The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man succumbs to wounds sustained from Israeli forces in Nur Shams refugee camp on 10/19/2023. An Israeli settler shoots and kill a Palestinian man after he shoots and kills 2 Israeli settlers at a gas station near the Eli settlement. Israeli settlers also throw stones at Palestinians at the Za’atra checkpoint, injuring a man. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers ram a Palestinian man in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, causing minor injuries. Israeli settlers also raid Arab al-Milehat, throwing stones at homes. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers disassemble and steal 2 agricultural structures in Kisan. Israeli forces shoot and kill 2 Palestinians and injure another while they are picking gundelia flowers near Bayt Awa. Israeli forces also shoot and kill a Palestinian child during a raid in Beit Furik. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Jalazone refugee camp. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man in Jenin. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolish a home and 2 agricultural structures during a raid in Ein ad-Duyuk al-Tahta. Israeli forces also arrest 20 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, and Bethlehem. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Nuseirat refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Jabalia refugee camp, and Beit Hanun, killing at least 81 people. Israeli forces also open fire at an aid convoy where thousands of Palestinians are seeking to gather aid. Eyewitnesses report that Israel used live ammunition, tank shells, and drone-fired missiles to attack the crowd, at least 112 people are killed and 760 are injured. Israeli tanks also run over the bodies of the dead and injured. The attack is dubbed the Flour Massacre. 4 children die of starvation at the Kamal Adwan Hospital. Israeli settlers storm the Beit Hanun (Erez) crossing, attempting to create a settlement in Gaza. In Lebanon, Hezbollah fires 2 rockets at Goren. In Yemen, U.S. forces attack a missile launch site and shoot down a drone. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/29; AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 3/1)

More than 30,147 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,230 children and 8,860 women, and around 71,217 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 409 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 103 children. More than 4,606 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 240 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,431 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. The Red Crescent says its medical clinic in Jabalia is receiving 100-150 cases of patients with Hepatitis A daily. (AJ, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA 2/29)

22-year-old Palestinian prisoner Assef al-Rifai dies in an Israeli prison, becoming the 11^th Palestinian to die in Israeli prison since 10/7. Al-Rifai, who had been imprisoned since 2022, suffered from cancer. (WAFA 2/29)

In response to the Flour Massacre (see above), Israel’s military first says Palestinians were killed in a stampede trying to get aid, blaming the aid truck drivers, then later said that Israeli soldiers had opened fire due to fear of the crowds but that most of the Palestinians had been killed in a human stampede and by the aid trucks. In its defense, Israel releases edited drone footage which appears to show hundreds of Palestinians taking cover from Israeli bullets. The PA calls the incident an “ugly massacre” and Hamas calls the attack an “unprecedented war crime.” UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres labels the incident appalling and calls for an independent investigation. EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borrell calls it “totally unacceptable,” Colombia denounces Israel’s genocide, suspending weapons purchases from Israel. French president Emmanuel Macron expresses “[d]eep indignation at the images coming from Gaza where civilians have been targeted by Israeli soldiers. I express my strongest condemnation of these shootings and call for truth, justice, and respect for international law.” Spain, Belgium, Turkey, Portugal, Italy, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, China, Canada, Yemen, Australia, and other countries express shock and contempt for the Israeli actions. The U.S. blocks an Algerian statement at the UN Security Council that assigns blame to Israel for the incident, saying it needs to be “thoroughly investigated.” The Israeli newspaper Haaretz for the first time calls on Israel to end its war, citing the incident. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 2/29; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 3/1) 

Representatives from Hamas, Fatah, and many other Palestinian parties meet in Moscow for reconciliation talks and about forming a technocratic consensus government that will lead the PA. Palestinian National Initiative secretary-general Mustafa Barghouti says, “I have never seen the atmosphere so close to unity as it is today.” Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov tells the Palestinian representatives at the meeting that if they can announce a unity position on the basis of the PLO those who use the lack of Palestine unity to prevent “the settlement in the Middle East, will lose their winning cards.” Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh meets with Chinese ambassador to Qatar Zhou Jian, discussing “ways to stop the war” in Gaza. President Mahmoud Abbas meets with UN senior coordinator for humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza Sigrid Kaag and USAID administrator Samantha Power in Ramallah. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 2/29; AJ 3/1)

The Israeli Civil Administration declares 2,640 dunams (652 acres) of land in Abu Dis and al-Eizariya Israeli state land. 120 Palestinian families live on the land. The area declared state land connects the Ma’ale Adumim settlement and the Keidar settlement. (AJ, REU, WAFA 2/29; HA 3/1)

Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Store says the PA has received $114 million from Israel as part of the tax revenue payments and that more money will be dispersed in “the coming days.” (REU 2/29)

UNRWA says it has not received $89 million from the European Commission that was due on 2/29. 17 rights and aid organizations, including Save the Children and Oxfam, call on the EU to disperse the funds. The UN says Israel has not provided evidence about its claims against 12 UNRWA staffers for the independent investigation by the UN. Germany says it will increase aid to Gaza by $21.6 million and that its military will start taking part in aid airdrops if enough aid cannot be dispersed by land. (AP, AP, REU 2/29)

Israel claims it has killed more than 13,000 militants in Gaza since its ground invasion. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls Hamas’s demands for a ceasefire “delusional,” saying he will not accept them and that he rejects international calls for a ceasefire. The Israeli negotiators who had been in Qatar this week return to Israel. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calls for a “massive” settlement expansion in response to the killing of 2 Israeli settlers near the Eli settlement. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir says aid to Gaza must stop as it endangers Israeli soldiers, citing the Flour Massacre where no Israeli soldiers were injured while more than a 100 Palestinians were killed. The Israeli government says it is still reviewing whether it will severely limit the number of Muslim worshippers it will allow to enter the Haram al-Sharif compound during Ramadan. (AJ, REU 2/29; AJ 3/1)

U.S. president Joe Biden walks back his comment that a ceasefire will happen by 3/4 but says that he is still hopeful. Biden also issues a statement calling on Republicans to pass a bill providing aid to Israel to “help ensure Israel can defend itself against Hamas and other threats.” Biden speaks with Qatar emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, discussing the need for aid and a ceasefire in Gaza. Secretary of State Blinken speaks with Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, discussing the same issues. White House deputy press secretary Olivia Dalton says the U.S. is deeply concerned that it has not received an Israeli plan for how it will provide security for Palestinians in Rafah if the Israeli military invades the city. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) calls on Israel to end its military operations in Gaza, citing the Flour Massacre. (AJ, AX, HA, NYT, REU, REU 2/29; AJ, HA 3/1)

UN high commissioner for human rights Volker Turk condemns Israel’s war on Gaza, calling it “carnage” at the UN Human Rights Council and says that war crimes have been committed by both Israel and Hamas, calling for accountability for the perpetrators. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 2/29)

New Zealand says it will impose travel bans on “a number” of violent Israeli settlers. New Zealand also designates the entirety of Hamas as a “terrorist group.” (AJ, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 2/29)

British politician George Galloway of the Workers Party of Britain wins a seat in the UK parliament in the by-election in Rochdale, telling Labour Party leader “Kier Starmer, this is for Gaza.” The Labour Party held the seat in Rochdale until last month when MP Tony Lloyd died. (NYT, NYT 2/29; AJ, AJ, HA 3/1)

Haaretz reports that AIPAC has spent $4.5 million in attack ads against Dave Min in the Democratic primary for a congressional seat in California. (HA 2/29)

