The Palestine Chronology

In Gaza, 2 Palestinians were killed and 17 were injured during the fourth day in a row of Israeli airstrikes. Israeli forces assassinated Islamic Jihad military leader Iyad al-Hassani, killing 1 other Islamic Jihad member and injuring 6 others, including 2 children, in airstrikes on an apartment building in Gaza City. 1 Palestinian was injured in an airstrike on a house in Rafah. 10 Palestinians were injured in an airstrike near al-Aqsa Hospital in Dayr al-Balah, including 3 inside the hospital. 1 primary health care center in Khan Yunis was also damaged in airstrikes. Rockets were launched at Israel; no injuries were reported. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a settler raid in Silwad. The Israeli military said that the settler was an off-duty soldier and was arrested. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting Israeli attacks on Gaza in al-Arroub refugee camp, injuring 4 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also shot and injured 3 Palestinians with live ammunition during a raid in ‘Azzun. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a funeral procession in Beit Umar, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 1 with live ammunition, 2 with baton rounds, and others with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, leading to tear-gas related injuries. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, NYT, PCHR, QDS, QDS, REU, REU, TOI, TOI, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/12; PCHR 5/13; REU 5/16; PCHR 5/18; UNOCHA 5/19)

Gisha and Physicians for Human Rights urged Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant to open the Erez crossing to allow medical evacuations as more than 292 Palestinian have been prevented from receiving medical treatment, including 15 who are in need of immediate treatment for cancer and heart conditions. (PCHR 5/10; HA, REU 5/12; BBC, WAFA, WAFA 5/13)

The PA and Jordan suspended their recognition of Nourhan Manougian as the Patriarch of the Armenian Orthodox Church because he has overseen real estate deals in the Armenian quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem that “would affect the future of Jerusalem.” (WAFA 5/12; AP, HA 6/7)

Hamas political bureau head Ismail Haniyeh spoke with Iranian foreign minister Hussein Amir Abdollahian. (QDS 5/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers shot and injured 2 Palestinians in Qusra. Israeli settlers also stole 70 olive trees saplings in al-Khader. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a raid in Beit Umar, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians marking the 29th anniversary of al-Ibrahimi Mosque massacre, injuring 1 with a concussion bomb to his face and others with tear-gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita and Bayt Dajan, injuring 40 with tear-gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 with baton rounds. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Rammun, injuring 1 with a baton round, 1 by physical assault, and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also sealed several roads leading to Huwwara. 1 Palestinian minor was arrested during a raid in al-Khader. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinian protesters near Jabaliya and 2 near Khan Yunis. (AP, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/24; WAFA 2/25; PCHR 3/2; UNOCHA 3/4)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh met with a delegation of U.S. senators led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) in Ramallah. (WAFA 2/24)

Members of GLOW linguistics voted to cancel its plans to hold its 47th conference in Israel after objections to the plan were raised within the organization. Several members had voiced opposition to Israel as a venue due to Israel’s policies in the West Bank. (GLOW 2/24; HA 3/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near ‘Usarin, injuring 1 infant and damaging several cars. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 4 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian with a baton round during a raid in ‘Usarin. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seized 1 tractor in Shaab al-Butum in the Masafer Yatta area. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Dura. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel was shot and killed after he allegedly rammed his car into 3 Israeli police officers in Kafr Qasim, injuring all 3. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/23; TOI 12/25; PCHR 12/29; UNOCHA 1/16)

Israel handed over the body of 1 Palestinian woman killed by Israeli forces on 4/10 to her family. (WAFA 12/23)

