The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian-owned vehicle in al-Zawiya. An Israeli settler also rams a flock of sheep with his car in Kisan, killing 1 and injuring others. Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian with live ammunition during a raid in Qusra. Israeli forces also open fire at a Palestinian vehicle traveling in Hebron before arresting the driver. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 25 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Baqa al-Hatab, Jenin, Hebron, Tubas, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces prevent the movement of Palestinian worshippers to the Haram al-Sharif compound, limiting the entry to 13,000 worshippers for Friday prayers. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Beit Lahiya, killing at least 112 people. Israeli forces shoot and kill 4 Palestinians at al-Amal Hospital, including the Palestine Red Crescent Society’s director of the youth and volunteers department Hedaya Hamad. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Tayr Harfa, Wadi Hassan, Majdal Zoun, Marwahin, Zibqin, and Jabal Balat. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Damascus, killing an Iranian national and causing damage. In Yemen, Houthi militants fire a ballistic missile at Eilat, which Israel says is intercepted over the Red Sea. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/2; WAFA 2/3)

More than 27,131 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 11,500 children and 7,200 women, and around 66,287 have been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 374 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 94 children. More than 4,391 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, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 222 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,296 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% 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 Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. UNICEF says it estimates that 17,000 Palestinian children in Gaza have been left separated from their families during the Israeli assault on Gaza and that nearly all children in Gaza require mental health support. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 2/2; HA 2/4)

Hamas official Osama Hamdan says the ceasefire proposal by Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. is not acceptable, saying a permanent ceasefire is needed. Hamdan also says Hamas demands the release of Marwan Barghouthi and Ahmad Saadat in a prisoner swap as part of the deal. Islamic Jihad leader Ziad al-Nakhala speaks to Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, discussing the ceasefire proposal. (AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA 2/2; AJ 2/3)

Al-Haq, Al Mezan, and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights condemn the decision by the U.S., Germany, the UK, Canada, Australia, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Iceland, Japan, Austria, Latvia, Lithuania, and Romania to suspend funding for UNRWA, calling their decisions collective punishment of Palestinian refugees. (WAFA 2/2)

The Israeli security cabinet convenes for a briefing on the ceasefire proposal. Sources say that the proposal includes a 142-day ceasefire where 1 Israeli captive would be released every day. Many in the security cabinet reportedly oppose the plan. (HA 2/2)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant says Israel will not stop attacking Lebanon if a ceasefire deal is reached in Gaza. MK and former defense minister Avigdor Liberman tells the Jerusalem Post that Egypt should control Gaza, Jordan should control Area A and parts of Area B of the West Bank, while Israel annexes Area C and parts of Area B. (AJ, HA 2/2)

U.S. ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield says an Algerian-circulated draft resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza could jeopardize “sensitive negotiations” for a temporary ceasefire. (REU 2/2)

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau says he is considering sanctioning “those responsible for extremist violence or extreme settler violence in the West Bank.” The U.S. sanctioned 4 Israeli settlers on 2/1. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA 2/2)

The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee schedules a vote on 2/6 on a bill called “Stop Support for UNRWA ACT” that would bar the U.S. from making contributions to the agency. (INT 2/2)

U.S. senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) says he will introduce an amendment to the foreign aid supplemental package that would cut $10.1 billion in “offensive weaponry funding” to Israel, saying the U.S. “must end its complicity in the nightmare unfolding in Gaza.” (AJ 2/2)

More than 800 officials from the U.S., UK, and EU release a letter of dissent criticizing their nations’ policies of support for Israel’s war in Gaza. (AJ, NYT 2/2; WAFA 2/3)

An AP-NORC poll finds that 50% of Americans say the “military response from Israel in the Gaza Strip has gone too far” compared to 40% in early November 2023. (AJ, AX, AP 2/2; WAFA 2/3)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man succumbed to wounds sustained from Israeli forces last week in Tura. 2 Israeli settlers were injured in what was said to be an attack by Palestinians near the Rimonim settlement north of Wadi as-Seeq. Israeli settlers assaulted 5 Palestinians during raids in Deir Jarir, Qusra, Bethlehem, and Taybeh. Israeli settlers also vandalized homes, stole items, and assaulted Palestinians in Shaab al-Buum and Khirbet Saddet al-Tha’leh in the Masafer Yatta area. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers left leaflets in Deir Istiya warning Palestinians to flee to Jordan before they are forcefully expelled in the “great Nakba.” Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian child and injured another during a raid in Jalazone refugee camp. Nearly 100 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Biddu, Kobar, Arora, al-Mughayyir, al-Bireh, Bethlehem, Hebron, Sanour, and Marda. In Gaza, Israeli attacks killed at least 481 Palestinians, including 209 children. Israeli tanks entered Gaza, killing several people and damaging buildings. Israel also said it used combat helicopters to assassinate 4 Hamas members, Shadi Barud, Tareq Ma’ruf, Rafat Abbas, and Ibrahim Jadbah in Gaza City. Rockets were fired at Israel; no new injuries were recorded. In South Lebanon, Israeli forces attacked Ayta al-Shaab. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/26; HA, UNOCHA 10/27)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said at least 7,028 Palestinians have been killed, including at least 4,000 women and children, and 18,482 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. It is estimated that 1,600 people, including 900 children, were trapped in rubble. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 104 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 30 children. More than 1,956 have been injured. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals; 5,431 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1.4 million Palestinians, more than half the population in Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. As of 10/23, at least 27,781 housing units had been destroyed and 150,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. At least 45% of all housing units have been either destroyed or damaged in Israeli airstrikes. 12 truckloads of aid entered Gaza. (AJ, HA, WAFA 10/26; UNOCHA 10/27)

The Gaza Ministry of Health published the names and ID numbers of more than 7,000 Palestinians killed, including 2,665 children, in Israeli attacks since 10/7. The publication of the names comes 1 day after U.S. president Joe Biden questioned the reliability of the ministry’s data. (AJ, NYT 10/26)

PA minister of public works and housing minister Mohammad Ziyara said 200,000 housing units have been completely or partially destroyed by Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. Israel said that 224 people are being held captive in Gaza.  (AJ, WAFA 10/26)

Hamas leaders Bassem Naim and Moussa Abu Marzouk and Iranian deputy foreign minister Ali Baghiri Kani met with Russian deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bogdanov in Moscow. Israel condemned Russia for hosting members of Hamas. Hamas military spokesperson Abu Obeida said Israeli airstrikes have killed around 50 captives. Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh said in a speech that Israeli attacks on Gaza will “destabilize the entire region” and that the resistance in Gaza was “doing well.” (AJ, HA 10/26; AP, HA 10/27)

At the UN Security Council, PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki said Israel was waging “a war of revenge” with no real objective. Al-Maliki also met with ICC prosecutor Karim Khan in The Hague. The UN General Assembly also convened an emergency session. (REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/26)

The UAE, Jordan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, and Morocco released a joint statement, condemning the targeting of civilians, forced displacement, and collective punishment of Palestinians in Gaza. (AJ, HA 10/26)

