The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, a Palestinian succumbed to injuries sustained from Israeli forces during a raid in Ras Karkar last week. Israeli settlers posing as Israeli forces made 3 Palestinian families demolish their residential tents on the outskirts of Hizma. Israeli forces shot and killed 4 Palestinians during a raid in Jenin, 9 were injured, including 1 in a drone strike on a house. Israeli forces also shot and killed a Palestinian during a raid in Yatta. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 44 Palestinians during raids in Beita, Hebron, Zawata, Safa, al-Ram, Dura al-Qara’, ‘Anata, and Dheisheh refugee camp. 60 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Silwad, Hebron, Nablus, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian in Shaykh Jarrah, claiming he had stabbed and injured a police officer. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 304 Palestinians. Israel said it had carried out 600 airstrikes in the past 24 hours. Hamas said it had repelled Israeli advances near Gaza City, forcing Israeli tanks and bulldozers to retreat. Israel hit the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, causing extensive damage. Near Lebanon, an Israeli soldier was killed and 2 others injured when an Israeli tank rolled over them. Israel attacked several places in Lebanon; 3 mortar shells were fired at Israel. In Syria, Israeli forces carried out airstrikes, saying they had hit targets that fired rockets toward Israel. (AP 10/29; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/30; HA, NYT 10/31)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said at least 8,309 Palestinians have been killed, including around 5,000 women and children, and 21,048 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. 1,800 Palestinians, including 940 children, have been reported missing. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 122 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 33 children. More than 2,208 have been injured. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals; 5,431 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1.4 million Palestinians, more than half the population in Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. As of 10/23, at least 27,781 housing units had been destroyed and 150,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. At least 45% of all housing units have been either destroyed or damaged in Israeli airstrikes. UNRWA said 10 of its staff have been killed in the past 3 days, bringing the total number of UNRWA staff killed by Israel to 63. 26 trucks carrying aid to Gaza entered via the Rafah crossing. The WHO said it had not been able to resupply al-Shifa and al-Quds hospitals because of the risk of Israeli airstrikes. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said an Israeli airstrike damaged its warehouse in Gaza City. Israel closed off the water to Gaza again after reopening 2 water lines in the past week. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 10/30)

Hamas released a video of 3 Israeli captives, calling on Israel to facilitate their release. Israel said it had rescued 1 captive from Hamas during an operation in Gaza. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU 10/30)

Al Jazeera journalist Youmna ElSayed said her family had received a phone call from Israel warning them to flee south from Gaza City. Al Jazeera condemned the threat against their journalist in a statement, saying “Israel’s actions continue with impunity as they attempt to silence the messenger.” (AJ, AJ 10/30) 

PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki met with Cypriot foreign minister Constantinos Kombos, discussing the need for an immediate ceasefire. (WAFA 10/30)

Israeli media reported that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich had sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, informing him that monthly payments to the PA delivering the PA’s tax revenue had stopped. (AJ 10/30)

A draft document written by the Israeli Ministry of Intelligence said Israel may try to forcefully displace Palestinians in Gaza to Egypt. 2 other options in the document included that Israel hands control of Gaza to the PA or that is establish “local Arab rule” by Palestinians in Gaza. Israeli sources verified the authenticity of the document but said the government is not expected to debate the proposals. (HA 10/30; AP 10/31)

The Israeli High Court of Justice denied a petition by 3 Israeli organizations to remove a temporary order allowing worsening conditions for Palestinian prisoners. The judges said “[t]he assessment of human rights violations in times of war is not comparable to such assessments in peaceful situations.” (HA 10/30)

Al-Haq, al-Mazan, and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights urged ICC prosecutor Karim Khan to issue arrest warrants for “Israeli authorities and military personnel.” (AJ 10/30; WAFA 10/31)