Israel’s Channel 12 News reported that Norway’s sovereign wealth fund was reviewing its investments in Israel to ensure that it does not finance business that operate in Israeli settlements. (HA, MEE, WAFA 12/23; ALM 1/3)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler was injured by glass from his vehicle window after shots were fired at his car near Huwwara. For the 2d day in a row, Israeli settlers escorted by Israeli forces shot and injured Palestinians in Sinjil, including 2 with live ammunition and others with baton rounds and assault; 6 vehicles were damaged. Israeli settlers also vandalized 1 Palestinian-owned vehicle near Ya‘bad. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Jib, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 4 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 2 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, causing tear-gas related injuries. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwad, Husan, Dheisheh refugee camp, and al-Azza refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own agricultural structure. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinians herding cattle east of Abasan. 2 Palestinians were arrested while attempting to enter Israel east of Khan Yunis. In Israel, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel near the separation wall at Baqa al-Gharbiyye, claiming he was helping Palestinians in the West Bank enter Israel through the wall. (HA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/9; WAFA 9/10; HA 9/11; PCHR 9/15; UNOCHA 9/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinians protesting Israel’s decision to make parts of Masafer Yatta a firing zone near Susiya. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 9 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 1 with a baton round and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, an Israeli military vehicle rammed into 1 Palestinian in Kufeirit, causing a fracture and bruises. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Burqin. In Gaza, Israel launched an operation dubbed Operation Breaking Dawn by assassinating northern Gaza Islamic Jihad commander Taysser al-Jabari and 1 of his bodyguards in an air strike on the Palestine Tower, a 13-story building in Gaza City; 2 stories of the building were severely damaged. Shortly after, another 8 Palestinians were killed in air strikes throughout Gaza: 3 on a street in al-Shuja‘iya, including a 5-year-old; 1 in al-Zaytun; 1 in her home in al-Fukhari; 1 in Beit Lahiya; and 2 in Khan Yunis. 63, including 9 children, were injured in the air strikes, which also caused extensive damage to property. Islamic Jihad responded by firing rockets at Israel; no injuries were reported. Israel had prepared for the operation by closing off areas near Gaza in Israel and calling up thousands of reservists. The PA called for an immediate ceasefire. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, ALM, AP, HA, MDW, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, NYT, NYT, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/5; ALM, ALM, AX, HA, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, MEE, MEMO, PCHR, UNOCHA, WAFA 8/6; HA, HA 8/7; HA 8/8; AHQ 8/9; PCHR 8/11; HA 8/13; UNOCHA 8/19; MDW 9/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort raided Nabi Salih and attempted to steal a Palestinian flag, leading to a confrontation between Israeli forces and Palestinians; 1 was injured by a baton round and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli settlers also set up a settlement outpost near Khirbet al-Farisiyya. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles south of Bethlehem. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 1 with baton rounds, 1 with burns from a tear gas canister, and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Beit Umar and Qaryut, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also seized 1 excavator near Yatta. 2 Palestinians were arrested at a checkpoint near Nablus. In Gaza, 3 Palestinians were arrested near the Gaza fence east of Khan Yunis. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/3; WAFA 6/4; PCHR 6/9; UNOCHA 6/17)

Israel released the director of Health Work Committees, Shatha Odeh, after arresting her on 7/7/2021. (WAFA 6/3)

The White House postponed president Joe Biden’s trip to Israel from later this month to July, saying it will be part of a broader trip to the Middle East that will include Saudi Arabia. (HA 6/1; AJ, AP, NBC 6/3; AX, HA 6/4)

80 Democrats in the U.S. Congress, led by David Price (D-NC), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), and Joaquin Castro (D-TX), wrote a letter to secretary of state Antony Blinken urging the Biden administration to take action against efforts to undermine the 2-state solution. The Democrats mentioned 5 issues of concern, including settler violence and non-intervention by Israeli forces, settlement expansion, demolitions, increased funding for West Bank settlements, and the PA program for paying stipends to Palestinian prisoners. (HA 6/3)

In Iran, colonel Ali Esmailzadeh of the Quds Force died in an incident at his home in Karaj. Iran denied that Esmailzadeh was assassinated. Local reporting said Esmailzadeh fell from the roof or a balcony at his home. Esmailzadeh’s death follows an incident on 5/22 in which another Iranian colonel was assassinated and an incident on 5/25 in which an Iranian scientist was killed in a drone strike. Both of those incidents were reportedly linked to Israel. Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett told International Atomic Energy Agency director Rafael Grossi in a meeting that “Israel reserves the right to self-defense and action against Iran to stop its nuclear program.” (AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA 6/3; NYT, TOI 6/4; REU 6/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers marched to the Homesh settlement outpost, but were blocked by Israeli forces. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinian minors in Hebron. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers with military escort raided Burqa, leading to a confrontation between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers; 2 Palestinians were injured with baton rounds and 7 with tear gas. Israeli settlers also opened fire at Palestinians in Shufa, forcing them to leave their land; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor during a raid in al-Khader; the minor suffered 3 shots to his neck and back while hiding in a garage. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh called the killing intentional. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 4 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Huwwara, injuring 2 with live ammunition, 1 who was hit by a stun grenade, and 5 with pepper spray. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita and Bayt Dajan, injuring 2 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during a raid in Idhna and 1 at a checkpoint near al-Ibrahimi Mosque. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians were arrested near the Gaza fence east of Khan Yunis. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/27; CNN, HA, MEE, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/28; HA 6/1; UNOCHA 6/4)

