sparking minor clashes in the latter. Israeli settlers also assault and moderately injure a Palestinian youth outside a settlement e. of Jerusalem; assault 4 Palestinian farmers working nr. Ramallah. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/13; PCHR 10/15; PCHR 10/22)

In Israel, many schools, public institutions, and businesses in predominantly Palestinian cities go on strike, and around 20,000 Palestinian citizens of Israel and solidarity activists march through Sakhnin protesting the recent Israeli restrictions at Haram al-Sharif and violations in the oPt. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/13; EI, HA 10/14; PCHR 10/15; PCHR 10/22)

Three errant mortar shells launched from Syria land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. In response, the IDF fires artillery shells at 2 Syrian army targets nr. the border, causing damage. (HA, JP, TOI 10/13)

For the 2d day in a row, stabbing incidents continue in Israel and the oPt. First, a Palestinian stabs and injures an Israeli in Shaykh Jarrah, East Jerusalem. In response, Israeli forces raid the suspected attacker’s home in Shu‘fat r.c., sparking clashes with stone-throwers; 1 Palestinian is killed and 42 are injured. Then, as a “preventative measure,” Israeli forces install metal detectors at checkpoints around the Old City. In Tel Aviv, Israeli police shoot and kill a Palestinian after he stabs and lightly injures 4 Israelis, including 1 soldier, and Israeli forces then arrest the suspected attacker’s father and uncle in their home in East Jerusalem. Later, a Palestinian stabs an Israeli soldier and a civilian in Afula (Israeli civilians assault the Palestinian and he is arrested), and another Palestinian stabs and seriously injures an Israeli settler outside the Kiryat Arba settlement nr. Hebron; Israeli forces kill the alleged suspect. In response to the recent attacks, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat calls on Jewish citizens with gun permits to carry their weapons when in public, saying that it is “like doing reserve duty” due to Israel’s compulsory military service. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/8; PCHR 10/15)

Meanwhile, hundreds of right-wing Israelis gather in Jerusalem to protest the Israeli govt.’s alleged inaction, and minor clashes ensue when Israeli police block them from entering Silwan (4 are arrested). In Nazareth, Israeli police violently disperse dozens of Palestinian youths protesting Israeli restrictions on access at Haram al-Sharif, injuring several Palestinians and arresting 16. Meanwhile, dozens of Jewish Israelis attack 3 Palestinian citizens in Netanya, injuring 1 (5 of the assailants will be arrested on 10/10). Clashes erupt between IDF troops and Palestinian protesters across the West Bank, injuring at least 50 Palestinians, including 2 photojournalists (1 Palestinian will succumb to his injuries on 10/10). The IDF patrols across the region, arresting 27 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 3. Israeli settlers continue assaulting Palestinians and their property, smashing the car windows of the PA minister of telecommunications nr. Nablus and injuring at least 2 Palestinians throughout the day. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/8; MNA, YA 10/9; MNA, PIC, TOI 10/10; PCHR 10/14)

In Gaza, a 30-year-old Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained in Khan Yunis on 11/8/ 2000, during the 2d intifada, when IDF troops shot him in the back, paralyzing him. (HA, MNA, WAFA 10/8)

The Israeli PM’s office clarifies that the recent ban on politicians’ visits to Haram al-Sharif applies to both Jewish and Palestinian MKs, after the media reported that the ban only applied to Jewish politicians. (HA, JP, NYT, TOI, YA 10/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a home and several agricultural buildings in villages nr. Hebron; raze 2 dunams (0.5 acre) of agricultural land s. of Hebron; assault and detain a Palestinian man in c. Hebron. They also violently disperse Palestinians gathering in a village nr. Salfit to protest the IDF’s recent closure of the village’s water well; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops escort archaeologists into a village nr. Jenin to photograph ruins in the area, sparking clashes with local residents; conduct late-night raids and house searches in Bayt Jala, Jalazun r.c. and 1 village nr. Ramallah, and 1 village nr. Jenin, arresting 5 Palestinians and issuing an arrest summons to 1; patrol during the day in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 nr. Salfit. Around 200 Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes in a village s. of Jenin late at night, sparking minor clashes with local residents. In East Jerusalem, a French Christian tourist attempts to raise the Israeli flag at Haram al-Sharif, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; at least 7 are arrested, including a number of Islamic Waqf employees. Later, Israeli forces nonviolently disperse a demonstration organized by the Islamic Waqf in protest of the detention of their colleagues earlier in the day; 2 Palestinians are arrested, including 1 journalist. In c. Israel, Israeli forces demolish 3 Palestinian homes in an unrecognized village nr. Tel Aviv. (AFP, JP, MNA, WAFA 8/4; WAFA 8/5; PCHR 8/6)

