The Palestine Chronology

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians collecting rubble along the n. border fence, wounding 1 child. IDF forces make a brief incursion to Gaza to level land nr. Rafah. In the West Bank, Jewish settlers uproot around 190 olive trees in Qusra village nr. Nablus and attack villagers. Settlers also enter Bayt Umar village nr. Hebron, set fire to a car and spray ‘‘price-tag’’ graffiti. The IDF clash with residents of al-Nabi Salih village nr. Ramallah and Salfit, injuring 2 in the latter. In both cases, clashes begin after forces enter the communities and are met with protests and stonethrowing. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Jenin and 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and Jenin at night. (MNA 12/31, PCHR 1/3)

The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics says that the population of Palestinians around the world totalled 11.6 m. in 2012, with 2.7 m. in the West Bank, 1.7 million in the Gaza Strip, 1.4 million in Israel, and around 6 million in the Middle East and worldwide. (MNA 12/31)

Israeli television reports that Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu stands behind his 6/2009 statement of support for the two-state solution, though without directly quoting from the PM. Earlier, Likud MK Tzipi Hotovely said that the PM’s 2009 statement had been a tactical maneuver designed to placate the international community. (ToI 12/31)

Israeli security forces evacuate the unauthorized settler outpost of Oz Zion in between Ramallah and Jerusalem, removing right-wing activists who were still on site. (ToI 12/30)

At a meeting of Israeli ambassadors, Israeli pres. Shimon Peres praises PA pres. Abbas as a leader with whom Israel could make an agreement, describing him as ‘‘one of the only leaders in the Arab world to publicly and boldly say that he supports peace and a demilitarized state, and opposes terrorism.’’ (ToI 12/30)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Jenin, 1 village nr. Qalqilya, and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning; in 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Ramallah and in 2 villages nr. Jenin in the afternoon; and in ‘Aqaba r.c. nr. Jericho, Tulkarm and 3 nearby villages, 5 villages nr. Jenin, and 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Ramallah at night. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Nablus at night. (PCHR 1/3)

A team from the Gaza Strip-based Ministry of Justice visits Cairo for discussions with Egyptian officials on the terms of the truce agreement with Israel and other matters. Meanwhile, the 1st shipment of gravel for private construction since 2007 enters Gaza (see 12/26). (MNA 12/30; REU 12/30)

Israel’s Supreme Court overturns the ban the Central Elections Comm. imposed (see 12/19) on MK Haneen Zoabi (Balad) participating in the next elections. (Guardian 12/30)

Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen sailing about 6 naut. mi. off the Gaza coast nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 1 village nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Jericho at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem, al-Azza r.c. in Bethlehem, and Aida r.c. in Bethlehem at night. Israeli soldiers attack weekly nonviolent demonstrations held by Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, al-Nabi Salih) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara); there are no serious injuries. (PCHR 1/3)

Fatah announces that its 48th anniversary celebrations will take place in the Gaza Strip after all (see 12/27), with Hamas officials approving a venue. The government in Gaza releases 26 prisoners, including 6 affiliated with Fatah, as a ‘‘gesture’’ intended to create a positive environment for national reconciliation. (MNA 12/28)

Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen 6 naut. mi. from the Gaza shore nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 1 village nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Jericho, 2 villages nr. Hebron, and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night. Jewish settlers uproot 40 olive trees in Qusra village nr. Nablus. (MNA 12/27; PCHR 1/3)

PA pres. Abbas tells Israeli newspaper Ha’Aretz that if both settlement construction and the diplomatic stalemate continue after the forthcoming Israeli elections, he will dismantle the PA. He also says that Israel has reduced security cooperation with the PA since the UN vote in 11/2012. Abbas says he does not intend to bring charges against Israel at the ICC in The Hague, at least ‘‘as long as there are diplomatic negotiations.’’ Meanwhile, UK min. for the Middle East Alistair Burt condemns Israel’s plans to expand settlements in East Jerusalem and its official recognition of Ariel University Center as a university in unusually strong terms that refer to the Geneva Conventions. (HA, ToI 12/27)