At the UN Security Council, PA ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour criticized the international community for not forcing Israel to stop its bombing of Gaza, saying “they are besieged and bombed with nowhere safe to go.” Israeli UN ambassador Gilad Erdan wore a yellow Star of David, resembling the markings forced on Jewish people by Nazi Germany, saying “Never Again.” Dani Dayan, the chairperson of the Israeli Holocaust Remembrance Center, Yad Vashem, said Erdan’s actions “disgraces both Holocaust victims and Israel.” UNRWA commissioner-general Phillippe Lazzarini told the Security Council that a ceasefire was a “matter of life and death for millions,” and charged Israel with collective punishment. (AJ, NYT, WAFA 10/30; AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, WAFA 10/31; HA 11/1)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant said Hamas will “die fighting” or “surrender without any conditions.” (AJ 10/30)

U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. does not support a ceasefire, reiterating the White House’s position that a ceasefire would only benefit Hamas. Kirby stated the U.S. position was to support “temporary, localized humanitarian pauses for aid, and for people to get out.” The U.S. also said 4 rockets were launched at the Ain al-Asad air base, causing no injuries or damage. Saudi defense minister Khalid bin Salman said he discussed the need for a ceasefire during a meeting with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. (AJ, HA, REU, REU 10/30; AJ 10/31)

UK foreign secretary James Cleverly said the UK was working to facilitate a temporary ceasefire to allow more aid to enter Gaza. UK parliamentary private secretary Paul Bristow was fired from the Conservative government for writing a letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak calling for a ceasefire. (AJ, REU 10/30; AJ, AJ, HA 10/31)

Axios reported that Mossad director David Barnea traveled to Qatar over the weekend for meetings with Qatari officials regarding a prisoner exchange with Hamas. U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke with Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, discussing the humanitarian situation in Gaza and Qatari efforts to mediate a prisoner exchange. (AJ, AX, HA 10/30)

OIC secretary-general Hussein Brahim Taha condemned the Israeli attacks on Gaza, calling on the international community to intervene. (WAFA 10/30)

In Gaza, 7 Palestinians were killed, including at least 4 by Israeli airstrikes, and 36 were injured on the second day of the Israeli assault on Gaza. 2 Palestinians were killed in an airstrike on a field in Abasan al-Kabira, while 2 Palestinians were killed and 2 injured in an airstrike on a field in al-Shuka east of Rafah. 8 Palestinians, including 3 children and 3 women, were injured in airstrikes on al-Salem near Rafah. 1 Palestinian was killed and 1 woman seriously injured when a missile fell on their house in Beit Lahiya, 2 minors were killed and 12 others were injured when a missile fell on a house in Gaza City, and 13 were injured after a missile fell on a house in Beit Hanun. PCHR said its initial investigation raised suspicion that these 3 incidents could be from rockets misfired from Gaza. Islamic Jihad started firing rockets at Israel 35 hours after Israel assassinated 3 of their members and after 3 separate rounds of airstrikes. In Israel, rockets launched from Gaza caused damage in Ashkelon and Sderot, injuring 1 Israeli. 2 Israeli Channel 13 journalists were assaulted by an Israeli man using pepper spray while reporting in Tel Aviv. The TV channel has been attacked by Israeli politicians for airing a chyron reading “Green light from the prime minister: Women and children killed overnight in Gaza.” In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided Qabatiya, killing 3 Palestinians. Israeli forces escorting Israeli settlers also shot and injured 2 Palestinians near Deir Dibwan. Elsewhere, Israeli forces uprooted olive tree saplings in Wadi Fukin and uprooted hundreds of olive trees and destroyed 20 water tanks in Tarqumiyah. Israeli forces also raided Tubas; 1 Israeli soldier was injured. Meanwhile, Israeli forces seized 1 digger in Maeen. Israeli forces also demolished 3 Palestinian-owned homes in Ein ad-Duyuk al-Foqa. 28 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jenin, Jericho, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces demolished 2 apartments in Jabel Mukaber, displacing 10. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, AX, BBC, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, NYT, QDS, REU, TOI, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/10; AJ, AP, HA, PCHR, PCHR, REU, WAFA 5/11; UNOCHA 5/19)

Israel handed over the body of 1 Palestinian man killed by Israeli forces in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp on 4/24 to the PA. (WAFA 5/10)