An Israeli court ruled that 7 Palestinians had to be released after being arrested as a “preventive measure” ahead of the Israeli settler flag march in East Jerusalem on 5/29. (HA 5/27)

The U.S. state department released a statement saying that secretary of state Antony Blinken told Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid that Israel should investigate the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh on 5/11. Multiple independent investigations have concluded that Israeli soldiers killed the Al Jazeera journalist, including some that asserted the killing was intentional. Israel has refused to conduct a criminal investigation into the killing. (AJ, REU 5/27; TOI 5/28)

Pro-Israeli political action committee the Urban Empowerment Action PAC announced it will spend upwards of $1 million in a primary to unseat the only Palestinian American congressperson Rashida Tlaib in the primary elections for the 12th congressional district in Michigan. The new super PAC will put its support behind Congresswoman Tlaib’s Democratic opponent Janice Winfrey. (HA 5/29; MEE 5/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers sprayed pepper spray at a Palestinian herder in Kisan. Israeli settlers also vandalized 30 olive trees in al-Zawiya. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians in Biddu protesting the assassination killing of 3 Palestinians in Nablus on 2/8, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 10 with rubber-coated bullets. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 3 with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 8 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Anza and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a fire broke out in an apartment in Sheikh Jarrah inhabited by Israeli settlers; Israeli settlers claimed it was the result of arson while Palestinians said the fire started due to an electrical short; 2 Palestinians were arrested. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Silwan, displacing 2. 5 Palestinians were arrested at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of the coast; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian herders northeast of Khan Yunis, no injuries were reported. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/11; ALM, HA 2/14; HA, PCHR 2/17; UNOCHA 2/28)

Norway announced that it will contribute $125.5 million to the UNRWA over the next 4 years. (WAFA 2/12; WAFA 2/14; MEMO 2/15)

In the West Bank, PA forces arrested 3 Palestinians in Jenin, leading to gunmen opening fire at a PA office in the city; the 3 Palestinians were released shortly after by the PA. Armed Israeli settlers raided Susiya, chanting racist slogans and throwing stones, injuring 1 Palestinian man. Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in al-Bireh, injuring 1 journalist with a rubber-coated bullet; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 12 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 5 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 4 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Qalqilya, injuring 5 with rubber-coated bullets. Separately, Israeli forces confiscated 1 excavator in Kuseis near Dura. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in Beita and Aida refugee camp and 3 at a checkpoint near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished parts of their own home in Ras al-Amud. 1 Palestinian was arrested at the Damascus Gate plaza. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen northwest of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian agricultural lands east of al-Fukhari, Dayr al-Balah, and al-Qarara; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/7; HA, JP, TOI 1/8; PCHR 1/13)

The Directorate of the Islamic Waqf in Jerusalem said Israel is preventing the implementation of a Waqf decision to increase the number of Waqf guards at the Haram al-Sharif compound. The Waqf said it needs to increase the number of guards due to the increase in Israeli settlers touring the compound. (MEMO 1/8; WAFA 1/10)

Norwegian representative to the UN Mona Juul said that she will use her time as president of the Security Council to prioritize the Palestinian-Israeli conflict by elevating a meeting on the issue on 1/19 to the ministerial level. (WAFA 1/7)