EU leaders agreed on a final communique after a 7-hour-long meeting on the Israeli attacks on Gaza, calling for “humanitarian corridors” and “pauses.” (AJ 10/26)

Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said of Israeli attacks on Gaza, “it is not war, it is a genocide that has killed 2,000 children.” (AJ 10/26)

A venue in Israel canceled a Palestinian-Jewish conference after Israeli police warned the venue’s owner of “consequences.” The Higher Arab Monitoring Committee said Israel is “persecuting the Arab public, trying to prevent political meetings and silence them.” (HA 10/25; HA, HA 10/26)

The U.S. said it attacked 2 facilities with links to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps in Syria. The U.S. also deployed 900 troops to the Middle East. A Pentagon spokesperson said that they were not going to Israel. (AJ 10/26; AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT 10/27)

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution denouncing anti-Semitism on campuses. In related remarks, senators conflated criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism. The Anti-Defamation League sent 200 letters to campuses in the U.S. requesting that they investigate Students for Justice in Palestine for possibly violating a law prohibiting support for a foreign terrorist organization. (Congress, HA 10/26; INT 10/27)

A Gallup poll found that U.S. president Joe Biden lost 11 percentage points among Democrats since September and that his overall approval rating has dropped from 41 to 37. (AJ, HA 10/26)

Switzerland suspended financial support for 6 Palestinian and 5 Israeli NGOs, including Adalah, Al-Shabaka, Gisha, 7amleh, HaMoked, Jerusalem Legal Aid and Human Rights Centre, MIFTAH: The Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy, Palestinian Center for Human Rights, Palestinian NGO Network, Physicians for Human Rights, and the Women's Centre for Legal Aid and Counselling. Switzerland said it would analyze the feasibility of the programs. (HA 10/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military protection raided Qaryut; no injuries were reported. Israeli settlers also razed 10 dunams (2.5 acres) of Palestinian-owned land in al-Farisiya. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers stole 35 olive tree saplings near Azmut. Israeli forces razed Palestinian-owned land in Burin. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian man trying to enter Israel for work by the separation barrier near Tulkarm. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles northwest of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/24; PCHR 4/28; UNOCHA 5/13)

The Israeli high court of justice denied a petition to reopen an investigation into the killing of 4 Palestinian children by Israeli forces in 2014. The justices said the petitioners did not point to sufficient flaws in the attorney general’s decision to close the investigation. The petition was filed by Adalah, Al Mezan, and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights. (AP, HA, PCHR 4/24; WAFA 4/25; MDW 4/26; PCHR 4/27; AJ 4/30)

1 Palestinian man was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 1 Israeli man in Israel in 2020. The Palestinian man was also ordered to pay $79,000 to the family of the Israeli man. (HA, TOI, WAFA 4/24)

Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett spoke to U.S. president Joe Biden, who said he would be visiting Israel in the coming months. The 2 also discussed potential U.S. plans to delist the Iranian Revolutionary Guard from its list of terrorist organizations—a move Israel opposes—and violence in Jerusalem. (ABC, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HILL, JP, MEE, REU, TOI 4/24)

Jordanian king Abdullah II, Egyptian president Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, and UAE crown prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met in Cairo, discussing trilateral ties and the situation at the Haram al-Sharif compound. (NAT, TOI 4/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man during a late-night raid in Tubas; Islamic Jihad said the man was a member of the organization, and PCHR said the man was throwing stones at Israeli forces but posed no imminent threat to them when they shot him from a distance of 33 yards; 2 Palestinians were arrested during the raid. Israeli forces also demolished 1 grocery store, 1 vegetable store, and 1 gas station near Qalandia and demolished 1 residential structure and 5 agricultural structures in Tarqumiyah, displacing 4. Elsewhere, Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinian pupils heading to a school in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, injuring 1 with a tear gas canister to his arm and some 70 with tear gas. 11 Palestinians were arrested, including 8 during late-night raids in Ya‘bad, Bayt Dajan, and Zababdeh; 3 were arrested while driving near Beita. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Ras al-Amud In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian agricultural lands east of Maghazi; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/16; ALM, MEMO 11/17; PCHR 11/18)

It was reported in Israeli media that PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with new director of the Shin Bet Ronen Bar in the last week. The 2 were said to have discussed security coordination and efforts to reach a long-term ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Director Bar had also in recent days held meetings with head of Egyptian intelligence Abbas Kamel and Jordanian officials. (HA, JP, MEMO 11/16)

An Israeli military court refuted claims by defense and foreign ministers Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid that a Spanish woman working for Health Work Committees had any links to the 6 Palestinian rights organizations that Israel last month deemed terrorist. The 2 ministers had tried to justify the designation by using the conviction of the Spanish woman as evidence, which the military court then rejected. The Spanish woman was also sentenced by the military court to 13 months in prison and a fine of $16,000 after entering a plea deal. (HA 11/16; AP, TOI 11/17)

The cybersecurity firm ESET published a report saying that the Israeli spyware company Candiru’s spyware was used to hack 20 websites in the UK, Yemen, South Africa, Italy, Iran, and Syria, including Middle East Eye. The hackers were able to use the websites to gain access to computers of website visitors. (GDN, VICE 11/16; HA, MEMO 11/17)

U.S. ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield met with Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz in Israel. According to the readout from the meeting, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield urged Gantz to curb settlement activity. (HA 11/16; MEMO 11/17)

Palestine Legal submitted a civil rights complaint against the George Washington University (GWU) to the DC office for human rights for discriminating against Palestinians. High-level GWU administrators had forced its employees to cancel a session for Palestinian students experiencing trauma related to the Israeli assault on Gaza in May. In addition, organizers of the event at GWU were forced to apologize for the language used in advertising the event. (JC 11/16; MEE, WAFA 11/17)