Hamas dep. chief Abu Marzuq says that Hamas will not work with the 5 new ministers sworn in to the PA consensus govt. on 7/31 and calls for PM Hamdallah to be removed from office. (MNA 8/5)

In Gaza, the IDF bars a Palestinian journalist from passing through the Erez border crossing, despite the fact that he was issued a permit on 6/20. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian structures nr. Salfit. IDF troops conduct raids and house searches in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, confiscating property and arresting 3 Palestinians. Israeli settlers spray price-tag graffiti on walls in Tiberius; assault Palestinians in c. Hebron; cut down 70 olive trees nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian stabs and seriously injures an Israeli border policeman nr. Damascus Gate of the Old City. The policeman then shoots the Palestinian man multiple times, leaving him in critical condition. Israeli forces consequently raid the Palestinian man’s home nr. Hebron. Israeli forces later clash with Palestinians gathering nr. Damascus Gate and separately with Palestinians leaving Haram al-Sharif; 4 Palestinians are injured. They conduct late-night raids in Silwan, Jabal Mukabir, and Issawiyya, arresting 3 Palestinians. In n. Israel, thousands of Christians attend a protest rally to condemn the 6/17 arson attack on a nearby church. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 6/21; MNA 6/22)

In response to the 6/19 shooting nr. Ramallah and today’s stabbing in East Jerusalem, Israeli PM Netanyahu and DM Ya’alon annul the 6/16 announcement permitting 500 Palestinians to fly abroad via Ben Gurion Airport during Ramadan. Additionally, they instruct the Defense Ministry to revoke the work permits of all Palestinian residents of the village nr. Hebron where today’s perpetrator is from, and say they will consider further punitive restrictions. (HA, TOI 6/22)

In Ramallah, French FM Fabius meets with PA pres. Abbas to discuss the French initiative to restart the Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, including a French-drafted UNSC res. Fabius then meets with Netanyahu in Israel to discuss the same issues. Ahead of the meeting, Netanyahu opposes the French initiative, saying “we will forcibly reject any attempt to force upon us international dictates”. (JP 6/17; HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 6/21)

The Egyptian govt. announces the appointment of a new amb. to Israel, Hazem Khairat, who will travel to Tel Aviv in the coming mos. Egypt has not had an amb. to Israel since 2012, when Atef Salem was recalled in the midst of Israel’s Operation Pillar of Defense. (HA, YA 6/21)

Israeli mbr. of Knesset (MK) Basel Ghattas (Joint List) announces his plans to join the Freedom Flotilla III, an international activist effort to deliver aid to Gaza and call attention to the Israeli blockade (the flotilla will set sail on 6/25). He calls on Netanyahu and the IDF to allow the flotilla to reach Gaza without their interference. (HA 6/21; MEE, MNA, WAFA 6/22)

Iranian parliamentarians approve amendments to the bill introduced on 6/17 to increase oversight on implementation of any agreement made with the P5+1. The amendments shift oversight responsibilities, and the power to end the deal, from parliamentarians to the Supreme National Security Council, which is chaired by Pres. Hassan Rouhani and controlled by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. The bill must still be approved by the parliament and ratified by the Khamenei-controlled Guardian Council to become law. (AFP, REU 6/21)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, causing some damage but no injuries. Off the coast nr. al-Sudaniyya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boasts, causing no injuries. Also off the coast, IAF jets fire flash bombs nr. Palestinian fishing boats. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a home nr. Ramallah. IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinians in c. Hebron and nr. Nablus, causing a number to suffer from tear gas inhalation. The IDF also conducts raids in a village nr. Hebron, arresting 9 Palestinians; patrols in and around Tulkarm, as well as 1 village each nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. An Israeli settler rams his car into a Palestinian child s. of Hebron, injuring him. Also, Israeli settlers damage water pipes leading to Palestinian homes in c. Hebron, causing minor flooding. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities ban 4 Palestinians from entering Haram al-Sharif for varying amounts of time after 3 are arrested in the sanctuary. In Tel Aviv, thousands of Palestinian citizens of Israel gather in Rabin Square to protest the housing shortage and home demolitions in their communities. Also, Palestinians across Israel conduct a general strike, responding to a call from the Arab High Follow-Up Comm. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 4/28; HA, MNA, PCHR 4/29; HA 4/30; PCHR 5/7)