In the West Bank, PA forces arrested, for the 3d day in a row, Palestinian activists critical of the PA; at least 3 were rounded up. Israeli settlers set up 2 mobile homes in Deir Istiya. Israeli settlers also set fire to dozens of olive trees near Burin. Israeli forces razed a tract of land near Qalqilya to expand a settler-only road and sealed the entrances to Sinjil. Israeli forces arrested 5 Palestinians in and around Birzeit, Tulkarm, Kafr Qaddum, and Hebron. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired missiles at structures in Khan Yunis, Jabalia refugee camp, and Shuja‘iya, causing damage but no injuries. Israel said it was responding to incendiary balloons sent to Israel from Gaza. 2 Palestinians were arrested at the Erez crossing after receiving calls to come to the crossing for their trader permit applications. (HA, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/23; AJ, AP, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, REU, WAFA 8/24; HA 8/25; PCHR 8/26)

Egypt said it had closed the Rafah crossing until further notice. Egyptian officials said the closure was connected to Egypt’s efforts to broker a long-term ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. (MEE, REU 8/22; AJ, ALM, AP, HA, MEMO 8/23; HA 8/24)

1 Palestinian on administrative detention ended his hunger strike after reassurances from Israel that it would not extend his detention. The man was placed on administrative detention after being arrested on 2/22/2020 and had been hunger striking for 43 days. (WAFA 8/23)

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said that Israel’s targeting of 4 high-rise residential buildings in Gaza during Operation Guardians of the Wall violated international law. HRW also called on Israel to produce the evidence it says it has in claiming malicious activity was carried out in the high-rises. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, MEE, MEMO 8/23; MEMO 8/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 30 olive, sage, and thyme seedlings and wrote racist graffiti on 1 well and 1 agricultural structure in Qusra. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 1 with live ammunition, 2 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protests in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian man south of Bethlehem, alleging that he tried to stab an Israeli soldier with a broken bottle. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters demonstrating against Israeli harassment of Palestinians in East Jerusalem, at the Separation wall near Bethlehem, leading to tear-gas related injuries and 2 arrests. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters demonstrating against Israeli harassment of Palestinians in East Jerusalem, at a checkpoint in Jenin, 1 minor was injured by live ammunition and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during late-night raids in Bethlehem, and 2 at checkpoints near Jenin and Yatta. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the Damascus Gate plaza dispersing Palestinians in the area; 1 Palestinian minor was reportedly beaten by Israeli police before he was arrested. 1 other Palestinian minor was arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also opened fire and fired tear gas at Palestinian protesters east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 4/30; PCHR 5/6)

Chief of Mossad Yossi Cohen met with U.S. president Joe Biden as he and other Israeli senior officials tried lobby the U.S. not to reenter the Iran nuclear deal. Cohen and Israel’s ambassador to the U.S. Gilad Erdan also met with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken on 4/29. (AJ, HA 4/29; ALM 4/30; HA 5/1; AJ, JP 5/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stormed Kafr Haris, closing the area to Palestinians. Israeli settlers also uprooted 20 olive saplings in Kisan. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers and Israeli forces forced 4 families of Palestinian-Israelis picnicking near Jibiya to leave the area saying they were not allowed to be in the area; 1 of the settlers Zvi Bar Yosef has been filmed harassing Palestinians in the area before. Israeli settlers also hid metal rods in a road in Kafr Malik puncturing the wheels of a tractor. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor with live ammunition near Ramallah. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protesters in Kafr Qaddum, Hebron, Bayt Dajan, and Dayr Jarir, leading to tear-gas related injuries; 1 Palestinian minor was taken to a hospital after being hit with a rubber-coated bullet during the protest in Kafr Qaddum. 2 Palestinians were arrested while riding a motorcycle in Ya‘bad. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces seized tents sheltering a family who’s house was demolished on 2/21 in Issawiyya. 3 Palestinians were arrested in Silwan and al-Tur. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Israeli police violently dispersed a protest in Umm al-Fahm against gun violence in the Palestinian-Israeli community; several people were reported injured, including the mayor of Umm al-Fahm, MK Yousef Jabareen, and 1 Israeli police officer. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/26; WAFA 2/27; HA 3/2; PCHR 3/4)

All checkpoints to Gaza and the West Bank were closed by Israel for the Purim holiday. Closures are expected to last until the evening of 2/28. (HA 2/25)

1 Palestinian man who is a resident of Israel and Gaza was indicted by Israel for providing intelligence about locations of Israeli Iron Dome batteries to Hamas. (HA 2/26)