The heads of 36 international news outlets sign a letter in support of journalists in Gaza, calling for their protection. (AJ, AP 2/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 12 olive trees in Salfit and vandalized Palestinian property in al-Twana in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces shot and killed 3 Palestinians, including a 12-year-old during raids in Balata refugee camp, Beita, and Burqa. Israeli forces also shot and injured 5 people during raids in Balata refugee camp, Habla, and Burqa. Israeli forces also issued stop work orders for 8 homes in al-Khader. 76 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around ‘Azzun, al-Arroub refugee camp, Nablus, Balata refugee camp, Jenin, Tubas, Bethlehem, Aroura, and Abu Dis. 3,130 Palestinians have been arrested in the West Bank since 10/7. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot, injured, and arrested a Palestinian child in Jabel Mukaber. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed around 270 Palestinians, including 30 in an airstrike on an UNRWA school in Jabalia refugee camp, 15 in Khan Yunis, 14 in Rafah, 10 in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City, and 5 in Nuseirat refugee camp. Israel also bombed the Zeitoun neighborhood, Bani Suhaila, al-Daraj, and al-Tufah. Israel said it had assassinated Hamas naval commander Omar Abu Jallah. Israeli forces also attacked the Indonesian Hospital’s main gate, power generators, and administrative office. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrested al-Shifa Hospital director Mohammad Abu Salmiya and other medical staff. After the arrest, the Gaza Ministry of Health suspended coordination with the WHO. 4 wounded Palestinians died during an evacuation from the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital to Khan Yunis. Israel said it attacked 300 sites in Gaza during the day. Rockets were fired from Gaza at Israel; no injuries were reported. In Lebanon, Israeli forces attacked several sites, saying they had been used to fire 35 rockets toward Israel, causing damage to 2 homes. In the Red Sea, the U.S. said it shot down drones launched from Yemen. (HA 11/22; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/23; UNOCHA 11/24; AJ 11/25; AJ 11/25)

The Gaza Media Office reported that 14,800 Palestinian have been killed, including 6,000 children and 4,000 women, and around 35,000 have injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 7,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 220 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 54 children. More than 2,885 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,431 have been injured since 10/7. 75 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.7 million Palestinians, more than 70% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israel blockade. As of 11/18, at least 45,000 housing units had been destroyed and 233,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 60% of all housing units. 18,000 gallons of fuel and 80 truckloads of aid entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing. 433 foreign nationals and 17 wounded Palestinians were evacuated to Egypt. Less than 500 people fled northern Gaza to the south; UNOCHA noted that there were more people arrested by Israeli forces while crossing than in previous days. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 11/23)

Qatar announced that the ceasefire will begin at 7 a.m. on 11/24 with 13 captives being released to Israel at 4 p.m. The ceasefire was reportedly delayed due to a disagreement over the list of captives that would be released. The Israeli High Court of Justice rejected 2 petitions against the prisoner exchange, saying the court did not have justification to intervene in the ceasefire deal. Israel said Palestinians will not be allowed to return to the north of Gaza during the ceasefire. Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant said he expected the Israeli attacks on Gaza to continue for 2 months after the ceasefire period is over. Egypt said 35,000 gallons of diesel, 4 trucks of gas, and 200 trucks carrying aid would enter Gaza daily from 11/24 during the ceasefire.  (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AX, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT 11/23; HA, HA 11/24)

Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported that an Iranian brokered deal would see 23 Thai captives released by Hamas without conditions. (HA 11/23)

Displaced Palestinians returning to the homes they fled from in al-Qanoub near Sa’ir said Israeli settlers had demolished and stolen all their belongings, including 5 homes, tents, and solar panels. The settlers had threatened the Palestinians with displacement or death. (WAFA 11/23)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with the Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez and Belgian prime minister Alexander de Croo in Ramallah, discussing the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. (WAFA 11/23)

A delegation of foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries, including the PA, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, and Nigeria met with French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris, discussing the situation in Gaza. The delegation had met with leaders in the UK, Russia, and China in the past week. (WAFA 11/23)

Israeli Channel 12 reported that National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had instructed police not to deal with Israeli settler violence against Palestinians. Ben-Gvir also instructed prison authorities to use “an iron fist” in repressing celebrations of prisoner releases. (AJ 11/23)

Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah met with Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Lebanon. (AJ 11/23; HA 11/24)

Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares said before a meeting in Israel between Prime Minister Sanchez and Israeli president Isaac Herzog and prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Spain wants to recognize a Palestinian state in the “very short term,” adding the existence of a Palestinian state is the “best guarantee for peace in the Middle East.” During the meeting with Netanyahu, Sanchez proposed an international conference to settle the overall conflict. UK prime minister David Cameron also met with Netanyahu. (AJ, HA, REU 11/23)

Israeli communications minister Shlomo Karhi submitted a proposal to the Israeli cabinet that would end the publication of government notices in Haaretz and halt all government payments to the newspaper, including by canceling all state employees’ subscriptions. (AJ, HA 11/23)

German police raided 15 properties it claimed were linked to Hamas and Samidoun. (AJ, AP 11/23)

The UN said its member states had raised $218 million in funding for its flash appeal for Gaza, constituting 18% of the 1.2 billion requested. (UNOCHA 11/23)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man succumbed to injuries sustained from Israeli forces in Jenin on 11/9. Israeli settlers shot and injured a Palestinian with live ammunition in Khirbet Tana. Israeli settlers also assaulted Al Jazeera journalist Joseph Handal and vandalized his vehicle near Abu Dis. Israeli forces raided Jenin refugee camp, killing 5 Palestinians in a drone strike and injuring 14 others. The soldiers raided the Ibn Sina Hospital, detaining medical staff for interrogation, uprooted streets with bulldozers, and cut the power to several neighborhoods in Jenin during the attack. Israeli forces also shot and killed 2 Palestinians, claiming they had opened fire on them in Hebron. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shot and injured 5 Palestinians during raids in Kafr Dan and Dahariya. 36 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ni’lin, Hebron, Jalqamus, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces prevented Palestinian worshippers from reaching the Haram al-Sharif compound, including by attacking Palestinians and a Turkish news crew in Wadi al-Juz. Israeli forces also arrested journalist Marwat al-Azza, claiming her social media posts encourage terrorism. In Gaza, the internet was partially restored at the end of the day due to a delivery of fuel. Israeli airstrikes killed at least 40 people in Jabalia refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and Nuseirat refugee camp. Israeli airstrikes also killed several at al-Wafa Hospital, including its director. The number of fatalities was likely much higher since the Gaza Ministry of Health was unable to communicate with hospitals and civil defense members in northern Gaza. Elsewhere, Israeli forces attacked bakeries and wheat mills in the south, leaving only 1 company able to produce flour in Gaza. Al-Shifa Hospital remained under Israeli siege; the number of premature babies that had died at the hospital rose to 4 with a total 40 patients having died at the hospital since 11/16. Rockets were fired at Israel; no injuries were reported. In Lebanon, Israeli attacked several places and shot down a missile that targeted an Israeli drone. 2 anti-tank missiles were fired at Kibbutz Manara, injuring 4. In Syria, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes near Damascus, causing damage. (HA 11/16; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/17; AJ 11/18 HA 11/19)

The Gaza Ministry of Health was not able to update the casualty figures due to a collapse in services and communications at hospitals in northern Gaza, leaving the death toll at 11,479, including 4,630 children and 3,130 women, and around 32,000 injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 3,250 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 198 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 53 children. More than 2,730 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,431 have injured since 10/7. 56 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.61 million Palestinians, around 70% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israel blockade. As of 11/6, at least 40,000 housing units have been destroyed and 220,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 45% of all housing units. 73 injured Palestinians and their family members were evacuated to Egypt for treatment. Around 700 foreign nationals were also evacuated. Aid deliveries to Gaza were suspended due to the blackout of communications. Al-Amal Hospital and the headquarters of the Palestinian Red Crescent said the 2 facilities had not had water or electricity for the past 5 days. (AJ, AP, AP, HA, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 11/17; UNOCHA 11/18)

Church leaders in Jerusalem issued a statement warning that Israeli settlers are trying to seize land in the Armenian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. (WAFA 11/17; AJ 11/18; REU 11/19)

Israel charged 2 14-year-old Palestinian citizens of Israel with the attempted murder of an Israeli soldier. (HA 11/17)

The Israeli military suspended a soldier who was filmed throwing a stun grenade into a mosque in Budrus for their own amusement. (HA 11/17; HA 11/18; HA 11/19)

Hamas said that some of the captives it’s holding had been taken to hospitals in Gaza for treatment of “serious health conditions,” but denied that it was holding any captives in hospitals. (AJ 11/17)

The BBC said 1 of its reporters was allowed to tour parts al-Shifa Hospital with the Israeli military, filming some of the same areas that the Israeli military had published footage of previously. The BBC said that it was evident from comparing the 2 sets of footage that by the time their journalist arrived alleged Hamas weaponry had been moved around. For example, an area behind an MRI machine had a bag with 2 rifles in the BBC footage but only 1 in the Israeli military footage. The BBC also pointed out that the Israeli claim that its video was unedited was false and that the purported evidence presented by Israel did not validate the Israeli claim that al-Shifa was a Hamas command center. (X 11/17; AJ 11/19)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas, Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki, and Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh met with EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borrell in Ramallah. Borell called for an immediate ceasefire and for Israel to abide by international law. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 11/17; AJ 11/18)

