The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian near Jericho. Israeli forces uprooted 300 olive trees and razed farmland in al-Jaba‘. Israeli forces also shot and injured 2 Palestinians with live ammunition as they were trying to enter Israel through the separation barrier for work near Ya‘bad. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided al-‘Arub refugee camp, clashing with Palestinians; tear-gas related injuries were reported. 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah and al-‘Arub refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 3 Palestinians in the Old City, including 2 maintenance workers at the Haram al-Sharif compound. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/30; PCHR 12/31)

Jonathan Pollard, the former U.S. navy intelligence analyst who spied on the U.S. for Israel, arrived in Tel Aviv on a private jet belonging to the mega donor to Israeli settlements and U.S. Republicans, Sheldon Adelson. He was received by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who handed him and his wife Israeli passports. Pollard, who have been living under strict restrictions in New York City after being granted parole in 2015, was able to move freely when his parole was lifted in November. Pollard received a life sentence after being convicted of spying in 1987; Israel had since that time lobbied consecutive U.S. presidents to have him released to Israel. (AJ, GDN, HA, IN, JP, MEE, NYT, REU, TOI, WP 12/30)

Israel launched an air strike on Syria near Damascus, killing 1 and injuring 3 according to the Syrian state media outlet SANA. (AJ 12/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers used clubs to vandalize Palestinian-owned cars traveling near the Yitzhar settlement on the Nablus-Qalqilya road. Israeli forces demolished 1 house under construction in Halhul. 4 Palestinians were arrested during a raid near Ramallah; during the raid, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians, leading to 1 injury and 1 Palestinian-owned vehicle was seized by the Israeli forces. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces harassed several Palestinians in al-Tur, leading to clashes; tear-gas related injuries were reported and 2 Palestinians were arrested. 4 Palestinians were also arrested during raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. (WAFA 11/23; PCHR 11/26)

The PA announced new lockdown measures against the spread of the COVID-19 virus, including a lockdown from 6 p.m.-7 a.m. every day and a general all-day lockdown on Fridays and Saturdays. The lockdown will be in effect for 2 weeks. The West Bank had 5 new deaths and 869 new cases on 11/23. (WAFA, WAFA 11/23)

The Jerusalem District Court rejected the appeal of a Palestinian family against their eviction from their home in Silwan. The court said the family of 26 had to leave the house they have occupied since 1967 to allow Israeli settlers to move in. (PCN 11/24; HA 11/26)

PA prime minister Muhammad Shtayyeh said that the PA will start repaying its dues to public servants and retirees who have not been receiving full payments since February, when the PA starts receiving the money owed to it by Israel later this week. Prime Minister Shtayyeh said payment of dues for salaries remained the priority but recognized that the PA also will pay back all of its other unpaid bills to various sectors and contractors. (WAFA 11/23)

According to the deputy leader of Fatah Mahmoud Alalul, the PA and president-elect Joe Biden’s team have made several understandings on how to proceed with the U.S.-PA relations after President-elect Biden is sworn in come January. Among the issues are definition of settlement products and the U.S. recognition of people born in East Jerusalem as Israelis. (HA 11/24)

An Israeli court forced the Israeli ministry of interior to publish guidelines for a scheme that would allow some 20,000 Palestinians from East Jerusalem to obtain Israeli citizenship faster than the normal process, which is extremely strenuous for Palestinians. (HA 11/24)

Without formally conceding the election, U.S. president Donald Trump said in a tweet that he had allowed the General Services Administration to prepare for President-elect Biden’s transition to the presidency. President Trump continues to maintain that he really won the election because Biden’s victory was based on voter fraud, an assertion he has not backed with any evidence. (HA 11/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces assaulted and killed 1 Palestinian minor near Ramallah; Palestinian Red Crescent representatives said they found the Palestinian outside of a hospital in Turmus ‘Ayya, where it was clear that he had died from a hit to the back of the head with the butt of a rifle and that there were signs that the Israeli forces had tried to resuscitate him before leaving him outside of the hospital. The PA demanded an international investigation into the killing of the Palestinian minor. Israeli forces also handed demolition notices for 2 Palestinian-owned homes near Bethlehem and 4 structures east of Yatta. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Aida refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian car repair owner was ordered to demolish his repair shop in Issawiyya. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a raid in al-Tur. (HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/25; PCHR 10/29)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel would send $5 million worth of wheat “to our new friends in Sudan.” (HA 10/25; MEMO 10/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers emptied wastewater on Palestinian agricultural lands, damaging crops in Luban al-Sharqiyya. 23 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Jenin, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Tubas; during a raid in Jenin, 1 Palestinian was shot in the foot before being arrested. In Gaza, Israeli authorities claimed that 2 rockets were launched at Israel from Gaza, 1 being intercepted by the Iron Dome. Israel then fired rockets at Nuseirat refugee camp and Khan Yunis, causing damage; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also opened fire on agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 10/22; AJ, TOI, WAFA 10/23; PCHR 10/29)