The U.S. released a declassified report that concluded that Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman is responsible for the murder of U.S. resident and journalist Jamal Khashoggi on 10/2/2018. Despite publishing that the administration had reaching that conclusion the Biden administration said it would not move to punish Mohammed bin Salman. President Joe Biden said during his presidential campaign that he would hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its actions after the Saudi royal family had been shielded by the Trump administration. (CNN, CNN, NPR, NYT, NYT 2/26; AJ, GDN 1/3)

European members of the UN security council, Estonia, France, Ireland, Norway, and the UK, issued a joint statement expressing deep concern “at the recent repeated demolitions and confiscation of items, including of EU- and donor-funded structures carried out by Israeli authorities at Humsa Al-Baqaia in the Jordan Valley.” (AJ 2/27; WAFA 2/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized a tractor near Jericho and assaulted its 2 Palestinian owners as they tried to prevent the seizure, leading to hospitalization of 1 and arrest of the other. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 with sponge grenades. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Hizma and al-Shuyukh. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Silwan and Issawiyya; during the arrest in Silwan, Israeli forces also confiscated 1 Palestinian-owned vehicle. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian lands east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 2/20; PCHR 2/25)

UNRWA announced that it will unify its food basket system in Gaza, canceling double portions for the most vulnerable families to expand its services to another 60,000 people. The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights warned that the move will harm the poorest people in Gaza and that UNRWA needs to enhance its food program. (PCHR 2/21)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas signed a decree banning police pursuits and detentions based on “reasons related to freedom of expression and political affiliation.” The decree also said prisoners held because of political affiliation or for voicing opinions should be released. President Abbas also signed a decree allocating a minimum of 7 seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council to Palestinian Christians. (AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA 2/20; WAFA 2/21)

According to al-Arabiya, the Israeli government has asked Egypt to help negotiate a prisoner release with Hamas. (HA 2/20)

1 Israeli navy ship entered Lebanese territorial waters. (WAFA 2/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Luban al-Sharqiyya. Israeli settlers also raided several Palestinian hamlets in Masafer Yatta; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 6 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians during raids in Jaba‘, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Tur and Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmers east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/16; WAFA 1/17; PCHR 1/21)

Thousands of Israelis demonstrated against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu near his official residence for the 30th Saturday in a row. The protesters are demanding that Netanyahu steps down due to the corruption cases against him, the Israeli economy, and his COVID-19 response. (HA 1/16)

Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid said in an interview that he is ready to form a government supported by Palestinian-Israeli members of Knesset and that he wanted to do so after the last Israeli election but his then coalition partner, and now deputy prime minister and defense minister, Benny Gantz, refused. (HA 1/16)

The U.S. designated the UAE and Bahrain as “major security partners,” tying the decision to the 2 countries’ normalization deals with Israel. (AJ, HA 1/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers, accompanied by Israeli forces, raided al-Twana and injured 1 Palestinian. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 6 during raids in and around Tulkarm, Yatta, Kafr Qaddum, Jenin, and Qalqilya; 2 were arrested at checkpoints near Nablus and Huwwara. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during raids in Issawiyya, and 1 at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, 1 rocket was launched at Israel, hitting 1 building; no injuries were reported. Israel subsequently shelled a number of buildings in Gaza City, Rafah, and Khan Yunis, causing damage; no injuries were reported. (GDN, WAFA 11/21; AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 11/22; PCHR 11/26)

The mayor of Bethlehem Anton Salman said that the yearly Christmas celebration will be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (WAFA 11/21)

In Israel, some 2,500 people protested outside of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official residence demanding his resignation over the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy, and his corruption cases. This was the 22d Saturday in a row that Israelis protested Prime Minister Netanyahu. (HA, WAFA 11/21)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler rammed into a flock of Palestinian-owned sheep near Susiya, killing 10. Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 15 using rubber-coated bullets while others suffered tear-gas related injuries; of the 15, 4 were hospitalized. Israeli forces also assaulted 1 Palestinian worker seeking to enter Israel near the separation wall in Far‘un, causing him to sustain 2 fractures in 1 leg. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bayt Jala, Qatanna, Ramallah, and Beitunia, including Hamas official Hassan Yousef; Fatah’s central committee member Jibril Rajoub condemned Israel’s arrest of Yousef. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in al-Tur. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen northwest of Khan Yunis within the allowed fishing area; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/2; PCHR 10/8)