UN secretary-general António Guterres condemned the civilian deaths caused by Israeli attacks in Gaza and said, “Israel must abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law.” Guterres also condemned the launching of rockets at Israel. The Arab League called Israel’s attacks on Gaza “barbaric” in a statement after an emergency session. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 5/10)

The UAE, France, and China called a closed-door emergency meeting at the UN Security Council on the Israeli attacks on Gaza. The U.S. prevented a statement critical of Israel from being published. (HA 5/10; HA 5/11)

The Palestinian Journalist Syndicate condemned Israeli restrictions on press crews entering Gaza to cover the Israeli assault. (WAFA 5/10)

Al-Mayadeen TV and Al Jazeera reported that Palestinian factions in Gaza agreed to a ceasefire but insisted that Israel commit to stopping assassinations, which Israel refused to do. (HA, REU 5/10; AJ 5/11)

Haaretz reported that based on UN data Israeli settlers had vandalized around 5,000 trees in the West Bank in the past 5 months. (HA, MEE 5/10)

PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh met with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. (QDS 5/10)

U.S. congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) introduced a resolution to recognize the Nakba, cosponsored by Betty McCollum (D-MN), Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), Cori Bush (D-MO), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and Ilhan Omar (D-MN). Coinciding with introduction of the resolution and the 75th anniversary of the Nakba, Tlaib had arranged an event to commemorate the Nakba in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, but the event was canceled on the day by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VA) then facilitated the event to take place in a nearby Senate office building. (MDW, MEE 5/10; AJ, ALM, HA, MDW, MEE 5/11)

In the West Bank, hundreds of armed Israeli settlers visit the Saint Saba Monastery outside Bethlehem overnight, sparking a tense confrontation between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; there are no clashes or injuries reported. Separately, Israeli settlers puncture the tires of several Palestinian vehicles and spray racist graffiti on nearby walls in Yasuf village near Salfit overnight; uproot approximately 100 trees on a Palestinian farm near Hebron; and damage a Palestinian vehicle’s windshield near Nablus. Israeli forces uproot approximately 200 cactus seedlings from a Palestinian farm near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, Tubas, Jenin, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Ramallah. An IDF raid in Dahaysha refugee camp sparks minor clashes; 1 Palestinian is injured. Unidentified assailants throw stones at an Israeli settler family driving near Hebron, lightly injuring a settler infant. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians at a checkpoint at the entrance to Issawiyya and 15 more Palestinians during raids in the neighborhood. They also demolish 2 Palestinian homes in Jabal Mukabir. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian bird-hinter approaching the border fence near Gaza City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, MNA 12/18; MNA, MNA, WAFA 12/19; PCHR 12/20)

UN Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov reports to the UN Security Council (UNSC) that the Israeli authorities approved or advanced approximately 2,200 new housing units in West Bank and East Jerusalem settlements between 9/13 and 12/14, marking a record low since the UNSC established its current monitoring system with Resolution 2334 of 12/2016. (HA, TOI, YA 12/19)

The Wall Street Journal reports that the secret U.S.-backed effort to build a relationship between Israel and Saudi Arabia has ground to a halt recently following the Saudi government’s removal of 2 top officials involved in the killing of a dissident journalist in Istanbul on 10/2. The killing and the ensuing international outcry have reportedly restricted Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman’s “room to maneuver” and “dampened [his] appetite for risky foreign policy endeavors.” Israeli prime minister Netanyahu said as recently as last week that the killing of the journalist was “horrific,” but that it did not overshadow the value of a strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia. (HA, TOI, WSJ 12/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seize a concrete pump and 2 mixers from a Palestinian construction site in Bayt Dajan near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids near Hebron and Ramallah; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Hizma. (MNA 12/6; PCHR 12/13)

