The Palestine Chronology

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops e. of Khan Yunis open fire on agricultural land nr. the border fence, causing no damage or injuries. Later, Israeli soldiers e. of Rafah arrest 3 Palestinians as they attempt to cross the border into Israel. Meanwhile, Palestinians gather outside UNRWA’s office in Gaza City in a sit-in protest organized by Hamas against the agency’s 1/27 suspension of its cash assistance program. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum); 1 Palestinian in each Nabi Salih and Kafr Qaddum are moderately injured. The IDF also disperses stone-throwing Palestinian youth nr. Ramallah; conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Hebron; patrols nr. Hebron, Ramallah, and Tulkarm, as well as al-‘Arub r.c. (MNA 1/30; PCHR 2/5)

The Israeli govt. publishes tenders for the construction of a hotel and several offices in Ma’ale Adumim and 450 new homes in 4 other settlements in the West Bank. Also, the Jerusalem Building and Planning Comm. republishes a plan for 93 new housing units in s. Gilo in East Jerusalem. (HA, Peace Now 1/30)

Acting pres. of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Joachim Rücker receives a letter of complaint from Israel’s permanent rep. to the UN in Geneva Eviatar Manor, alerting him to the previously unreported fact that the head of the UNHRC’s 3-mbr. commission currently investigating possible war crimes committed during OPE, William Schabas, was paid $1,300 for a consulting job with the PLO in 2012. (HA 2/3)

In the Gaza Strip, unknown assailants throw a grenade into the home of Fatah Asst. Dep. of the Palestinian Civil Affairs Ministry Nasser al-Sarraj. The grenade does not explode and no one is injured. In 2 separate incidents off the coast nr. Gaza City and Jabaliya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage to 1 boat. IDF troops e. of Rafah detain 2 armed Palestinians as they attempt to cross the border fence into Israel. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a water distribution network that services the n. Jordan Valley, as well as a house and a barn nr. Hebron. Sparked by an IDF raid in c. Bayt Umar nr. Hebron, Palestinian residents clash with the Israeli troops, lightly injuring 1 soldier. Nearby, IDF troops shoot tear gas canisters at Palestinian youth as they leave an UNRWA school. The IDF also conducts arrest raids and house searches nr. Hebron and Ramallah; patrols nr. Hebron, Jenin, Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, an Israeli settler attempts to kidnap a Palestinian child in Jabal Mukabir. The IDF conducts arrest raids and house searches in al-Tur, Ras al-Amud, and Ras Khamis. (MNA, WAFA 1/29; JTA 1/30; PCHR 2/5)

UN Special Coordinator Serry’s office (UNSCO) releases a statement announcing that the UN is going to review its operations in Gaza after the violent, Hamas-organized protest outside its headquarters on 1/28. The statement also blames Hamas for not adequately providing security for the protest. The UNSCO has been principally in charge of facilitating the UNadministered reconstruction procedure and mediating between the Israeli authorities, Hamas, and Palestinians in need of support after OPE. (HA 1/30)

The Israel Electric Corporation announces that it will begin intermittently cutting power to the West Bank at the end of the mo. due to the PA’s outstanding debts, which total around NIS 1.8 m. (around $458 m.). (MEMO, YA 1/29) 

Yisrael Beytenu delivers a petition to the Central Elections Comm. (CEC) calling for the disqualification of MK Haneen Zoabi from the 3/17 elections on the basis of her support for boycott and armed resistance against Israel. (HA, JP 1/29)

The U.S. Senate Banking Comm. votes, 18–4, to pass the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2015, which Sens. Menendez (D-NJ) and Kirk (R-IL) introduced on 1/27. A White House spokesperson consequently reaffirms Pres. Obama’s pledge to veto the bill. (AFP, REU 1/28; AP, YA 1/29)

Seventy-five U.S. sens. sign on to a letter, initiated by Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Marco Rubio (R-FL), to U.S. Secy. of State Kerry calling for a suspension of aid to the PA while the Obama admin. reviews the Palestinians’ accession to the ICC. (JTA 1/30)

In the Gaza Strip, around 200 Palestinians violently protest outside the UN’s headquarters in Gaza City against UNRWA’s 1/27 suspension of its cash assistance program. The protest was organized by a Hamas comm. IDF troops e. of Khan Yunis open fire on agricultural lands, causing damage. Unknown assailants set fire to a Fatah official’s car in Gaza City. Also, dozens of Palestinian health professionals gather outside the Ministry of Health building to protest unpaid salaries. In the West Bank, a Palestinian youth is moderately injured when he sets off a piece of unexploded Israeli ordnance left over after recent IDF exercises nr. ‘Ayn al-Hilwa in the Jordan Valley. The IDF conducts arrest raids and house searches nr. Hebron and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in the Old City. An Israeli settler attempts to kidnap a Palestinian youth in Silwan, moderately injuring him in the attack. (AFP, MNA, WAFA 1/28; HA, MNA, PCHR 1/29; HA 1/30; PCHR 2/5)

Hours after the IDF retaliated to projectile fire from Syria on 1/27, Hizballah fighters fire an antitank missile from inside Lebanon at an IDF convoy in a disputed area along the border nr. Shaba‘ Farms, killing 2 soldiers and injuring 7. The IDF responds with artillery fire, killing a Spanish peacekeeper with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). About an hour later, Hizballah fires mortars at several IDF positions in the area, causing no injuries. The IDF responds again by firing between 25 and 50 artillery shells and conducting IAF flyovers. Following the exchange, Hizballah and the Israeli govt. then exchange messages through UNIFIL expressing the desire to avoid further escalation. (AFP, BBC, HA, JP, MNA, TOI 1/28)