Fired from Syria, 2 mortar shells land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no injuries. The IDF describes them as “spillover” from the Syrian conflict. (HA, MNA, YA 4/28)

In a letter to EU foreign policy chief Mogherini, 59 mbrs. of the European parliament call for the release of PLC mbr. Jarrar, who was placed in administrative detention by the IDF on 4/2. (WAFA 4/29)

In Gaza, a Palestinian youth dies of an electric shock in a tunnel nr. Rafah. On 3 occasions, IDF troops stationed e. of Khan Yunis and e. of Jabaliya fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers approaching the border fence, causing no injuries. Off the coast nr. Jabaliya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage. In the West Bank, an Israeli military jeep hits and injures a Palestinian youth nr. Nablus. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in and around Hebron, 1 village nr. Jenin, and nr. Bethlehem, arresting 4 Palestinians and issuing summons to 2; patrols in and around Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Jericho. Israeli forces level 18 dunams of land nr. Bethlehem. The PASF conducts raids in and around Tubas, arresting 22 Palestinians. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians walking n. of the city. In Israel, an Israeli stabs a Palestinian worker at a construction site nr. Tel Aviv, moderately injuring him. In the Negev, Israeli forces demolish buildings in 2 bedouin villages nr. Beersheba. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 4/20; MNA, WAFA 4/21; PCHR 4/23)

The PA unity govt. delegation that arrived in Gaza on 4/19 departs for Ramallah, cutting short the planned weeklong visit that was meant to resolve ongoing issues, including the wage crisis. PA PM Hamdallah reportedly orders them to leave in response to Hamas officials’ obstructionism and makes plans to visit Gaza himself in 5/2015. (MNA, JP, YA 4/20; MNA 4/21)

In Gaza, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion e. of Khan Yunis to level land. Later, troops on the border e. of Khuza‘a open fire on agricultural land, causing no damage. Off the coast nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver a demolition notice and a stop-work order to 2 Palestinian homes in a village nr. Hebron. Late at night, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in al-Bireh, Hebron, and a village nr. Jenin, issuing arrest summons to 4 Palestinians and seizing NIS 2,500 ($646), as well as various personal effects. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian driver rams a car into 2 Israelis nr. the Old City, killing 1. (The Palestinian man will be arrested on 4/16.) In c. Israel, Israeli forces demolish 5 Palestinian apartments overnight in villages nr. Tel Aviv. (MNA, WAFA 4/15; AFP, HA, JP, MNA, PCHR, TOI, YA 4/16; PCHR 4/23)

In response to the recent demolitions of Palestinian property in Israel on 4/13, 4/14, and today, Israeli PM Netanyahu attempts to set up a meeting with Joint List chair Odeh. The Arab High Follow-Up Comm. calls for Palestinian citizens of Israel to conduct a general strike on 4/28. Meanwhile, Israel’s Supreme Court upholds the 7/2011 Anti-Boycott Law, which allows for sanctions to be placed against individuals or organizations that call for boycotts against Israel. (Adalah, JP 4/15; HA, TOI, YA 4/16; HA 4/17)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers approaching the border fence, causing damage but no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in and around Jenin, 4 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Nablus, and Salfit, arresting 20 Palestinians; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Qalqilya and Tulkarm, and 1 nr. Hebron. IDF troops violently disperse dozens of Palestinian activists demonstrating in a village nr. Nablus and in Jalazun r.c., lightly injuring several and arresting 2. They also assault a Palestinian man at a checkpoint nr. Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police assault a Palestinian girl who shouts at right-wing Jewish activists in Haram al-Sharif, and arrest 4 other women at the entrance to the sanctuary. The Israeli authorities also deny 8 busloads of Palestinians from the West Bank access to Haram al-Sharif. Separately, Israeli forces deliver an eviction notice to a Palestinian-rented home in the Old City; conduct raids and house searches in Issawiyya and the Old City, arresting 6 Palestinians. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/15; MNA, WAFA 3/16; PCHR 3/19)