In response to the IDF’s Operation Northern Shield, Lebanese prime minister Sa‘d Hariri tweets, “The developments in the southern Lebanon border are no reason for escalation. This is what the Lebanese government wants and is acting towards.” Hariri also says that representatives of UNIFIL, Lebanon, and Israel met on 12/5 to discuss the operation, and that the Lebanese officials affirmed that Israel’s “consistent infiltration of Lebanese territory and airspace is an obvious violation of [UNSC Resolution 1701] and its principles.” Meanwhile, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says there is a “reasonable possibility” that the IDF will have to expand Operation Northern Shield to activities in southern Lebanon. “We are denying our enemies the tunnels weapon in a systematic, determined manner and we will do whatever it takes,” he says. In the evening, an IDF spokesperson announces that Israeli forces have discovered another major cross-border tunnel built by Hezbollah and that Israeli officials have asked for UNIFIL’s support in destroying it from the Lebanese side of the border. (HA, HA, JP, TOI, TOI, YA, YA 12/6)

Vehicles bearing $15 million in Qatari money enter Gaza via the Erez border crossing. This marks the 2d shipment of Qatari funds into Gaza with the purpose of paying the salaries of civil servants of the Hamas-run government and supporting families not able to cover basic needs in Gaza. The first shipment of Qatari money into Gaza occurred on 11/8. Israeli security officials say that the shipments have opened a window of opportunity for Israel to propose humanitarian solutions for Gaza and possibly to secure a long-term cease-fire. (JP, TOI 12/6; HA, JP, TOI 12/7)

The UN General Assembly votes down a U.S.-proposed resolution condemning Hamas “for repeatedly firing rockets into Israel and for inciting violence, thereby putting civilians at risk,” with only 87 votes in favor (a two-thirds supermajority is required to approve this type of measure). Israeli prime minister Netanyahu tweets, “While it did not achieve a two-thirds majority, this is the first time that a majority of countries have voted against Hamas and I commend each of the 87 countries that took a principled stand against Hamas.” (AP, BBC, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, TOI, YA 12/7)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse dozens of Palestinians gathering in Nablus to protest the detention of several Fatah activists earlier this week; 5 Palestinians are reportedly injured. They violently disperse another protest in central Nablus against the Israeli occupation (1 Palestinian is injured); fire sound bombs and tear gas at Palestinian minors returning from school in central Hebron; arrest 17 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Jenin; and patrol in and around Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Hebron. Israeli forces seize a tractor from a Palestinian farm outside Bardala in the northern Jordan Valley. Israeli settlers puncture the tires of 4 Palestinian vehicles and spray racist graffiti on nearby walls in Odlah village near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during a late-night raid in Hizma. In central Israel, right-wing Israeli activists puncture the tires of 32 Palestinian-owned vehicles and spray racist graffiti on nearby walls in Kafr Kassim. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 12/2; PCHR 12/6)

The Israeli authorities release the PA’s governor in Jerusalem, Adnan Ghaith, from detention, but they also ban him from entering the West Bank for 2 weeks. Ghaith was arrested during a raid on his home on 11/24. The Israeli authorities also order the release of 32 other East Jerusalem Palestinians held on suspicion of supporting or serving in the PA security forces. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 12/2)

Israel’s cabinet approves NIS 700 million (approximately $187 million) in funding for a plan to “strengthen the civilian resilience” of communities in southern Israel surrounding Gaza. “They are steadfast and we support them,” Prime Minister Netanyahu says. (TOI 12/2)

The PA Ministry of Agriculture imposes a ban on purchases of lamb from Israel. The move comes amid a drop in lamb prices, and ministry officials say it is an effort to protect Palestinian lamb sellers. (TOI, TOI, WAFA 12/19; TOI 12/27)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. Hamas reportedly orders the protesters to stay away from the fence so as not to provoke any escalation of violence. Nevertheless, IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 60 Palestinians are injured. Also along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis and open fire on Palestinian youths approaching the border fence near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians at a Friday protest against the Israeli occupation in 3 villages near Ramallah (Ras Karkar, al-Mughayyir, and Bil‘in) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 4 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in and around Bethlehem; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. Israeli forces confiscate a bulldozer from a Palestinian construction site near Salfit. Israeli settlers puncture the tires of several Palestinian-owned vehicles and spray racist graffiti on nearby walls in al-Jaba‘ village near Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in al-Salam. (JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 11/30; JP 12/1; PCHR 12/6)