U.S. House of Reps. minority leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) calls Israeli PM Netanyahu and asks him to postpone or cancel his planned 3/3 congressional address. Netanyahu also speaks to Sens. Harry Reid (D-NV), the minority leader, and Chuck Schumer (D-NY), a prominent supporter of Israel. (RC 1/28; JP 1/29; HA 1/30)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops e. of Khan Yunis open fire on Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, causing damage. Meanwhile, unknown assailants set fire to the Dept. of Prisoners Affairs building in Jabaliya r.c., causing moderate damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting the closure of the entrance to their village nr. Ramallah. In the ensuing clashes, 3 Palestinians are injured with rubber-coated metal bullets. The IDF conducts house searches, arrest raids, and patrols nr. Jenin and Hebron. They also arrest 3 Palestinians at a checkpoint nr. Jenin. Israeli authorities deliver demolition notices to a village nr. Hebron for 2 animal barns and a residential building. Dozens of Palestinian youth throw stones at an IDF watchtower s. of Bethlehem, sparking clashes in which 1 Palestinian is moderately injured and detained. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct house searches and arrests in the Old City. (MNA, WAFA 1/27; PCHR 1/29)

UNRWA suspends the operation of its cash assistance program in Gaza, which provides aid for the 96,000 refugee families whose homes were partially or completely destroyed during OPE. Director of Operations Robert Turner says that the agency has received only $135 m. of the $720 m. pledged by international donors. (+972, AFP, REU 1/27)

From Syria, 4 rockets are fired into the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and 2 land nr. the Hermon ski resort, causing no injuries. The IDF responds by firing 20 artillery shells into Syria. Meanwhile, Iran sends a message to the U.S. govt. saying that Israel should expect retaliation for its 1/18 attack that killed 6 Hizballah fighters and 6 mbrs. of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. (AFP, HA, JP 1/27; AFP 1/28)

In the U.S. Senate, Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) introduce the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2015 after weeks of deliberation and debate. It would increase congressional oversight on the P5+1’s negotiations with Iran and reinstate sanctions should the negotiations fail to culminate in a final agreement. Earlier in the day, Menendez and 9 other Democratic supporters of the bill send a letter to the White House saying that they will not push for a vote until after the end of 3/2015, the deadline that the P5+1 and Iranian negotiators have set to reach a political accord. (POL, REU 1/27; TOI 1/28)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval forces twice open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage and detaining 4 Palestinian fishermen. In the West Bank, 100s of Palestinians organized by Fatah gather in various locations to call for boycotts of Israeli products, an end to the Israeli occupation, and for the Israeli govt. to unfreeze transfers of tax revenues held since 1/2. Dozens of Israeli settlers, accompanied by IDF troops perform religious rites in a Palestinian village nr. Nablus, leading to clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians in nearby Balata r.c. and ‘Askar r.c.; 1 Palestinian is moderately injured by live ammunition. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Qalqilya; patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. and Nur Shams r.c., as well as nr. Hebron, Tulkarm, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, an undercover Israeli policeman arrests a 10-year-old Palestinian in Shu‘fat suspected of throwing stones at the light rail, sparking clashes in the area during which 1 Israeli officer is lightly injured. Meanwhile, Israeli municipal officials deliver a demolition notice to a Palestinian in Sur al-Bahir. Israeli police detain 3 Palestinian women as they exit Haram alSharif. (MNA 1/24; WAFA 1/25; HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 1/26; MNA, WAFA 1/27; PCHR 1/29) 

Reps. of the Middle East Quartet (the U.S., EU, UN, and Russia) meet in Brussels to discuss methods of revitalizing the peace negotiations in the wake of the 12/30 UNSC vote rejecting a timetable for the Israeli occupation. (REU 1/27)