Sudanese government sources told Reuters that the prime minister of Sudan’s transitional government, Abdalla Hamdok, is ready to proceed with normalization of relations with Israel if the transitional parliament approves. The transitional parliament has not yet been formed. (HA 10/23)

Lebanese president Michel Aoun designated Saad Hariri as prime minister to form a new government. Hariri resigned 1 year ago as prime minister after prolonged protests in Lebanon against nepotism and corruption. (AJ, GDN, HA, REU 10/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers emptied wastewater on Palestinian agricultural lands near Sabastiyya. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinians harvesting olives in Dayr al-Hatab, forcing the farmers to leave. Elsewhere, in the northern part of the Jordan Valley, Israeli settlers set up a cow shed and brought cows to Palestinian-owned land. Israeli forces demolished 1 market stall in Qalqilya and delivered stop-work orders for 3 houses and dozens of other structures in Qalandia. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Tulkarm, al-‘Arub refugee camp, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired 2 missiles, hitting empty land east of Dayr al-Balah, claiming that 1 rocket was fired toward Israel earlier in the day; no injuries were reported. Israel also said it had found a tunnel running near Khan Yunis tens of meters into Israel. Israel later claimed that the tunnel was built by Hamas. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles off the shore of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (HA, HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/20; AJ, HA, WAFA 10/21; PCHR 10/22)

1 Palestinian man died while working in a quarry owned by the settler company Shapir Engineering and Manufacturing near the Modi’in Illit settlement in the West Bank. His employer did not call the Israeli ambulance service that the worker was entitled to as he was employed by a settler company, but rather called the Palestinian Red Crescent, which took 30 minutes to arrive at the scene and brought the Palestinian to a hospital in Ramallah, where he was pronounced dead. The employer also did not notify the police of the death. The family of the deceased Palestinian said that if the Israeli ambulance had been called he might have survived as they were stationed closer to the accident. (HA 10/26)

An envoy from the UAE accompanied by U.S. secretary of the treasury Steven Mnuchin and U.S. envoy for the peace process Avi Berkowitz was welcomed in Tel Aviv airport by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi, and finance minister Israel Katz. In the Tel Aviv airport, Israel and the UAE signed a mutual visa waiver agreement allowing citizens of both countries to travel to and from each other without obtaining a visa. The parties also signed a preliminary agreement to have oil from the UAE run through an Israeli pipeline supplying the European market. A member of the PLO executive committee Wasel Abu Youssef called the visit “shameful” and said such a visit emboldens Israel in committing crimes against Palestinians. A Hamas spokesperson, Hazem Qassem, said the visit “only encourage[s] the occupation to pursue the gradual annexation of West Bank lands.” Last week on 14 and 15 October, Israel announced 5,000 new settlement units in various settlements in the West Bank. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU 10/20; TOI 10/21; LT, REU 10/22)

Israel struck a target in Syria; according to Syrian state media SANA, Israel hit a school in a village in Quneitra Province. However, the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it was a Hezbollah facility that was hit by the Israeli strike. (HA 10/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Rafat, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets and tear-gas related injuries were reported. 20 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Hebron, Tubas, Jenin, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers harassed Palestinians praying on the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces raided Issawiyya, leading to clashes with Palestinians; tear-gas related injuries were reported and 2 were arrested. 1 other Palestinian was arrested. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/10; PCHR 10/15)

In Israel, Israeli protesters demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clashed with police in several places throughout Israel. According to Haaretz, tens of thousands protested throughout Israel, including in front of Netanyahu’s official residence for the 16th Saturday in a row. (AJ, HA 10/10; HA, WAFA 10/11)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with the president of the World Jewish Congress Ron Lauder in Ramallah. The meeting lasted some 3 hours and Lauder arrived in a Jordanian helicopter. It is unclear what the meeting was about. The World Jewish Congress said that Lauder was in Ramallah “for a private visit at Abbas’ invitation, to discuss a range of issues regarding Palestine and the Middle East.” (HA, WAFA 10/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces handed a demolition order for a Palestinian-owned house in al-Twana sheltering 10 people; 1 other resident in al-Twana received a stop-work order. Israeli forces also confiscated 1 Palestinian-owned bulldozer in Tulkarm. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah and Dura. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli supreme court ruled that 1 78-year-old man in Silwan could be evicted from his home after his landlord sold the house he was living in to the settler organization Elad. Israeli forces stormed the Bab al-Rahma area of the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces also delivered demolition notices for 1 mosque and the house of a Fatah official in Silwan. 2 Palestinian families started demolishing their own homes in Jabal Mukabir. In Gaza, Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian cancer patient at the Erez crossing as he was traveling to East Jerusalem for treatment. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 9/14; HA 9/15; PCHR 9/17)