Israeli PM Netanyahu addresses around 25,000 supporters at a campaign rally in Tel Aviv. He promises not to make any territorial concessions to the Palestinians if he is chosen for a 3d consecutive term as PM after the 3/17 election. (HA 3/15; HA, MNA 3/16)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops e. of c. Gaza arrest 4 Palestinians as they attempt to cross the border fence into Israel. In 4 separate incidents off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse with tear gas and rubbercoated metal bullets dozens of Palestinians protesting Israeli pres. Rivlin’s visit to c. Hebron, injuring 1. Rivlin gives an inauguration speech at a Jewish history museum. It is the 1st visit to Hebron for a sitting Israeli pres. since 1998. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Salfit, Hebron, Jenin, Jericho, and in ‘Aqabat Jabir r.c; patrols nr. Qalqilya and Hebron. They also arrest a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Bethlehem who is on his way to visit his brother in prison. An Israeli settler deliberately rams his car into a car full of PA security forces outside al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, injuring 7. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces patrol nr. a school in al-Tur, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youth; 4 of the Palestinians are arrested and dozens suffer from tear gas inhalation. An Israeli settler hits a Palestinian woman with his car nr. the Old City, moderately injuring her. (MNA, WAFA 2/2; AFP, WAFA 2/3; PCHR 2/5; EI 2/6)

The Jordanian govt. returns its amb. to Tel Aviv today after he was recalled on 11/5/2014 following serious clashes at the site that day and the Israeli govt.’s closing of Haram al-Sharif on 10/30. (AFP, HA, JP 2/2)

William Schabas resigns after 5 mos. as head of the 3-mbr. UNHRC’s commission investigating possible war crimes committed during OPE. In his resignation letter, Schabas cites Israeli allegations of bias and says he does not want to detract from the report’s findings. Israeli PM Netanyahu calls for the inquiry to be shelved, but UN officials say it will continue, as scheduled. (AJ, REU 2/2; AFP, WAFA 2/3)

In the Gaza Strip, Egyptian authorities keep the Rafah border crossing open for a 3d day. Meanwhile, unknown assailants blow up the car of a local Fatah leader using a flammable liquid. Off the coast nr. al-Sudaniyya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage. Meanwhile, IDF troops e. of Rafah open fire on agricultural land along the border fence, causing damage. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish several residential and storage structures owned by Palestinians nr. Jerusalem and deliver a stop-work order to a construction site nr. Hebron. The IDF patrols nr. Hebron and Jenin; raids 3 homes in Tulkarm overnight belonging to friends and family of the Palestinian man who stabbed 13 Jewish Israelis in Tel Aviv on 1/21, arresting 2. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct arrest raids in al-Tur. In West Jerusalem, around 10 Jewish Israelis attack a Palestinian Druze university student, severely injuring him, after they hear him speaking in Arabic. (MNA, WAFA 1/22; HA 1/23; PCHR 1/29)

PA PM Hamdallah meets with Swedish consul-gen. Ann-Sofie Nilsson in Ramallah. Hamdallah calls on the international community to pressure Israel into unfreezing the transfers of tax revenue to the PA, which have been held since 1/2. Meanwhile, reps. of the PA and Russia meet and sign 2 bilateral agreements, which will establish joint comms. to supervise economic cooperation between them. (MNA 1/22, 1/23)

In Israel, the major non-Zionist parties— Hadash, Balad, Ta’al, and Ra’am—announce that they have agreed to run on a joint list in the 3/17 election. Ayman Odeh, newly elected chair of Hadash, will lead the list. Earlier in the day, the Knesset House Comm. approved the request to split the Ra’am and Ta’al parties, which were joined at the United Arab List in the current Knesset under Ahmad Tibi’s leadership. (HA, TOI 1/22; +972, HA, NYT 1/23)