The IDF announces that it has dismissed 43 veterans and active reservists of Unit 8200, an intelligence gathering division, in response to their refusal of service, which they announced in a letter published by the Guardian and Yedioth Ahronoth on 9/12. (+972, HA, YA 1/26)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops e. of Khan Yunis open fire on Palestinian homes nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Palestinian youths in c. Hebron throw stones at IDF troops, sparking clashes; 2 Palestinians are arrested. The IDF arrests 1 Palestinian traveling to work in Israel from Qalqilya and another going to visit his brother in a hospital in Jerusalem. IDF troops also conduct house searches and arrest raids nr. Hebron and Qalqilya; patrol nr. Qalqilya, Jericho, Ramallah, Salfit, and Hebron. Israeli settlers chop down over 30 olive trees outside a village nr. Hebron. PA security forces conduct an arrest raid in a village nr. Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, IDF troops detain a 10-year-old Palestinian and his uncle in a park in al-Tur, sparking clashes with other residents. They also conduct house searches and arrest raids in the Old City. Right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif; IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinian women who confront them. (MNA 1/25; MNA, WAFA 1/26; PCHR 1/29)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct arrest raids and house searches nr. Hebron, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; patrol in the same village nr. Qalqilya, as well as al-Fawar r.c. and nr. Hebron, Jenin, Salfit, Tulkarm, Jericho, and Ramallah. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers shoot and injure a Palestinian on his land nr. Bethlehem and, separately, throw stones at Palestinian vehicles nearby. Meanwhile, 1,000s of Palestinians march in Hebron and Ramallah to protest French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo’s recent publication of a cartoon depicting Prophet Muhammad. Several Palestinians throw pipe bombs at a small IDF structure nr. the Beit El settlement, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian with a rubber-coated metal bullet during clashes in al-Tur. They also conduct house searches and arrest raids in the Old City. (MNA, WAFA 1/24, 1/25; PCHR 1/29)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops e. of Jabaliya open fire on a group of Palestinian youth nr. the border fence, injuring 1. Off the s. coast, Egyptian naval forces open fire on a Palestinian fishing boat, injuring 1 fisherman and arresting the other. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), injuring 4 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets and gas canisters in Bil‘in. Israeli soldiers also violently disperse protests outside Ofer detention center and Silwad nr. Ramallah, injuring 4 Palestinians, as well as in Susiya village nr. Hebron, where they assault Mustafa Barghouti, secy.-gen. of the Palestinian National Initiative. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Ni‘lin; patrols nr. Hebron, Ramallah, Tulkarm, Jenin, and Jericho. An Israeli settler attempts to hit a Palestinian child with his car nr. Tulkarm. Separately, unknown assailants throw stones at Israeli settlers’ cars nr. the Ofra settlement, lightly injuring 2 women. In East Jerusalem, IDF troops clash with Palestinians in Wadi al-Juz, al-Tur, al-‘Izzariya, and Abu Tor, firing tear gas and stun grenades and detaining 5 Palestinian youths. The Israeli police arrest 3 Palestinian women as they exit Haram al-Sharif and ban 4 others from entering the area for 3 days, following their release from detention late on 1/22. (MNA, TOI 1/23; MNA, WAFA 1/24; PCHR 1/29)

In the Gaza Strip, Egyptian authorities keep the Rafah border crossing open for a 3d day. Meanwhile, unknown assailants blow up the car of a local Fatah leader using a flammable liquid. Off the coast nr. al-Sudaniyya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage. Meanwhile, IDF troops e. of Rafah open fire on agricultural land along the border fence, causing damage. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish several residential and storage structures owned by Palestinians nr. Jerusalem and deliver a stop-work order to a construction site nr. Hebron. The IDF patrols nr. Hebron and Jenin; raids 3 homes in Tulkarm overnight belonging to friends and family of the Palestinian man who stabbed 13 Jewish Israelis in Tel Aviv on 1/21, arresting 2. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct arrest raids in al-Tur. In West Jerusalem, around 10 Jewish Israelis attack a Palestinian Druze university student, severely injuring him, after they hear him speaking in Arabic. (MNA, WAFA 1/22; HA 1/23; PCHR 1/29)

PA PM Hamdallah meets with Swedish consul-gen. Ann-Sofie Nilsson in Ramallah. Hamdallah calls on the international community to pressure Israel into unfreezing the transfers of tax revenue to the PA, which have been held since 1/2. Meanwhile, reps. of the PA and Russia meet and sign 2 bilateral agreements, which will establish joint comms. to supervise economic cooperation between them. (MNA 1/22, 1/23)

In Israel, the major non-Zionist parties— Hadash, Balad, Ta’al, and Ra’am—announce that they have agreed to run on a joint list in the 3/17 election. Ayman Odeh, newly elected chair of Hadash, will lead the list. Earlier in the day, the Knesset House Comm. approved the request to split the Ra’am and Ta’al parties, which were joined at the United Arab List in the current Knesset under Ahmad Tibi’s leadership. (HA, TOI 1/22; +972, HA, NYT 1/23)

The State Dept. announces that neither Pres. Obama nor Secy. of State Kerry will meet with Israeli PM Netanyahu when he visits Washington to address a special session of Congress on 3/3. A State Dept. spokesperson cites “long-standing practice and principle” when explaining why the pres. would not meet with another head of state 2 weeks ahead of his or her national election. (HA, JP 1/22; JTA 2/1)

Sixty-three of the 751 mbrs. of the EU parliament send a letter to foreign affairs chief Mogherini asking her to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which has governed the trade relationship since 2000. The 63 MEPs cite serious violations of international law committed during OPE. (WAFA 1/27; EI 2/4)

In the Gaza Strip, Egyptian authorities keep the Rafah border crossing open for a 2d day. Off the n. coast, Israeli naval forces open fire with live ammunition on Palestinian fishing boats, moderately injuring 1 fisherman. Also, the Gaza power plant shuts down 1 of its 3 currently operating turbines due to lack of fuel imports, increasing the planned power outages from 12 to 18 hours per day. In the West Bank, the municipal govt. of the Kiryat Arba settlement delivers a notice of unpaid property taxes to a Palestinian on whose lands the settlement was built, which will reportedly force him and his family to leave their land. Separately, Israeli forces demolish 2 homes and 2 animal shelters in a village in the s. Hebron hills. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Nablus, Hebron, Jenin, as well as Tulkarm r.c.; patrols nr. Hebron and Tulkarm. They also arrest 1 Palestinian at a military checkpoint nr. Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a home in Jabal Mukabir and a building in Shu‘fat; conduct house searches and arrest raids in Silwan. Meanwhile, security guards deny a group of right-wing Jewish activists entry to Haram al-Sharif. In Israel, a Palestinian man from Tulkarm attacks Jewish Israelis on a bus in Tel Aviv, injuring 13 with a knife, before police shoot him in the leg and detain him. (AFP, HA, MDW, MNA, NPR, WAFA 1/21; MNA, PCHR 1/22; MNA 1/23; PCHR 1/29; OCHA 1/30)