The Israeli settler that in July 2015 burned the house of a Palestinian family, killing 1 18-month-old and his parents and severely burning 1 other child, was sentenced in an Israeli court to 3 life sentences. (GDN, REU 9/14; AJ 9/15; JP 9/16)

The Unified Palestinian Leadership for Popular Resistance, an umbrella organization formed on 9/3 after a meeting between the major Palestinian factions in Gaza and the West Bank, including Fatah and Hamas, declared 9/18 a day of mourning over the normalization agreements between the UAE, Bahrain, and Israel. (WAFA 9/14)

Ahead of the signing ceremony on 9/15 formalizing the UAE and Bahrain’s normalization with Israel, PA prime minister Mohmmad Shtayyeh condemned the deal, calling it “a dark day in the history of the Arab nation and of the Arab League,” and further stated that, “[t]omorrow the Arab peace initiative dies, as will the Arab consensus.” He also said that his government has recommended to PA president Mahmoud Abbas that the PA reevaluate its relations with the Arab League. (AJ, HA 9/14)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu landed in Washington D.C. ahead of the signing ceremony for the normalization deals with Bahrain and the UAE on 9/15. His delegation notably did not include his coalition partners defense minister Benny Gantz and foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi. A spokesperson for the Qatari foreign ministry ruled out that Qatar would normalize relations with Israel before peace is made between Israel and Palestine. (HA 9/14; AJ 9/15)

The EU donated $600,000 to UNRWA to help contain COVID-19 in UNRWA-run refugee camps. (WAFA 9/14)

In the West Bank, Palestinians in Kafr Malik forced Israeli settlers to leave their property after they set up caravans on their land; as the confrontation ensued, Israeli forces intervened on behalf of the settlers, injuring 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at construction workers in Burqa. Israeli forces razed Palestinian-owned land in Haris. 12 Palestinians in the Ofer prison tested positive for COVID-19, raising the number of Palestinian prisoners testing positive for the virus to 29. 43 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Dura, Hebron, Yatta, Bani Na‘im, al-‘Arub refugee camp, Bayt Umar, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family started demolishing 2 floors of their home in the Old City. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/8; PCHR 9/10)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized for the killing of a Palestinian-Israeli man who Israeli police shot during the demolition of the Bedouin village of Umm al-Hiran in the Negev in January 2017. Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israeli police, after the shooting, falsely had claimed the man was a terrorist. Chairman of the Joint List Ayman Odeh accused Netanyahu of having created the idea that the Palestinian-Israeli man was a terrorist when he was killed in 2017. Netanyahu’s comments fell after Haaretz reported on an internal document from the Shin Bet saying there was no evidence or indication of a terror attack. (HA 9/8; HA 9/9; TOI 9/10)

The son of Chadian president Idriss Déby, Abdelkarim Déby, represented his country during a visit to Israel and meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, the 2 discussed possibly exchanging embassies, including a Chadian embassy in Jerusalem. The Chadian foreign ministry “categorically” denied having any intentions to open an embassy in Jerusalem. (HA 9/8; WAFA 9/9)

The EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah expressed concern over Israel’s demolitions of Palestinian structures in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. (WAFA 9/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized several Palestinian-owned vehicles in Huwwara. Israeli forces wounded 2 Palestinians during a house arrest in Jenin refugee camp; the Israeli army said the 2 were injured by explosives used by Israeli forces to open their door, but Palestinian eyewitnesses said the 2 were shot by live ammunition and were in critical condition; after the 2 injuries, clashes between soldiers and Palestinians erupted in the camp. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians during a raid near Ramallah; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian workers trying to enter Israel near the separation wall south of Qalqilya, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli authorities announced that Israel had seized the ancient Roman ruins of Dayr Samaan near Kafr al-Dik along with land totaling 6 dunams (1.5 acres). 1 Palestinian was arrested at a military checkpoint south of Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 5 Palestinians, including 4 Waqf guards who were later released on condition of not returning to the Haram al-Sharif compound for 7 days, and 1 during a raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis and east of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 9/5; WAFA, WAFA 9/6; PCHR 9/10)