Kadima chair Shaul Mofaz warns that Israel might be on the brink of a 3d intifada. Israeli media report an increasing number of small-scale clashes between Palestinians and the IDF in different locations throughout the West Bank since the end of Operation Pillar of Defense, including stone-throwing Palestinians attacking Israeli vehicles and IDF troops. (ToI 12/27)

Hamas issues an order banning Palestinian journalists in the Gaza Strip from working with or giving interviews to the Israeli media, and instructs government officials similarly. Meanwhile, Fatah cancels its anniversary celebrations in Gaza, citing Hamas’s refusal to agree to their proposed locations for the event. (Guardian, MNA 12/27)

In Syria, 4 Palestinians are killed when Syrian government forces shell Yarmuk r.c. nr. Damascus, the 1st attack of its kind since the rocketing of the camp on 12/16 that killed at least 25 people. (NYT 12/27; MNA 12/28)

Israeli media report on an internal Foreign Ministry document that predicts that the EU will increase efforts in 2013 to pressure Israel and the Palestinians to reach an agreement. The report suggests that the EU may try to promote the establishment of an actual Palestinian state independent of negotiations with Israel. Other Israeli media report that the PA is seeking to join a number of international organizations in the light of their successful UN statehood bid, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Israel’s Foreign Ministry is apparently seeking to stymie these efforts through its ambassadors in countries where the organizations’ headquarters are located. Meanwhile, Palestinian officials in Ramallah claim that Israel is refusing to renew the VIP cards of several senior PA officials, complicating their ability to move freely around the West Bank and Israel. (HA, JP, ToI 12/26)

Israeli and Palestinian officials confirm that Israel will allow materials for private construction into the Gaza Strip for the 1st time since mid-2007. The deal will allow up to 20 trucks of gravel to enter the territory daily through Kerem Shalom crossing in the south. (MNA 12/25; AFP 12/26)

In the West Bank, the IDF raids the Palestinian village of Yatta in the south, sparking a clash with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is injured when he is hit in the head by a tear-gas canister. The IDF patrols in Tulkarm, nearby Nur Shams r.c., and 1 village nr. Jericho at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 3 nearby villages, 1 village nr. Bethlehem, and 1 village nr. Jenin at night. (PNN, WAFA 12/26; MNA, PCHR 12/27)

Fatah’s Revolutionary Council meets in Ramallah to discuss internal and national issues, including the next steps to take following the UN bid and subsequent Israeli settlement expansion. (MNA 12/26)

Anonymous Israeli officials confirm a story in al-Quds al-Arabi that PM Netanyahu secretly met Jordan’s King Abdallah in Amman recently (no dates reported) to discuss the risk of Syria’s chemical weapons falling into the hands of armed Islamist groups. (REU 12/26)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and Hebron at night. (PCHR 12/27)

Israel’s Jerusalem District Planning and Building Comm. approves 1,200 new apartments in Gilo settlement in East Jerusalem. Meanwhile, Israel’s attorney general Yehuda Weinstein rules that there is no reason to prevent the Ariel University Center in the West Bank settlement of the same name from being recognized as an accredited university. In response, DM Barak orders the IDF command to approve the recommendations made by the Council for Higher Education in Judea and Samaria. Ariel settlement thus gains the 1st official Israeli university in the West Bank. (HA 12/24; JP 12/25)

In the run-up to Israeli elections, Israel’s education min. and Likud mbr. Gideon Sa’ar says that Likud does not support the establishment of a Palestinian state. (YA 12/24)

Human Rights Watch says that Palestinian armed factions violated the laws of war by firing rockets at Israeli civilians during Operation Pillar of Defense. (BBC 12/24)

Qatar’s Emir Shaykh Hamad BinKhalifa al-Thani tells PA pres. Abbas in a phone call that Qatar will pay its share of the $100 m. in aid pledged by the Arab League states. (MNA 12/24)

In the West Bank, the IDF attacks a Palestinian funeral procession nr. Hebron, sparking a clash that leaves 5 Palestinians injured. The IDF also denies Palestinian farmers access to their land nr. Hebron, injuring 1. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Jenin and 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin at night. Jewish settlers from Nokdim settlement nr. Bethlehem attack Palestinian shepherds. (MNA 12/22, PCHR 12/27)