UNRWA said that 8 countries had pledged $614 million during a donor conference hosted by Jordan and Sweden. (WAFA, WAFA 11/16; MEMO, WAFA 11/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinians in Ma’in, causing light injuries. Israeli settlers also set fire to a Palestinian-owned vehicle in Rujeib. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling between Jenin and Nablus. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinians in Burin, demolished parts of a house, and set fields on fire. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian child during a late-night raid in Tubas and injured 1 other by running him over. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in al-Fawar refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint near Huwwara, claiming he had tried to attack 2 Israeli soldiers. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 2, including 1 with live ammunition. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Yatta, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 2 with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Umar, injuring 1 minor with live ammunition and 3 others with rubber-coated bullets. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Bethlehem, Harmala, al-Khadir, and Dayr Sharif, resulting in tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 3 using rubber-coated bullets. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Tulkarm, injuring 3 with live ammunition. 40 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, al-Fawar refugee camp, Nablus, Tulkarm, Tubas, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 2 Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian with a sharp tool, slicing her face as she was leaving the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Tur, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet; others suffered tear-gas related injuries and 2 were arrested. 6 other Palestinians were arrested during house raids in the Old City, Jabal Mukabir, Silwan, and Shu‘fat. In Gaza, 34 Palestinians were killed, including 6 children, and dozens injured, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 30 to 64, including 16 children. The casualties included: 4 in a drone strike on a car east of Bayt Lahiya; 8, including 3 children, in 3 air strikes on apartment buildings in Gaza City; 1 child in an air strike on a butcher in Gaza City; 6 in a drone strike on a car in Gaza city, including 3 inside the car and 3 passersby; 1, and 1 wounded, in another air strike on a vehicle in Gaza City; 1 in an air strike in Khan Yunis; 1 in an air strike on agricultural lands near Khuza‘a; 4, and 2 injured, in a drone strike on Nuseirat refugee camp; 2, and 1 child injured, in an air strike on a liquefied petroleum gas distribution vehicle in Khan Yunis; 2, and 3 wounded, including 1 child, in an air strike on a house in Khan Yunis; 2, and 2 wounded, all children, after a helicopter fired missiles at a gas station in al-Fukhari; and the body of 1 Palestinian was found in rubble near Bayt Hanun, it was assessed that he was killed in an air strike on 5/10; the body of 1 Palestinian was found near a mosque in Rafah, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights said it was unclear if he had been killed by debris from an intercepted rocket or in an Israeli air strike. Hamas reported that the interior ministry and the passport office along with other government buildings had been hit by Israeli air strikes. Israeli air strikes also demolished 2 high-rise buildings, the 10-story al-Jawhara building, and the 14-story al-Shorouq building, which housed news outlets and other offices, and the headquarters of the interior ministry and UNRWA schools. In Israel, 1 Israeli soldier was killed and 2 injured from an anti-tank missile fired from Gaza and 1 child succumbed to injuries sustained in Sderot, raising the Israeli death toll to 7. Dozens of rockets were also fired at Israel from Gaza, most of them intercepted. A mob of Jewish-Israelis pulled 1 Palestinian-Israeli out of his car and beat him while tv cameras were rolling in Bat Yam; the man was said to be in serious condition. A mob of Jewish-Israelis also raided a number of Palestinian-owned businesses in Tel Aviv, causing severe damage. 1 Jewish-Israeli man was attacked by 5 Palestinian-Israelis in ‘Akka; he was said to be in serious condition. Jewish-Israelis also attacked a tent set up to mourn the death of 1 Palestinian-Israeli who was shot by a Jewish-Israeli on 5/10 in Lydda, throwing stones at the mourners. Elsewhere in Lydda, 1 Jewish-Israeli was shot and injured and 2 more were injured in stabbings, 21 Palestinian-Israelis were injured, including 1 by gunshot. Israeli police announced a nighttime curfew in Lydda from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. 1 Palestinian-Israeli man was injured when rammed by a car­ and beaten near Or Akiva. 1 Palestinian-Israeli was lightly injured by a mob of Jewish-Israelis while driving in Tiberias. 1 Jewish-Israeli was injured in a stabbing incident in Tamra. A mob of Jewish-Israelis also attacked 1 Palestinian-Israeli in Haifa. (AJ, NYT 5/11; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AP, BBC, CNN, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, PCHR, REU, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/12; AP, CNN, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 5/13; PCHR 5/14; TOI 5/16; HA 5/18; WAFA 5/19; PCHR 5/20; MEE 5/21; HA, NYT 5/26; HA 5/27)

1 Palestinian prisoner suspended a 56-day-long hunger strike as Israel promised not to renew his administrative detention after 7/17. (WAFA 5/12)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas discussed the current situation with EU high representative Josep Borrell, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Iraqi president Barham Salih. A White House statement also said that U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke with President Abbas and they discussed “the violence in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, and the Secretary expressed his condolences for the lives lost as a result. The Secretary condemned the rocket attacks and emphasized the need to de-escalate tensions and bring the current violence to an end.” (HA, WAFA 5/12)

At a security cabinet meeting, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other ministers decided not to accept a potential ceasefire and continue its attack on Gaza for the time being. (HA 5/13)

Israeli president Reuven Rivlin condemned what he called a “pogrom” by “an Arab mob” on 5/11, despite the majority of the violence in Israel being perpetrated against Palestinian-Israelis. (HA 5/12)

Turkey said that its president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Russia’s president Vladimir Putin had discussed the situation in Jerusalem and Gaza, and that Turkey had called for international action against Israel. (AJ, AP, REU 5/12)

U.S. president Joe Biden said, during a press conference, that he believes that “Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying in your territory,” and that his “hope is that we’ll see this coming to conclusions sooner than later.” President Biden also spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu, where he gave his “unwavering support for Israel’s security and for Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself and its people, while protecting civilians,” according to the readout. The Biden administration also dispatched deputy assistant secretary of state for Israel and Palestine Hady Amr to Israel for talks with Palestinian and Israeli officials. The White House said that senior officials have had more than 25 calls with officials from Israel, the PA, Qatar, Tunisia, Jordan, and Egypt about the situation. (HA 5/12; NYT 5/13)

25 house democrats signed a letter circulated by Marie Newman (D-IL) and Mark Pocan (D-WI) urging secretary of state Antony Blinken to condemn the planned evictions of Palestinian families from Shaykh Jarrah. (HA 5/13)

ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said that she was following the situation in Gaza and Jerusalem with concern. (MEE, REU, WAFA 5/12)

The UN security council held a 2d meeting in 3 days to discuss the escalation of the conflict between Palestine and Israel. (TOI 5/12)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli firefighters put out a large fire in Kissufim Forest that was reportedly sparked by an incendiary balloon flown from Gaza. In the evening, an Israeli aircraft conducts a retaliatory air strike on a Hamas site near Khan Yunis, causing no injuries or damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha refugee camp near Bethlehem overnight, arresting 1 Palestinian and sparking clashes; 3 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in and around Tulkarm and patrol near Hebron. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to several Bedouin homes and barns under construction near Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and injure 11 Palestinians during clashes sparked by an arrest raid in Abu Dis. They also arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in Ras al-Amud and the Old City. (MNA, MNA, WAFA 10/25; MNA 10/26; PCHR 11/1)

Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman says that Egypt and the UN have requested that Israel give them one more chance to de-escalate the situation in the context of the ongoing talks on a potential Israel-Hamas cease-fire agreement. He says that they are asking Israel to ease restrictions on Gaza in exchange for Hamas imposing limitations on resistance activities along the border fence. (JP, MNA 10/25)

The Israeli government approves the construction of more than 20,000 new housing units for Israeli settlers in Ma’ale Adumim, a settlement east of Jerusalem. The move comes in the context of a new agreement signed by Israel’s Construction and Housing Ministry and the Ma’ale Adumim Municipality. Also in that context, the government permits the immediate construction of 470 previously approved housing units. “In addition to the new housing units, public and educational institutions will also be established, and will include synagogues, schools, parks, community centers and sports arenas,” says Construction and Housing Minister Yoav Gallant. “We must continue to establish [our] hold on the Jerusalem area.” (IHY, MNA 10/28; FMEP 11/2)