The Israeli war cabinet approved a U.S. request to allow 2 tanker trucks to enter Gaza each day with fuel, amounting to about 13,000 gallons. UNRWA said that covers about 37% of its daily needs. National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said the fuel allowed to enter constituted “roughly 2-4% of the normal quantities of fuel that enter Gaza.” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the decision illegal because it had not been approved by the security cabinet and demanded that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu change the war cabinet. The war cabinet reportedly rejected the latest proposal for a prisoner exchange. Knesset deputy speaker Nissim Vaturi said in a post on X that Israel should “burn Gaza now,” calling its attacks on Gaza “too humane.” Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant called Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar “the new [Osama] bin Laden.” (AJ, AX, HA 11/17; AJ 11/18)

Amnesty International said Israel should rescind its 11/15 order telling Palestinians in eastern Khan Yunis to flee, calling it a violation of international law. (AJ 11/17)

The U.S. said deliveries of fuel should continue on a regular basis in larger quantities. President Joe Biden spoke with Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, discussing prisoner exchange negotiations. (AJ, HA 11/17)

U.S. senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) said the U.S. Congress should not allow extra funding for Israel while it attacks Gaza. House Foreign Affairs Committee chairperson Mike McCaul (R-TX) said Prime Minister Netanyahu had told him that he urgently needs Iron Dome interceptors, precision-guided weapons, and 155mm artillery shells. (AJ, HA 11/17)

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan said he had received referrals on crimes committed in Palestine from South Africa, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Comoros, and Djibouti. (AJ, ICC, REU, WAFA 11/17; WAFA 11/18)

X owner Elon Musk said using terms such as “decolonization” and “from the river to the sea” in relation to Israel will result in suspension from his platform. (AJ, HA 11/18)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian succumbed to injuries sustained from Israeli forces earlier this week in al-Eizariya. Israeli settlers set up 5 caravans near Tuqu’. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles and assaulted a Palestinian man near Sabastia. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling north of Ramallah. Israeli forces shot and killed 4 Palestinians during raids in Abu Dis and Nuba, including 1 in a missile strike on a building in Abu Dis. Israeli forces also shot and injured 8 Palestinian during raids in ‘Usarin, Hebron, and Abu Dis. Elsewhere, Israeli forces vandalized several vehicles in Bayt Jala and uprooted 70 olive trees in Haris. 46 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Birzeit, Bil’in, Nuba, Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, and Tubas. In Gaza, Israel cut internet and phone communications for the third time since 10/7. Israeli forces killed 243 Palestinians and injured 635 others. Israel bombed Maghazi refugee camp and al-Bureij refugee camp, killing 71 Palestinians and injuring dozens of others. 1 Israeli soldier was killed in Gaza, bringing the total death toll to 28 since the ground invasion started. Rockets were fired at Israel; no damage was reported. In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes killed 4 Lebanese, including 3 children and an elderly woman, traveling in a car between Ainata and Aitaroun. 4 medics were also injured in Israeli attacks in Southern Lebanon. Hezbollah responded by attacking Kiryat Shmona, killing 1 Israeli. 1 Israeli soldier succumbed to injuries he sustained last week when his tank overturned. (AJ, HA 11/4; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/5; AJ, AP, AP 11/6)

The Ministry of Health in Gaza said at least 9,770 Palestinians have been killed, including 4,008 children and 2,500 women, and 24,173 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 2,260 people were buried in rubble, including 1,270 children. 144 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 43 children. More than 2,386 people have been injured. Around 1,400 Israelis, including foreign nationals, have been killed and 5,431 injured since 10/7. Over 1.5 million Palestinians, more than half the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israel blockade. As of 10/23, at least 27,781 housing units have been destroyed and 150,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. The number is likely much higher given the lack of recent data. Egypt said the evacuation of injured Palestinians and foreign passport holders has been suspended since 11/4 due to the Israeli attack on an ambulance on 11/3. (AJ, HA 11/4; AJ, AP, HA, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 11/5; NYT 11/6)

Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said Israeli forces had divided Gaza into “a south Gaza and a north Gaza.” The Israeli military called on Palestinians in northern Gaza to travel south on Salah al-Din Street between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Israeli heritage minister Amichai Eliyahu suggested that Israel use nuclear bombs in Gaza. He was later suspended from cabinet meetings but not as a minister. Eliyahu also suggested that the Palestinian population in Gaza should be forcefully displaced to Ireland or the desert. Saudi Arabia condemned the comments and called on Israel to fire him. Israeli military rabbi Amichai Friedman told Israeli soldiers, “[t]his is our country. All of it. Including Gaza. Including Lebanon, the entire Promised Land.” Newly appointed chairperson of the Knesset subcommittee on West Bank Issues Zvi Sukkot called on Israel to prevent all Palestinians from harvesting olives, claiming the harvest endangers Israeli settlers. (AJ 11/4; AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/5; AP, HA, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA 11/6)

Israeli police banned an anti-war protest in Umm al-Fahm. (HA 11/5)

King Abdullah II of Jordan said Jordanian military had airdropped medical aid for a field hospital run by Jordan in Gaza. Israel later claimed it coordinated with Jordan on the airdrop. (AJ 11/4; HA 11/5; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU 11/6)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken in Ramallah, calling on Blinken to support a ceasefire. Abbas said that the PA could return to power in Gaza if a “comprehensive political solution” is found to the Israeli occupation. U.S. officials said Blinken had told Abbas that the PA will play a central role in “what comes next for Gaza.” Palestinians protested Blinken’s visit to Ramallah. Blinken also traveled to Iraq, meeting with prime minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with the French consul-general to Jerusalem Pierre Cochard, discussing the upcoming French conference on aid to Gaza. (AJ 11/4; AJ, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 11/5; AJ, AJ, AP 11/6)

The Fatah Central Committee held a meeting discussing the situation in Gaza. In a statement after the meeting the committee condemned the “barbaric war of extermination by the occupying army.” (AJ 11/6)

CIA director William Burns arrived in Israel for meetings with Israeli officials. (AJ 11/4; NYT 11/5)

The New York Times reported that Israeli officials have been pushing other countries to lobby Egypt to allow Israel to displace Palestinians to the Sinai. The Times also reported that U.S. officials overseeing arms transfers to foreign countries will approve the sale of 24,000 assault rifles to Israel, despite concerns that some of the rifles will be handed out to settlers and civilian militias in Israel. Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has handed out weapons to settlers and promised more will arrive. Axios reported on 11/6 that the Biden administration, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the House Foreign Affairs Committee have approved the Israeli purchase of M16 rifles from U.S. companies on the condition that they would not be handed to civilians in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. (NYT, NYT 11/5; AX 11/6)

Thousands of Turkish protesters demonstrated outside of a U.S. airbase in Incirlik after traveling 584 miles from Istanbul in solidarity with Palestine. Turkish police violently dispersed some protesters with water cannons and tear gas. (AJ, AJ 11/4; AP, HA, REU 11/5; AP 11/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort toured Sabastia, closing parts of the town off to Palestinians. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians with live ammunition during a raid in Jenin. Israeli forces also demolished 2 agricultural structures in Duma and confiscated a tractor in al-‘Awja. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Abu Dis, Aida refugee camp, Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, Deir Istiya, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers marched near the Damascus Gate plaza, chanting anti-Palestinian slogans, and attacked a grocery store. Israeli forces demolished 1 commercial structure in Isawiya. Israeli forces also violently dispersed activists in Sheikh Jarrah, assaulting some before closing off the neighborhood. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/17; MEMO 2/18; PCHR 2/24; UNOCHA 2/28)

The Shin Bet sent messages to Palestinians from Umm al-Fahm warning them not to travel to Sheikh Jarrah on 2/18 for a solidarity gathering in the neighborhood. (MEE 2/18)

In Israel, Israel said it had shot down a drone that crossed from Lebanon into Israel. (AP, HA 2/17)

In Syria, Israeli forces launched surface-to-surface missiles from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights at Syria south of Damascus, causing damage. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, TOI 2/17)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) in Ramallah. (TOI, WAFA 2/17; HA 2/22)