The PLO Exec. Comm. meets in Ramallah to discuss the submission of a new draft res. to the UNSC. It would call for 1 year of negotiations sponsored by the UNSC’s permanent mbrs., and a 2-year timetable for the end of the Israeli occupation. (MNA 1/20)

U.S. Speaker of the House of Reps. John Boehner (R-OH) announces that Israeli PM Netanyahu has accepted his invitation to come to Washington and address a special meeting of Congress on Iran. The Obama admin. criticizes Boehner and Netanyahu for not informing the White House before today. Netanyahu will address Congress on 3/3. (HA, POL, REU, TOI 1/21; MDW 1/22)

In the Gaza Strip, Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions. Civil employees go on a 1-day general strike in protest of the fact that they haven’t been paid a full salary since 6/2, and dozens stage a sit-in protest outside the PA unity govt.’s headquarters in Gaza City. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse a peaceful protest outside Ofer detention center nr. Ramallah, injuring 1 Palestinian with live ammunition. Israeli forces demolish 2 homes, a store, and a barn in a village s. of Hebron; deliver 34 evacuation notices to Palestinian families in 2 villages in the Jordan Valley. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids in ‘Askar r.c., Balata r.c., al-‘Arub r.c., as well as nr. Ramallah and Hebron, where they arrest a journalist with al-Aqsa TV; patrols nr. Hebron, Qalqilya, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with stone-throwing Palestinians in al-Tur and Issawiyya, injuring 2 with rubbercoated metal bullets. They also arrest Palestinians in al-Tur, Issawiyya, and Bab Hettah. Meanwhile, around 40 officials from Israel’s Foreign Affairs Ministry and 30 rightwing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif accompanied by IDF troops. In Israel, Palestinian citizens observe a general strike protesting the killing of 2 Palestinian bedouin men in Rahat by Israeli police. Residents of Rahat continue their strike, which they began on 1/18, and around 200 Palestinians throwing stones clash with Israeli police; 4 Palestinians are arrested. (MEE, MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/20; HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 1/21; PCHR 1/22; MNA 1/23) 

In his annual State of the Union address, U.S. Pres. Obama reiterates his promise to veto any new legislation relating to the sanctions on Iran that would threaten the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the P5+1. (NYT 1/21; HA 1/23)

The IAEA publishes a report on Iran’s adherence to the Joint Plan of Action, which governs its negotiations with the P5+1. It concludes that Iran has not enriched any uranium above 5% or made any “further advances” at the Natanz or Fordow plants, or the Arak reactor. (AP 1/21)

In the Gaza Strip, civil employees continue their strike for a 2d day, protesting the fact that they haven’t been paid a full salary since 6/2. Separately, almost 200 Palestinians gather nr. the French Cultural Center in Gaza City to protest the recent publication of cartoons featuring the Prophet Muhammad by Parisbased satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. Gaza’s police arrest 7 of the protesters. Late at night after the protests, unknown assailants set off a homemade bomb under the car of an administrative official with Hamas’s military police, which was parked outside his home in Shaykh Radwan. Off the coast nr. al-Sudaniyya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. Additionally, Israeli naval forces capture a boat sailing from the Sinai to Gaza with materials for building rockets and detain the 3 Palestinians aboard, according to the IDF. (The incident will not be reported until 2/11, due to an IDF gag order.) In the West Bank, IDF troops expel 2 Palestinian women from their home in c. Hebron, then seal the property. In nearby villages, Israeli forces close 2 Palestinian-owned stores; destroy a well and an animal barn. They also deliver a stopwork order to a site nr. Jenin where Palestinians are building a new park. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Hebron, Ramallah, Qalqilya, Jenin, and at Nur Shams r.c. nr. Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem neighborhoods, Israeli forces demolish 2 homes and a residential building. As a result, 1 Palestinian woman is injured with a rubber-coated metal bullet during clashes with IDF troops in Issawiyya. Nearby, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians, including 1 pregnant Palestinian journalist and 4 other women at Haram al-Sharif. Across Israel, 100s of Palestinians gather to protest the killing of 2 Palestinian bedouins in Rahat on 1/14 and 1/18. After a funeral for the man killed on 1/18, clashes break out between residents of Rahat and Israeli police, but police refrain from using crowddispersal measures on orders from a district cmdr. Meanwhile, residents of Rahat continue their strike. (MNA, WAFA 1/19; JP, MNA, WAFA 1/20; HA, MEE 1/21; PCHR 1/22; OCHA 1/23; YA 2/11)

In Brussels, EU FMs agree to appeal the Gen. Court of the EU’s 12/17 decision to remove Hamas from the body’s list of foreign terrorist organizations. (AFP, JP 1/19)

In the Gaza Strip, civil employees in the ministries of public works, labor, justice, and women’s affairs go on strike in protest of the fact that they haven’t been paid a full salary since 6/2. In the West Bank, IDF troops assault Palestinian workers during a raid on a bakery in c. Nablus, injuring 3. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, Nablus, and Ramallah; patrols in 1 village and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers destroy 12 olive trees and saplings in a village nr. Nablus and leave racist price-tag graffiti. In s. Israel, Israeli police violently disperse around 10,000 Palestinians protesting after a funeral held in Rahat for Sami al-Ajar, the Palestinian bedouin killed by police on 1/14, killing another Palestinian bedouin with tear gas, injuring over 40, and detaining 5 for throwing stones. The Arab High Follow-Up Comm. calls for an extension of the general strike in Rahat began after al-Ajar’s killing, and for a general strike in all Palestinian areas of Israel on 1/20. (MNA 1/17, 1/18; +972, JP, MNA, WAFA 1/19; MNA, OCHA 1/23)