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi insists that the Jordanian government is still committed to its 1994 peace treaty with Israel, despite King Abdullah’s 10/21 decision not to renew 2 annexes therein “We acted within the provisions of the peace treaty,” he says. “This is an indication of our commitment to the peace treaty. There has never been a question of our solid commitment to the treaty.” (EI, JP, REU, TOI, YA 10/25)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara fly to Oman to meet with Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Because Oman and Israel have no formal diplomatic ties, the visit is seen as an indication of a growing relationship between Israel and Oman. After Netanyahu meets with the sultan, his office states that they discussed ways to achieve “peace and stability in the Middle East” and that the visit marks a “significant step in implementing the policy outlined by Prime Minister Netanyahu on deepening relations with the states of the region while leveraging Israel’s advantages in security, technology and economic matters.” (AP, JP, NYT, REU 10/26; HA 10/27)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian in central Hebron after he stabs and lightly injures an Israeli soldier. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian at a checkpoint near Nablus when he is found to be in possession of a knife. They conduct overnight raids in Tulkarm, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries reported. They arrest 6 Palestinians on further raids in and around Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Hebron; and patrol near Nablus and Hebron. Israeli forces raze 14 dunams (approximately 3.4 acres) of Palestinian land outside Hebron, uprooting approximately 320 olive and almond trees and demolishing 3 water wells. They uproot an additional 60 olive and orange saplings from Palestinian land near Jericho. Israeli settlers puncture the tires of 7 Palestinian-owned vehicles and leave racist graffiti on nearby walls in Marda village near Salfit overnight. Along Gaza’s border overnight, IDF troops violently disperse dozens of Palestinians setting fire to tires, lighting fireworks, and otherwise continuing the Great March of Return near al-Bureij refugee camp; 4 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, hundreds of Palestinians gathering near Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return and to cheer on a number of Palestinian boats sailing in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade. IDF troops stationed along the border fence and Israeli naval forces disperse the demonstrations; 46 Palestinians are injured (4 seriously). Israeli firefighters put out 3 fires in open areas near Ashqelon that were reportedly sparked by incendiary kites and balloons flown from Gaza. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries (2 fishermen are arrested). (HA, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/22; MNA 10/23; PCHR 10/25)

A senior IDF officer says that the IDF recently identified a new Hezbollah observation post built to look like an environmental NGO site along the Israel-Lebanon border. It is the 6th such site the IDF has identified this year. “Hezbollah is building military infrastructure along the border with its men moving there armed when they are watching the Israeli border,” the officer says. “This is military infrastructure in civilian guise.” A UNIFIL spokesperson responds, rejecting Israel’s claim that there are armed forces in border zone. “UNIFIL has not observed any unauthorized armed persons at the locations or found any basis to report a violation of [UNSC] Resolution 1701 but continues to monitor activities closely.”  (HA, JP, TOI 10/22)

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi says that Jordan has no plans to negotiate with Israel over the 2 pieces of land that were leased to Israel for 25 years in the context of the 1994 Jordan-Israel peace treaty (Jordan’s King Abdullah announced plans not to renew those leases on 10/21). “We are a country with international standing,” he says. “We acted by the letter of the law and we have the tools to protect our interests.” (HA, TOI 10/22)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest the PA’s governor of Jerusalem, Adnan Ghaith, during a raid in Bayt Hanina. They accuse him of an undisclosed “violation” in the West Bank. Israeli forces also arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Kafr 'Aqab. Meanwhile, approximately 50 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. In the West Bank, IDF troops deliver stop-work orders to 3 Palestinian homes under construction in al-Wajala village near Bethlehem; arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Tulkarm. (MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/21; PCHR 10/25)

Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman orders the Kerem Shalom and Erez border crossings with Gaza to be re-opened, days after he ordered them closed in response to escalating violence along Gaza’s border on 10/17. He also says he will consider re-allowing transfers of Qatari-funded fuel for Gaza’s only power plant (he ordered them to halt after a bout of violence on 10/12). Today’s decision reportedly comes after Lieberman conferred with top security officials and verified Hamas’s efforts to limit the violence along Gaza’s border in recent days. (HA, MNA, TOI 10/21)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu postpones for “a short time” the planned evacuation and demolition of Jerusalem-area Bedouin village Khan al-Ahmar. According to sources in Netanyahu’s office, the prime minister wants to give more time for the ongoing negotiations on relocation sites, including a new proposal from the residents. The residents reportedly offered to move 500 meter north to the outskirts of Anata refugee camp “The amount of time to achieve this consent will be determined by [Israel’s cabinet],” he says. “I will convene it today. It will make a decision. The timetable will be short. I believe the evacuation will also be consensual.” Israeli defense minister Lieberman says that the Netanyahu made this decision “despite [his] strong objections.” (HA, HA, HA, JP, MNA, TOI 10/21)

Jordan’s King Abdullah announces that earlier today he informed the Israeli government that he does not intend to renew 2 annexes of the 1994 Jordan-Israel peace treaty. The annexes specifically stipulated that Jordan would lease 2 areas of land along the Israel-Jordan border to Israel for a period of 25 years. Netanyahu responds that he intends to negotiate with Jordan on extending the lease. “There is no doubt the agreement is an important asset,” he adds. (HA, JT, TOI 10/21; JP 10/22)

Approximately 1,500 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 injured, including 2 journalists. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops raid a Palestinian boys school near Nablus, sparking minor clashes; there are no reported injuries. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. Separately, PA security forces arrest dozens of Hamas affiliates during raids across the West Bank. The raids come one day after Hamas security forces summoned dozens of Fatah members for interrogation in Gaza. In East Jerusalem, approximately 1135 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif to commemorate Sukkot, sparking minor confrontations between their Israeli security escort and Palestinian worshippers; there are no reported injuries or arrests. Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in Qalandia refugee camp, Biddu, and the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land near Khan Yunis and Bayt Lahiya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 9/27; PCHR 10/4)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas addresses the UN General Assembly in New York City, calling on the Trump administration to reverse its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, reinstate aid to UNRWA, and oppose Israel’s settlement enterprise. “It is ironic that the [Trump] administration still talks about what they call the ‘Deal of the Century,’” he says. “But what is left for this administration to give to the Palestinian people?" He also calls on Hamas to implement their 12/7/17 reconciliation agreement and give up control of Gaza to the PA. In response, Hamas releases a statement calling Abbas’s speech a “declaration of failure” on the stalled Palestinian reconciliation process. (HA, TOI, YA 9/27; DPA, HA, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, TOI, YA, YA 9/28)

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi says that Germany, Sweden, the EU, Japan, and Turkey, as well as a number of other countries, collectively pledged $118 million to UNRWA at a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York City this week. Meanwhile, the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, the main policy-level fundraising body for the Palestinians, meets in New York to discuss an proposed humanitarian aid package for Gaza. (HA, JP, MNA 9/28; TOI 9/29)