İbrahim Kalın, senior advisor to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Turkish deputy foreign minister Sedat Önal met with Israeli president Isaac Herzog in Israel, ahead of a planned meeting between President Herzog and President Erdoğan in Turkey, which is said to be scheduled for 9 March. (HA 2/17)

In a letter to the UN commission of inquiry into alleged war crimes committed by Israel during the May 2021 attack on Gaza, Israel’s foreign ministry said it would not cooperate with the commission and accused its 3 members of holding anti-Israel positions. (AP, AX, HA, JP, MEE, TOI 2/17)

Australian home affairs minister Karen Andrews said she is working to place Hamas in its entirety on the Australian list of terrorist organizations. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, MEE, REU 2/17)

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination set up an ad hoc conciliation commission to investigate the State of Palestine’s accusation against Israeli racial discrimination against Palestinians. (MDW 2/10; UN 2/17; WAFA 2/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Nabi Salih, killing 1 Palestinian using live ammunition. Israeli forces also raided al-Quds University campus in Abu Dis, firing tear gas; 17 Palestinians suffered from tear gas inhalation. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished a car repair shop in al-Lubban al-Sharqiya and 2 agricultural structures in Khirbat al-Fakhit. Israeli forces also demolished 1 house and 1 water tank and assaulted and arrested 1 elderly Palestinian man protesting the demolition. 18 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Am‘ari refugee camp, ‘Arura, Sinjil, al-Eizariya, ‘Anata, Beit Sahour, Husan, Beit Fajjar, Hebron, Beit Umar, Jenin, ‘Askar refugee camp, and Kafr Qaddum; 1 Palestinian was injured during the raid in Hebron as Israeli forces fired stun grenades at Palestinians protesting the raid. In Jerusalem, Palestinians protested outside of the municipality building against home demolitions in East Jerusalem. (AJ, AP, HA, MDW, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, TOI 2/15; PCHR 2/16; PCHR 2/17; UNOCHA 2/28)

The PA foreign ministry summoned Hungarian representative to Palestine Csaba Rada in order to complain that the Hungarian city of Hévíz has made a twinning agreement with the Samaria Regional Settlement Council, representing several settlements in the West Bank. (WAFA 2/15; MEMO 2/16)

Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett met with Bahrain’s king Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and prime minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, building on the 2 countries’ normalization deal. (AJ, AP, HA, MEMO, NYT, REU 2/14; AJ, ALM, AP, HA, REU 2/15; HA, HA 2/16)

The police in the Philippines said it had uncovered an attempt by Hamas to recruit local militants to commit attacks on Israelis in the country. The police claimed that a man named Fares al-Shikli had offered financial support in exchange for attacks on Israelis. (HA, JP 2/15; ALM 2/19)

According to Israel’s Channel 12 and the news outlet Globes, Morocco had signed an order to buy the Israel Aerospace Industries’ Barak MX Integrated Air and Defense system for more than $500 million. (HA 2/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian shepherds and international activists using stones and batons near Yatta, damaging 1 vehicle. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Umm Safa and Ya‘bad. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers with military protection raided al-Twana; 1 Palestinian was shot by Israeli forces using live ammunition and 7 others were shot by rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian who allegedly shot and injured 2 soldiers at a checkpoint near Madama. 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during house raids in and around Bethlehem, Surayf, Abu Dis, and al-Khadir, and 1 at a checkpoint near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. In Gaza, 50 Palestinians were killed, including 11 children and 2 pregnant women, and dozens were injured, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 64 to 114, including 27 children and 2 pregnant women. The casualties included: 6, including 2 children, and 25 wounded, including 7 children, in artillery fire at Um al-Nasar village near Bayt Lahiya; 10, including 4 children and 1 pregnant woman, and 52 wounded, in air strikes on apartment buildings in Bayt Lahiya; 2 in air strikes on al-Bureij refugee camp; 1 in al-Turkman in an airstrike; 1 child, and 8 others injured, in an air strike on an apartment building in Bayt Hanun; 2 in an air strike near a hospital in Bayt Hanun; 2 in air strikes on Tal al-Hawa; 4, including 2 children, and 5 wounded, in air strikes on a residential building in al-Bureij refugee camp; 6, including 2 children and 1 pregnant woman, and 22 wounded, including 10 children, in air strikes on 2 houses in Rafah; the bodies of 14 Palestinians were found at a military site; Hamas claimed that the 14 had died of toxic gases from Israeli weapons. Additionally, the headquarters of the interior ministry’s security division was destroyed near Bayt Lahiya and Khan Yunis, as well as 1 ministry of transportation building in Bayt Lahiya. In Israel, 1 Jewish-Israeli man was injured in a stabbing in Lydda. 1 Muslim cemetery and 1 synagogue were vandalized in Lydda. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian-Israeli man with a rubber-coated bullet as he was filming the soldiers from the inside of his house in Jaffa. Israeli right-wingers attacked Palestinian-Israelis and Israeli journalists in the Hatikva neighborhood of Tel Aviv. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in ‘Akka and Israeli right-wingers attacked 1 Palestinian-owned grocery store. 3 rockets were fired at Israel from Lebanon; all 3 landed in the sea. Dozens of rockets were fired at Israel from Gaza, most of them intercepted. 1 Israeli woman died after falling while running to a shelter near Ashdod, raising the Israeli death toll to 8. Israel said it had sent 9,000 troops to the vicinity of Gaza (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/13; AP, HA, PCHR, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 5/14; GDN 5/15; TOI 5/16; PCHR 5/20; MEE 5/21; NYT 5/26)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with French president Emmanuel Macron about the escalation of violence in Gaza and eviction of Palestinians in Shaykh Jarrah. (WAFA 5/13)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz ordered 10 reserve border police companies to cities in Israel where violence has been rising. Several Israeli media outlets also reported that Israeli military officials were preparing to approve plans for a ground invasion of Gaza. Defense Minister Gantz also spoke with senior executives of social media companies Facebook and TikTok to convince them to prevent content critical of Israel on their platforms. (HA, JP, TOI 5/13; AS 5/14)

U.S. president Joe Biden said that he did not believe that the Israeli bombardment of Gaza is a “significant overreaction.” The Biden administration also rejected a publicly held UN security council (UNSC) meeting on 5/14 discussing the situation in Israel and Palestine. The U.S. has prevented any statements from the UN security council on the matter from 2 other UNSC meetings held in the past week. The Biden administration also notified Congress that it will be sending $10 million to Palestinian groups in the West Bank and Gaza to support exchange and reconciliation projects with Israelis. (HA, HA, REU 5/13; AP 5/14)

As pro-Palestine demonstrations were happening in many countries all over the world, the French interior ministry asked the French police to ban a pro-Palestine protest in Paris. (AJ 5/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 1 electrical panel in Asira. 1 Israeli settler rammed his car into a Palestinian-owned flock of sheep in the northern Jordan Valley, killing 4 of the sheep and injuring several others; according to the Palestinian owner of the sheep, he was forced to pay for the repairs to the settler’s car by Israeli forces. Israeli forces seized 1 Palestinian-owned tractor in Birin and demolished 2 agricultural barracks in Fasayil. 19 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Hizma, Bayt Kahil, Hebron, Jenin, and Abu Dis. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers set fire to the Romanian Church Monastery in the Old City, causing damage. Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in Issawiyya and 1 Palestinian family demolished their own house in Silwan to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. 1 Palestinian minor was arrested in Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/1; PCHR 3/4)

Israel sentenced the Palestinian lawmaker Khalida Jarrar to 2 years in prison for holding a position in the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which Israel considers a terror organization. Jarrar will serve 7 months of the sentence, as she has been held in administrative detention since October 2019. Jarrar has served several years in Israeli prison for her membership to the PFLP. (ADM, HA, WAFA 3/1; AP 3/2)

Several Palestinian NGOs called on the PA to investigate rumors that some PA officials have been getting COVID-19 vaccines ahead of their turn in the formal vaccination scheme. There were also rumors about a black market for COVID-19 vaccines smuggled from Israel and available for purchase in the West Bank. (HA 3/3)

The Israeli government approved a plan to combat gun violence in Palestinian towns in Israel, allocating $45.5 million to 5 police stations and a special police unit to combat crime in the Palestinian community. Palestinian-Israeli members of Knesset criticized the plan for deferring the larger portion of it to after the Israeli elections and said that the government approvals were “crumbs” of the Israeli police budget. (HA 3/2)