In interviews with Israeli television, PM Benjamin Netanyahu claims that the IDF ‘‘inflicted a very heavy blow’’ on Hamas during Operation Pillar of Defense in November 2012 and that the military ‘‘is preparing to strike a stillheavier blow.’’ (ToI 12/22)

PA pres. Abbas says that the PA will not allow Israel to realize its plans for E1. In addition, Abbas tells the Fatah Advisory Council in Ramallah that if settlement construction continues he will consider dissolving the PA and asking Israel to resume full control of the West Bank. The council meets to discuss matters concerning the future of the party and the PA, including the prospect of holding a 7th Fatah conference. (HA, JP 12/22, MNA 12/23)

Palestinians in the West Bank hold a 2d round of municipal elections as planned (see 12/15). In the 1st round of municipal elections held 10/20/12 (see QU in JPS 166), 78 municipalities failed to field any candidate. (MNA 12/21)

The EU and Russia issue a statement condemning Israeli plans for settlement expansion, citing in particular the proposed E1 development in East Jerusalem. Israeli PM Netanyahu says on Israeli television that he will ignore international condemnation. Meanwhile, adviser to PA pres. Abbas, Nimr Hammad, says that Palestine may complain to the ICC if the UNSC fails to take substantive action over Israeli settlement construction. (JP, MNA, REU 12/21)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF opens fire on civilians and farmers protesting the buffer zone in 2 separate incidents: by the border fence nr. Jabalya, injuring 2 (1 seriously), and nr. Bayt Lahiya, wounding 2. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Jericho in the morning, in 1 village each nr. Jericho and Ramallah in the afternoon, and in Jericho, 3 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night. Israeli soldiers attack weekly nonviolent demonstrations held by Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, al-Nabi Salih) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara). There are no serious injuries, except in Bil‘in, where 2 Palestinians are wounded with live ammunition. (PCHR 12/27)

Palestinian refugees begin to return to Yarmuk r.c. nr. Damascus after a deal was brokered by UN-Arab League peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi’s representative Mokhtar Lamani to keep the fighting out of the area. UNRWA estimates that around 100,000 of the camp’s 150,000 inhabitants fled during recent clashes, many taking refuge in the parks and squares of the capital. (AFP, AP 12/21)

Fourteen of 15 mbrs. of the UNSC make statements condemning Israel’s settlement construction plans, while the U.S. vows to veto any resolution on the issue. Four separate statements are made by the 8 council mbrs. from the Non-Aligned Movement, the 4 European mbrs., as well as Russia and China. Meanwhile, the Jerusalem District Planning and Building Comm. approves the creation of a new Jewish settlement, Givat Hamatos, in the s. of East Jerusalem, not far from Har Homa. In addition, Israel’s Defense Ministry advances plans to build 523 homes in Giva’ot settlement in the Gush Etzion bloc, though this plan is long-standing and unrelated to the recent high-profile construction announcements tied to the Palestinian bid at the UN. (REU, HA, JP 12/19)

The IDF announces that it will issue permits to around 500 Christian Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to visit Bethlehem for Christmas. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin, Nur Shams r.c. nr. Tulkarm, 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin, and 2 villages nr. Nablus. (JP 12/19; PCHR 12/20)

Palestinian government employees begin a 2-day general strike to protest a delay in the payment of their wages due to Israel’s withholding of around $100 m. customs revenue. Around 50,000 workers take part in the strike. Meanwhile, Palestine Monetary Authority chief Jihad al-Wazir says that Palestinian banks will lend the PA $100 m., set to be repaid when the Arab League delivers its promised financial safety net. (REU 12/19; MNA 12/19)

Israel’s Central Elections Comm. votes to disqualify MK Haneen Zoabi, from Balad party, from running in the forthcoming elections, a decision based largely on her participation in the 2010 Gaza flotilla. (HA 12/19)

Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas offers to take in Palestinian refugees fleeing from fighting in Syria, and UN secy.-gen. Ban Ki-moon calls on Israel to facilitate their entry. Meanwhile, the UN launches its biggest aid appeal to date for Syria, estimating that it needs $1.5 b. to cope with a ‘‘dramatically deteriorating humanitarian situation.’’ Meanwhile, the Security Council passes a U.S.-and-Russian-drafted resolution on extending the peacekeeping mission in the demilitarized zone between Syria and Israel. The resolution expresses concern at the presence of both government and rebel forces in the zone. (MNA 12/18; AP, Guardian, UN News Center 12/19)

Israel’s Housing and Construction Ministry publishes tenders for construction of West Bank settlement housing units in Karnei Shomron, Efrat, and Givat Ze’ev as part of the government’s decision to build 3,000 new settlement units to punish the Palestinians for their successful UN bid. The U.S. expresses disappointment with what it calls Israel’s ‘‘pattern of provocative action’’ with regard to settlement construction, saying the repeated announcements and plans ‘‘run counter to the cause of peace’’ and put the two-state solution ‘‘further at risk.’’ Britain, France, Germany and Portugal–European members of the UNSC–issue a joint statement condemning Israel’s 12/17 decision to construct homes in Ramat Shlomo settlement in occupied East Jerusalem. (ToI, AP, HA 12/18)

IDF forces make a brief incursion into s. Gaza to level land along the border fence. In the West Bank, the IDF fires rubber-coated steel bullets at Palestinians nr. Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, causing no injuries; this marks the 6th day of confrontations since Israeli forces killed a Palestinian youth in Hebron’s Old City on 12/12. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 each village nr. Bethlehem and Hebron at night. (PNN 12/19; PCHR 12/20)

Israeli military sources say that there are cracks appearing in the co-operation between the IDF and the PA’s security forces, though the operational relationship remains generally positive. One example of this deterioration is the PA security forces stopping IDF troops from pursuing their activities on at least 2 occasions in the past few weeks. (YA 12/18)

Reports suggest that more than 1,000 Palestinian refugees living in Syria crossed over the border into Lebanon in just 24 hours, fleeing fighting in Yarmuk r.c. (REU 12/18)

Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the coast of Gaza nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. The IDF also opens fire on a group of Palestinians working their lands nr. the border fence e. of Khan Yunis, seriously wounding 1 farmer. In the West Bank, the IDF fires tear gas at stone-throwing Palestinian youths nr. the entrance of Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, hitting 1 child in the leg with a tear-gas canister. The IDF patrols in Jenin and in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem in the morning and in Nablus, nearby Balata r.c., and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Jenin, and Nablus at night. (PCHR 12/20)

Abdul Salam Siyam, cabinet secy.- gen. of Hamas’s government in Gaza, says that Egyptian authorities have pledged to end a blacklist of Gaza Strip residents who cannot use the Rafah crossing. (MNA 12/16)

Palestinian PM Salam Fayyad calls for West Bank residents to boycott all Israeli products. (REU 12/16)

Israeli FM and dep. PM Lieberman resigns over corruption charges filed against him on 12/14, saying that he hopes to take ‘‘the briefest possible leave.’’ He remains chair of Yisrael Beiteinu and 2nd on the joint electoral list with Likud. (AP 12/16)

The Syrian air force bombs Yarmuk r.c. nr. Damascus, killing an estimated 23 persons, all civilians, and sending thousands of Palestinian refugees fleeing the camp for safety. (Guardian, MNA 12/16)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians close to the border fence in the s. Gaza Strip (injuring 1) and nr. the border fence nr. Jabalya (injuring 1). In the West Bank, Jewish settlers s. of Bethlehem uproot 200 olive trees owned by a Palestinian from al-Khadir village. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the morning; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Tulkarm at night. Israeli soldiers attack weekly nonviolent demonstrations held by Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, al-Nabi Salih) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara). In Bil‘in, 2 Palestinians are wounded by rubber-coated steel bullets. Palestinians also hold a demonstration in a village nr. Jenin in solidarity with Palestinian hunger-strikers in Israeli prisons. (MNA 12/14; PCHR 12/20)

Israel’s attorney general indicts Israeli FM Lieberman on charges of fraud and breach of trust. (HA 12/14)