The State Dept. announces that neither Pres. Obama nor Secy. of State Kerry will meet with Israeli PM Netanyahu when he visits Washington to address a special session of Congress on 3/3. A State Dept. spokesperson cites “long-standing practice and principle” when explaining why the pres. would not meet with another head of state 2 weeks ahead of his or her national election. (HA, JP 1/22; JTA 2/1)

Sixty-three of the 751 mbrs. of the EU parliament send a letter to foreign affairs chief Mogherini asking her to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which has governed the trade relationship since 2000. The 63 MEPs cite serious violations of international law committed during OPE. (WAFA 1/27; EI 2/4)

In the Gaza Strip, Egyptian authorities keep the Rafah border crossing open for a 2d day. Off the n. coast, Israeli naval forces open fire with live ammunition on Palestinian fishing boats, moderately injuring 1 fisherman. Also, the Gaza power plant shuts down 1 of its 3 currently operating turbines due to lack of fuel imports, increasing the planned power outages from 12 to 18 hours per day. In the West Bank, the municipal govt. of the Kiryat Arba settlement delivers a notice of unpaid property taxes to a Palestinian on whose lands the settlement was built, which will reportedly force him and his family to leave their land. Separately, Israeli forces demolish 2 homes and 2 animal shelters in a village in the s. Hebron hills. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Nablus, Hebron, Jenin, as well as Tulkarm r.c.; patrols nr. Hebron and Tulkarm. They also arrest 1 Palestinian at a military checkpoint nr. Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a home in Jabal Mukabir and a building in Shu‘fat; conduct house searches and arrest raids in Silwan. Meanwhile, security guards deny a group of right-wing Jewish activists entry to Haram al-Sharif. In Israel, a Palestinian man from Tulkarm attacks Jewish Israelis on a bus in Tel Aviv, injuring 13 with a knife, before police shoot him in the leg and detain him. (AFP, HA, MDW, MNA, NPR, WAFA 1/21; MNA, PCHR 1/22; MNA 1/23; PCHR 1/29; OCHA 1/30)

The PLO Exec. Comm. meets in Ramallah to discuss the submission of a new draft res. to the UNSC. It would call for 1 year of negotiations sponsored by the UNSC’s permanent mbrs., and a 2-year timetable for the end of the Israeli occupation. (MNA 1/20)

U.S. Speaker of the House of Reps. John Boehner (R-OH) announces that Israeli PM Netanyahu has accepted his invitation to come to Washington and address a special meeting of Congress on Iran. The Obama admin. criticizes Boehner and Netanyahu for not informing the White House before today. Netanyahu will address Congress on 3/3. (HA, POL, REU, TOI 1/21; MDW 1/22)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Nablus and Ramallah; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian child with a sponge-tipped bullet during clashes in Issawiyya, leaving the boy blind in 1 eye. (MNA 11/13; PCHR 11/20)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with Jordan’s King Abdullah and Israeli PM Netanyahu in Amman to discuss the recent tensions in Jerusalem. They agree to a series of practical measures designed to restore calm, and they do not announce them to the press. The Jordanian govt. will consider returning its amb. to Tel Aviv based on Israel’s implementation of its share of the measures. Kerry meets PA Pres. Abbas earlier in the day, but the Palestinian leader did not attend the 3-way meeting. (BBC, HA, MNA, REU, ToI 11/13)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage but no injuries. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land close to the border fence nr. Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, a Palestinian stabs to death an Israeli settler and injures 2 others nr. Alon Shvut settlement. The attacker is shot and wounded by a private settlement security guard. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Nablus, Qalqilya, and Ramallah; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Ramallah, and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers clash with Palestinian villagers in Hawara nr. Nablus, causing no serious injuries. Separately, Israeli settlers nr. Nablus vandalize more than 30 Palestinian vehicles. In Tel Aviv, a Palestinian stabs and kills an Israeli soldier at a train station. The assailant is arrested. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 11/10; PCHR 11/13)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF continues its assault, launching air strikes on approximately 65 targets, killing at least 30 Palestinians and injuring over 100. The armed Palestinian groups fire more than 150 rockets and mortars into Israel, primarily toward Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and areas in the s. One rocket lands in the Israeli settlement Mod’in Ilit in the West Bank, causing damage but no injuries, and 23 are intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. In the West Bank, IDF troops, accompanied by bulldozers, enter areas nr. Nablus, the Jordan Valley, and Ramallah to demolish 3 homes and confiscate 6 tents, leaving 63 Palestinians homeless. Late at night, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in Ramallah, Hebron, 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Jenin, arresting 7. (AA, AFP, HA, REU, YA 8/20; PCHR 8/21)