Prime minister elect of Kosovo Albin Kurti said he might change the location of Kosovo’s future embassy to Israel from Jerusalem to another city after meeting with the Turkish ambassador in Pristina. Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has warned Kosovo about the repercussions of opening an embassy to Israel in Jerusalem. (AP 3/1; HA 3/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces leveled land near Abu Dis to expand nearby settlements. 15 Palestinians were arrested, including 12 during a raid in and around Jenin, Tubas, Hizma, Bethlehem, Harmala, Bayt Umar, and al-‘Arub refugee camp, and 3 Palestinians were arrested at a checkpoint near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested in al-Tur and Shu‘fat refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah and al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 2/23; PCHR 2/25)

In a report, Forensic Architecture concluded that a Palestinian man Ahmed Erekat was killed by Israeli forces in an “extrajudicial execution” on 7/23/2020. The Forensic Architecture report stated that Erekat was shot and killed while not posing a threat to Israeli forces and that the forces had prevented him from getting medical attention after he was shot. Israel claims that Erekat intended to ram Israeli forces at a checkpoint, but the report states that he did not accelerate his car while approaching the checkpoint, that he kept a low speed of 9.3 miles per hour, and that he held his arms in the air after exiting his vehicle after the accident. (GDN 2/23; +972, AJ, MDW 2/24; AP, HA 2/26)

Israel announced that it will share COVID-19 vaccination doses with Guatemala, Honduras, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, all countries that have enhanced ties to Israel in the last couple of years. Israel has been widely criticized for refusing to provide vaccines to Palestinians in the occupied territories, including by U.S. senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT), who said it was “outrageous that [Israeli prime minister Benjamin] Netanyahu would use spare vaccines to reward his foreign allies while so many Palestinians in the occupied territories are still waiting.” The PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki called Israel’s decision immoral. (AP, HA, REU 2/23; AP, NYT, 2/24; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA 2/25; WAFA 2/28)

The World Bank threatened to suspend its financing of the COVID-19 vaccine campaign in Lebanon after reports that the vaccines had been given to politicians rather than people who should be 1st in line for a vaccine, such as health workers and the elderly. (AP 2/22)

U.S. state department officials attended a meeting at the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee. At the meeting, PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh welcomed the U.S. delegation and said that Israel was systematically destroying the possibility of a 2-state solution. (AP, WAFA 2/23)

6 Jewish American organizations wrote a letter to the new secretary of homeland security Alejandro Mayorkas, urging him to reverse the Trump administration’s policy change of labeling products made in West Bank settlements “made in Israel.” (J Street 2/23; HA, HUFF 2/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces opened fire at 1 Palestinian vehicle at a checkpoint near Jenin, puncturing its tires; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also delivered demolition notices for 8 Palestinian-owned homes in Duma. 11 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Abu Dis, Kaubar, Dheisheh refugee camp, Jenin, Hebron, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya and al-Tur. In Gaza, 2 rockets fired from the strip landed in the Mediterranean Sea, after which Israeli aircraft fired 1 missile at al-Qarara and 3 missiles at al-Shuka, damaging agricultural lands; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also made incursions and levelled land near Khan Yunis. (AJ, AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/18; HA, WAFA 1/19; PCHR 1/21)

Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with Jordanian King Abdullah II in Amman to discuss the Palestinian elections scheduled for May and July. According to Haaretz, the 2 countries have been asked by Palestinian leaders to help facilitate the parliamentary and presidential elections. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh also said that the PA has asked Israel to allow Palestinians in East Jerusalem to participate in the elections. (HA, TOI 1/18)

The WHO voiced concern about the unequal distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. The head of the WHO in the occupied Palestinian territories Dr. Gerald Rockenschaub said that the WHO has been in contact with Israel, trying to get the country to distribute vaccines to front-line workers in the occupied territories. Israel has boasted about its successful vaccination campaign, claiming the highest rate per capita, but has as of late come under international media scrutiny for not shouldering its responsibilities as an occupying power by distributing vaccines among its occupied population. (AP 1/18; HA 1/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers and Israeli forces leveled some 15 dunams (3.7 acres) of land planted with olive trees southeast of Tulkarm. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, Jericho, and Abu Dis. During a raid in Bayt Umar, Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler stabbed 1 Palestinian minor in the Old City, causing moderate injuries. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Palestinians protested the killing of a mentally disabled Palestinian citizen of Israel on 5/13. The man had pulled out a knife while at the hospital for an examination but did not use it; when he got in a car, hospital security guards pulled him out and he lightly injured 1 guard, to which guards responded by shooting him 5 times while he was lying incapacitated on the ground. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/18; PCHR 5/21)

1 Israeli settler was indicted for creating fake military checkpoints in the West Bank, using them to carjack Palestinian drivers. According to the indictment, he managed to steal 3 Palestinian-owned vehicles. (TOI 5/18)

The Israeli Prison Service transferred 1 Palestinian hunger-striker held in administrative detention to solitary confinement. (WAFA 5/18)

The PA foreign ministry summoned the head of the Austrian representative to Palestine for questioning after an Austrian representative questioned the legality of prosecuting Israel at the International Criminal Court. (WAFA 5/18)

In a statement congratulating Israel with the formation of its new government on 5/17, the EU high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borrell also reaffirmed the EU position that the union does not and will not recognize any changes to the 1967 borders unless agreed to by both parties, including maintaining that East Jerusalem will be the future capital of Palestine and that annexation of West Bank territory would be in violation of international law. Meanwhile, the Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau similarly stressed Canada’s commitment to international law in his congratulations to Israel on their new government. (EEAS, HA 5/18; WAFA 5/19)

Germany donated $760,000 to the Augusta Victoria hospital in East Jerusalem, which treats Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza. Separately, India provided $2 million to UNRWA core programming. (WAFA, WAFA 5/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in al-Bireh against the treatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails; 8 injuries were reported. Elsewhere, in Ramallah, Palestinians suffered tear-gas related injuries during an Israeli military raid. Israeli forces also arrested 27 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jenin, Salfit, Qalqilya, Hebron, Abu Dis, and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers with military escort raided an archeological site in Sabastiyya and Joseph’s Tomb in Balata. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli magistrate court ordered the eviction of a Palestinian family of 13 from their home in Silwan. The lawsuit was brought by the settler organizations Ateret Cohanim and Elad. 28 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Issawiyya and Silwan. Haaretz reported that more than 350 Palestinians have been arrested in Issawiyya the last 3 months while less than 10 have been indicted for a crime. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/23; PCHR 9/26)

A court in Jerusalem upheld the Israeli Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories decision not to allow the majority of players and staff of the soccer team Khadamat Rafah travel permits to the West Bank for a match in the Palestinian soccer cup championship. The match was originally scheduled for 7/3, but the players and staff had not been able to obtain the permits to travel to the West Bank for the match for more than 2 months. The winner of the final game between Khadamat Rafah and Balata FC would represent Palestine at the Asian Cup. (AP, HA 9/23; AJ 9/25)

Hundreds of right-wing Jewish activists visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents of the area; 20 Palestinians are lightly injured and 1 is arrested. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops injure 4 Palestinians during clashes sparked by an arrest raid in ‘Askar refugee camp near Nablus; arrest 6 Palestinians during additional raids near Hebron, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Jenin; and patrol near Nablus and Tulkarm. Israeli forces demolish the outer wall of a Palestinian cemetery and the foundation of a planned multi-purpose center near Jenin. Israeli settlers enter the grounds of Palestinian high school in Urif village near Nablus, throwing rocks and sparking minor confrontations with the students; there are no reported injuries or arrests. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a 4-story Palestinian residential building in Shu‘fat refugee camp They also demolish a memorial to a Palestinian killed by Israeli forces on 7/21/17 in Abu Dis, sparking clashes with residents of the neighborhood; there are no injuries reported. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/7; HA, PCHR  11/8; PCHR 11/15)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when Israeli soldiers opened fire on Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border on 10/26. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 187. (PCHR 11/8)

Off Gaza’s southern coast, Egyptian naval forces shoot and kill a Palestinian fisherman. It’s unclear why they opened fire. (WAFA 11/7; MNA, TOI 11/8)