For the 11th week in a row, thousands of Israelis gathered in front of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official residence to demand his resignation over his corruption cases, Israel’s financial issues, and his government’s COVID-19 response. (AJ 9/5; HA, WAFA 9/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers rammed into a flock of Palestinian-owned sheep near Yatta, killing and injuring several. Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed during a raid in al-‘Arub refugee camp. 6 Palestinians were arrested in late-night raids in and around Jenin, Ramallah, Tulkarm, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Jabal Mukabir. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired missiles and shells east of Khan Yunis and Dayr al-Balah, causing damage. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 8/30; WAFA 8/31; PCHR 9/3)

The PA announced that, due to its financial crisis, government employees would only receive 50 percent of their July salaries. (WAFA 8/30)

At a press conference with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, U.S. senior advisor to the president Jared Kushner said that the U.S. administration’s peace plan is a “very gracious, realistic offer,” and that Palestinians should come to the negotiating table. Prime Minister Netanyahu said that if the U.S. and Israel had to wait for the Palestinians to come to the table they would “wait forever.” (HA 8/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up a caravan on Palestinian-owned land in Bil‘in. Israeli forces forced the village of Sabastiyya to remove a newly installed flagpole carrying a Palestinian flag; the flagpole was installed at a site frequently toured by Israeli settlers. 10 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Tulkarm, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and al-‘Arub refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a raid in the Old City, and 5 at 1 of the gates to the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired missiles at southern Gaza, causing damage in Khan Yunis and east of Rafah; incendiary balloons were sent toward Israel, causing fires; 1 Palestinian-owned house in Abasan sustained severe damage. Israeli forces also opened fire on agricultural lands; no injuries were reported. 4 people from the same family also tested positive for the COVID-19 virus in the 1st instance of community spread of the virus in Gaza; prior positive tests have only occurred in quarantine facilities. 4 Palestinians died in an explosion in a house east of Gaza City; the reason for the explosion remained unclear. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/24; AJ, HA, WAFA 8/25; +972 8/26; PCHR 8/27)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo landed in Israel for meetings with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Benny Gantz, and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi. Secretary Pompeo is expected to travel to Sudan, Bahrain, and the UAE to talk with senior officials about, among other subjects, normalizing ties with Israel. (REU 8/22; AJ, HA 8/24)

In the West Bank, Israel delivered demolition notices for 1 residential tent and 1 animal barn in Atuf. Israeli forces razed Palestinian-owned agricultural lands southeast of Tulkarm. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian man trying to enter Israel for work near Tulkarm. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities banned PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith from entering the West Bank for 6 months. Governor Ghaith was summoned by Israeli forces earlier in the day. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired missiles at Gaza after incendiary balloons from Gaza sparked fires in southern Israel. Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz ordered the entire Gaza fishing zone closed as collective punishment for incendiary balloons and rockets sent toward Israel. 1 Palestinian man was also seriously injured after coming in contact with an Israeli unexploded ordnance near al-Zaytun. Palestinian officials said that Gaza’s only power plant would stop producing power from 8/18 due to Israel’s embargo on fuel going to Gaza. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 1.5 nautical miles off Gaza City and Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/16; PCHR 8/19)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with French president Emmanuel Macron. President Macron said that the 2 spoke about resumption of peace negotiations. (HA, WAFA 8/16)

Israel and the UAE began direct talks to arrange the details of establishing full diplomatic relations. The 2 countries and the U.S. announced on 8/13 that the UAE would normalize ties with Israel. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview that the U.S. had asked him to suspend annexation of parts of the West Bank in exchange for normalization with the UAE. He further stated that he had no choice in the matter and that annexation was still part of the U.S administration’s peace plan. In an interview with Haaretz, UAE director of strategic communications of the ministry of foreign affairs Hend Al Otaiba said that the UAE and Israel are working toward exchanging ambassadors. When asked about if the embassy would be located in Jerusalem, Al Otaiba answered, “We’re bound by international resolutions as well as an Arab position that wants an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.” The PA ambassador to the UAE arrived in Ramallah after being withdrawn because of the UAE-Israel deal. (HA, HA 8/16; HA, HA, 8/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a tractor and wrote racist graffiti in ‘Urif and slashed tires on several vehicles and wrote racist graffiti on buildings in Yasuf. Israeli settlers also threw stones and paint at an Israeli border police vehicle near the Yitzhar settlement. Israeli settlers also set fire to Palestinian agricultural lands in Asira; subsequently, local Palestinians and Israeli forces clashed in the area, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also razed land east of Tulkarm. Separately, Israeli forces injured 3 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets as they were seeking to enter Israel via the separation wall near Far‘un. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hizma, Bethlehem, Salfit, Nablus, Tulkarm, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished part of their house built to accommodate their disabled son in Sur Bahir. 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during late-night raids in Issawiyya and the Old City, and 1 Waqf guard at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israel fired missiles at Gaza City, Bayt Hanun, and Dayr al-Balah, causing damage; incendiary balloons were launched from Gaza toward Israel, sparking fires. 1 unexploded Israeli shell was found at an UNRWA school west of Gaza City. Israel announced that it would stop all imports of fuel into Gaza as collective punishment for incendiary balloons landing in Israel. (AJ, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/13; HA, HA 8/14; PCHR 8/16; PCHR 8/17; PCHR 8/19)

