23 / 15139 Results
  • November 5, 2023

    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...

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  • June 15, 2023

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian herders in al-Thaala in the Masafer Yatta area, forcing them to leave their pastures. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian and...

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  • May 7, 2023

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up caravans on Palestinian land near Mukhmas. Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian school in Jubbet ad-Dik; the EU delegation to the Palestinians called...

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  • May 1, 2023

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor and injured 6 others during a raid in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp; 2 were arrested. Israeli forces also shot and critically...

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  • June 9, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers destroyed a memorial for 1 Palestinian rights activist who was killed by Israeli forces on 1/5 in Umm al-Khair. Israeli settlers also assaulted 1 Palestinian...

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  • October 10, 2021

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Deir al-Hatab. Israeli settlers also stole olives harvested in Khirbet Yanun. Hundreds of Palestinians worked their...

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  • September 1, 2021

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 house in Harmala, 1 house in Bayt Ta‘mar, and 3 agricultural structures in Duma. 4 Palestinian children were arrested during late-night raids in...

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  • August 24, 2021

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed 1 Palestinian child during a raid in Balata refugee camp; Israeli forces said that the child had thrown a stone at the forces during the raid; no soldiers...

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  • May 16, 2021

    In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian minor, shot by Israeli forces on 5/12, succumbed to his wounds. Israeli settlers shot and injured 1 Palestinian while raiding Bani Na‘im. Israeli settlers with...

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  • March 16, 2021

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided Awarta; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces razed 4 dunums (1 acre) of farmland in Bayt Jala. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and...

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  • January 11, 2021

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted some 60 olive saplings in Jalud. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian vehicles traveling on the Nablus-Qalqilya road, leading to 1 injury and...

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  • November 12, 2020

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces assaulted 1 77-year-old Palestinian man who refused to leave his land near Bayt Umar. Israeli forces also demolished 1 house, 1 retaining wall and a number of...

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  • January 29, 2018

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian residential buildings in Bayt Jala near Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 21 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Ramallah,...

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  • August 19, 2015

    Israeli forces demolish a 3-story building in Wadi al-Juz, making it the 19th Palestinian home demolished in East Jerusalem this year. Nearby, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians on late-night...

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  • August 25, 2009

    In retaliation for Palestinian rocket fire on 8/24, the IDF carries out an early morning air strike on smuggling tunnels on the Rafah border, collapsing a tunnel, killing 2 Palestinians and...

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  • November 28, 2001

    The IDF shoots, kills 1 Palestinian nr. a crossing into Israel. Palestinian gunmen fire on Gilo; the IDF returns fire on Bayt Jala; no casualties are reported. Nr. Nablus, the IDF bulldozes roads...

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  • November 15, 2000

    Israeli-Palestinian clashes intensify, leaving 8 Palestinians, 1 German doctor dead, over 110 Palestinians injured. (1 Palestinian dies en route to the hospital when his ambulance is blocked by...

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  • November 7, 2000

    Presidential elections are held in the U.S., but the race btwn. VP Al Gore (D) and Texas Gov. George W. Bush (R) is too close to call. The election rests on some 1,500 votes in Florida, where...

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  • October 22, 2000

    The Arab League closes its 2-day emergency session, issuing a nonbinding resolution calling for a $1 b. Palestinian aid fund, recommending Arab states postpone further normalization with Israel....

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  • July 19, 1988

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike is observed in Bethlehem and Bayt Jala in solidarity with residents of Bayt Sahur [FJ 7/24].

    Other Countries:...

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  • March 6, 1988

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: During weekly inner cabinet meeting, P.M. Shamir refuses to hold vote on U.S. peace proposal and rejects Sec. of State Shultz's 3/16...

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  • March 4, 1985

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bir Zeit U. officials condemn 3/1 IDF raid on university [JP 3/5].

    Arab World: Pres. Mubarak asserts PLO must be part of any...

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  • October 17, 1984

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel govt. publicizes conditions for complete withdrawal from S. Lebanon: Syrian commitment not to advance into area and to prevent...

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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 attacked Palestinian herders in al-Thaala in the Masafer Yatta area, forcing them to leave their pastures. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian and wounded 2 others with live ammunition and 170 with tear gas during a punitive demolition raid in Nablus. The Israeli forces demolished the family home of 1 Palestinian accused of having killed an Israeli soldier in October 2022. Israeli forces also raided Ya’bad, razing a road, damaging 2 vehicles, and raiding the Electricity Authority building. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in Bayt Jala. Israeli forces also demolished 8 residential structures east of Tubas, displacing 16. In East Jerusalem, an Israeli settler threw stones at the Cenacle Christian site, damaging windows. The vandal was released from custody on 6/16 under the condition that he stay away from the Old City for 30 days.  (ABC, AJ, ALM, AP, HA, MEE, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/15; HA 6/18; PCHR 6/22; UNOCHA 7/8)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Chinese prime minister Li Qiang in Beijing. At the end of Abbas’ 4-day trip, the PA and China issued a joint statement where the PA supported China’s treatment of its Muslim minority in Xinjiang, which has been severely condemned by human rights organizations. (AP, WAFA 6/15; AP 6/16)

The UNRWA staff union in the West Bank ended its 4-month long strike and resumed services in the refugee camps. (WAFA 6/15; REU, WAFA 6/16)

The Islamic Supreme Fatwa Council in Palestine issued a fatwa against participation in the upcoming Israeli municipal elections in Jerusalem. (QDS, WAFA 6/15)

A conference on spitting attacks by Jewish people on Christians in the Old City organized by the Center for the Study of Relations Between Jews, Christians, and Muslims at the Open University of Israel was forced to change its venue from the Tower of David Museum in the Old City of Jerusalem after pressure from the Israeli-run municipality, including from the mayor’s office. Jerusalem deputy mayor Arieh King called the conference “anti-Semitic.” Officials from the Israeli Foreign Ministry and Jerusalem municipality were invited to attend the conference but refused. (HA 6/15)