The organizing committee behind the Great March of Return announces that the protests will resume on 11/9 as planned, but that the demonstrations will be quieter and protesters again will stay away from the border fence, as they largely did during the protests on 11/2. Meanwhile, The Hamas-run Finance Ministry in Gaza pays partial salaries to civil servants across the region. The payment is reportedly made in connection with developments in the ongoing Egyptian effort to broker a de-escalation of violence. (HA 11/8)

After meeting with PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki in Brussels, Belgian foreign minister Didier Reynders tweets that Belgium is upgrading the status of the Palestinian mission in Brussels, a significant step toward recognition of the State of Palestine. The specific nature of the upgrade is unclear. Reynders and al-Maliki also sign a joint declaration affirming their intention to further develop bilateral relations in a variety of ways. (WAFA 11/7; JP, MEMO, MNA 11/8)

IDF troops conduct raids in Abu Dis nr. Jerusalem, sparking clashes with students at Al-Quds University; 6 students are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops raid the Silwad home of the family of the Palestinian driver who allegedly rammed and killed an Israeli on 4/6. They confiscate NIS 85,000 (approx. $23,000) and a vehicle during raids nr. Jenin; and patrol nr. Ramallah and Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Khan Yunis and arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel nr. Jabaliya r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c. and again nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces ban 7 Palestinians from Haram al-Sharif for periods as long as 6 mos. (They have banned more than 40 Palestinians from the sanctuary in the past few weeks.) Meanwhile, 385 Jewish settlers tour the sanctuary; when a handful of them perform religious rites, guards escort them from the area. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/13; PCHR 4/20)

PA pres. Abbas says that he may take “unprecedented steps” to end the Hamas-Fatah rivalry that prevents the PA from taking control of Gaza. “These days, we are in a dangerous and tough situation that requires decisive steps, and we are [ready] to take these decisive steps. Therefore, we are going to take unprecedented steps in the coming days to end the division,” he says. Some analysts say that Abbas’s moves come in response to Hamas’s 3/16 announcement of the formation of a new comm. to administer Gaza. (TOI 4/13)

The Gaza-based Ministry of Interior announces that it will begin accepting applications for jobs in the security forces from female Palestinians. The change in policy marks the first time females will be hired as security forces since 2014. (MNA 4/13)

In Beijing, PA FM al-Maliki calls on China to play a more active role in the Palestinian peace effort, including support for Palestinian initiatives in international forums. China’s FM Wang Yi says that the fact that the Palestinians do not have a sovereign state yet is a “terrible injustice.” (HA, REU, WAFA 4/13)

Human Rights Watch (HRW) calls on the Egyptian govt. to “immediately disclose” whether or not it is detaining the 4 Palestinian men, all reportedly Hamas affiliates from Gaza, who were abducted on 8/19/2015 as they traveled by bus from the Rafah border crossing to Cairo. HRW says that Al Jazeera published a photograph purporting to show 2 of the men in a Cairo facility in 8/2016. The report reads, “incommunicado detention violates basic protections for both civilians and fighters under Egypt’s code of criminal procedure, which requires authorities to bring criminal suspects in front of a prosecutor within 24 hours and prosecutors to charge the detainee based on evidence or release the person immediately. It also violates international law, which requires that all detainees, regardless of their particular status, be brought ‘promptly’ (i.e., within days) before a judicial officer or equivalent to review the legality and necessity of their detention.” (HRW 4/13)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian woman e. of Khan Yunis as she was working in an agricultural field nr. the barrier fence; violently disperse Palestinians protesting nr. al-Bureij r.c., injuring 3. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian man in c. Hebron for allegedly planning a stabbing attack; assault and arrest 2 Palestinians at a flying checkpoint in a village nr. Ramallah, seriously injuring 1. Palestinian teachers prevent Israeli forces from raiding their secondary school nr. Bethlehem, sparking minor clashes between stone-throwers and the Israeli troops; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops also clash with stone-throwers in a village nr. Ramallah, injuring 7 Palestinians. The IDF conducts late-night raids and house searches in Hebron, Jenin and 1 nearby village, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, arresting 1 Palestinian and issuing 1 arrest summons; patrols during the day in 1 village nr. Hebron and 10 nr. Tulkarm. Israeli forces return 2 bodies of Palestinian women killed by the IDF to their families nr. Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers uproot around 50 olive tree saplings outside a Palestinian village nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian on a late-night raid in Abu Dis; evacuate a Palestinian building in the Old City, claiming that it belongs to Israeli settlers. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/22; TOI, WAFA 12/23; PCHR 12/31)

In a special session attended by PA pres. Abbas, Greece’s parliament approves a nonbinding res. encouraging the Greek govt. to recognize the State of Palestine. (JP, TOI, WAFA 12/22)

In West Jerusalem, Israeli police shoot and kill a Palestinian nr. the Old City after he allegedly hits 1 Israeli with his car and stabs another, lightly injuring both. On Gaza’s s. border, unknown assailants open fire on IDF vehicles patrolling along the border fence, causing minor damage, according to the IDF. Late at night, IAF jets launch air strikes on a Hamas military site in n. Gaza, causing damage. During the day, IDF troops stationed along the border e. of al-Bureij r.c. violently disperse Palestinian stone-throwers, injuring 1. In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol in 1 village each nr. Tulkarm and Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwers in each; 2 Palestinians are injured and 3 are arrested. There are several incidents in the Hebron area today as Israeli forces raid a medical center, assaulting a 14-year-old Palestinian patient; deliver stop-work orders to 3 homes under construction e. of Bayt Umar; and remove the doors and windows from several residences and confiscate drilling equipment in a village nr. Hebron. IDF troops violently clash with Palestinian protesters in 1 village nr. Ramallah and at Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm; 12 Palestinians are injured. They also conduct late-night raids and house searches in Jenin and Jenin r.c., Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Salfit, 2 nr. Nablus, and 3 each nr. Hebron and Ramallah, arresting 15 Palestinians; patrol in 5 villages nr. Hebron and 1 nr. Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, a number of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian youth in Silwan claiming she had a knife; raid the home of a PA security forces (PASF) officer in Abu Dis, sparking clashes with stone-throwers (there are no injuries). They also arrest 7 Palestinians on late-night raids in Jabal Mukabir, Issawiyya, and the Old City. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/6; HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/7; PCHR 12/10)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire on a group of Palestinians approaching the border fence, causing 3 to suffer from tear gas inhalation. Separately, IDF troops stationed e. of Rafah open fire on agricultural lands nr. the border fence, causing damage. In 2 incidents off the coast nr. Jabaliya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at demonstrations to commemorate Land Day, upcoming on 3/30, and protest Israel’s occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, outside Ofer Prison, and Jalazun r.c.), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 10 Palestinians are moderately injured. The Israeli soldiers also cut off a main waterline into Kafr Qaddum, denying the village water for several hours. IDF troops also violently disperse Palestinian and international activists gathering in Abu Dis at the site of the “Gate of Jerusalem” protest tent camp. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in and around Hebron, arresting 1 Palestinian; conducts patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 each nr. Jenin and Jericho. (MNA 3/27; PCHR 4/2)

The Israeli PM’s office announces that it is unfreezing tax revenue transfers to the PA that it has held as a punitive response to the Palestinian accession to the ICC since 1/2015. A statement announcing the move says that the total will be reduced by an undisclosed amount to pay portions of the PA’s debts to Israeli utility providers, such as the IEC. The PA FM criticizes the announced deductions, saying in a statement that they are “an unjustified and illegal procedure that could cause complications.” (AP, HA, JP, NYT, TOI 3/27; AFP, WAFA 3/28; JP 3/29)

French FM Fabius announces that, now that the 3/17 Israeli election has passed, he plans to explore the prospect of introducing another United Nations Security Council (UNSC) res. laying out parameters for a new round of Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. Meanwhile, an EU spokesperson announces that Hamas will remain a designated terrorist organization pending a decision on an appeal of the General Court’s 12/17/2014 removal of Hamas from the list. Similarly, the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, which the U.S. claims funneled money to Hamas, has been removed from the list since it was last published in 7/2014. (AFP, AP, HA, REU, TOI 3/27; AFP 3/28)

The PA unity govt. delegation led by PM Hamdallah meets with Fatah and Hamas officials in the Gaza Strip, concluding its 3-day trip. (MNA 3/26) The Egyptian attorney, Samir Sabri, who filed the original motion to designate Hamas a terrorist organization in Egypt withdraws his case, saying he hopes to remove “obstacles which Egypt’s political leadership might face in serving its role in the Palestinian reconciliation.” The Court of Urgent Matters, which designated Hamas a terrorist organization 2/28, is expected to reconsider its initial ruling, though it was only in part based on Sabri’s motion. (AHR, MNA 3/27)