Russia announced that it would open trade representation offices in Bethlehem, Hebron, and Nablus. (WAFA 8/13)

U.S. president Donald Trump announced that Israel and the UAE had agreed to establish full diplomatic ties and that Israel, as part of the agreement, had decided to suspend annexation of parts of the West Bank. In a joint statement from the 3 parties, it said that “Israel will suspend declaring sovereignty over areas outlined in the President’s Vision for Peace and focus its efforts now on expanding ties with other countries in the Arab and Muslim world.” Later, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that annexation is “still on the table” and a promise he is committed to. Subsequently, President Trump said, “Israel agreed not to annex parts of the West Bank. It is more than taking it off the table—they agreed not to do it. This is a very smart concession by Israel. It is off the table now.” U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman later said that annexation is “off the table now but it’s not off the table permanently. You can’t have peace and annexation at the same time.” PA president Mahmoud Abbas called the deal a “betrayal of Jerusalem, al-Aqsa Mosque and the Palestinian cause.” The PA also recalled its ambassador to the UAE. Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum said of the deal: “[t]his announcement is a reward for the Israeli occupation’s crimes . . . The normalization is a stabbing in the back of our people.” U.S. officials also said that Bahrain and Oman are likely to soon normalize relations with Israel. (HA, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 8/13; AJ, AJ, REU, REU, REU 8/14; HA 8/15; REU 8/16; AJ 8/17)

In the West Bank, 13 Palestinians were arrested in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Qalqilya, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 5 Palestinians were arrested in during raids in Issawiyya and Silwan. (WAFA, WAFA 7/9; PCHR 7/16)

In a phone conversation, French president Emmanuel Macron urged Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to annex parts of the West Bank. (AJ, HA, WAFA 7/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up 1 tent on Palestinian-owned land near Bethlehem. Israeli forces razed land to make way for a settler-only road near Huwwara. Israeli forces also delivered a punitive demolition order for the family house on an alleged assailant in Ya‘bad. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 30 structures and houses in Issawiyya. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, ‘Ayn Yabrud, Kaubar, Baytin, Hebron, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Kafr Aqab. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen northwest of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/6; PCHR 7/9)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh called on Israel to close all crossings to the West Bank to curb the spread of COVID-19. Prime Minister Shtayyeh further stated that Israel was preventing the PA from setting up COVID-19 checkpoints in the West Bank and that the PA would bring the issue to the UN. 1 Palestinian died in the West Bank of COVID-19, bringing the death toll in the West Bank since the outbreak to 20. (HA 7/6)

Israel launched a reconnaissance satellite which will provide Israeli military intelligence advanced imagery. (AJ, REU 7/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided and surveyed a bedouin community adjacent to the Israeli settlement Ma’ale Adumim in preparation for annexing the area. 1 Palestinian woman died of the COVID-19 virus, marking the 8th COVID-19-related death in the Palestinian territories and 4th in the West Bank, excluding East Jerusalem. The district of Bethlehem started a 48-hour lockdown to combat the rise in COVID-19 cases. 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around al-‘Arub refugee camp, Jenin, Ramallah, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/29; PCHR 7/2)

U.S. assistant to the president and special representative for international negotiations Avi Berkowitz and U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman met with Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz to discuss annexation of parts of the West Bank. According to Haaretz sources, Defense Minister Gantz told the 2 that 7/1 “is not a sacred date” for moving forward with annexation. Shortly after those details were reported, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “The issue [annexation] is not up to Kahol Lavan [Gantz’s Blue and White party]. They are not a factor either way.” (Axios, HA, HA, REU 6/29)

A letter by 4 progressives in the U.S. House, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Betty McCollum (D-MN), to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo being circulated among other representatives was obtained by the Jewish Insider. The letter warns the State Department that the 4 will “pursue conditions on the $3.8 billion in U.S. military funding to Israel.” (Jewish Insider 6/29; HA 6/30)