The Arab League’s undersecretary for Palestinian affairs says that none of the $100 m. in pledged assistance to the PA for 2012 has been transferred and that no date has been set for the transfer. The PA continues to suffer from Israel’s decision to withhold $120 m. in tax revenues as a punitive measure following the UN bid. Meanwhile, Palestinian negotiator Mohammed Shtayeh says that a legal team is studying which international organizations to join in light of the recent status upgrade. (AFP, ToI 12/14)

A group of Palestinians releases a video declaring the formation of a new resistance faction based in Hebron called the National Unity Brigades. (MNA 12/15)

The EU criticizes Israel’s settlement expansion plans in a statement released at a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels. Sweden’s FM Carl Bildt says European governments are increasingly frustrated by the settlement policy. The ministers also emphasize that the EU’s agreements with Israel only apply to the pre-1967 territory, which a diplomatic source tells the Israeli media could be a sign of future action related to settlement products. (JP, REU 12/10)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says that construction plans for the E1 area e. of Jerusalem do not prevent the eventual emergence of a Palestinian state, and repeats the offer of direct talks with Mahmud Abbas ‘‘without preconditions.’’ Meanwhile, Palestinian cheif negotiator Saeb Erakat outlines 3 conditions for a return to talks: (1) agreement that the goal of the peace process is a withdrawal to the 1967 borders; (2) restarting negotiations from the point they were halted; and (3) setting a 6-mo. timetable for agreement on all final-status issues. He adds that Israel should halt settlement activity, but does not list it as a condition. (AFP, JP 12/10)

Israel’s Finance Ministry deducts more than $71 m. from VAT taxes Israel collects and holds on the PA’s behalf and transfers it to Israel’s Electric Corporation to cover 37% of the PA’s electricity debt. (YA 12/10)

Independent politician Khalil Assaf says that the PA has officially agreed to allow Hamas to hold a festival in Nablus commemorating the movement’s 25th anniversary. (MNA 12/10)

In the West Bank, the IDF, citing military exercises, compels 6 Palestinian families to leave their homes in a village in the n. Jordan Valley. The IDF also notifies Palestinian farmers nr. Salfit that the road connecting the village to their fields will be demolished in the next 2 weeks. The IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, in 1 village each nr. Jericho and Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem in the afternoon, and in Ramallah and nearby Qaddura r.c. at night. The Ramallah raid targets prisoner support NGO Addameer and the Palestinian NGO Network, as well as the Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees. In all 3 cases, soldiers ransack the offices and confiscate equipment, including computer hardware. (WAFA 12/10; MNA 12/10; PCHR 12/13; AP 12/11)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that Iran is getting closer to being able to build a nuclear bomb and that 2013 will be the year to confront the issue. Western diplomats say that Israel is suspected to be behind a series of leaks, intended to increase pressure, about Iranian nuclear weapon experiments. Diplomats say that the P5+1 world powers expect to hold a fresh round of talks with Tehran in early 2013. (JP, Guardian, REU 12/10)

At an Arab League meeting in Doha, Palestinian pres. Abbas calls for renewed negotiations with Israel for a 6-mo. period, provided that Israel freeze all West Bank and East Jerusalem settlement construction during that time. Responding to recent public Palestinian criticism over the increasing cost of living, Abbas also calls for an amendment to the 1994 Paris Protocol covering economic relations between Israel and the PA. At the meeting, Qatari PM Shaykh Hamad bin Jassem al-Thani says that the 2002 Arab peace initiative (offering full normalization for full peace; see Quarterly Update in JPS 124) should be reviewed, though Abbas urges against withdrawing the initiative. Arab states agree to provide the PA with a monthly ‘‘safety net’’ of $100 m. to help bridge the PA budget deficit. The PA announces that it hopes to pay civil servants’ salaries for 11/2012 in the coming days. (AFP, JP, MNA, REU, ToI 12/9)

Israeli PM Netanyahu criticizes PA pres. Abbas for engaging with Hamas in reconciliation efforts. In Gaza, visiting Hamas leader Mishal says that it is time for Hamas and Fatah to put past mistakes behind them, though free and fair Palestinian elections should come first. (MNA, ToI 12/9)