A CNN investigation confirmed Palestinian eyewitness accounts that Israeli forces did not intervene to protect Palestinians from the Israeli settler pogrom in Huwwara on 2/26. An Israeli soldier told CNN that he and the other soldiers knew of the threat posed by the Israeli settlers but chose not to intervene and instead allowed the settlers to enter Huwwara. The CNN investigation also said that Israeli soldiers only intervened to prevent Palestinian residents from trying to repel the settler attack. (CNN, HA 6/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up caravans on Palestinian land near Mukhmas. Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian school in Jubbet ad-Dik; the EU delegation to the Palestinians called the demolition appalling. Israeli forces also demolished 1 guest house in Jiftlik and 2 houses under construction in al-‘Awja. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 minors, during late-night raids in Ras Karkar, Jalazun refugee camp, Bayt Jala, Beit Sahour, al-‘Awja, and Masafer Yatta. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. (AN, F24, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/7; HA, WAFA 5/8; PCHR 5/11; UNOCHA 5/19)

Israeli forces partially lifted the siege on Jericho after 16 days, easing restrictions on entry and exiting the city, but maintaining the barriers and checkpoints that have been erected. (QDS 5/7)

The Israel Land Authority issued tenders for 1,248 housing units in the Beitar Ilit, Efrat, Kiryat Arba, Ma’ale Ephraim, and Karnei Shomron settlements in the West Bank and in the Gilo settlement in East Jerusalem. (REU 5/7; QDS, WAFA 5/8)

The Supreme Court of Israel denied a petition to immediately expel Palestinians living in Khan al-Ahmar. The judges said in the ruling that they accepted the government’s argument that the Palestinians cannot be expelled “for current reasons related to the security of a country and its foreign relations.” The petition was submitted by the settler organization Regavim. (HA 5/7; AA, HA 5/8)

The Israeli government allocated $8.8 million to develop an archaeological site in Sebastia. The government wrote in the proposal for the development of the site that it is doing so to prevent the PA from restoring the site. (TOI 5/7; PCN 5/8)

The World Food Programme announced that it will suspend food aid to 200,000 Palestinians, about 60% of current recipients in Palestine, from June due to severe shortage in funds. The organization said that it will have to suspend all its programs in the West Bank and Gaza by August if it does not receive new funding. (HA, REU 5/7; PCHR 5/8; AJ 5/28; HA 5/31)

Israel released Jordanian lawmaker Imad al-Adwan who was arrested on 4/23 at the Allenby Bridge, accused of smuggling weapons and gold. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 5/7)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan met with Saudi crown prince Mohammad Bin Salman in Riyadh, discussing normalization with Israel and peace in Yemen. Sullivan also met with the national security advisors of India and the UAE to discuss infrastructure plans in the Middle East. (AX 5/6; REU 5/7; AJ, AP, AX 5/8; HA 5/9)

The Arab League voted to readmit Syria to the organization during a closed meeting of foreign ministers in Cairo. Syria’s membership was suspended in 2011. (AJ, HA, MEE, NYT, REU 5/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor and injured 6 others during a raid in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp; 2 were arrested. Israeli forces also shot and critically wounded 1 Palestinian during a raid in Bayt Jala. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a raid in Nur Shams refugee camp. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Arroub refugee camp, injuring 1 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Rumana, causing tear-gas related injuries; 1 was arrested. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Beitunia, Tammun, and Hebron. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces shot and injured 4 Palestinian fishermen with baton rounds west of al-Sudaniyya, arresting 2 of them. (AP, HA, MEE, QDS, QDS, QDS, PCHR, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/1; PCHR 5/4; UNOCHA 5/5)

Israeli finance minister and minister in charge of settlement policy at the Israeli Defense Ministry Bezalel Smotrich told members of his Religious Zionist Party that Khan al-Ahmar needs to be demolished because of its strategic location and not because it is unrecognized by Israel, as has been the official Israeli line so far. Smotrich said “[i]t is the area that will decide if heavens forbid there will be territorial contiguity that will connect Bethlehem with Nablus and Ramallah.” (HA 5/1)

In Syria, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes at Aleppo Airport, killing 1 soldier and injuring 7 others, including 2 civilians. Aleppo Airport was forced to close due to the damage. (AJ, ALM, AP, REU 5/1; HA 5/2)

U.S. senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) urged U.S secretary of state Antony Blinken not to edit the new report by the U.S. security coordinator for Israel and the PA Michael Fenzel on the Israeli killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh before it is shared with Congress. Van Hollen said that individuals in the State Department had contacted his office about proposed changes to the report before it is handed over to Congress. (AJ, AX 5/2; HA 5/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers destroyed a memorial for 1 Palestinian rights activist who was killed by Israeli forces on 1/5 in Umm al-Khair. Israeli settlers also assaulted 1 Palestinian farmer in Kisan. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured 3 by live ammunition and 2 with baton rounds during a raid in Halhul. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition during a raid in Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians with live ammunition during a raid in Jenin refugee camp. Israeli forces also raided Jayyus, injuring 1 Palestinian with live ammunition and confiscating 1 bulldozer. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolished an apartment building under construction in Beit Jala. Israeli forces also delivered a punitive demolition notice and took measurements for a separate punitive demolition in Rumana. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Baytin, al-Mazra‘a ash-Sharqiya, Tell, Tammun, Nur Shams refugee camp, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 9 Palestinians were arrested, and 1 Palestinian was assaulted before being taken to a hospital for treatment during a late-night raid in Isawiya and the Old City. (AJ, AN, AP, HA, MEE, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/9; AA, PCHR 6/10; PCHR 6/16; UNOCHA 6/17)

Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett met with UAE president Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. Israeli media speculated if the meeting was part of Israeli and U.S. preparations to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, NYT, REU 6/9; HA 6/10)

Israel announced that Israeli citizens will be able to travel to the Qatar 2022 soccer World Cup, despite Israel and Qatar not having formal relations. Foreign minister Yair Lapid said the development “opens a new door for us to warm ties [with Qatar].” Israel is not qualified for the World Cup in Qatar. (MEE, REU 6/9)

The U.S. state department announced that the Palestinian Affairs Unit at the Israeli embassy will change its name to U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs and start reporting directly to the Near Eastern Affairs Bureau in the State Department “on substantive matters” instead of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem. The diplomatic representative to the PA was also changed from U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides to Hady Amr, who was promoted to the state department envoy to Palestinians. The PA has demanded that the Biden administration uphold president Joe Biden’s promises made during his presidential campaign, including to reopen the U.S. consulate to Palestinians in Jerusalem. (AJ, AP, AX, GDN, HA, MEE, REU 6/9; JP 6/12)

A bipartisan group of members of the U.S. house and senate introduced legislation that would require the defense department to submit a strategy for an integrated air and missile defense system for Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman within 180 days. The bill, “the Deterring Enemy Forces and Enabling National Defenses Act of 2022,” was described as an effort to bolster Israeli ties with countries in the Middle East. The senate version of the bill was introduced by Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and James Lankford (R-OK), while the house version was introduced by Brad Schneider (D-IL), David Trone (D-MD), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Ann Wagner (R-MO), and Don Bacon (R-NE). (HA 6/9)

The director general of the international atomic energy agency (IAEA) Rafael Grosso warned that Iran is in the process of removing 27 surveillance cameras from the country’s nuclear sites. The Iranian move comes as the progress in talks for the U.S. to renter the Iran nuclear deal has stalled, and Israel has intensified its assassinations of Iranian military personnel and scientists. Director General Grosso said that Iran would leave some 40 surveillance cameras at its nuclear facilities. The announcement came 1 day after 30 members of the IAEA board released a joint statement urging Iran to cooperate with the agency. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU 6/8; AJ, AP 6/9; AP 6/10)

A study by the organization AirPressure.info found that Israel has violated Lebanese air space 22,000 times in the past 15 years. (GDN, MEE 6/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Deir al-Hatab. Israeli settlers also stole olives harvested in Khirbet Yanun. Hundreds of Palestinians worked their land in Jabal Sabih for the 1st time since Israeli settlers erected the Evyatar settlement outpost on the hill. The outpost was cleared in July, but Israeli forces have repelled Palestinians trying to reach the top of the hill since it was erected. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Bayt Jala and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, dozens of Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at a construction site near al-Yusufiya Muslim cemetery at the Old City walls, where human remains have been found after parts of the cemetery were razed; 10 Palestinians were injured. Israeli forces also summoned former grand mufti of Jerusalem Sheikh Ekrima Sabri for questioning after raiding his home. 3 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian land east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/10; AJ, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA 10/11; TOI, WAFA 10/12; PCHR 10/14)

An Israeli military court in the West Bank charged 2 Palestinians from Jenin with aiding 2 of the Palestinians that escaped Gilboa prison on 9/6 by providing them shelter and food. (HA 10/12)

Hamas and Fatah officials told Haaretz that the U.S. and Egypt are encouraging the 2 Palestinian parties to form a unity government. The officials who talked to Haaretz said such an outcome was unlikely. According to Palestinian politicians in the West Bank, PA president Mahmoud Abbas told U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for Israeli and Palestinian affairs Hady Amr that he potentially would agree to a unity government with Hamas officials, but that it could not be made up by technocrats. Abbas is also said to have insisted that Hamas recognize cooperation between the PA and Israel. (HA 10/10)

Serbian president Aleksandar Vučić told PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki, during a meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement, that Serbia will not move its embassy to Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. (WAFA 10/11)

German chancellor Angela Merkel met with Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett in Jerusalem. During a joint press conference, Prime Minister Bennett said that Israel was not ignoring its conflict with Palestinians but said that “we’ve learned from experience that a Palestinian state would highly likely mean a terror state a seven-minute [drive] from my own home, and from just about any place in Israel.” Chancellor Merkel told Bennett that she supports Israel despite the Israeli government’s opposition to a 2-state solution. (AP, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU 10/10; ABC, ALM, AP, MEMO, WAFA 10/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 house in Harmala, 1 house in Bayt Ta‘mar, and 3 agricultural structures in Duma. 4 Palestinian children were arrested during late-night raids in Bethlehem. 11 others were arrested, including 9 during raids in and around Bayt Rima, Kobar, Jenin, Jaba‘, Bethlehem, Bayt Jala, Halhul, and Dura, and 2 were arrested at checkpoints in Bethlehem and Ya‘bad. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the Muslim Girls Secondary School in Wadi al-Juz and arrested 2 employees, including the principal of the school. In Gaza, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters east of Rafah, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet and others with tear gas. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/1; MEE, MEMO, PCHR, WAFA 9/2)

Israel said it would expand the Gaza fishing zone to 15 nautical miles at its largest, increase the number of merchant permits for Palestinians in Gaza from 5,000 to 7,000, and provide 175 million cubic feet of fresh water. (HA 8/31; ALM, ALM, AP, MEE, MEMO 9/1)

1 Palestinian prisoner in administrative detention ended his 33-day hunger strike after the Israeli prison service promised not to extend his detention beyond 2/14/2022. (WAFA 9/1)