In the West Bank, a Fatah-organized anti-annexation protest in Jericho drew large crowds and several prominent speakers, including PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, UN envoy for Middle East peace Nickolay Mladenov, and other foreign diplomats. Israeli forces prevented Palestinians from other parts of the West Bank from reaching Jericho, leading to clashes in the northern part of the Jordan Valley where 8 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces using rubber-coated bullets and tear gas. Israeli settlers threw stones on Palestinian vehicles traveling between Nablus and Jenin, causing damage. Later, Israeli settlers raided Nablus, leading to confrontations between Palestinians and the Israeli forces escorting the settlers; 1 Palestinian was injured by rubber-coated bullets, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 16 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Jalazun refugee camp, Kobar, Ramallah, Jenin, Tubas, Tulkarm, and Bayt Fajjar. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were hospitalized after Israeli forces fired tear gas outside their house in Issawiyya. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east of al-Maghazi; no injuries were reported. (HA 6/21; HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/22; WAFA, WAFA 6/23; PCHR 6/25)

According to Haaretz sources, the Trump administration is considering green-lighting an Israeli plan for annexation of parts of the West Bank which would be rolled out over several installments rather than in 1 sweep. The plan is perceived as able to curb some of the criticism that Israel has received from several staunch supporters of Israel within the Democratic party since announcing its annexation plans. (HA 6/21)

120 Republican members of the U.S. House signed a letter to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing their support for Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank. The letter said that the Republican lawmakers believe that “Israel has the right to make sovereign decisions independent of outside pressure.” The signatories represent a majority of the 198 republicans in the House. (HILL 6/22; HA 6/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers demolished 1 Palestinian-owned stone wall around agricultural lands in Bayt ‘Aynun. Israeli forces demolished several commercial barracks and street-vending stalls in al-Ram and delivered demolition notifications for 2 Palestinian-owned homes east of Yatta. Elsewhere, Israeli forces set up mobile homes and tents near Bayt Furik. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during late-night raids in Bayt Fajjar and 3 at checkpoints near Ramallah, Nablus, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 6 Palestinians were arrested during house raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi and Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/7; PCHR 6/11)

The PA ministry of awqaf and religious affairs said in a report that Israeli authorities prevented the call for prayers at the Ibrahimi Mosque 54 times in May. (WAFA 6/7)

A 2d plane from the UAE carrying COVID-19-related aid materials landed in Tel Aviv. When the 1st flight landed on 5/19, the PA refused the aid as the UAE had not coordinated with the PA beforehand; the aid instead went solely to Gaza. PA prime minister Muhammad Shtayyeh said that the PA again had not been informed about the aid shipment. (HA, REU 6/9)

More than 1 week after Israeli police killed 1 unarmed Palestinian man with autism on a street in East Jerusalem, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the killing for the 1st time, calling it “a tragedy.” Prime Minister Netanyahu told his cabinet that he expects “complete examinations into this matter.” (HA, REU 6/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers chopped down 36 olive trees in Burin. Israeli settlers and military escort toured Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, leading to confrontations with Palestinians; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces demolished a residential structure, displacing 10 people in Bayt Umar. 19 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Qalqilya, ‘Azun, Tulkarm, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities banned the former mufti of Jerusalem, Shaykh Ikrima Sabri, from entering the Haram al-Sharif compound for 4 months. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen north of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/4; PCHR 6/11)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said that the PA would not trade Israeli-withheld PA tax revenue for political concessions, saying “[t]he question of Palestine is not that of money, but of rights, dignity and freedom.” (WAFA 6/5)

The PA responded to the ICC’s request for clarification on the PA’s decision to end all agreements with Israel and the U.S. in light of the impeding annexation of parts of the West Bank. In its response, the PA said that ending agreements with Israel and the U.S. does “not in any way purport to, nor does it, legally affect the question [of the ICC jurisdiction relating to Israeli war crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories] presently before the Chamber.” (HA 6/5; WAFA 6/6)

Syrian state media and the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported Israeli air strikes in Hama. According to SOHR, 9 people were killed, including 4 Syrians. According to Syrian state media, Syrian forces intercepted 1 Israeli attack. (HA 6/4; AJ 6/5)