In the Gaza Strip, the Hamas government releases Abu Hafs al-Maqdisi, leader of Salafist group Jaysh al-Ummah (Army of the Nation). The IDF fires warning shots at Palestinians collecting gravel and rubble close to the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun, wounding 1. In the West Bank, Jewish settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles in 2 incidents nr. Bethlehem and Hebron, injuring 1 Palestinian woman. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 1 village nr. Ramallah and 2 villages nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, in Nablus and 2 nearby villages, and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and Ramallah at night. (MNA 12/10; PCHR 12/13)

The death toll in clashes in Tripoli between Lebanese Sunni and Alawite militias hits at least 17, with over 100 wounded, in the worst case of spill-over violence in Lebanon from Syria’s civil war. (NYT 12/9)

Hamas leader Khalid Mishal, visiting the Gaza Strip for the 1st time, addresses a huge crowd gathered to mark the anniversary of the founding of the movement. Mishal tells the tens of thousands of supporters that ‘‘Palestine is ours from the river to the sea and from the south to the north. There will be no concession on an inch of the land’’ and affirms the role of armed resistance. He also urges reconciliation with Fatah, saying that it is time ‘‘for ending this chapter of division and build Palestinian unity.’’ (MNA, REU 12/8)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, in ‘Aqabet Jabir r.c. nr. Jericho at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 nearby villages, in 1 village nr. Bethlehem, and in al-Azza r.c. nr. Bethlehem at night. (PCHR 12/13)

International NGO Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of violating the laws of war during Operation Pillar of Defense with a strike on 11/18/2012 that killed 12 civilians in the Gaza Strip. (AP 12/7)

The UNGA adopts (129–31) a resolution proposed by Israel on tackling poverty through private- and public-sector entrepreneurship. The vote is portrayed by Israel as a diplomatic success coming soon after the Palestinians’ statehood bid. (Globes 12/9)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Jericho and Qalqilya in the morning, and in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Jericho n the afternoon; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Salfit in the afternoon, and in Bethlehem and 1 nearby village at night. Israeli soldiers violently disperse weekly nonviolent demonstrations held by Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, al-Nabi Salih) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara); there are no serious injuries. (PCHR 12/13)

PLO Executive Comm. mbr. Hanan Ashrawi urges the EU to go beyond verbal condemnation of Israeli violations and to take action—such as a full ban on the import of settlement products and reconsidering the EU-Israel Association Agreement—in light of Israel’s persistent human rights abuses. (WAFA 12/6)

Canadian FM John Baird says that PM Stephen Harper has relayed to Israeli PM Netanyahu Canada’s opposition to the recent settlement expansion plans. Netanyahu dismisses international anger and says that Israel will keep the area in question under any future peace deal. (AP 12/5; Globe and Mail 12/6)

Jordan’s King Abdallah II visits Ramallah for talks with Pres. Mahmud Abbas and other senior officials, in a high-profile show of support following the successful UN statehood bid (11/29). (AFP 12/6)

In the West Bank, Jewish settlers attack a Palestinian man during an olive harvest s. of Nablus, while IDF forces invade Barqa village nr. Nablus and ransack 36 homes. In c. Hebron, Israeli soldiers injure 20 Palestinians in clashes provoked when soldiers tried to arrest a Palestinian police officer, who resisted (it is unclear why he is wanted). The IDF patrols in Salfit and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Ramallah in the morning; 1 village each nr. Hebron, Qalqilya, and Salfit in the afternoon; 2 villages nr. Jericho and 1 village each nr. Jenin, Ramallah, and Salfit at night. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night. (MNA 12/6; PCHR 12/13)

Speaking after a visit to Damascus, Filippo Grandi, head of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), says that parties in Syria’s civil war must respect the neutrality of Palestinian refugees. He expresses particular concern over the role of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine–General Command (PFLP–GC), a pro-Asad faction that is strong in the Yarmuk r.c. nr. Damascus. (AP 12/6; AFP 12/7)