Israel’s foreign minister Yair Lapid said that reopening the U.S. consulate to Palestinians in Jerusalem is a “bad idea,” saying it would weaken the Israeli government coalition and send the “wrong message.” Israeli and U.S. government sources have told Haaretz that the U.S. is moving slowly on reopening the consulate because of the potential ramifications it could have on Israel’s government coalition. Foreign Minister Lapid also criticized the way the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan. The spokesperson of Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett also denied reports that Bennett and PA president Mahmoud Abbas would meet. (AJ, ALM, GDN, HA, HA, MEE, REU 9/1; MEMO 9/2; ALM 9/7)

Haaretz reported that Israel’s public security minister Omer Bar-Lev had ordered the Israeli police to stop its policy of confiscating Palestinian flags during protests except in exceptional circumstances. (HA 9/1)

The U.S. Central Command announced that it had taken over the responsibilities of Israel from the U.S. European Command. The move, welcomed by Israel, was seen as an effort to strengthen the normalization deals between Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain as it allows for easier coordination of military exercises arranged by the U.S. (JINSA 9/2; Defense News, Defense News 9/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed 1 Palestinian child during a raid in Balata refugee camp; Israeli forces said that the child had thrown a stone at the forces during the raid; no soldiers were reported injured. Israeli forces also shot and injured 2 Palestinian minors near a watchtower in al-Arroub refugee camp, claiming that the 2 threw stones at soldiers. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 4 commercial buildings in Salfit, 1 demolition order for a house in Bayt Jala, and demolished 3 agricultural structures in Khirbet al-Rahwa. 15 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, al-Bireh, Beit Sahour, Bayt Jala, al-Arroub refugee camp, Sa‘ir, Mirka, al-Zawiya, ‘Azzun, and Balata refugee camp. (AJ, HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/24; PCHR 8/26)

Haaretz reported that Israel had sent more troops to the Gaza fence in anticipation of another Palestinian demonstration on 8/25. Israel is also said to have instructed its soldiers to respond “more aggressively” to the Palestinian protests, despite injuring more than 40 Palestinians on 8/21. It was also reported that Hamas, in talks with Egypt, had agreed to end or curb the sending of incendiary balloons into Israel. (HA 8/24; MEMO 8/25)

500,000 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine donated by the U.S. arrived in Palestine, with 300,000 doses in the West Bank and 200,000 in Gaza. The PA said it had received a total of 2.5 million COVID-19 doses, which have been distributed between the West Bank and Gaza. Hamas, like the PA, recently required workers to get vaccinated. (HA, WAFA 8/24)

7 out of the 20 Palestinians from East Jerusalem who had their Israeli government benefits revoked in May saw these benefits restored. The revoked benefits included their health insurance and government allowances. (HA 8/24)

The New York Times reported that Israel has changed its policy on allowing Jewish people to pray at the Haram al-Sharif compound. The reporting came after former MK and greater Israel advocate Yehuda Glick on 8/23 livestreamed himself praying at the Haram al-Sharif compound, in violation of the Status Quo agreement. While Israel does not have a law against non-Muslims praying at the compound, it has generally upheld the agreement. However, according to the NYT reporting, this does not seem to be the case anymore. (AJ, NYT 8/24; AP 8/25)

1 Palestinian on administrative detention ended his hunger strike after reassurances from Israel that his detention would not be renewed after January. The man was placed on administrative detention after being arrested on 9/22/2020 and had been hunger striking for 42 days. (WAFA 8/24)

A PA official said that the EU funding of its budget had still not arrived for 2021. The EU has helped fund the PA budget with $176 million, but the funding had not arrived due to technical reasons. The funding is presumed to be arriving in October, but the PA may not be able to pay salaries and social allowances for August without the funding. (JP 8/24)

The Fatah central committee said that PA president Mahmoud Abbas will reshuffle the PA government and announce new ministers on 8/27. It was later reported that the reshuffling was canceled. (ALM, MEMO 8/25)

In an interview with NYT before his trip to Washington D.C., Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett said that there will not be the creation of a Palestinian state while he is in office, as he is opposed to Palestinian sovereignty. Prime Minister Bennett also said that his government would not annex parts of the West Bank, but would continue the expansion of settlements and Israel blockade of Gaza. (NYT 8/24; MEMO 8/25)

Citizen Lab released a report saying that the Israeli spyware company NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware was used to spy on 9 Bahraini nationals. (AP, HA 8/24)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided Awarta; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces razed 4 dunums (1 acre) of farmland in Bayt Jala. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, Kafr Haris, Qabatiya, and al-Khadir. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians during a raid in Kafr ‘Aqab, injuring 11 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets and 31 suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also seized 3 residential caravans and demolished 2 stores in Kafr ‘Aqab. 3 Palestinian minors were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of Jabaliya and east of al-Bureij refugee camp. Israeli forces also opened fire at agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/16; WAFA 3/17; PCHR 3/18)

Delegations from various Palestinian factions continued talks about national unity and upcoming elections in Cairo. (WAFA, WAFA 3/16)