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-NY) said at an online event that Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank undermines U.S. national security interests. (HA 6/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed 350 dunams (86.5 acres) of land northwest of Jericho and prevented farmers in Kisan from plowing their land. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian homes in Burin; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces handed a demolition notice for a house southwest of Hebron. 17 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Nablus, Salfit, Tulkarm, Abu Dis, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 6 structures (2 of which were residential): 5 in Jabal Mukabir and 1 in Silwan. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during house raids and 1 Waqf guard at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza City; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/2; PCHR 6/4)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu told settler leaders during a meeting that Israeli annexation of the West Bank will be promoted independently of the U.S. peace plan, according to Haaretz sources. (HA 6/2)

The Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi told members of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee that Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank would “not go unanswered” and would “diminish all chances for a lasting and comprehensive regional peace.” (HA 6/2)

The French government contributed $9 million to the PA 2020 budget. (WAFA 6/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces prevented the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee from doing restoration work in al-Ibrahimi Mosque. Israeli forces also delivered demolition orders for 6 Palestinian-owned homes in al-Tira. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided al-‘Arub refugee camp, firing tear gas and sound bombs at Palestinians; no injuries were reported. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ya‘bad, Jalazun refugee camp, Hebron, and Qabatiya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east of al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/28; PCHR 6/4)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Israel Hayom newspaper in an interview that Palestinians living in the Jordan Valley “will remain Palestinian subjects” after Israel’s impending annexation. There are over 50,000 Palestinians living in the parts of the West Bank that Israel is planning to annex. Netanyahu also said that he does not consider what the Trump administration calls a Palestinian state an actual state as it will remain under Israeli control. (HA, Israel Hayom, TOI 5/28)

The EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah expressed concern over the rise in demolitions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in 2020 compared to the number of demolitions in the same period in 2019. (WAFA 5/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers injured 2 Palestinians while throwing stones at a Palestinian-owned house in Yatma. Separately, Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian-owned agricultural lands east of Tulkarm, damaging olive and almond trees. Israeli forces also confiscated 1 residential caravan in Bayt Dajan. 26 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bayt Umar, Dura, Hebron, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Ya‘bad, Jenin, Nablus, and Qalqilya. During a raid near Ramallah, 1 Palestinian was injured by a rubber-coated bullet; 1 other Palestinian was injured by gunfire in Qalqilya, and clashes erupted during a raid in Ya‘bad; no injuries were reported there. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were injured in 2 separate attacks by unidentified perpetrators; 1 4-year-old girl was hit in the head by a bullet in Issawiyya and 1 man and his child were shot while working in a store in Shu‘fat. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Issawiyya. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 5/21; PCHR 5/28)

The PA formally informed Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories and the CIA that it was no longer participating in security coordination and intelligence sharing. PA forces also left Area B which, like Area C, is under Israeli military control. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh also said that the PA would not accept COVID-19-related aid sent from UAE on a direct plane to Israel landing on 5/20, noting that the PA had not been informed about the shipment before it took off. All the COVID-19 material will instead go to Gaza, which witnessed 29 new confirmed COVID-19 cases today. (AJ, HA, HA, REU 5/21)

18 Democratic senators signed a letter addressed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, warning that annexation of parts of the West Bank “would betray our shared democratic values by denying Palestinians’ right to self-determination in a viable, sovereign, independent and contiguous state.” It further stated that annexation would likely erode the American people’s support for the U.S.-Israeli special relationship. (HA 5/21; WAFA 5/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian house in Burqa, causing damage to the house; and raided Madama, leading to a confrontation with local Palestinians; no injuries or damage were reported. Separately, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians protecting their land northwest of Ramallah; at least 2 sustained injuries. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor west of Ramallah, alleging that he had thrown stones at Israeli settler-owned vehicles. Elsewhere, Israeli forces closed metal gates to the Hebron area villages of al-Fawar, Yatta, and Dura; and razed Palestinian-owned land near Jalud. 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during a raid in ‘Ayn al-Hilwa and 2 at a checkpoint near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Khuza‘a. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/24; PCHR 3/27)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in Jerusalem to request that the ICRC work to protect Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons from the COVID-19 virus. Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons started returning their food portions in response to Israel’s lack of help in protecting them from the virus. Prime Minister Shtayyeh also called on all Palestinians from the West Bank working in Israel to return to the West Bank, citing Israel’s reckless response to Palestinians showing signs of the COVID-19 virus (see 3/23). (WAFA, WAFA 3/24; WAFA 3/25)