The Higher Planning Council of the IDF’s Civil Admin. meets to advance plans for 3,400 new settlement homes in the E1 area between Ma’ale Adumim and Jerusalem. Construction is expected to begin in 1–2 years. (HA, JP 12/5)

In Berlin, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu meets German chancellor Angela Merkel, who expresses dismay at settlement expansion. Israeli media reports say that Merkel’s message is that Netanyahu must choose between the peace process and establishing a Palestinian state on the one hand, and continued settlement growth and international isolation on the other. Meanwhile, the E.U. summons Israel’s amb. for a meeting, following similar moves by Britain, Denmark, France, Spain, and Sweden on 12/3. Palestinian pres. Abbas says he is determined to block the proposed settlement construction E1 with all legal and diplomatic means. Islamic Jihad issues a warning Israel to expect recent actions, such as settlement expansion and demolitions, to provoke a response. (REU 12/4; AP, HA, MNA, REU 12/5)

Hamas-affiliated Reform and Change mbr. Nasser al-Shaer tells Palestinian media that national reconciliation is the PA’s top priority following the successful UN bid. Senior Hamas official Ahmad Yousef cautions, however, that political instability in Egypt could delay unity talks mediated by Egyptian officials. (MNA 12/5)

In the West Bank, Jewish settlers uproot around 200 Palestinian-owned olive trees in a village nr. Bethlehem. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jericho, and 6 villages nr. Hebron at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Tubas, 2 villages nr. Jenin, and 1 village each nr. Nablus, Tulkarm, and Tubas at night. (IMEMC 12/5; PCHR 12/13)

A mortar shell fired during an exchange inside Syria accidentally lands inside the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, nr. an IDF base, causing no damage or injuries. Israel lodges a formal complaint with the UN. Meanwhile, the UN Disengagement Observer Force, deployed in the Golan since 1974 to monitor the Israel-Syria cease-fire, announces that it will reinforce its security due to threats of cross-border violence posed by Syrian rebels. (JP 12/5)

Armed clashes take place in Tripoli as Syria’s civil war continues to spill over into Lebanon, with gunmen loyal to opposing sides in the Syrian fighting clashing in the city. The fighting has killed 6 people and wounded around 60 since the beginning of the week, sparked by the deaths on 11/30 of over a dozen Lebanese fighting with the rebels. (AP 12/5)

U.S. secy. of state Hillary Clinton criticizes Israel’s 11/30 decision to approve 3,000 new housing units in settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, saying ‘‘these activities set back the cause of a negotiated peace.’’ The British and French governments also condemn the settlement expansion plan, stating that international confidence in Israel’s desire to make peace is at risk. Meanwhile, PLO Executive Comm. mbr. Hanan Ashrawi refers to the decision as a ‘‘war crime,’’ a hint that the PA may consider taking Israel to the ICC. (JP, REU 12/2)

An independent Palestinian source in Gaza says that Palestinian factions will open reconciliation talks in Cairo in the next few days, under Egyptian auspices. (MNA 12/1)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF opens fire on 3 separate occasions on civilians and farmers in the area nr. the border fence, wounding 1 nr. Bayt Hanun and 2 nr. Jabalya. Israeli naval vessels fire on 3 fishing boats operating between 2.5 and 3 naut. mi. off the coast, in 1 case arresting 5 Palestinian fishermen. Israel’s recent shooting of Palestinians nr. the border fence prompts Hamas to complain about Israeli violations of the cease-fire, with spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri saying that they are discussing the situation with Egyptian officials. Islamic Jihad’s al-Quds Brigades warns that Israeli cease-fire violations (including shootings along the border, firing on Palestinian fishing boats, and continued use of surveillance aircraft over Gaza) may force a response. In the West Bank, the IDF shoots and wounds a Palestinian man in Dura village nr. Hebron, after a military patrol is attacked by stone-throwing youths. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night. (MNA, REU 12/1; MNA 12/2; PCHR 12/6)

Turkish FM Davutoglu calls Israel a ‘‘terrorist state’’ at a meeting of regional leaders at the Turkish-Arab Cooperation Forum in Istanbul, and urges collective action against Israel. (ToI 12/1)