Following Canadian FM John Baird’s meeting with PA FM al-Maliki in Ramallah, dozens of Palestinians throw shoes and eggs at Baird’s vehicle, protesting Canada’s recent proIsrael positions. (MNA, WAFA 1/18)

The PA unity govt. announces that it will pay its civil servants 60% of their salaries for 12/2014 by the end of the week. The funds were reportedly collected through loans from banks, aid from Arab countries, and existing domestic resources. Around 200 PA employees loyal to Mohammad Dahlan will not receive paychecks. (MNA, WAFA 1/18; NYT 1/20; TOI 1/25)

In Syria, an Israeli helicopter fires 2 missiles at a 3-car convoy nr. Qunaytra in the Golan Heights, killing 6 Hizballah fighters and 6 mbrs. of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. (AFP 1/18; JP, MNA 1/19; JP 1/20; YA 1/31)

Dep. ministers from Iran and the P5+1 meet in Geneva for negotiations over Iran’s disputed nuclear program. Earlier in the day, reps. of China and Iran conduct bilateral meetings. (ALM 1/18; AP 1/21)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops punitively shut down a main road s. of Ramallah after Palestinians throw stones at Israeli settlers’ cars. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Hebron and Ramallah, assaulting 1 to the point of hospitalization; patrols nr. Qalqilya, Hebron, Tulkarm, Jericho, and Salfit. Also nr. Hebron, IDF troops violently disperse a peaceful demonstration with tear gas and stun grenades in Surayf village, injuring and detaining several Palestinians. Israeli soldiers also arrest a Palestinian at the separation wall nr. Jenin. Israeli settlers uproot 20 olive trees outside Turmus ‘Ayya and Ramallah. (MNA, WAFA 1/17; MNA 1/18; PCHR 1/22)

Following Iranian officials’ separate meetings with the U.S. and Russian delegations in Geneva, Iran’s Dep. FM Abbas Araghchi says, “We remain hopeful and I think that if the other side has the necessary goodwill and determination, it will be possible to reach a deal,” reflecting the optimistic atmosphere surrounding the upcoming round of negotiations. (MNA 1/17)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops e. of Jabaliya r.c. open fire on a group of Palestinians, moderately injuring 1. Also, 100s of Palestinians pray outside the Rafah border crossing, protesting its closure since 12/23. Meanwhile, police officers dismantle a 1,000 kg piece of unexploded Israeli ordnance left in Gaza City after OPE. Late at night, unknown persons vandalize the French Cultural Center, leaving slogans criticizing French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo’s recent publication of a cartoon featuring a likeness of the Prophet Muhammad. Also, the Gaza power plant resumes operation of a 3d turbine (out of 4 total), following the receipt of aid from the Qatari govt. for additional fuel. Daily scheduled power outages in Gaza decrease from 18 to 12 hours. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), and nonweekly demonstrations in Surayf village nr. Hebron and outside Ofer detention center. In total, 10 Palestinians are seriously injured (2, Bil‘in; 7, Kafr Qaddum; 1, Surayf). Also, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids nr. Ramallah, Qalqilya, and in al-‘Arub r.c.; patrol nr. Jenin; arrest a Palestinian man at a border crossing n. of Jenin. Separately, a Palestinian throws stones at Israeli settlers’ vehicles between Jerusalem and Ramallah, injuring 1. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian in al-‘Izzariya. Meanwhile, 100s of Palestinians gather at Haram al-Sharif after Friday prayers to protest the Charlie Hebdo cartoon. In s. Israel, Palestinian bedouin residents of Rahat observe a general strike called for by the Arab High Follow-Up Comm. in protest of the 1/14 killing of Sami al-Ajar by Israeli police. The comm. also called for a strike on 1/18. (MNA 1/16; AFP, TOI 1/17; +972 1/19; PCHR 1/22; OCHA 1/23)

ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda opens a preliminary examination into the situation in Palestine to cover the time period since 6/13. Meanwhile, the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women Rashida Manjoo cancels her fact-finding mission to the oPt because Israeli authorities refused to give her a visa. (MNA, TOI 1/16; EI, MNA, WAFA 1/17)

Speaking at a joint press conference, U.S. Pres. Obama affirms that he will veto any new sanctions legislation that the new Republicanled Congress may pass, and UK PM David Cameron criticizes the sanctions proposals. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with Iranian FM Zarif in Paris and discusses the negotiations over Iran’s disputed nuclear program, as U.S. and Iranian officials meet in Geneva for bilateral talks. Zarif also meets with French FM Fabius. (AFP, AP, MNA, TOI 1/16)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops e. of Khan Yunis detain 3 Palestinians as they attempt to cross the border fence into Israel. In the West Bank, Israeli forces conduct house searches and arrest raids nr. Ramallah and Jenin; patrol nr. Hebron and Salfit; demolish 30 dunams (around 7.4 acres) of wheat fields nr. Bethlehem; and deliver eviction orders to several Palestinian bedouin families in a village nr. Jericho. Israeli settlers level land so they can establish a road leading to an outpost s. of Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces fire sound bombs and tear gas at Palestinian students as they exit their elementary school in al-Tur, then arrest 1 of their parents. (MNA, WAFA 1/15; PCHR 1/22; OCHA 1/23)