After meeting with Rwandan president Paul Kagame, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces that Israel and Rwanda will soon open embassies in each other’s countries. Netanyahu also says Kagame wants to start a direct flight between Kigali and Tel Aviv. (TOI 9/29)

In retaliation for the incendiary kite and balloon attacks from Gaza on 6/17, the IAF conducts air strikes on 9 Hamas sites across Gaza overnight, causing major damage. Unidentified Palestinians in Gaza then launch 3 rockets toward southern Israel; 2 land in open areas, causing no damage or injuries (the third falls short of the border fence). Also along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on 4 Palestinians allegedly attempting to cross the fence into Israel near Gaza City; 1 Palestinian is killed and the other 3 are injured. The IDF reports that the men were attempting to sabotage “security infrastructure.” In the evening, the IAF conducts another round of air strikes across Gaza, targeting Hamas and other armed groups’ infrastructure. In the West Bank, IDF troops assault Palestinian farmers traveling from Hebron to Jerusalem and confiscate the crops they are bringing to market. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a number of Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest a senior Islamic Waqf guard at the sanctuary. They also set up a new watchtower outside one of the main entrances. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 6/18; MNA 6/19; PCHR 6/21)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops violently dispersed protesters along Gaza’s border near al-Maghazi refugee camp on 5/30, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 123. (PCHR 6/21)

In a statement, PA president Abbas rejects the U.S. plan, first reported on 6/17, to raise money for relief efforts in Gaza, accusing the Trump administration of attempting to separate Gaza from the West Bank in the name of “humanitarian aid or rehabilitation.” (HA 6/18)

Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with Jordan’s King Abdullah II in Amman. They discuss a number of regional issues, including the Palestinians. It is their first public meeting since 11/2014. (JP 6/19)

Approximately 2,000 Palestinians, including Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, gather along Gaza’s border fence to perform the traditional morning prayer marking Eid al-Fitr. IDF troops then violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians who joined protests after the prayer near Rafah and Khan Yunis. For the third time in as many days, the IDF attacks Palestinians reportedly preparing to fly incendiary kites into Israel. An Israeli drone bombs a Hamas observation post near Rafah, causing no reported injuries. Armed Gazans fly a number of incendiary kites across the border fence throughout the day, sparking at least 11 fires in Israel. Separately, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel near Jabaliya refugee camp. In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron and violently disperse Palestinians gathering in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya to protest the Israeli occupation; 2 Palestinians are arrested. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Silwan. (HA, MNA, TOI 6/15; TOI 6/16; PCHR 6/21)

U.S. president Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner and U.S. special representative Jason Greenblatt meet with UN secretary-general António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres in New York City, days ahead of their week-long trip to the Middle East for meetings on their long-awaited peace plan. The trip is set to include stops in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. (HA 6/17)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid near Hebron, and patrol in and around Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians gathering near the Old City to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital; 1 Palestinian is injured and another is arrested. (PCHR 1/11)

A group of Arab diplomats meets in Amman to coordinate their responses to U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Concluding the meeting, Jordan’s FM Ayman Safadi announces that they have agreed to push for the recognition of a State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital. They do not make any announcements concerning the implementation of the Amman Summit resolutions of 1980, which PA FM al-Maliki said the Palestinians would be pushing for at this meeting on 12/28. (TOI 1/6; HA 1/7; REU 1/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up a mobile home on Palestinian land east of Nablus. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tubas, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish the foundation of a building under construction in Shu‘fat refugee camp. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Bayt Hanina and al-Tur. (WAFA 12/5; PCHR 12/7)

After days of speculation and rumors, U.S. pres. Trump calls PA pres. Abbas to tell him that he plans to move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and to invite the Palestinian leader for a meeting at the White House before the end of the month. According to a PA spokesperson, Abbas warns Trump of the “dangerous repercussions.” Trump also calls Israeli PM Netanyahu, Saudi king Salman bin Abdulaziz, Jordanian king Abdullah, Russian pres. Vladimir Putin, and Egyptian pres. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to inform them of his decision. (AP, HA, MNA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA 12/5)

In response to Pres. Trump’s plan to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and to move the U.S. embassy there, several Palestinian factions and Islamist groups jointly declare 3 “days of rage” to begin on 12/6. Later, the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem issues a travel warning calling on U.S. citizens to avoid the West Bank and the Old City of Jerusalem. (HA, TOI 12/5)

Lebanese PM Saad Hariri formally rescinds his resignation, which threw Lebanon and much of the Middle East into turmoil when he announced it on Saudi television on 11/4 (see JPS 47 [2]). (AA, REU, TOI 12/5)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 19 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Jenin, and Qalqilya; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Wadi al-Juz and Jabal Mukabir. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya 4 times, causing no damage or injuries. (PCHR 8/10)

Jordan’s King Abdullah meets with PA pres. Abbas in Ramallah to discuss the recent tension at Haram al-Sharif, the U.S.-led peace efforts, and regional developments. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/7)

After yet another day of heightened tensions at Haram al-Sharif, the Israeli security cabinet decides to remove the metal detectors installed at the entrances to the sanctuary after the deadly attack, on 7/14 in the evening. A senior Israeli official says that some cameras installed on 7/23 will be removed as well. In a statement, the cabinet says it has “accepted the recommendation of all of the security bodies to incorporate security measures based on advanced technologies and other measures instead of metal detectors to ensure the security of visitors and worshippers in the Old City and [at Haram al-Sharif].” According to the Israeli press, the new measures include heat-sensing “smart cameras” with facial recognition technology, and that their installation will be part of a NIS 100 m. (approx. $28 m.) plan that could take as long as 6 mos. to implement. (MNA, WAFA, YA 7/24; TOI 7/25)

Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with Palestinians in Hizma n. of Jerusalem; 1 Palestinian is seriously injured (he will succumb to his injuries on 7/27). In the West Bank, Birzeit University students march toward a checkpoint outside the Beit El settlement nr. Ramallah to protest the 7/21 killings. IDF troops violently disperse them, injuring 4. IDF troops also patrol in Nablus, Sa‘ir nr. Hebron, and al-Khadir nr. Bethlehem, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 2 Palestinians are injured. The IDF arrests 19 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Nablus, Jenin, Qalqilya, Jericho, and Ramallah; and conducts further patrols nr. Hebron and Nablus. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian allegedly attempting to sneak into Israel armed with a knife. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya twice, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/24; MNA 7/25; PCHR 7/27)

Following a day of Israeli-Jordanian tensions and negotiations over the deadly attack in Amman on 7/23, the Jordanian authorities allow the staff of the Israeli Embassy in Jordan, including the security guard who killed the 2 Jordanians, to return to Israel. The Israeli authorities first allow Jordanian police to hear the guard’s description of the incident. With rumors to the contrary circulating on social media, the Israeli press reports that Jordan did not condition the release of the guard on the removal of the metal detectors at Haram al-Sharif. (HA, MNA, TOI 7/24; MNA 7/25)