Crossings from Gaza and the West Bank to Israel and East Jerusalem were closed due to the Israeli Sukkot holiday. (PCHR 10/8)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas extended the COVID-19-related state of emergency for another 30 days. The 1st COVID-19-related state of emergency was issued on 5 March. According to the PA health ministry, more than 50,000 Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and 379 people have died from it. (WAFA 10/2)

The vice president of Sudan’s transitional government Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo said in an interview with a Sudanese TV station that if Sudan establishes relations with Israel then the U.S. will remove Sudan from the list of countries sponsoring terrorism. Dagalo said that Sudan would “need Israel” as the country could benefit from Israeli technical and agricultural capabilities. He further stated that establishing relations and normalizing are not the same. (AJ 10/3)

U.S. president Donald Trump tweeted that he and the 1st lady Melania Trump have both tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. PA president Mahmoud Abbas wished the U.S. presidential couple a speedy and full recovery. (AJ, HA, REU 10/2; WAFA 10/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian shepherds near Yatta; cut more than 100 olive trees near Susiya; and set up a mobile home on Palestinian-owned land near Beita. Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 2 buildings northeast of Bethlehem. Israeli forces also violently suppressed a Palestinian protest in Kafr Qaddum using rubber-coated bullets and tear gas; 1 Palestinian was injured by a rubber-coated bullet, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians in Issawiyya, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also stormed an engagement party near the Old City, assaulting several guests and arresting 3. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired missiles at southern Gaza east of Rafah and Khan Yunis causing damage, after claiming that 1 rocket was fired toward Israel. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis, Bayt Hanun, and al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya. In Israel, thousands of protesters continued their calls for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step down outside of his official residence. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/22; HA, HA 8/23; HA 8/24; PCHR 8/27)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas and Turkish president Recep Tayyib Erdoğan discussed UAE’s decision to normalize ties with Israel, a move which Turkey has denounced. (WAFA 8/22)

In Lebanon, 1 Israeli drone crashed. It was shot down by Hezbollah, according to the group. (HA 8/22; AJ 8/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with Israeli military escort toured a spring near al-Walaja. Israeli forces violently dispersed protests against the UAE-Israel normalization deal in Kafr Qaddum, Salfit, Hebron, ad Ni‘lin, causing tear-gas related injuries, and 2 were hit by rubber-coated bullets in Kafr Qaddum. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 on a street in the Old City and 1 during a late-night raid in Wadi al-Juz. In Gaza, 12 rockets were fired toward Israel, 1 causing damage to a house after it was intercepted. Israeli forces fired missiles at Gaza east and west of Gaza City and near Bayt Lahiya, causing damage and moderate injuries to 1 minor who was hit by shrapnel. Israeli forces also opened fire on agricultural lands east of Rafah and Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen on 2 separate occasions west of Bayt Lahiya and Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Israel, thousands of protesters outside of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official residence continued their calls for him to step down. (HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/21; HA 8/22; HA 8/23; PCHR 8/27)

In an apparent response to U.S. president Donald Trump’s claim that Saudi Arabia would follow the UAE and normalize ties with Israel, a senior member of the Saudi royal family, Prince Turki al-Faisal, said in an op-ed that “[t]he Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has set a price for concluding peace between Israel and the Arabs—it is the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as capital, as provided for by the initiative of the late King Abdullah.” According to the London-based newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadid, the head of the Mossad, Yossi Cohen, met with the deputy head of Sudan’s sovereignty council general Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo in a meeting brokered by the UAE. Sudan denied the claim. (AJ, HA, REU 8/21; HA 8/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces sealed off the entrances to Nabi Salih and Abud. 1 Palestinian was lightly wounded by an explosive ordinance in Kafr Qaddum; Israeli forces later acknowledged that a Nahal reconnaissance battalion had planted 3 explosive devices in Kafr Qaddum as “deterrence.” Israeli forces also demolished 1 sheep barn near Tubas. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen northwest of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 8/20; HA, WAFA 8/26; PCHR 8/27)