In the evening, Israeli PM Netanyahu says in a press conference that the assault on Gaza will continue, but alludes to a new, regional “diplomatic horizon.” He calls on PA Pres. Abbas to play a “significant part” in his longterm plans. Earlier in the day, a Hamas spokesperson says that the Palestinian delegation has not been instructed to return to talks in Cairo and that “the Egyptian offer was a stillborn, and it was buried today.” (AFP, AP, HA, NPR, REU 8/20)

In the Gaza Strip around midday, an armed Palestinian group launches 3 rockets into Israel that land in an open area nr. Beersheba, breaking the 24-hour extension to the previous 5-day cease-fire. The IDF responds with air strikes, hitting approximately 25 targets across Gaza, killing 2 Palestinians and injuring over 50. In 1 incident late at night, IDF troops launch 6 missiles at a house in Gaza City in an attempt to assassinate Mohammed Deif, Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades commander. Deif’s wife and 7-mo.-old son, as well as 3 other Palestinians, are killed in the attempt. The armed Palestinian groups fire over 50 projectiles into Israel, with 1 rocket hitting a highway nr. Tel Aviv and around 14 intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. At a hospital in Turkey, 1 Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained earlier in the assault. Overnight in the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in Dayr Istya, Hebron, 3 villages nr. Nablus, 1 village s. of Hebron, and 1 village n. of Tulkarm, arresting 13 Palestinians. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces raid a home and arrest 1 Palestinian. (AP, CNN, HA, MNA, WP 8/19; PCHR 8/21)

In the morning in Cairo, Palestinian and Israeli negotiators, as well as Egyptian mediators, conduct talks on a long-term ceasefire agreement, specifically the Israeli demands for Hamas’s disarmament and the Palestinian demands for lifting the blockade. Head of the Palestinian delegation al-Ahmad says “maybe we will reach an agreement and maybe not.” Palestinian negotiator Qais Abdel Karim says the Israelis have proposed measures that would comprise “not removing the blockade but easing it.” Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum says, in an email to CNN, that “if Netanyahu does not understand our message and people’s demands in Gaza through political language, we know a way to make him understand.” After hostilities resume in Gaza, both Israel and the Palestinian factions accuse the other of violating the cease-fire and instruct their reps. to end the negotiations. (AP, Guardian, HA, MNA 8/19)

German, French, and British diplomats begin circulating a document containing principles for a new United Nations Security Council (UNSC) res. at the UN’s New York headquarters. The principles include a return of PA control to Gaza, reconstruction under international supervision, and a return to Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. U.S. and Israeli diplomats have been briefed on the initiative. (HA 8/21)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians continue to undertake emergency relief efforts, uncovering many bodies of people killed earlier during Israel’s Operation Protective Edge (OPE), while many more Palestinians succumb to injuries. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the armed Palestinian groups continue to hold to the 5-day cease-fire. In the West Bank, a group of Israeli settlers in Hebron throws stones at Palestinian houses on al-Shuhada Street and IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian in the clashes that follow. The IDF conducts raids on several houses in Dayr Istya, and patrols in 2 villages n. of Jenin. During the day, the IDF conducts 13 other incursions into various areas of the West Bank. (MNA 8/16; PCHR 8/21)