U.S. rep. Greenblatt arrives in Israel to “support efforts to reduce tensions in the region,” according to a senior Trump admin. official. “Pres. Trump and his administration are closely following unfolding events in the region,” the official adds. “We are engaged in discussions with the relevant parties and are committed to finding a res. to the ongoing security issues.” Meanwhile, the UNSC holds a closed-door meeting on the Haram al-Sharif crisis. No details of the discussion are reported. (HA, TOI 7/24)

Tensions remain high at Haram al-Sharif, as Palestinians hold a “day of rage” across the oPt. Muslim worshippers clash with Israeli forces after midday prayers at the Lion’s Gate to the Old City; 2 Palestinians are injured and arrested. Elsewhere, Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters clash with Israeli forces at Qalandia checkpoint, Shu‘fat, Ramallah, and Bethlehem; at least 8 Palestinians are injured. Protests in Nablus and Tubas are without incident. Meanwhile, after a number of Jewish settlers perform religious rituals at Haram al-Sharif, the Israeli police temporarily suspended Jewish visitation rights to the sanctuary. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/19; PCHR 7/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate water pumps and tanks from Bedouin villages in the n. Jordan Valley. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Nablus, and Tulkarm; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 10 Palestinians during raids in Silwan, al-Tur, Issawiyya, and Shu‘fat r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/19; PCHR 7/20; PCHR 7/27)

After consulting with top security officials, Israeli PM Netanyahu says, “We want to solve this crisis in the quietest way possible and to bring back the calm.” Israel’s security agencies reportedly support removing the new metal detectors. Separately, a White House spokesperson says that the U.S. is “very concerned” about the situation and calls on “the State of Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to make a good faith effort to reduce tensions and to find a solution that assures public safety and the security of the site and maintains the status quo.” (TOI 7/19; SA, TOI 7/20)

Israel’s Knesset passes a preliminary reading of the “United Jerusalem Law,” which the Ministerial Comm. for Legislation approved on 7/16. (KNE, MNA, TOI 7/19; HA 7/20)

Three Palestinian citizens of Israel open fire on Israeli police officers in the Old City of Jerusalem, critically injuring 3 (2 succumb to their injuries later in the day). The attackers seek refuge at Haram al-Sharif, and Israeli forces shoot and kill all 3. Israeli police deploy heavily across the Old City, block off all entrances to Haram al-Sharif, and cancel Friday prayers at the sanctuary, forcing Muslim worshippers to pray in the streets. They also detain and interrogate 58 Islamic Waqf employees. With tensions running high across the city, an unidentified assailant throws a Molotov cocktail at an Israeli settler family driving through Silwan; 3 of the settlers are injured, including an infant. Israeli forces conduct raids in Abu Dis, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; at least 25 are arrested. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, arresting 3 Palestinians and sparking clashes; 1 Palestinian is killed. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian cars driving nr. Bethlehem, causing no injuries or major damage. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Jabaliya r.c.; 2 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also patrols in and around Qalqilya and Hebron. (EI, HA, MNA, NYT, PNN, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/14; MNA 7/15; PCHR 7/20)

PA pres. Abbas phones Israeli PM Netanyahu to condemn the morning’s attack in Jerusalem and to denounce violence on both sides, particularly at holy sites. He also calls for Netanyahu to reopen Haram al-Sharif. Netanyahu reportedly tells Abbas that he will uphold the status quo at the sanctuary, but that Israeli forces will maintain security at all costs. Abbas later calls on Jordan to intervene, and the Jordanian govt. releases a statement calling on Israel to reopen the sanctuary. (HA, TOI, WAFA 7/14; HA 7/16)

After shutting down on 7/12, the Gaza power plant resumes operations, with 3 of its turbines supplying 70 MW to the local grid. It’s unclear if the fuel required came from Egypt or somewhere else. (MNA 7/15)

IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Hebron and patrol nr. Qalqilya and Nablus during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers enter Silwan en masse after an Israeli settler vehicle is found burned in the neighborhood overnight, leading to minor clashes between the Israeli forces escorting them and Palestinian residents of the neighborhood (there are no serious injuries). Separately, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian student during a raid in Bayt Hanina late at night. (PCHR 6/16) COGAT confirms that, beginning today and ending on 9/10, the Allenby Bridge border crossing between Jordan and the West Bank will be open 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. (MNA 6/10)

Unidentified fighters launch a rocket from Gaza into Israel, which lands in an open area nr. Ashqelon, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF then launches 3 rounds of air strikes on open areas and Hamas posts nr. Bayt Lahiya, Gaza City, and Khan Yunis, injuring 3 Palestinians and causing extensive damage (1 chicken farm is completely destroyed in Gaza City, killing 1,000 chickens). IDF troops stationed along the border fence also open fire on Hamas posts nr. Bayt Hanun, causing bird hunters and farmers to flee the area. Earlier, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land along the border fence in s. Gaza. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to a Palestinian road under construction nr. Tubas. They also confiscate 3 drills. IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Jenin, Tulkarm, and Ramallah, and patrol during the day nr. Salfit, Qalqilya, and Ramallah. They also detain a Palestinian TV crew covering settlement growth nr. Nablus. Meanwhile, Palestinians living nr. Nablus discover that Israeli settlers have cut down 600 of their almond and olive trees. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/6; PCHR 2/9)

The Israeli Knesset passes, 60–52, the so-called regulations bill into law, retroactively authorizing settlements built “in good faith or at the state’s instruction” on privately owned Palestinian land. France, Jordan, Turkey, the EU, the UN, the Palestinians, and the UK all denounce the new law, but the U.S. does not offer a direct comment. Instead, a White House spokesperson says that the Trump admin. needs to “have a chance to fully consult with all parties on the way forward.” (AJ, EI, JP, NYT, TOI 2/6; HA, JP, TOI 2/7)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron and Nablus. They also patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in Ras al-Amud, Issawiyya, and the Old City. (MNA 1/22; PCHR 1/26)

The Jerusalem Municipality’s Local Planning and Building Comm. approves the construction of 566 new residences in Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem. Israeli PM Netanyahu reportedly ordered the plans to be put on hold until Donald Trump was sworn in as U.S. pres. on 1/20. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/22; MNA 1/23)

At the Israeli cabinet’s weekly meeting, Netanyahu says that he no longer supports the so-called regulations bill, which would retroactively authorize hundreds of illegal settlement outposts in the West Bank. He says “it’s possible” that the bill led to the UNSC’s res. condemning settlements on 12/23, and that it would be “irresponsible” to advance it further. Netanyahu also argues that a vote on a bill annexing the Ma’ale Adumim settlement bloc should be postponed until at least after he meets with U.S. pres. Trump. Jewish Home ministers agree to the postponement only after Netanyahu says he supports lifting restrictions on settlement construction in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 1/22)