The 28th regular session of the UNHRC concludes today after a mo. of meetings, with the council having agreed on 3 res. on the Palestinians. They reaffirm the Palestinians’ right to self-determination, confirm Palestinian rights to sovereignty over their natural resources, and condemn ongoing settlement growth in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. (TOI 3/27; MNA 3/28)

PA Pres. Abbas arrives in Sharm al-Shaykh, Egypt, to participate in an Arab League summit on 3/28 and 3/29. Ahead of the summit, the Arab League agrees to send a delegation to Washington to lobby the U.S. Congress and promote the Arab Peace Initiative. (WAFA 2/25; MNA 3/27; HA 3/28)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian man during clashes after a late-night arrest raid in Dahaysha r.c.; an Israeli soldier is lightly injured. IDF troops clash with Palestinians in Bethlehem and nearby Aida r.c., injuring 12 with tear gas, stun grenades, and live ammunition. They also demolish and evacuate the “Gate of Jerusalem” protest tent camp in Abu Dis for the 9th time, arresting a Palestinian woman nr. the camp hours later. The IDF raids the Birzeit home of the Palestinian teenager who stabbed an Israeli in East Jerusalem on 2/22. They also conduct raids and house searches in Bethlehem, and 1 village each nr. Nablus and Jenin, arresting 3 Palestinians and issuing summons to 2; patrol in al-Fawar r.c., 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 each nr. Jenin and Qalqilya. Israeli forces demolish tens of dunams of agricultural land nr. Hebron; seize 2 garbage trucks in a village nearby; begin demolishing a Palestinian’s home in another village nr. Hebron. Off the coast of Gaza nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian lawyer who works on prisoners’ issues. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/23; HA, MNA, NYT, WAFA, YA 2/24; PCHR 2/26)

The state-owned Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) temporarily cuts electricity to 50 Palestinian communities nr. Jenin and Nablus in response to the PA’s inability to pay its debts. The PM’s office denies responsibility and involvement in the decision to cut power. The IEC says that the Palestinians owe NIS 1.9 b. (around $487 m.). Israel’s ongoing tax revenue freeze has worsened the PA’s economic crisis. (HA, NYT, WAFA 2/23; MNA 2/24; WAFA 2/25)

IDF troops stationed along the border with Lebanon fire warning shots at 5 farmers approaching the fence nr. the Lebanese Marun al-Ras, causing no damage or injuries. (HA 2/23)

Concluding the trial that began on 1/13, the New York Federal District Court delivers a verdict in a case brought under the U.S. Anti-Terrorism Act by the families of American victims of 6 attacks in Israel from 2002 to 2004, finding the PA and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) liable for $655.5 m. in damages. The Palestinians intend to appeal the ruling. It is unclear how they could pay the penalty, with Israel’s freeze of monthly tax revenue transfers causing an economic crisis for the PA. If they are unable to pay, the court may order the PA and PLO’s assets be seized. (AP, NYT, REU 2/23; AFP, EI, MNA, WAFA, YA 2/24; MEMO 2/26)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure 1 Palestinian in clashes nr. Abu Dis, while separately, Palestinians throw a petrol bomb at a settler car nr. Bethlehem, injuring 2 Israelis. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin in the morning, in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Bethlehem and in Salfit at night; patrols in Hebron in the afternoon. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara). There are no serious injuries. (JP, MNA 11/8; PCHR 11/14)

The U.S. and Israel both miss a deadline to repay debts to UNESCO, thus triggering an automatic loss of voting rights. Both countries have not paid their dues to the agency since Palestine was admitted as a mbr. in 2011. (AP, REU 11/8)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry departs Israel after a tense meeting with Netanyahu at Ben Gurion Airport where the Israeli PM expresses strong protest at the emerging potential deal with Iran, views he subsequently airs in a press conference. Later, Pres. Obama calls Netanyahu himself to try and assuage his doubts, according to a press release issued by the White House. (HA, REU 11/8)

Supporters of ousted pres. Morsi hold another day of demonstrations across Egypt, with 2 killed in Cairo in fighting between Brotherhood mbrs. and residents, and other protests in cities like Suez and Alexandria. Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities close the Rafah border crossing with Gaza until further notice. (AP, MNA 11/8)

The IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in Saida; fires on an crowd local Palestinians who come to scene to observe, wounding a 17-yr.-old Palestinian; bars an ambulance fr. reaching the scene for 1.5 hrs., allowing the boy to bleed to death. The IDF also conducts arrest raids, house searches in `Azun, Bayt Dajan, Jalazun r.c., Jenin; recommends Israel order the closure of 3 Palestinian colleges (Palestine Polytechnic Institute and the Islamic College in Hebron, the Islamic College in Abu Dis) for the students’ strong support of Hamas, Islamic Jihad. (see 1/6). Israel says it has arrested a bedouin for plotting to purchase, smuggle weapons to Palestinians in the territories. An Israeli court sentences 7 Israeli Arabs (6 of them minors) to 3+n25 yrs. in jail for the fatal stabbing of an Israeli woman in Jerusalem on 2/8/02, plotting to carry out other attacks. (HA, LAW, NYT, PCHR 1/8; PRCS press release 1/12)

Before dawn, the IDF sends tanks into the Jerusalem suburbs of Abu Dis, Azariyya, and Sawahira al-Sharqiyya, declaring a curfew. In Azariyya, troops conduct building-to-building searches, sometimes forcing families to evacuate, blowing doors of homes, vandalizing cars and other property. A Palestinian is fatally shot by the IDF while driving nr. Karma; an ill Palestinian baby dies after 10 days without medication. The IDF withdraws some tanks fr. Jenin r.c. Palestinians begin to reenter the camp, excavate bulldozed areas; 5 intact bodies are recovered before troops reenter, reimpose the curfew. In Bethlehem, an IDF sniper shoots, wounds 1 Palestinian in the Church of the Nativity who moved past an open door. (WP 4/17; NYT, WP 4/18; al-Quds 4/18 in WNC 4/22)

Powell holds a final mtg. with Arafat, stating afterward, "We are disappointed with Chmn. Arafat's performance. We believed all along that he could have done more." He also says CIA Dir. George Tenet may come to the region soon to discuss ways for reforming the PA security forces. (AFP, AP, HA 4/17; MENA, XIN 4/17 in WNC 4/18; NYT, WP, WT 4/18)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Tulkarm, some labor union offices are closed and union staff members arrested. Abu Dis branch of Muslim young men's association is ordered closed. Authorities weld closed W. Bank shops whose owners defy Israeli orders to open during set hours [FJ 3/27]. Israel bans al-Shabibah organization [FJ 3/27].

Other Countries: Speaking in New York before Conference of Presidents of Major Am. Jewish Organizations, Israeli p.m. Shamir assails Am. Jews who have pushed for Israel to accept intemational conference [NYT 3/20].

Military Action Occupied Palestine/Israel: Army gunfire kills 1 Palestinian, wounds 1 other [WP 3/20]. Army declares most of W. Bank and Gaza Strip closed military zones, barring media from territories for 2d consecutive day. Soldiers attempto close shops in Nablus, Jenin, and other areas. Palestinians in 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma' refugee camp near Nablus protest 3/18 killing of camp resident by army [NYT 3/20]. In nighttime raid of Ramallah Hospital, soldiers arrest 10 patients and visitors [NYT, WP 3/20]. Soldiers distribute leaflets in Tulkarm and Qalqiliyyah calling on residents to end uprising. In Gaza Strip, military imposes curfew on Beach camp and Sabra quarter of Gaza City [FJ 3/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian shot, wounded when he allegedly tried to attack Israeli soldier in al-Burayj camp 3/4 dies in Gaza hospital [WP 3/6].