There are no talks held today between Egyptian mediators, the Palestinian delegation, and Israeli negotiators. Hamas head of foreign affairs Usama Hamdan responds to the Egyptian proposal of 8/15, saying Israel must accept the demands of the Palestinian people or face a long war, and that the proposal was, therefore, insufficient. Head of the Palestinian delegation and senior Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmad says that he is quietly optimistic that a long-term agreement can be reached before the 5-day cease-fire expires on 8/18. Meanwhile, in a televised speech from Ramallah, Palestinian Authority (PA) Pres. Mahmud Abbas says that the “goal is to stop the fighting and to stick to the Egyptian initiative, and no other,” in an implicit reference to efforts by Qatar and Turkey to serve as alternative diplomatic channels. PLO chief negotiator Saeb Erakat meets with Hamas political office chief Khalid Mishal and urges him to continue talks with Israel based on the Egyptian initiative. The pair also reportedly discuss the possibility of Palestine becoming a mbr. of the International Criminal Court (ICC). (AFP, HA, MNA, REU 8/16)

In Tel Aviv, thousands of demonstrators gather in Rabin Square to protest the ongoing assault on Gaza with the slogan “Changing direction: toward peace, away from war.” Counterprotesters also congregate in Rabin Square, but Israeli police keep the groups separate. (HA, JP 8/16)

Meanwhile, the Qatari govt. announces that it will donate $1,000 to each Palestinian family whose home has been destroyed during the Israeli assault, of which there are reportedly 797. The funds will be disbursed through the Qatari Comm. for Rebuilding the Gaza Strip. (JP 8/17)

In the Gaza Strip, health officials say that the death toll is rising as dozens of Palestinians die from injuries sustained during the Israeli assault and more bodies are recovered from the rubble of homes. (66 Palestinians die during the 5-day cease-fire, succumbing to injuries sustained in earlier attacks.) In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure 8 Palestinians with rubbercoated metal bullets in n. Bethlehem during clashes outside Rachel’s Tomb. In the afternoon, the IDF enters Qalqilya, where a group of Palestinian children throw stones at them. The soldiers detain 2 children. The IDF conducts 5 patrols in various areas of the West Bank during the day. After the Friday afternoon prayer, hundreds of Palestinians attend protests nr. Bayt Furik and Qalandia against the Israeli assault on Gaza. Clashes break out with IDF troops in both places and 9 Palestinians are wounded (6 nr. Bayt Furik and 3 at Qalandia). In the evening, more clashes break out during demonstrations in Silwad village and at Ofer Prison. Two Palestinians are wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets at each demonstration. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/15; PCHR 8/21)

Israeli authorities release 3 Palestinian men that IDF troops captured during the ground invasion of Gaza. (MNA 8/16)

The Egyptian press reports that mediators in Cairo have offered a “final proposal” for a longterm agreement to extend the 5-day cease-fire. The agreement will reportedly end Israel’s military offensive, ease the siege, expand the fishing zone, and increase imports into Gaza. In addition, subsequent talks will deal with other issues such as prisoner swaps and establishing an airport and seaport for Gaza. Islamic Jihad spokesperson Yousef al-Hasayneh says that a truce agreement will be signed with Israel once the 5-day cease-fire ends. Israel’s security cabinet meets in Tel Aviv to discuss the ceasefire agreement and ongoing negotiations, their 2d such meeting in 24 hours. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/15)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF and armed Palestinian groups largely hold to the new 5-day cease-fire, though Palestinians fire 8 rockets into Israel and IDF troops conduct a number of air strikes. Meanwhile, 3 Palestinians die of injuries sustained earlier in the Israeli assault. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem during an arrest raid. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Salfit at night; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron and al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas during the day. A Jewish settler runs over a Palestinian nr. Salfit and kills him. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces arrest dozens of Palestinians in Silwan, Shu‘fat, and the Old City, taking the number of those detained since the murder of Abu Khdeir to more than 600. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/14; PCHR 8/15)

Upon his arrival in Gaza from Cairo, Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya says that there is “still a real chance to clinch an agreement” for a longer-term deal. An unnamed Egyptian official tells Haaretz that “the emerging agreement will be the most detailed that has been signed between Israel and the Palestinians since the Oslo accords” and that, if successful, it “would set up a new framework of relations between Israel and a Palestinian govt., because without it there will be no way to implement the agreement’s clauses.” Islamic Jihad official Ziad al-Nahla, in Cairo for the talks, says that the long-term cease-fire is a “done deal.” (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/14)