The Syrian military said it had intercepted Israeli-fired missiles near Damascus. (HA 3/16; ALM 3/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted some 60 olive saplings in Jalud. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian vehicles traveling on the Nablus-Qalqilya road, leading to 1 injury and damage. Israeli forces shot and injured 7 Palestinians trying to enter Israel for work through the separation barrier near Far‘un. Israeli forces also seized heavy machinery used to rehabilitate a road in Kardala. 10 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bayt Umar, Sabastiyya, Qabatiya, Jalazun refugee camp, and Nahalin. In East Jerusalem, 6 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Khan Yunis and Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/11; PCHR 1/14)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the Israeli defense ministry and the civil administration’s higher planning committee will approve 800 new settlement units in the Itamar, Beit El, Shavei Shomron, Oranit, Givat Ze’ev, Tal Menashe, and Nofei Nehemia settlements and settlement outposts. Prime Minister Netanyahu also said on Facebook that “[w]e’re here [in the West Bank] to stay. We’re continuing to build the Land of Israel.” Leader of the Israeli opposition Yair Lapid of the Yesh Atid party called the announcement of the new settlement units “irresponsible,” citing the U.S. presidential transition on 1/20. France’s foreign ministry, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the PA denounced the settlement expansion. Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz also approved a small number Palestinian construction projects in al-Walaja, Hizma, Bethlehem, and Bayt Jala. All the projects need secondary approval. (ABC, AJ, AP, HA, REU, TOI, TOI, WAFA 1/11; REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/12)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh and a member of the PLO executive committee condemned the UAE for allowing Israeli settler products to be imported to its market after the 1st shipment of Israeli settler goods arrived in the UAE. (WAFA 1/11; REU 1/14)

The PA health ministry said it had approved the Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V for emergency use. (WAFA 1/11)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas issued 3 presidential decrees, 2 of which critiques say serves to bolster the power of the PA presidency ahead of potential elections later this year. 1 decree allows the PA president to select judges instead of approving judges, who would be selected based on seniority. The decree also allows the president to force Palestinian judges to retire 5 years before the set retirement age of 70. A 2d decree establishes administrative courts, which can hear petitions against officials and institutions, previously a duty of the High Court of Justice. The president of the administrative court is appointed by the PA president. (HA 1/28)

An Israeli court in Lod ruled that screening or distributing the movie Jenin Jenin from 2002 by Mohammad Bakri should be banned and copies of the movie destroyed. Bakri was also ruled to pay $55,000 to an Israeli soldier who appears in archival footage used for the movie and $16,000 for the cost of the trial. The Israeli judge said that Bakri did not do enough research to label the movie a documentary. The PA ministry of culture condemned the ruling. (HA 1/11; AJ, TOI, WAFA 1/12; WAFA 1/13)

Defense Minister Benny Gantz said that he regretted forming a coalition with Prime Minister Netanyahu, saying that Netanyahu “cheated me and cheated you [the Israeli public].” He then called on all opposition leaders, including the Joint Arab List’s Ayman Odeh, to join him in sending “Bibi [Netanyahu] home” in the upcoming election. (HA 1/11)

The foreign ministers of Germany, France, Jordan, and Egypt met in Cairo to discuss reviving peace talks between Israel and Palestine. The quartet expressed willingness to work closely with the U.S. to map steps toward peace. In a statement, the 4 called for a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. According to the Jerusalem Post, the 4 countries had tried to invite the Israeli and PA foreign ministers to the meeting, but both were unable or unwilling to travel for the meeting. (HA, WAFA 1/11; JP 1/12)

U.S. billionaire and mega-donor to Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump, and Israeli settlements Sheldon Adelson died. Adelson had recently flown the convicted Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard to Israel from the U.S. so he could immigrate after being released from parole, and he bought the U.S. ambassador’s house in Tel Aviv from the U.S. state department earlier in 2020. Adelson was known to have had a large influence on U.S. president Donald Trump’s aggressively pro-Israel policies during his presidency. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU 1/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces assaulted 1 77-year-old Palestinian man who refused to leave his land near Bayt Umar. Israeli forces also demolished 1 house, 1 retaining wall and a number of sheds in al-Walaja, and the foundations of 1 house in Bayt Jala. Elsewhere, Israeli forces leveled Palestinian land in Yanuh to expand a nearby settlement. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians during a late-night raid in Kaubar, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 8 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Qalandia, Tulkarm, Yatta, Nablus, and Beita. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in al-Tur and Wadi Juz. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/12; PCHR 11/19)

1 Israeli soldier who had been missing since 11/10 was found dead near the Hizma checkpoint in the West Bank. Israel did not provide any further details. (HA 11/12)

The Israeli attorney general Avichai Mendelblit announced that Israel will freeze enforcement of the Kaminitz Law, which aims at punishing Israeli residents who build without a permit. While the law does not single out Palestinian-Israelis explicitly, it disproportionately effects Palestinian-Israelis because the time it takes to obtain a construction permit in Palestinian areas of Israel is much longer than in Israeli-Jewish areas. According to Haaretz, it is estimated that 50,000 Palestinian-owned houses in Israel are built without a permit. The freeze, which lasts until 2023, was seen as a win for the Joint Arab List whose politicians have been working with Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz and justice minister Avi Nissenkorn to get it through. (HA 11/12)

Axios reported that U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo will visit Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Golan Heights. During his trip, Secretary Pompeo is scheduled to visit a settler winery in Psagot near al-Bireh, which announced it will make a new series of wine named after him. The winery is built on 80 dunams (20 acres) of privately-owned Palestinian land seized by Israel. Pompeo will be the 1st U.S. secretary of state to visit both the Golan Heights and West Bank settlements. Pompeo was also the 1st secretary of state to visit the Wailing Wall. PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said in a tweet, “[w]e deplore US Sec. of State Mike Pompeo’s intent to visit the illegal settlement of Psagot, built on lands belonging to Palestinian owners in Al-Bireh city, during his visit to Israel next week. This dangerous precedent legalizes settlements& a blot to int’l legitimacy/ UN res’s.” (AX, HA 11/12; AJ, Twitter 11/13; WAFA 11/15)

The NYT reported that U.S. president Donald Trump, in a meeting with U.S. military officials, requested options for attacking Iran’s nuclear site in Natanz. According to NYT sources, he was ultimately dissuaded by the military officials not to launch an attack on Iran. (NYT, REU 11/16)

The prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan said in an interview that the U.S. and at least 1 other unnamed country have been pressuring him to recognize Israel. Prime Minister Khan said he would not normalize relations with Israel until a peace agreement is made with Palestine. Khan, when pressed on what the 2d country was, said, “[l]eave this. There are things we cannot say.” (HA 11/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian residential buildings in Bayt Jala near Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 21 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Nablus; and patrol near Tulkarm and Salfit. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near the site of the 1/9 killing of an Israeli settler, causing minor damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 33 Palestinians and confiscate 100 cooking gas containers during a 3d day of arrest raids in Issawiyya. (JP, WAFA 1/29; WAFA 1/30; PCHR 2/1)

Unidentified parties fire a rocket from Gaza into Israel late at night; it falls in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. (JP, TOI 1/29; YA 1/30)

PA FM al-Maliki says that the Palestinian leadership plans to ask the UNSC in 2/2018 to reconsider Palestine’s application for full UN membership. (JP, WAFA 1/29)

The Lebanese press reports that Lebanese intelligence services have identified 2 of the 4 people who attempted to assassinate a Hamas official on 1/14 in Sidon as Israeli agents. (HA 1/29)

Israeli forces demolish a 3-story building in Wadi al-Juz, making it the 19th Palestinian home demolished in East Jerusalem this year. Nearby, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians on late-night raids in Issawiyya and Bayt Hanina. In the West Bank, Palestinian and international activists protest the expansion of the separation wall in Bayt Jala nr. Bethlehem (construction began on 8/17); IDF troops violently disperse protesters, arresting 1 Palestinian. Israeli forces demolish an agricultural structure in a village nr. Ramallah; patrol in al-‘Arub r.c. as well as nr. Hebron and Nablus. They also conduct latenight raids in Aida r.c. and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and Hebron, arresting 3 Palestinians. In Gaza, Israeli forces conduct 2 limited incursions across the border fence late at night to level land nr. Bayt Hanun. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/19; MNA, PCHR 8/20; PCHR 8/27)

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) announces that, due to a recent string of donations, its budget shortfall has been alleviated sufficiently to allow the 2015–16 school year to proceed on time in its 685 schools across the Middle East. (AFP, MNA 8/19; WAFA 8/20)

In the Sinai Peninsula, unidentified assailants kidnap 4 mbrs. of Hamas traveling nr. Shaykh Zuwayd to Cairo by bus, which departed from the Rafah border crossing earlier in the day. Egyptian security sources suspect that the kidnappers are affiliated with the Sinai Province of the Islamic State. (MNA, REU 8/20)

In retaliation for Palestinian rocket fire on 8/24, the IDF carries out an early morning air strike on smuggling tunnels on the Rafah border, collapsing a tunnel, killing 2 Palestinians and injuring at least 6 others; 1 person is reported missing. (OCHA 8/25; NYT 8/26; PCHR 8/27; OCHA Humanitarian Report 8/09; JPI 9/4)

In the West Bank, the IDF storms the Bayt Jala offices of Bethlehem 2000 Radio, confiscating $150,000 worth of equipment; conducts raids, house searches nr. Ramallah, and Jericho, in Hebron and al- ‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, arresting 5 Palestinians (including 2 teenagers); patrols and opens fire in Qabatya village nr. Jenin, causing no reported injuries. (PCHR 8/27)

Palestinian Authority (PA) PM Salam Fayyad publicizes a 65-page plan to unilaterally build a de facto Palestinian state comprising both the West Bank and Gaza by 2011. (NYT, WP, WT 8/26; WJW 8/27; JPI 9/4)(See Doc. B4 in JPS 153)

To mark captured IDF soldier Cpl. Gilad Shalit’s upcoming 23d birthday on 8/28, 100s of Israeli activists demonstrate outside Israeli security prisons where Palestinians are detained to prevent prisoners’ families fr. visiting them; Israeli police arrest 4 demonstrators. Israel consequently suspends family visits for West Bank prisoners in the Hadarim and Shikma prisons allegedly to reduce the likelihood of clashes. (OCHA 8/25; JPI 9/4)

The IDF shoots, kills 1 Palestinian nr. a crossing into Israel. Palestinian gunmen fire on Gilo; the IDF returns fire on Bayt Jala; no casualties are reported. Nr. Nablus, the IDF bulldozes roads, agricultural lands; a Jewish settler intentionally hits a Palestinian with his car, killing him. Jewish settlers fr. Keddumim uproot 150 Palestinian olive trees in Jit; settlers fr. Ofra bulldoze Palestinian land around their settlement. The PSF begins an arrest campaign targeting Islamic Jihad, arresting 7 mbrs., questioning 22 Palestinians affiliated with the group. (PMC 11/28; HP, LAW, NYT, WP, WT 11/29; XIN 12/1 in WNC 12/3)

Special envoys Burns, Zinni meet with Arafat in Ramallah; tour the West Bank with U.S. officials to see refugee camps, the effect of Israel's military siege and settlement construction on Palestinians. Meanwhile, Sharon publicly restates his demand for 7 days of complete Palestinian quiet before Israel would take steps to implement the Tenet plan. (MM 11/28; AP, NYT, WP, WT 11/29)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes intensify, leaving 8 Palestinians, 1 German doctor dead, over 110 Palestinians injured. (1 Palestinian dies en route to the hospital when his ambulance is blocked by Jewish settlers for over an hr.) A 9th Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. The IDF shells Fatah headquarters in Hebron, Salfit, Tulkarm and an armory in Jericho. The IDF also shells residential areas of Bayt Jala, Bethlehem, Dayr al-Balah, Nablus, Tulkarm and bulldozes Palestinian agricultural lands in Rafah. IDF shelling in Bayt Jala damages a school and a cultural center, destroys an unfinished apartment complex. In Hebron, Jewish settlers vandalize Palestinian property, uproot trees, damage an irrigation system. (ADM, LAW 11/15; AP, HA [Internet], LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/16; NYT, WP 11/17)