Iran’s foreign ministry said that Iran had seized a ship from the UAE that had entered Iranian waters on 8/17 and that the UAE had killed 2 Iranian fishermen that same day. According to the ministry, the UAE apologized for killing the Iranian fishermen and offered compensation. (AJ, HA, REU 8/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted dozens of olive saplings in Asira. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians using live ammunition as they were trying to enter Israel using a gate in the separation wall. Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed in Hebron, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Jenin refugee camp. In Gaza, 5 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces using live ammunition and rubber-coated bullets by the Gaza fence as some 300 Palestinians protested. Israel and militants in Gaza exchanged rockets; 4 Palestinians were injured, including 2 minors and 2 women, in al-Bureij, and extensive damage was reported in and around Khan Yunis; 2 houses in Sderot in Israel were damaged. In Israel, protesters continued to demand Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s resignation outside of his official residence. (BBC, HA, WAFA, WAFA 8/15; AJ, HA, HA , WAFA 8/16; PCHR 8/19)

The king of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa congratulated the UAE on its deal to normalize ties with Israel. White House officials said on 8/13 that Bahrain and Oman would be the next countries to normalize ties with Israel. (HA 8/15)

Palestinians in Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank protested against the UAE’s decision to normalize its ties with Israel. In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets and 1 with a tear gas canister to his head. Israeli forces and Palestinians also clashed west of Ramallah with young Palestinians throwing stones and Israeli forces firing live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, and tear gas; 2 Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm, al-‘Amari refugee camp, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home under construction in Silwan. In Gaza, Israel fired missiles and shells at Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah, causing extensive damage to 7 houses and minor injuries to 4 Palestinians; incendiary balloons were launched from Gaza toward Israel. It was reported that Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz had decided not to allow Qatari aid to enter Gaza as collective punishment for the incendiary balloons landing in Israel. Gantz has also ordered a halt of fuel transfers to Gaza and halved the fishing zone. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet. In Israel, Israeli police violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Jaffa demonstrating against the impending demolition of an 18th century Muslim cemetery. (HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/14; AJ 8/15; PCHR 8/19)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas and chairman of the Hamas politburo Ismail Haniyeh spoke via phone. According to WAFA, Haniyeh expressed Hamas’s support for a collective Palestinian movement. (WAFA 8/13)

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that Turkey is considering suspending its diplomatic ties with the UAE in light of the UAE’s decision to establish ties with Israel. Oman called the UAE’s decision “historic.” (HA, REU, WAFA 8/14; AJ 8/15)

U.S. congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) introduced a bill co-sponsored by 6 other members of the house which seeks to prohibit U.S. funding for areas annexed by Israel. (WAFA 8/17)

The U.S. lost a bid at the UN Security Council to extend an arms embargo on Iran. 11 members abstained, Iran and China opposed, and the U.S. and the Dominican Republic were the only members voting in favor. Russia called for a world summit to avoid further “confrontation and escalation.” (AJ, HA 8/14; AJ, HA 8/15; AJ 8/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed protest in Kafr Qaddum; 2 Palestinians were shot with rubber-coated bullets. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Abasan and Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire and sprayed water at Palestinian fishermen within the allowed fishing zone; no injuries were reported. In Israel, protest outside of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official residence continued. (AJ, REU 8/8; PCHR 8/13)

6 Palestinians succumbed to the COVID-19 virus in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, bringing the comprehensive death toll stemming from COVID-19 in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, to 104. (WAFA 8/8)

A Hamas official told Haaretz that incendiary balloons sent to Israel in recent days were meant to signal to Israel that Hamas is frustrated with stalled negotiations with Israel. (HA 8/8)

In Lebanon, protesters clashed with Lebanese forces in Beirut as calls for the Lebanese government to resign continued. 1 police officer was killed and more than 170 protesters were wounded. (AJ, REU, REU, REU, REU 8/8; HA 8/9)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian woman was shot dead by Israeli forces in her house during a late-night raid in Jenin. According to her friend, she was shot while closing a window to prevent tear gas from entering the home. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly protest in Kafr Qaddum using rubber-coated bullets and tear gas; 1 Palestinian was injured by a rubber-coated bullet, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Turmus ‘Ayya; 5 were injured by rubber-coated bullets, 1 by a tear gas canister to his head, and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces ordered a halt to the construction of 2 buildings near Bethlehem. Israeli settlers blocked 1 road south of Nablus, causing traffic jams. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian 4-year-old girl was killed by what appears to be a stray bullet in Silwan; it is unclear who fired the bullet. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis and al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/7; HA, HA, WAFA 8/8; PCHR 8/9; PCHR 8/13)