In Tel Aviv, approximately 10,000 Israelis gather in Rabin Square to demonstrate support for the assault on Gaza and call on the govt. to stop rocket attacks. (AFP, AP 8/15)

The IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip by land, air, and sea, attacking over 90 targets and killing 104 Palestinians. One IDF strike on a UN-run school in Bayt Hanun kills at least 15, and wounds 200, mostly women and children seeking shelter. The Israeli army says it is investigating the incident and that “terrorists” opened fire at IDF personnel from the area of the school. Palestinians fire around 60 rockets into Israel, 15 of which are intercepted by Iron Dome, causing no damage or injuries (including 5 over Tel Aviv). On the ground in Gaza, al-Quds Brigades and al-Qassam Brigades claim to have killed 4 and 8 Israeli soldiers, respectively. In the West Bank, a reported 10,000 Palestinians gather in protest of the assault on Gaza and march from c. Ramallah to Qalandia checkpoint, where clashes with IDF troops break out. IDF troops kill 2 and injure more than 200 protesters, including 60 with live ammunition. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus in the morning. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces set up checkpoints to restrict access to Haram al-Sharif, leading to clashes and the arrest of 12 Palestinian youth. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/24; PCHR 7/25)

Secy. of State Kerry meets with UN Secy.- Gen. Ban in Cairo once more. Meanwhile, in Amman, PA Pres. Abbas meets with Jordan’s King Abdallah and says “there is hope for a cease-fire” along the lines of “the Egyptian initiative” before fuller negotiations about wider demands. Kerry reaches out to Turkish and Qatari diplomats in an effort to garner support from Hamas’s regional allies for his cease-fire initiative. (AFP, AP, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/24)

Rivlin is sworn in as the new pres. of Israel, succeeding Peres. (HA 7/24)

The IDF continues its assault of the Gaza Strip, killing 64 Palestinians, primarily in the s. Khan Yunis area. The IDF says that it is hitting “concealed rocket launchers, terror tunnels, militant compounds, and terror activity posts located within the premises of al-Wafa hospital.” Severe shortages in electricity, water, and medical supplies continue to affect Palestinians in Gaza, with the UN estimating that the total number of displaced has risen to 118,300. Palestinians kill 3 Israeli soldiers inside the Gaza Strip, and severely wound another 2, in an attack claimed by al-Quds Brigades. Armed Palestinian groups fire rockets into s. Israel at a diminished rate relative to previous days, causing no damage and killing 1 Thai worker nr. the border fence. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill 1 Palestinian man during clashes that break out after a protest in Husan village nr. Bethlehem. Clashes also break out in Silwad, and IDF troops injure 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Nablus. (AFP, AP, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/23)

The FAA extends the previous day’s ban on U.S. airline flights to Ben-Gurion Airport for an additional 24 hours. (AFP, AP, JP 7/23)

In a televised speech from Doha, Hamas leader Mish‘al responds to the international calls for a cease-fire, saying that Hamas “cannot accept any proposal that does not include the lifting of the siege.” Mish‘al also calls for a “humanitarian truce” of a few hours “to evacuate the wounded and assist in the relief.” (AFP, AP, HA, MNA 7/23)

In response to an Israeli request on 7/20, the U.S. Defense Dept. agrees to resupply the IDF with arms from the War Reserves Stockpile based in Israel. Details of the sale are not reported until 7/30. (AFP, AP 7/23; Guardian 7/30)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry holds talks with UN Secy.-Gen. Ban in Jerusalem, their 2d meeting of the week. Kerry says afterward that “we have certainly made some steps forward, but there is still work to be done.” Kerry also meets with Pres. Abbas in Ramallah and then with Israeli PM Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, before returning to Cairo with no sign of an imminent breakthrough that might enable a cease-fire. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 7/23)

The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva passes a res., 29–1–17, condemning Israel’s occupation and the current assault on Gaza, as well as commissioning an investigation into potential war crimes committed during the current Gaza conflict, with the U.S. casting the sole “no” vote. Israeli PM Netanyahu calls the vote a “travesty,” while Israel’s Justice Minister Tzipi Livni responds on Facebook with the comment: “Get lost.” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay says that there is a “strong possibility” Israel is committing war crimes in the Gaza Strip. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, YA 7/23)