A demonstration in support of the Palestinians is held at New York University, where 2 IDF soldiers speak as part of a national tour to present the Israeli position on the ongoing clashes. (al-Awda Internet news group 11/15)

On the anniversary of the PLO's 1988 declaration of independence in Algiers, the PA does not unilaterally declare a Palestinian state or reaffirm the Algiers declaration as Israel, the U.S. had feared. Due to the ongoing closure, the PLOCC is unable to meet as planned. (AP 11/15) (see 9/10)

Senior Israeli, PA officials reportedly hold a secret mtg. at the Egyptian mission to the UN in New York to discuss options for a UN buffer force in the West Bank, Gaza. (WP 11/16, 11/18)

First Lady Hillary Clinton (the senator-elect fr. NY), U.S. special envoy Ross, Russian FM Ivanov are among those who attend the funeral of PM Yitzhak Rabin's widow, Leah Rabin, who died on 11/12. Arafat sends his condolences via video tape, which is aired on Israeli TV. Afterward, Ross meets with Barak. (MA [Internet], MM 11/15; MM, NYT, WJW, WP, WT 11/16; JP 11/24)

In Marseilles, France, a 2-day Euro-Mediterranean FMs mtg. opens to review regional cooperation efforts over the past 5 yrs. The session focuses on the Israeli-Palestinian crisis as it affects regional stability. (AFP [Internet], JT [Internet] 11/15; see also JT 11/13 in WNC 11/14; AYM 11/14 in WNC 11/15; SA 11/15, ANSA, ATL 11/16 in WNC 11/17)

In Lebanon, PM Hariri, Hizballah spiritual leader Shaykh Hassan Nasrallah hold their 1st in 8 yrs. during which they reportedly agreed not to give Israel a pretext to strike Lebanon while upholding Beirut's right to recover Shaba` Farms, to coordinate efforts to keep the issue of Syria's troop presence in the country out of the public domain. (MM 11/17)

Presidential elections are held in the U.S., but the race btwn. VP Al Gore (D) and Texas Gov. George W. Bush (R) is too close to call. The election rests on some 1,500 votes in Florida, where ballot errors could swing results. At the least, Florida absentee ballots must be tabulated and regular votes recounted, meaning it could be weeks before the new president is declared. (MM 11/7; NYT, WP, WT 11/8; al-Quds 11/8 in WNC 11/9; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/9; AYM, al-Quds 11/9, HJ 11/10 in WNC 11/13; MM 11/10)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead, 150 injured. A 2d Palestinian dies of wounds received earlier. Jewish settlers block roads, attack Palestinians, damage property in Hebron and nr. Nablus, Rafah, Tulkarm. Off Gaza, a fishing boat laden with explosives detonates nr. an Israeli patrol ship, killing the suicide bomber. The IDF shells areas of Bayt Jala in response to Palestinian sniping at Gilo settlement. IDF chief of staff Mofaz says the IDF is preparing contingencies for the evacuation of all 7,000 Jewish settlers in Gaza. Barak allows the Gaza airport, closed since 10/22, to reopen. (ADM, LAW 11/7; al-Quds 11/7 in WNC 11/9; NYT, WP 11/8)

In keeping with the 10/17 Sharm agmts., the White House names fmr. senator George Mitchell (D-ME) to lead an inquiry into the causes of the Israeli-Palestinian clashes. Also named to the panel are fmr. Turkish pres. Suleyman Demirel, Norwegian FM Thorbjoern Jagland, fmr. senator Warren B. Rudman (R-NH), EU foreign policy dir. Solana. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/8; AYM 11/9 in WNC 11/13; MEI 11/24)

The Arab League closes its 2-day emergency session, issuing a nonbinding resolution calling for a $1 b. Palestinian aid fund, recommending Arab states postpone further normalization with Israel. Tunisia orders Israel to shut its representative offices it Tunis. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/23; MENA 10/23; HJ, IRNA 10/24 in WNC 10/25; HJ 10/24, 1025 HJ, SA 10/26 in WNC 10/30; WJW 10/26; MEI 10/27)

Barak formally suspends the peace process. In response, Arafat states that Palestinians have a right to an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital and "to accept it or not to accept--let [Barak] go to hell." Meanwhile, Israeli-Palestinian clashes escalate further, leaving 4 Palestinians dead, over 100 injured; 2 others die of injuries received earlier. The most violent exchange is nr. Bethlehem, where the IDF orders residents of Aida camp, Bayt Jala, Bayt Sahur to evacuate their homes before ordering machine guns, tanks, and helicopter gunships to fire into the area, targeting buildings fr. which snipers shot into nearby Gilo settlement and destroying 2 Palestinian factories, several houses, a power plant. The gunfire continues overnight. In Gaza, the IDF bulldozes Palestinian agricultural land along roads leading to Morag settlement. Israel also recloses the Gaza airport, reinstates the internal closure on PA areas, shuts crossings into Egypt and Jordan. (ADM 10/22; BDL, LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/23; MM 10/24; MA 10/24 in WNC 10/25; MEI 10/27; AYM 11/12 in WNC 11/13)

In Cairo, 1,000s of Egyptian students protest the failure of the Arab League summit to cut ties with or to call for military action against Israel. There are also reports of at least 1 Palestinian protest in Bethlehem denouncing Arab leaders, especially Mubarak, for the weak Arab League statement. Other rallies in support of the Palestinians are held in Bahrain, London, Ottawa. (WP 10/23; HJ 10/24, SA 10/26 in WNC 10/30; Bahrain Freedom Movement press release 10/25; MM 10/26)

Barak announces an inquiry will be held into the deaths of Israeli Arabs during the recent clashes and a 4-yr. development plan for Israeli Arab areas. Israeli Arabs complain that the inquiry's recommendations will be nonbinding. (NYT 10/23; WJW 10/26; MM 10/30)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike is observed in Bethlehem and Bayt Jala in solidarity with residents of Bayt Sahur [FJ 7/24].