A Jordanian laborer assaults and moderately injures 2 Israelis in Eilat. The Israeli police say they suspect the attacker of having political motivations. The Jordanian was in Israel with a work visa. His first day of work in Israel was 11/29. (HA 11/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian residential structure in Suba village near Hebron and deliver a stop-work order to a Palestinian home under construction outside Yatta. Unidentified assailants throw rocks at an Israeli settler vehicle driving near Ramallah, causing minor damage and lightly injuring 1 settler. IDF troops arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Hebron, Tubas, and Nablus; and patrol near Qalqilya, Tulkarm and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police disperse a small protest against the detention of the PA’s governor of Jerusalem, Adnan Ghaith, outside a police station near the Old City; several Palestinians are arrested. Israeli forces also arrest a Palestinian during a raid in the Old City. (TOI, WAFA 11/27; MNA 11/28; PCHR 11/29)

Haaretz reports that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is planning to lay off more than half of its employees in the West Bank and Gaza in the coming weeks, following U.S. president Trump’s decision to slash U.S. aid to the Palestinians earlier this year. (HA, TOI 11/27)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announces that the prime minister is planning to visit Chad soon to re-establish diplomatic ties. The announcement comes hours after Netanyahu meets with Chadian president Idriss Déby in Jerusalem. “The two discussed shared threats and the struggle against terrorism, increased cooperation between the nations in the areas of agriculture, counter terrorism, border security, technology, solar energy, water, health and more,” the prime minister’s office statement reads. (HA, JP, TOI 11/27)

Czech president Milos Zeman formally inaugurates the new Czech House, a cultural center in Jerusalem that he has described as the “first step” toward moving the Czech embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. In a joint press conference with Zeman, Israeli prime minister Netanyahu says, “We have no greater friend than the Czech Republic in the eastern hemisphere.” (HA, JP, TOI 11/27)

In a wide-ranging interview with the Washington Post, U.S. president Donald Trump says that Israel is the “one reason for the U.S. to remain in the Middle East.” He is responding to a question about the future of the U.S. military presence in the Middle East specifically. “Oil is becoming less and less of a reason because we’re producing more oil now than we’ve ever produced.” Meanwhile, Israeli ambassador to the UN Danny Danon says that the Trump administration is planning to release its long-awaited plan for Palestinian-Israeli peace in early 2019. (WP, YA 11/27; HA, MNA, MNA, TOI 11/28)

The Israeli authorities announce the seizure of 66 acres of Catholic Church-owned land in the northern Jordan Valley for “military purposes.” In response, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem says, “The Patriarchate is looking into the aspects of this decision in order to address it in the appropriate manner, have it contested and to stop further damage.” (MNA 11/27; FMEP 12/7)

Approximately 8,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is killed and 18 are injured (3 seriously). This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 190. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working their fields near al-Qarara, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the occupation in 2 villages near Ramallah (Bil‘in and Ras Karkar) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 4 Palestinians are injured. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/16; PCHR 11/22)

Amid rumors of early elections in Israel, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Education Minister Naftali Bennett. Netanyahu reportedly rejects Bennett’s demand to be appointed defense minister. After the meeting, Bennett says that they agreed to call for early elections. Netanyahu then contradicts Bennett, warning against the idea and saying that he “trusts the ministers not to topple a right-wing government and not to repeat the historic mistake of ‘92, when they toppled a right-wing government, put the left in power and brought the Oslo disaster on the state of Israel.” Later, a source close to Netanyahu says the prime minister hopes to maintain his ruling coalition for at least another 6 weeks. (HA, HA, HA, JP, JP, TOI 11/16)

At an event in Khan Yunis honoring the Palestinians killed in the recent Israeli assault on Gaza, Hamas’s leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, warns Israel not to test Hamas again, referring to the 11/11 undercover operation that sparked the escalation. “This time you managed to leave with dead and wounded; next time we will release our prisoners from the jails and there will even be soldiers left in our hands.” (HA, TOI 11/16)