In Cairo, the Arab League agrees to make the “necessary communications and consultations” with international partners to submit a new proposal on behalf of the Palestinians to the UNSC. Diplomats from 5 Arab countries will form a joint comm. to organize the resubmission, and PA Pres. Abbas agrees to respect the comm.’s decisions regarding timing. (AP, HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 1/15; TOI 1/17)

After meeting with the U.S. Consul Gen. to Israel and Palestine Michael Ratney in Ramallah, PA PM Hamdallah calls on the international community to pressure Israel into unfreezing its tax revenue transfers to the PA. (AJ, REU, WAFA, YA 1/15) 

Iranian FM Zarif meets with German FM Steinmeier in Berlin, then with EU foreign affairs chief Mogherini, to discuss the ongoing negotiations over Iran’s disputed nuclear program. In Geneva, reps. of Iran and the U.S. discuss the negotiations. (AFP 1/16; MNA 1/17)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a junction between Bethlehem and Hebron, later alleging that the man was attempting to steal a car. The IDF raids the home of 2 PA security officers nr. Nablus, and Palestinian officials call it a provocative step. On a late-night arrest raid in Jenin r.c., Israeli soldiers shoot and injure a Palestinian man with rubber-coated metal bullets and arrest 4 others, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents and arresting 1 more. Hours after unknown assailants shoot at an Israeli military vehicle nr. Abud village n. of Ramallah, Israeli forces conduct house-to-house raids in the village, fire stun grenades and flares, and shut down a road leading to a nearby monastery. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Salfit and Hebron; demolishes 1 Palestinian home and 2 animal shelters in a village nr. Ramallah; arrests a Palestinian outside the Gush Etzion settlement nr. Bethlehem. Separately, an Israeli settler runs over with his car 2 sheep belonging to a Palestinian nr. Nablus. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli authorities reopen the Erez border crossing, having closed it on 1/8. IDF troops e. of Rafah open fire on agricultural land nr. the border fence, causing damage. Dozens of employees of the Hamas-run govt. protest outside the PA unity govt.’s headquarters in Gaza City, calling for their full salaries to be paid for the 1st time since 6/2. In East Jerusalem, unknown Israelis vandalize 11 Palestinian-owned vehicles in Bayt Safafa, puncturing tires and leaving racist pricetag graffiti. Israeli forces conduct a house search in al-‘Izzariya, arresting 2 Palestinians. In s. Israel, an Israeli police officer shoots and kills a 22-year-old Palestinian with live ammunition during an arrest raid in Rahat in the Negev, sparking clashes between the police and local Palestinians. Separately, Israeli forces demolish several steel structures in the nearby Palestinian bedouin village al-‘Araqib. This is the 80th time Israeli authorities have ordered demolitions in the village since 2010, when it was 1st targeted. (JP, MEE, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 1/14; MNA, PCHR, WAFA 1/15; EI 1/16; PCHR 1/22; OCHA 1/23)

Hamas reactivates Gaza’s separate Palestinian Legislative Council and convenes a session of the body, a move that contravenes the national reconciliation deal that was announced on 4/23. No other parties attend the session. The decision comes after 2 weeks of increased tension between Hamas and the PA unity govt. (AFP, MNA, NYT 1/14; MNA 1/15)

PA Pres. Abbas meets with Egyptian pres. al-Sisi in Cairo to discuss Abbas’s proposed resubmission of the draft UNSC res. and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. (MNA, REU, WAFA 1/14)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with Iranian FM Zarif in Geneva to discuss the negotiations over Iran’s disputed nuclear program. Kerry says he is hoping to “accelerate the process to make greater progress,” but he will not participate in the coming 3 days of bilateral talks or the broader talks between reps. of Iran and the full P5+1 on 1/18. (ALM 1/17)

In the Sinai Peninsula, the Sinai Province of the Islamic State kills 3 bedouins suspected of collaborating with Israel. (MNA 1/15)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops e. of Khan Yunis open fire on Palestinians as they approach the border fence, causing no injuries. Meanwhile, 100s of civil servants hired by the Hamas-run govt. protest the fact that they have not been paid since 6/2/2014. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron, sparking clashes with residents; 5 Palestinians are injured with rubber-coated metal bullets. The IDF also patrols nr. Hebron, Ramallah, and Jenin. Israeli settlers vandalize Palestinian property in Turmus ‘Ayya village nr. Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct house searches and arrest raids in al-Tur. (MNA 1/13, 1/14; PCHR 1/15; OCHA 1/23)

Before departing Ankara for Cairo, PA Pres. Abbas confirms that the Palestinian leadership would like to resubmit their draft res. to the UNSC after they refer the issue to the Arab Peace Initiative for approval. (JP, WAFA 1/14)

An official in the former Hamas-run govt. in Gaza says that some security personnel hired after 2007 will receive NIS 1,000 (around $250) on 1/15, their 1st payment since 6/2. Civil servants employed by the Hamas-run govt. were paid a partial salary of around NIS 4,800 (around $1,245) on 10/29. (AFP, MNA 1/13)

The U.S. State Dept. announces that any bill Congress passes regarding new sanctions on Iran will be vetoed by the pres. Meanwhile, Pres. Obama calls Israeli PM Netanyahu to brief him on the negotiations with Iran, ahead of the meeting between reps. of Iran and the P5+1 in Geneva set for 1/15. (JP 1/14)