Other Countries: Platform plank concerning Palestinian self-determination is debated at the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta: under a pre-arranged agreement the plank is removed from consideration [NYT 7/20].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 15-year-old Palestinian boy is shot, killed in an E. Jerusalem suburb setting off demonstrations inwhich 25 are arrested; policeman is seriously injured [WP 7/20].

Other Countries: Greek security officials state that leader of group that attacked tourist boat last week killing 9 people is associated with Abu Nidal.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: During weekly inner cabinet meeting, P.M. Shamir refuses to hold vote on U.S. peace proposal and rejects Sec. of State Shultz's 3/16 deadline for responding to plan [NYT, WP 3/7]. At military court in Jaffa, captain and 2 soldiers involved in beating detained Palestinians are charged with brutality and assault [NYT, WP 3/7]. Gazan dies from gunshot wounds suffered 3/4 [NYT 3/7]. General strike continues in occupied territories [Fl 3/13]. Al-Quds daily resumes distribution in Gaza Strip and W. Bank following 45-day Israeli-ordered ban [FJ 3/13]. Israel announces all print shops must obtain special permits from Office of the Interior in Beit El [FJ 3/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus' 'Askar refugee camp, soldiers shoot dead Palestinian youth; army says Palestinians may have opened fire. In Mazra'ah al-Sharqiyyah, near Ramallah, soldiers use live ammunition in effort to quell violent demonstrations, killing 1 and wounding another [WP, NYT 3/7]. Police use tear gas to disperse youths blockading streets in E. Jerusalem. Demonstrations break out in Ramallah, Bayt Sahur, and Bayt Jala following Sunday services [FJ 3/13]. Curfews continue in villages of Khadir, Bidiyyah, and Bani Na'im and 'Arrub camp [FJ 3/13]. In Gaza Strip, Beach camp residents defy curfew, clash with Israeli troops; soldiers respond with tear gas. Demonstrators in Burayj moum death of camp resident wounded by Israeli soldiers 3/4. Violent clashes are also reported in W. Bank's Am'ari, Qadduri, and 'Azzah refugee camps [FJ 3/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bir Zeit U. officials condemn 3/1 IDF raid on university [JP 3/5].

Arab World: Pres. Mubarak asserts PLO must be part of any negotiations [BG 3/5]. Fateh Second-in-Command Salah Khalaf (Abu lyad), PLO Central Com. Mbr. Mahmoud 'Abbas arrive in Amman to renegotiate portions of 2/11 Arafat-Hussein accord [MG 3/5].

Other Countries: US, Israel conclude free trade agreement; all tariffs between the 2 countries to be eliminated by 1995 [NYT 3/5]. US State Dept. rejects congressional request to allow PLO UN observer Zuhdi Terzi to travel to Washington and address members of Congress [WP 3/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF close 8 stores in Halhoul after Israeli taxi stoned. 2 detained in Beit Jalla after Israeli car similarly attacked [JP 3/5]. In Issawiya (jerusalem) Border Police destroy 2 homes built without permit [FJ 3/8].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: bomb explodes in Ma'rakah religious bldg., at least 12 killed, over 50 wounded; among the dead are 2 top Amal guerrilla leaders, Muhammad Saad, Khatit Jaradi; blast occurred less than 30 hrs. after IDF completed massive raid [NYT, LAT 3/5]. 16- yr.-old 'Ali Ma'rouf dies of heart attack while running from attacking IDF troops in Sila [NYT 3/10]. IDF raid Jabal Amal hospital in Tyre, beat director Dr. Ahmad Mroueh, fire shots, destroy property; at least 35 arrested, including some donating blood for victims of Ma'rakah blast [LAT 3/5]. IDF announce it will require special passes to cross Qasmiya Bridge on Litani River; southbound trucks carrying food, products across bridge also need permits; northbound vehicles forbidden, required to use Qa'qa'iya Bridge [JP 3/4]. 3 Katyushas fired at IDF post at Qasmiya Bridge. RPGs, shots fired at IDF posts in Bidias, Tyre. Roadside bombs explode near IDF vehicles In Tyre, 'Abbasiya. No casualties in any of the actions [JP 3/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel govt. publicizes conditions for complete withdrawal from S. Lebanon: Syrian commitment not to advance into area and to prevent guerrilla infiltration into area; continued deployment of SLA in undefined area adjacent to Israel-Lebanon border; and redeployment of UN troops north of SLA from sea coast to Syrian border. DM Rabin rejects Peace Now appeal to ban Gush Emunim Simhat Torah celebration & parade in al-Khalil (Hebron) planned as support for Jewish terror suspects now on trial. Mayors of Bethlehem, Beit Jala, Jericho, Qalqilya, Rafah & Khan Younis, and Hebron's education dep't. and village league heads attend cocktail reception for US Defense Sec. Weinberger given by DM Rabin.

Arab World: Lebanese gov't. announces readiness to talk directly with Israel on IDF pullout (before Israel publicizes its terms same day). In al-Siyasa (Kuwait) interview, Egypt's Pres. Mubarak says he rejects Israeli PM's offer for summit because Israel has not moved toward "comprehensive peace. "

Other Countries: US Defense Sec. Weinberger announces Reagan admin. will grant Israel access to latest US technology for Lavi fighter. American Federation of Ramallah (Palestine) endorses Reagan-Bush reelection. UN General Assembly votes (80-41, 22 abst.) to reject Irani challenge of Israel's credentials.