PA pres. Abbas meets with Jordan’s King Abdullah in Amman to discuss U.S. pres. Trump’s campaign pledge to move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. They agree to “take a number of measures” if the embassy is relocated, according to the official PA news site. (JP, WAFA, YA 1/22)

A Hamas fighter dies in a tunnel accident nr. Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on a Palestinian fishing boat nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries. They also arrest 2 of the fishermen and confiscate their boat. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin, and patrol during the day nr. Salfit, Hebron, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during raids in Issawiyya, Sur al-Bahir, Shu‘fat r. c., Issawiyya, and Silwan. (MNA, MNA, WAFA 12/4; PCHR 12/8)

Israeli PM Netanyahu and DM Lieberman permit the transfer of 5 armored vehicles from Jordan to the PA because of the deteriorating security situation in the oPt, particularly in Nablus, according to an Israeli spokesperson. The PA has been requesting approval for such transfers for at least 4 years. (MNA, TOI 12/7)

After mos. of negotiations and intracoalition struggle, Netanyahu resolves several conflicts over the illegal Amona settlement outpost. First, he secures Atty. Gen. Avichai Mandelblit’s approval for the govt.’s plan to relocate the 40-odd families from Amona to a nearby plot of “abandoned” land. Second, he announces plans to petition the High Court of Justice for a 30-day delay of its evacuation and demolition order to give his govt. time to prepare temporary alternate housing for Amona’s residents. Third, he brokers a deal with Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon and Education Minister Naftali Bennett on the so-called regulations bill, which Bennett is backing in order to retroactively authorize the illegal West Bank settlement outposts, including Amona. Netanyahu and Kahlon agree to reverse their positions and support the bill as long as Clause 7, the provision that specifically addresses Amona, is removed. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 12/4; HA, JP, YA 12/5)

In the heaviest day of violence since the beginning of 7/2016, Israeli forces kill 2 Palestinians and 1 Jordanian in East Jerusalem and the Hebron area. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Jordanian youth outside the Old City of Jerusalem after he allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli soldier. An eyewitness reports that the youth did not attack anyone, and that he only yelled “Allahu akbar” when the Israeli forces asked him to lift his shirt. Israeli forces later find a knife on his body. IDF troops open fire on 2 Palestinians allegedly attempting a ramming attack outside Kiryat Arba settlement nr. Hebron, killing 1 and seriously injuring the other; 3 Israelis are injured in the alleged ramming. Separately, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian youth in c. Hebron after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli soldier at a checkpoint. Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian in c. Hebron after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli soldier. After the attacks, an officer with Israel’s COGAT says that the IDF will impose strict punishments on the attackers’ home villages, including Bani Na‘im. The IDF then shuts down a number of checkpoints in Hebron and the entrances to Bani Na‘im, declaring the village and c. Hebron closed military zones. Israeli troops conduct raids in Bani Na‘im late at night, issuing 2 Palestinians arrest summons. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 9/16; HA 9/17; PCHR 9/22)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 4 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, and Jalazun r.c.), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 4 Palestinians are injured. They also disperse Palestinian stone-throwers nr. Nablus, arresting 1; arrest 1 Palestinian and issue 2 arrest summons during raids and house searches nr. Bethlehem, Salfit, Hebron, and Ramallah; and patrol nr. Salfit, Nablus, Ramallah, and Hebron throughout the day. Unidentified assailants throw stones at an Israeli bus traveling between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim settlement, injuring the driver. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces search cars and detain a handful of Palestinians during patrols in Silwan, sparking clashes with stonethrowing residents of the area; 2 Palestinians are injured. A Palestinian man demolishes his own home in Jabal Mukabir to avoid paying for Israeli demolition crews. (MNA 9/16; PCHR 9/22)

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

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

An explosive device detonates on a bus in s. Jerusalem, injuring at least 20 Israelis (2 seriously). A Palestinian injured in the blast will succumb to his wounds on 4/20. Israeli officials treat it as a terrorist attack, and the Israeli police and security services begin investigations. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinian youths after they allegedly assault an Israeli youth in the Old City; arrest 7 Palestinian youths and confiscate some property during raids in Shu‘fat r.c., Qalandia r.c., Ras al-Amud, and the Old City; and shoot tear gas canisters at Palestinian schoolchildren in Ras al-Amud, causing no serious injuries. Israeli forces also raid and search a newspaper company’s offices. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot tear gas canisters at a school nr. Hebron, causing minor injuries; conduct raids and house searches nr. Bethlehem, Ramallah, Qalqilya, and in and around Hebron, arresting 10 Palestinians, issuing arrest summons to 4, and confiscating some property; patrol nr. Ramallah and Jericho. Along Gaza’s border, Egyptian forces flood and partially destroy a smuggling tunnel leading into the n. Sinai Peninsula. A military court in Gaza sentences 5 Palestinians to death on charges related to collaborating with Israel. A Palestinian woman is injured when she accidentally detonates a piece of unexploded Israeli ordnance in Gaza City. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 4/18; JP, MNA, TOI 4/19; HA, MNA 4/20; PCHR 4/21)

The IDF lifts a gag order on the news that it discovered a tunnel leading from s. Gaza into Israel earlier this week (they will demolish it on 4/19). Hamas’s military wing says “this tunnel is just a drop in the ocean of what the resistance has prepared for the defense of its people and the liberation of holy places, land, and prisoners.” (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 4/18; JP 4/19)

Citing Palestinian complaints and reservations, Jordan’s PM Abdullah Ensour says that Jordan has decided to halt the process of installing cameras at Haram al-Sharif following mos. of stalled negotiations with Israeli officials. (JP, MNA, TOI, YA 4/18; HA 4/19, 4/27)

A violent outburst in Hebron punctuates a period of relative calm in the West Bank. IDF troops shoot and kill 2 Palestinians in Hebron’s Old City after they allegedly stab and moderately injure an Israeli soldier. A video of the incident later shows that an IDF soldier killed 1 of the alleged assailants after he had been detained and disarmed. Meanwhile, the Israeli authorities keep the Erez border crossing closed for the 2d of 3 planned days, and maintain the closure of the West Bank, as decided on 3/22. IDF troops conduct late-night house searches and raids nr. Ramallah, Jenin, and Bethlehem, arresting 2 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to another 2; patrol nr. Tulkarm and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, over 50 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif while 4 Palestinians are detained outside the sanctuary. Palestinian men under 50 are still banned from entering. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 3/24; HA, TOI 3/25; HA 3/27; HA 3/29; PCHR 3/31; VN 4/28)

Jordan’s FM Nasser Judeh meets with PA pres. Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah to discuss the ongoing Jordanian-Israeli negotiations on new surveillance infrastructure at Haram al-Sharif. Judeh relays a message to Abbas that Jordan plans to go ahead with the 10/24/2015 agreement to do so. (JP, TOI 3/24)