Israel said it had shot down a drone flying over the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. (REU, TOI 8/7)

The president of Lebanon Michel Aoun said that the country had not ruled out “external interference” in the explosion in Beirut that killed at least 154 on 8/4. The possibility of external interference will be part of Lebanon’s probe into the incident. (AJ, HA, REU 8/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets and damaging 5 water tanks. Israeli forces also fired tear gas at Palestinians near the separation wall north of Tulkarm and in ‘Azun, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmers east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Hamas authorities detained 2 journalists from Palestine TV coving an event in Jabalia refugee camp for several hours. (WAFA 4/25; PCHR, WAFA 4/27; PCHR 4/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided Kafr Qaddum, leading to clashes with Palestinians; 3 were injured by live ammunition and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 1 was arrested during a late-night raid in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Gaza City, causing damage to a boat, but no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmers working their lands east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 4/19; PCHR 4/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered demolition orders for agricultural structures in Jiftlik and Bayt Dajan. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed protests in Kafr Qaddum; 3 Palestinians were hit by rubber-coated bullets. Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian herders in al-Twana, injuring 1. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces beat and arrested 4 Palestinians in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Rafah and Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 4/17; PCHR 4/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished a shed in al-Zawiya. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians during a raid in Kafr Qaddum; 1 Palestinian was injured by live ammunition, another by a rubber-coated bullet, and 2 minors were arrested. Israeli settlers cut down 300 olive trees in an area between Bethlehem and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided Issawiyya, leading to clashes. 2 Israeli military vehicles were damaged by Molotov cocktails and dozens of Palestinians suffered tear-gas related injuries; 1 Palestinian was arrested. Separately, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians in al-Twana for the 2d day in a row. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmers and herders east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/28; PCHR 4/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces handed demolition notices for 4 Palestinian-owned homes in al-Tuwani south of Hebron; delivered notices for land seizures near Bethlehem; and confiscated 2 residential tents near Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces set up roadblocks on roads to several villages north of Ramallah. 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, and Kafr Qaddum; 1 was arrested at a checkpoint near Jenin. During a raid in Ramallah, Israeli forces seized a vehicle. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmland east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 1 Palestinian was arrested for working without a work permit. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/12; PCHR 2/13)

The Lebanese army opened fire at Israeli drones flying over Lebanese territory, causing the Israeli drones to vacate Lebanese air space. (HA 2/12)

The UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner released the UN database of companies with ties to Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The long-awaited list included 112 business, 94 in Israel and 18 in 6 other countries. Among the companies are Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, Motorola Solutions, and Tripadvisor. (HA, OHCHR (see A/HRC/43/71), REU, WAFA, WAFA 2/12)

Japan announced that it was providing $33 million in aid to Palestinians via a number of UN institutions and through the International Committee of the Red Cross. (WAFA 2/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 3 Palestinians during raids in and around Bethlehem. Israeli forces also violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum; 3 Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets, including 1 minor. Elsewhere, in al-‘Arub refugee camp, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli settlers cut down 17 olive trees in al-Sawiya. In East Jerusalem, several Palestinians were injured, including 5 by rubber-coated bullets, when Israeli forces raided the Haram al-Sharif compound; 7 Palestinians were arrested during the raid. A Palestinian family demolished their own home to avoid exorbitant Israeli-imposed demolition fees in Jabal Mukabir, displacing 6 people. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmlands on 2 separate occasions east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 1/17; PCHR 1/23)

After deeming Hezbollah’s military arm a terrorist organization in 2019, the UK designated Hezbollah in its entirety a terrorist organization. (HA 1/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized 5 Palestinian-owned tractors in the northern part of the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed during the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Separately, Israeli forces fired live ammunition, sound bombs, and tear gas at protesters near Ramallah, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 3 Palestinians were injured in al-Mughayyir by live and rubber-coated bullets after Israeli settlers and forces raided the village, leading to clashes with Palestinians. 9 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during daytime raids in and around Jenin, Qalqilya, and al-‘Arub refugee camp; and 4 at military checkpoints near Bethlehem. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 1/3; PCHR 1/9)