The EU donated $88 million to UNRWA projects. (WAFA 2/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 21 Palestinians during raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Bethlehem, Jericho, Qalqilya, Tubas, Jenin, and Nablus. Israeli forces injured 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets during a raid in Bayt Sira. In East Jerusalem, 15 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, the rocket exchange continued from 2/23; there were no reports of casualties but reports of damage in Gaza, including to the power grid in Khan Yunis. A truce between Islamic Jihad in Palestine and Israel was implemented at the end of the day. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis and Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (AJ, BBC, CNN, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/24; AJ, HA 2/25; PCHR 2/27)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered 12 West Bank settlement outposts, deemed illegal by Israel, to be connected to Israel’s electrical grid. The Israel Lands Authority also issued tenders for the construction of 1,077 housing units in the East Jerusalem settlement Givat Hamatos. (HA, HA 2/24)

The PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh called on all Palestinians working in Israeli settlements to stop working there. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, around 23,000 Palestinians work in settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. (WAFA 2/24)

In the West Bank, Israel issued demolition orders for 4 residential structures south of Hebron and 5 homes in the Ramallah area as punitive demolitions against alleged Palestinian attackers. Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest against the U.S. administration’s peace plan in Qalqilya, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Halhul, Ramallah, Salfit, and Anata. Israeli settlers severely beat 1 Palestinian doctor visiting patients near Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Silwan and Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian lands near Bayt Hanun and east of Dayr al-Balah. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/20; PCHR 2/27)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel will expand 2 settlements, Har Homa and Givat Hamatos, in East Jerusalem with 2,200 and 3,000 housing units respectively. Prime Minister Netanyahu also said that Israel would apply sovereignty to al-Ibrahimi Mosque. The PA called Netanyahu’s announcement part of “a systematic destruction of the two-state solution.” (HA, NYT, WAFA 2/20; JP 2/23)

Israel and the PA ended its trade dispute, allowing Palestinian goods to exit the West Bank and Israeli agricultural products to enter the West Bank market. Israel started banning Palestinian goods to the Israeli market on 2/2 and later expanded the ban of export from the West Bank altogether. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 2/20)

In the West Bank, 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in Bayt Umar: 1 at a checkpoint near Ramallah and 3 during a raid in Beitunia. Israeli forces also razed an area used as a sheep market near Hebron. Israeli settlers with military escort toured Awarta and threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Nabi Salih, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family of 5 was forced to demolish their own home in Jabal Mukabir. In Gaza, Israel conducted air strikes on targets in Gaza and reported that 1 rocket was launched from Gaza toward Israel; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinian farmland east of Juhur al-Dik; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 2/9; HA, WAFA 2/10; PCHR 2/13)

After Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government was drawing up maps for annexation on 2/9, U.S. ambassador David Friedman warned that unilateral action by Israel to annex parts of the West Bank would result in withdrawal of U.S. support for Israel annexing West Bank settlements in the future. Prime Minister Netanyahu also said that Israel would hit Gaza with a “crushing blow” if rockets toward Israel continued. (HA, HA, REU 2/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces handed demolition notices to a Palestinian family in Jenin and for several houses and animal barns in Fasayil in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces also demolished a water irrigation pipeline in Bardala. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Tulkarm, and Jericho. During the raid near Jericho, 2 Palestinians were injured and hospitalized after confrontations with Israeli forces. Israeli settlers threw stones at 1 Palestinian-owned vehicle near Nablus, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned house in Bayt Hanina and a house under construction in Jabal Mukabir. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Khan Yunis; 1 Palestinian was injured and damage to equipment was reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian bird hunters east of Jabalia; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also made incursions to level land near Khan Yunis. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/4; PCHR 2/6)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu backtracked on his announcement that Israel would immediately start annexing the Jordan Valley following his meeting with U.S. president Donald Trump on 1/28. Prime Minister Netanyahu now said that Israel would start annexing the Jordan Valley after the Israeli elections on 3/2. Netanyahu’s decision to wait was reportedly made after pressure from U.S. senior advisor to the president Jared Kushner. (HA 2/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized a bulldozer and an excavator working on a school courtyard in Susiya. Israeli forces also issued demolition orders for 4 Palestinian-owned houses under construction in ‘Ayn al-Rummana and handed a stop-work order for a Palestinian house near Yatta. 19 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Jenin, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmlands east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 2 Palestinian citizens of Israel were indicted for spying on Israel on behalf of Hamas. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/27; PCHR 1/30)

In Washington, D.C., U.S. president Donald Trump, alongside Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, confirmed that he would be releasing his peace plan with Prime Minister Netanyahu on 1/28. President Trump said that the Palestinians “probably won’t want it initially . . . But I think in the end they will.” After Trump’s remarks, he met with Israeli Blue and White leader Benny Gantz. Gantz subsequently declared that the peace plan “is a significant and historic milestone.” According to PA officials, PA president Mahmoud Abbas refused to take a phone call from President Trump. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, WAFA 1/27; AJ 1/28; PCHR 1/30)