In the Gaza Strip, employees of the ministries of public works, labor, justice, and women’s affairs—those led by Gaza-based ministers of the PA unity govt.—go on strike, protesting unpaid salaries since 6/2. In the West Bank, Palestinians throw stones at Israeli settlers’ vehicles nr. Sinjil, injuring 2 women. Israeli police arrest a settler in connection with the shooting of a Palestinian nr. Hebron on 1/10. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Jenin, Hebron, and Bethlehem; patrols nr. Jericho, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Hebron, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians. (MNA 1/12; OCHA, PCHR 1/15)

Following up on the 1/11 meeting between political factions in Gaza, a Hamas spokesperson says that the group will make a political decision to quit the PA unity govt. if the crisis facing civil employees is not resolved. (MEMO 1/12; JP 1/13)

Egyptian authorities announce that they will not open the Rafah border crossing this week, reversing their 1/11 announcement. The decision comes after the Sinai Province of the Islamic State captures an Egyptian security officer nr. Shaykh Zuwayd. (MNA 1/12)

Israeli security forces shut down 3 Nazarethbased Muslim charities—Muslim Women for al-Aqsa, al-Fajr, and Ruad al-Aqsa—suspected of channeling funds to Hamas and inciting violence at Haram al-Sharif. (HA 1/12; AFP 1/13)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on a Palestinian attempting to enter Israel, injuring, then detaining him. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage but no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct house searches and raids in ‘Askar r.c. nr. Nablus, arresting a leader of Islamic Jihad, and in Yatta s. of Hebron, sparking serious clashes, in which 5 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Tulkarm, Jenin, Salfit, Nablus, Hebron, and Ramallah; patrols nr. Hebron, Jenin and Qalqilya. Early in the morning, IDF troops close all 4 entrances to a village nr. Nablus. Israeli settlers chop down around 170 olive trees nr. Nablus and 38 nr. Salfit. (MNA, WAFA 1/11, 1/12; OCHA, PCHR 1/15)

Reps. of all PLO factions meet to discuss recent criticism of the PA unity govt. from Hamas. They conclude that Hamas is responsible for hindering the unity govt.’s work in Gaza. At a meeting between Hamas and Palestinian factions in Gaza, Hamas calls for an emergency comm. to be formed to administer the territory, and the PFLP and DFLP oppose the proposal. Instead, they agree to form a comm. to follow up on the implementation of the 4/23 national reconciliation deal, which led to the formation of the unity govt. on 6/2. (MNA 1/11; JP 1/13)

In the Gaza Strip, 2 Palestinian infants and 1 young fisherman die from the effects of winter storm Huda. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian youth playing in the snow nr. Nablus, injuring 2 with live ammunition and several others with tear gas. The IDF conducts house searches and raids nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah; patrols nr. Tulkarm and Qalqilya. An Israeli private settlement security officer opens fire with live ammunition on another group of Palestinian youth playing in the snow nr. Hebron, injuring 1. Also nr. Hebron, an Israeli settler shoots and injures a Palestinian youth. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian cars nr. Nablus, injuring 1 Palestinian girl. Separately, Israeli settlers destroy 194 olive and almond trees outside Yatta village nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, an Israeli settler opens fire on Palestinian merchants in the Old City, sparking clashes wherein 1 Palestinian is arrested. Israeli police assault and arrest 2 Palestinian youth as they play in the snow in Ras al-Amud. Israeli forces conduct house searches and arrest raids in the Old City and Silwan. (AFP, JP, MNA, WAFA 1/10; IMEMC, MNA 1/11; OCHA, PCHR 1/15)

In the Gaza Strip, flooding caused by winter storm Huda forces 100s more Palestinians to leave their homes. A Palestinian infant, whose family’s home was partially destroyed during OPE, dies from the cold weather in Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts a raid on a home in c. Hebron and arrests a Palestinian suspected of throwing stones at soldiers; patrols in a village nr. Jericho. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 2 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers chop down 345 olive trees in several locations s. of Hebron late at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians in the Old City, including 2 children playing in the snow. (MNA 1/9; MNA, WAFA 1/10; PCHR 1/15)

A bipartisan group of 4 U.S. sens. releases a statement reaffirming their dedication to existing U.S. law that bars all U.S. aid to the PA if the Palestinians initiate an investigation of Israelis at the ICC, or support such an investigation. (JP 1/10)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli authorities close the Erez border crossing to all but foreigners and Gazans with medical emergencies after Hamas officials set up a makeshift office for security personnel nr. the crossing earlier in the day. IDF troops open fire on a Palestinian attempting to cross the border fence into Israel, injuring and detaining him. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uproot around 580 olive and almond trees outside 2 villages nr. Ramallah. The IDF patrols in villages nr. Qalqilya and Hebron, as well as al-‘Arub r.c. In East Jerusalem, a Jewish Israeli man is stabbed with a screwdriver while walking nr. the Old City. Following the attack, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in the Old City, arresting 5 Palestinians. (HA, JP, MNA 1/8; MNA 1/9; OCHA, PCHR 1/15)

After beginning preparations on 1/4, Egyptian forces begin extending the buffer zone along the border with Gaza, demolishing structures and evicting families from their homes. (DNE, EN 1/8; AFP 1/9)

The Gaza power plant resumes operations of a 2d turbine (of 4 total), following the recent receipt of fuel shipments. The plant was shut down completely between 12/28 and 1/4. (WAFA 1/6; MEMO, MNA 1/7; OCHA 1/15)

UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon confirms that the State of Palestine will become a mbr. of the ICC on 4/1, hours after the ICC acknowledges that Palestinian authorities have formally recognized the court’s jurisdiction over the oPt starting retroactively on 6/13, a key legal declaration. (MNA, WAFA 1/6; JP, RT, WAFA 1/7)