The UN Human Rights Council approves a res., 32–0, with 15 abstentions, condemning Israel’s settlements and calling for the creation of a “blacklist” of all Israeli and international firms operating directly or indirectly in Gaza, the West Bank, and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 3/24; HA 3/25)

In Gaza, dozens of Palestinians gather outside the Ministry of Public Works and Housing offices to protest the PA’s alleged postponement of disbursals of money donated by Kuwait for the reconstruction of Gaza. The protesters call on Kuwait’s govt. to make the PA distribute the funds. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night raids and house searches nr. Hebron and Bethlehem, arresting 3 Palestinians; patrol nr. Tulkarm, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in the Old City and al-‘Izzariya. (JP 3/20; PCHR 3/24)

Jordan’s Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Hayel Dawood clarifies plans to establish surveillance infrastructure at Haram al-Sharif, stating that Jordan will install 55 cameras to monitor the outdoor areas at the sanctuary, and that the video feed will be broadcast live over the Internet. His statement comes after a 3/18 report clarifying Jordan’s plans to implement the 10/24/2015 IsraeliJordanian agreement to install cameras at the sanctuary. (HA 3/20)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian after he allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli soldier at the Gush Etzion junction nr. Bethlehem. Palestinian witnesses say that the alleged attacker got out of his car without anything in his hands when the Israeli soldiers opened fire, unprovoked. Israeli soldiers also arrest a journalist documenting the incident. Separately, Israeli soldiers arrest 2 Palestinians accused of preparing to carry out a stabbing attack outside a settlement nr. Jerusalem. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 areas along Gaza’s border, 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 3 Palestinians are injured. They also conduct late-night raids and house searches in and around Bethlehem, arresting 3 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 9; patrol in Hebron and 8 nearby villages, as well as 3 villages nr. Ramallah. Meanwhile, the IDF maintains, for a 2d day, the closure of the Bethlehem-area village of the 2 Palestinians suspected of carrying out a stabbing attack on 3/17, blocking both entrances and exits except for humanitarian cases. Israeli soldiers also conduct raids in the village, arresting at least 1 Palestinian. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian shepherd working nr. Khan Yunis. (HA, MNA, TOI 3/18; PCHR 3/24)

Following mos. of stalled talks, Jordan’s Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications Mohammad Momani says that cameras will be installed at Haram al-Sharif in the coming days, implementing the 10/24/2015 Israeli-Jordanian agreement. The Israeli govt. does not comment on the reports, leading to speculation that Al Momani was merely restating Jordan’s position in the ongoing negotiations. (JP 3/19; AP 3/20)

The Israeli crackdown on the oPt amid the ongoing wave of violence continues. IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinians outside a settlement nr. Ramallah and along Gaza’s border e. of Khan Yunis, injuring 4. Meanwhile, the IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Jerusalem and Jenin, sparking clashes with stone-throwers (2 Palestinians are injured with live ammunition); conducts raids around Jenin and patrols across the West Bank. Masked assailants assault Palestinian Legislative Council mbr. Mustafa Barghouti in Ramallah, shouting “let the intifada protect you” and causing minor injuries before fleeing the area. The PA then launches an investigation into the attack. Israeli settlers continue assaults on Palestinians and their property, damaging a Palestinian greenhouse nr. Jenin; setting fire to a car in East Jerusalem and leaving price-tag graffiti nr. the scene. A Palestinian family demolishes its own home in Bayt Hanina, responding to the Israeli police’s 4/2015 order giving them until today to destroy the building or accept a fine of NIS 60,000 (around $15,430). Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians on raids in the Old City, al-Tur, al-Suwana, Silwan, Shu‘fat, and Issawiyya. In Israel, an Israeli rabbi succumbs to injuries sustained on 11/18/2014 when 2 Palestinians attacked a synagogue in West Jerusalem, bringing the number of Israelis killed in the attack to 6. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 10/24; HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 10/25; PCHR 10/29)

After meeting with PA pres. Abbas and Jordan’s King Abdullah in Amman, U.S. secy. of state Kerry announces that they and Israeli PM Netanyahu have reached a series of understandings, including an Israeli-Jordanian agreement to install cameras at Haram al-Sharif to broadcast live 24 hours a day. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 10/24; HA, JP 10/25)

The wave of small-scale violence continues in Israel and the West Bank. Israeli police open fire on 2 Palestinians, killing 1 and injuring the other, after they stab and moderately injure an Israeli civilian in Beit Shemesh, w. of Jerusalem. An Israeli settler and an IDF soldier open fire on a Palestinian youth in c. Hebron after he allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli in the area; there are no serious injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 10/22; PCHR 10/29)

Elsewhere in the oPt, IDF troops stationed along Gaza’s border violently disperse Palestinians protesting e. of Gaza City and e. of al-Bureij r.c., injuring 3. They also conduct an overnight raid in Qalandia r.c. nr. Ramallah, arresting 3 Palestinians, assaulting 1, and sparking a brief firefight with armed Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. Throughout the day, IDF troops clash with and violently disperse Palestinians protesting at a checkpoint nr. Qalqilya and w. of Tulkarm, injuring 4 Palestinians. The IDF conducts raids nr. Ramallah, sparking clashes with stonethrowing Palestinians (4 Palestinians are injured and 2 are arrested). Israeli forces also conduct late-night house searches and raids and patrols across the West Bank. Israeli settlers throw stones and glass bottles at Palestinian homes e. of Hebron, causing damage. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/22; PCHR 10/29)

Israel’s High Court of Justice issues an injunction temporarily freezing the punitive demolitions of 7 West Bank homes of Palestinians accused of serious crimes against Israelis in recent mos. The demolition orders were delivered on 10/14 (the court will reject petitions calling for indefinite suspension of 6 of the demolitions on 11/12, effectively allowing them to go forward). (HA, JP, TOI, YA 10/22)

U.S. secy. of state Kerry meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu in Berlin to discuss a series of proposals to quell the ongoing violence in Israel and the oPt. Kerry says he is “cautiously optimistic” about the proposals discussed, and says that he will bring them to Jordan’s King Abdullah and PA pres. Abbas on 10/24. (HA, JP, NYT, TOI 10/22)

In East Jerusalem, an Israeli police vehicle runs down a Palestinian in Ras al-Amud and police beat him, causing injuries. Later, the police arrive at the hospital and summon the man for questioning. The event sparks clashes with stonethrowing Palestinians, injuring 1 Palestinian. Nearby, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Jabal Mukabir and al-Tur. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross the border. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids and house searches nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus, arresting 9 Palestinians total and sparking clashes with Palestinian youths nr. Hebron. Israel begins construction on a fence along its southern border with Jordan, continuing a barrier that runs along the border with Egypt. (HA, JP, MNA 9/6; PCHR 9/10)

A PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. says that PA pres. Abbas will announce the termination of the Oslo Accords due to Israel’s “lack of commitment” in his 9/30 UNGA speech. He does not comment on the future of PA security coordination with the IDF, which the Oslo II agreement established in 1995. (MNA 9/6; JP, MNA, TOI 9/7)