Other Countries: Sec. of State Shultz retums to U.S. from Middle East trip [NYT 3/6]. New York Times reports former Sec. of State Henry Kissinger urged Am. Jewish leaders to withhold criticism of Israel and voiced support for media ban in W. Bank and Gaza Strip and Israeli use of force [NYT 3/5]. Reagan administration endorses letter signed by 30 senators criticizing P.M. Shamir for rejection of land for peace formula [WP 3/8].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF troops fire on demonstrators in Dahariyyah near Hebron, killing 2 Palestinians. In northem Israel, 4 Israelis are wounded by Katyusha rocket fired from S. Lebanon. Soldiers raid Jalazun refugee camp near Ramallah and arrest about 50 Palestinians [WP 3/6]. Troops conduct mass nighttime arrests in several W. Bank camps [FJ 3/13]. Palestinian youth is shot dead by Israeli troops during clash in Mazra'ah al-Sharqiyyah village [WQP 3/28]. In Qalandiya refugee camp, near Jerusalem, protesters attack IDF patrol with stones, Molotov cocktails [Fl 3/13]. Students demonstrate in Ramallah after failed attempt to enter Birzeit U. [Fl 3/13]. Clashes between Israeli troops and tire-burning Palestinians are reported in Ramallah, Qalqiliyyah, and Abu Dis village. At least 3 are injured by army gunfire in Jenin. Curfews are in force in Burayj, Dayr al-Balah, and 'Arrub camps, Khadir village, and Bani Na'im village [Fl 3/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian teenager is shot, killed by Israeli civilian in Baqa al-Sharqiyyah; civilian is released on bail [FJ 2/28]. General strike continues throughout W. Bank and Gaza Strip [FJ 2/28]. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Dan Shomron reiterates policy of using physical force, including beatings, against Palestinian protesters; in letter to troop commanders, Shomron also states that beatings are not to be used against those already under arrest or those not resisting arrest. IDF spokesman confirms army is investigating accusations that soldiers beat and buried 2 Gaza Strip youths on beach near Khan Yunis; youths were later rescued [LAT 2/24]. Palestinian leaders from occupied territories confirm no Palestinians will meet with U.S. Sec. of State Shultz without PLO consent [LAT 2/24]. F.M. Peres dismisses reports suggesting Labor party was to receive bribe for promises not to interfere with proposed Iraqi pipeline [NYT 2/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military vehicle carrying Shin Bet agents is attacked with bombs and gunfire in Gaza; no one is injured and attackers escape [WP, LAT 2/25]. In Yamun village near Jenin, troops use live ammunition to disperse demonstrators throwing fire bombs; 1 Palestinian is killed, 2 soldiers and 5 villagers are wounded. Village is placed under curfew [FJ 2/28]. In al-Birah, troops arrest, beat demonstrators calling for resignation of Israeli-appointed mayor [FJ 2/28]. Soldiers use rubber bullets to disperse 2 marches protesting Shultz visit in 'Izariyyah and Abu Dis villages near Jerusalem; 6 Palestinians are arrested [FJ 2/28]. In Gaza Strip, demonstration erupts in Jabalya camp during visit of Australian F.M. William Hayden; soldiers fire tear gas. Soldiers teargas, arrest protesters in Beach camp [FJ 2/28]. Curfews are lifted in Qalqiliyyah town and Tulkarm-district village of Zanabah. Curfews in Jalazun and Am'ari camps remain in effect [FJ 2/28].

Arab World: Near S. Lebanon village of Barashit, inside Israeli security zone, 2 Israeli soldiers are killed, several others wounded in rocket attack [NYT 2/24]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike in Arab E. Jerusalem, most W. Bank towns continues; Israeli troops force some striking shopowners in Nablus and Ramallah to open [FJ 1/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers clash with rock-throwing demonstrators in Nablus and 'Askar refugee camp [FJ 1/3]. Demonstrators in Abu Dis village, near Jerusalem, are attacked with clubs; tear gas is dropped on crowds from helicopters. Violent clashes between soldiers and demonstrators are also reported in Ramallah, al-Birah, Am'ari camp, Balatah camp, and Jenin camp. In Gaza Strip, elderly woman suffocates when troops fire tear gas into Jabalya home; Nusayrat camp is placed under curfew [FJ 1/10].

Arab World: Israeli helicopters and fighter jets attack several Palestinian targets in S. Lebanon, including 'Ayn al-Hilwah refugee camp and PFLP-GC base. At least 19 are killed, 14 wounded [WSJ, WP 1/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Def. Min. Rabin tours Gaza, says more troops are being deployed in occupied territories. According to Palestine Press Service, 2 Palestinians wounded in jenin clash 12/21 die in hospital. Military bans distribution of al-Quds in W. Bank for 1 month [NYT, LAT 12/23]. Israel orders 4 Palestinian teachers colleges closed for 1 month: Abu Dis College of Science and Technology in Bethlehem, al-Tirah Teachers College, al-Shuyukhi College, and Ramallah's al- 'Asriyyah Community College; closure of W. Bank government schools is extended until 12/27 [FBIS 12/22; FJ 12/27]. Full commercial strike shuts down Nablus [FJ 12/27]. Hebron Polytechnic College is ordered closed for 1 month [FJ 12/27].

Other Countries: Reagan administration statement criticizes Israel's "harsh security measures and excessive use of live ammunition" in the occupied territories. U.S. abstains in UN Security Council vote, allowing passage of resolution strongly deploring Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip and W. Bank [LAT, NYT 12/23]. U.S. Jewish leaders express concern over violence in territories [WP 12/23]. U.S. Pres. Ronald Reagan signs State Dept. spending bill, which includes provision requiring closure of PLO observer mission to UN [NYT 12/24]. Jordan's King Hussein arrives in Moscow, meets with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev [CSM, LAT 12/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At Gaza's Jabalya refugee camp, Palestinian youth is shot dead, at least 3 are wounded by Israeli troops; camp is placed under curfew. At least 3 Palestinians are wounded by Israeli gunfire during clashes in Jenin and Hebron villages of Yatta and Idna [LAT 12/23; WP 12/23, 12/24]. Scattered demonstrations are reported in W. Bank [NYT 12/23]. Israeli troops arrest at least 150 people in night raid on Burayj refugee camp [FJ 12/27]. Curfew is imposed on Qalqiliyyah after demonstrators bum Israeli military govemor's car [FJ 12/27]. Military erects cement barrier at Duhayshah refugee camp's main entrance in effort to prevent rock attacks on Israeli cars [FJ 12/27

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Minister of Industry and Trade Ariel Sharon moves into apartment in Muslim quarter of Jerusalem's Old City; merchants close shops in protest [LAT 12/16]. Complete commercial strike closes stores in E. Jerusalem, Nablus, Jenin, Ramallah, al-Birah, and other W. Bank towns [FJ 12/20]. Israel bans distribution of al-Sha'b in W. Bank and Gaza Strip for 12 days [FJ 12/20]. Khan Yunis youth shot 12/12 by Israeli soldiers dies in Barzali Hospital [FJ 12/20]. Palestinian journalists from occupied territories hold sit-in at Arab Journalists' Association's Jerusalem office to protest administrative detention of Radwan Abu 'Ayyash [FJ 12/20]. Israeli police announce capture of 2 Palestinians charged with murder of Israeli soldier [FJ 12/20].

Arab World: Arab League calls for emergency session to discuss Israeli actions in occupied territories [CSM 12/16].

Other Countries: Trial of Ibrahim Khalid, only survivor of 4-man team that attacked Leonardo da Vinci Airport in 1985, opens in Rome. Abu Nidal and Rashid Hamida are being tried in absentia [LAT 12/16]. U.S. calls for Israeli restraint in handling disturbances in W. Bank and Gaza Strip [NYT 12/16]. Israeli Def. Min. Rabin meets with U.S. congressional leaders in Washington [WP 12/19].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF soldiers fire on Palestinian demonstrators at Gaza's Shifa Hospital, killing at least 2, wounding more than 11. Dozens are arrested. Palestinians at hospital attack Western journalists. UN reports 2 Palestinians are shot, killed: 1 at Bayt Hanun, in northern Gaza Strip, and 1 at Dayr al-Balah refugee camp. Palestine Press Service reports another demonstrator is killed by soldiers during protest march from Beach refugee camp to Shifa Hospital [LAT, NYT 12/16]. In W. Bank, demonstrations are reported in Nablus, Bir Zeit, Abu Dis village near Jerusalem, and Qalandiya, Am'ari, and Jalazun refugee camps [FJ 12/20].

Arab World: With tank and helicopter support, Israeli troops move north of S. Lebanon security zone, raid Shi'i villages of Maydun and Kafr Hunah. Lebanese sources report 6 fighters are wounded, 20 captured [NYT 12/16].