Hamas accuses the PA unity govt. of reallocating funds meant for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, the PA cabinet condemns the 1/4 Israeli settlement announcement. (MNA, WAFA 1/6)

A Hamas delegation arrives in Iran to participate in the 28th International Conference on Islamic Unity. (AP, CNN, HA, JP, REU 1/6; IRNA 1/9; AP 1/12)

The French govt. denounces the Palestinian resubmission of their UNSC draft res., with FM Fabius saying, “We are against this spiraling out of control.” (REU 1/6)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli jets conduct a series of mock raids. IDF troops along the s. border open fire on agricultural lands, causing damage but no injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian-owned barn in Hebron and several shops in a village nr. Bethlehem. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron. An Israeli settler kills 16 sheep owned by Palestinians in Aqraba village, s. of Nablus, by spraying pesticides in sheep-grazing areas. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activists enter Haram al-Sharif with an escort of Israeli security forces. (MNA, WAFA 1/5; AP, MNA 1/6)

In Gaza City, reps. of Islamic Jihad and Hamas discuss the PA’s accession to the ICC, the failed UNSC res., and the conditions for Palestinians in Gaza. Later, Hamas condemns the possible resubmission of the failed res., with spokesperson Abu Zuhri saying, “such a step would be political foolishness.” Meanwhile, the U.S. State Dept., the EU Delegation to the Palestinian Legislative Council, and Israeli pres. Rivlin all criticize the Israeli govt.’s 1/1 decision to freeze the transfer of tax revenues in response to the PA’s accession to the ICC. (AFP, AP, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/5)

In the Gaza Strip, the Gaza power plant resumes operation of 1 of its 4 turbines, having received new shipments of fuel after shutting down completely on 12/28. However, scheduled power outages stay at up to 18 hours per day. Off the coast nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. Also, the IDF begins pulling troops stationed nr. Gaza, as announced 12/28. In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian is injured during a clash in Hebron between stone-throwing Palestinians and private Israeli settlement security guards. IDF troops rebuild mounds of earth outside a village nr. Salfit, closing the main entrance. The village’s residents cleared the mounds on 12/31 during demonstrations marking Fatah’s 50th anniversary. In East Jerusalem, an Israeli court bars 5 Palestinian women (arrested on 1/1) from entering Haram al-Sharif for 21 days. Israeli forces detain another Palestinian woman as she exits the sanctuary. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/4; OCHA 1/15)

A senior Israeli FM official says that Israel is not planning any new settlement construction in response to the Palestinians’ accession to the ICC. Meanwhile, PM Netanyahu and DM Ya’alon agree to use NIS 70 m. (around $17.8 m.) from the Defense Ministry’s budget to strengthen infrastructure in the Beit El settlement and relocate an IDF base to make room for 300 new residences. Then-Fin. Min. Lapid blocked their prior attempt on 11/25. Separately, the Israeli High Court of Justice freezes construction on the separation wall in the Battir Valley of the West Bank, responding to complaints from the Palestinian residents and UNESCO’s 6/20 decision to place Battir’s terraces on its list of World Heritage sites. (JP, HA, MNA, TOI 1/4)

Egyptian authorities prepare for the demolitions and evictions required to expand the buffer zone along the Gaza border to 1 km. The 2,044 families that live in the 1,200 homes set to be demolished will receive 1,500 Egyptian pounds (approximately $209) to pay for 3 mos. of housing, and 700–1,200 Egyptian pounds per sq. m of their house that is demolished. (JP, MNA 1/4)

Jordan suspends talks with Israel regarding the 9/2014 memorandum of understanding set to govern their $15 b. joint gas deal with U.S. company Noble Energy. Israel’s Antitrust Authority revoked its approval of the Delek Group-Noble Energy alignment on 12/23. (JP, JTA, TOI 1/4)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, seriously injuring 1 fisherman and destroying his boat. Meanwhile, Israeli forces level land nr. the border fence e. of Bayt Lahiya. In the West Bank, Israeli troops detain a senior Fatah official at a checkpoint e. of Bethlehem. Two Israeli settlers report to local IDF troops that they are being assaulted by 4 Palestinians nr. the Itamar settlement, prompting the soldiers and private settlement security guards to arrest the alleged assailants. The arrest sparks clashes between around 50 settlers and Palestinians from a nearby village; 2 of the Palestinians are shot and injured. (An internal IDF investigation will conclude that the initial call was erroneous.) (MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/3; OCHA 1/15; TOI, 1/20; WAFA 1/22)

In the Gaza Strip, Egyptian troops open fire on Palestinian youth along the border e. of Rafah, killing 1 and arresting 3. In 2 separate incidents, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence (e. of Khan Yunis r.c. and e. of Jabaliya r.c.) open fire on stone-throwing Palestinians, moderately injuring 2. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers from the Adi Ad outpost throw stones outside Turmus ‘Ayya at 2 vehicles from the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem, causing light damage. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), where they arrest 1 Palestinian. In the evening, Israeli troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinians in a village nr. Ramallah, then impose a curfew on the village and arrest 1 resident. (AP, HA, MNA, TOI 1/2; IMEMC, MNA, YA 1/3; OCHA 1/15)

Senior Palestinian leaders meet in Ramallah and discuss resubmitting their res. to the UNSC since 5 new mbrs. joined the council on 1/1. PA Pres. Abbas meets with Jordanian officials about the timing of the resubmission. (TOI 1/3; DS 1/4)