After Hamas fighters fire an anti-tank missile at an IDF bus near Kibbutz Kfar Aza, critically injuring an Israeli soldier, Israeli forces continue the assault on Gaza that began last night, striking approximately 100 Hamas and other armed groups’ sites across Gaza; 3 Palestinians are killed and at least 20 more are injured. The strikes destroy 4 residential buildings, 5 commercial buildings, 3 tunnels, 1 intelligence compound, and the headquarters of al-Aqsa TV in Gaza City. Meanwhile, armed groups in Gaza retaliate by launching more than 300 rockets and other projectiles into southern Israel, injuring approximately 70 Israelis and destroying several Israeli buildings. Initially reported as an Israeli civilian casualty, a West Bank Palestinian is killed when a rocket hits the building in Ashqelon where he was staying (2 women in the building are injured as well). Around mid-day, there are reports that the Israeli authorities have stopped working with Egyptian and UN mediators to de-escalate the violence. A Hamas military spokesperson threatens major Israeli cities like Beersheba and Ashdod with rocket fire if “Israel persists in its aggression.” (BBC, EI, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/12; EI, HA, HA, MNA, MNA, YA, YA 11/13; PCHR 11/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian residential structure near Nablus. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah and Bethlehem; and patrol near Ramallah, Tulkarm, and Hebron. (MNA 11/12; PCHR 11/15)

During an undisclosed operation in southern Gaza, undercover Israeli special forces open fire on Hamas fighters from a moving car in Khuza‘a, sparking an exchange of heavy fire; 1 Israeli soldier and 1 Hamas fighter are killed and another Israeli soldier is critically injured. While the Israeli special forces are still in Gaza, the Israeli Air Force targets armed Palestinian fighters near Khuza‘a with a number of air strikes, killing 6, including a senior member of Hamas’s military wing. After the strikes, unidentified Palestinians launch at least 17 rockets and other projectiles into southern Israel. Three are intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system; the rest land in open areas, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli artillery and aircraft then strike more than 50 sites across Gaza, causing dozens of Palestinian injuries and extensive damage. Separately, dozens of right-wing Israeli activists block the road leading to the Kerem Shalom border crossing, preventing trucks bearing basic commodities and fuel to enter Gaza for hours in protest of the violence at the border protests on 11/9. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse dozens of Palestinian students at a rally commemorating the late Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat in Hebron; there are no reported injuries. They also arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Bethlehem; deliver stop-work orders to a Palestinian school under renovation in Hebron; and patrol in and around Qalqilya and Hebron. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 11/11; HA, HA, JP, JT, MNA 11/12; PCHR 11/15)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Gaza City, Rafah, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Khan Yunis; 2 Palestinians are killed and 152 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 189. In the evening, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian who crossed the border fence into Israel near Jabaliya refugee camp and allegedly set fire to an Israeli greenhouse. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in 2 villages near Ramallah (Jabal al-Risan and Ras Karkar) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 5 Palestinians are injured and 6 are arrested. They also assault and injure a Palestinian municipal official working outside a settlement near Ramallah; confiscate a Palestinian-owned vehicle during raids near Hebron and Nablus; and patrol in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Qalqilya. Israeli forces demolish a small Palestinian home, the surrounding fence, and a home under construction in al-Za’ayem near Jerusalem. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 11/9; MNA 11/10; PCHR 11/15)

Hamas’s leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, says that Hamas has not made any “deal or understandings” with Israel, despite recent reports of progress in the Egypt- and UN-mediated talks on a potential Hamas-Israel cease-fire. He says that Hamas is instead reaching “understandings” with Egypt, Qatar, and the UN “in order to lift the blockade.” (HA 11/9)

IDF troops open fire on a group of Palestinian minors allegedly damaging Gaza’s border fence near al-Maghazi refugee camp; 1 of the Palestinians is killed  In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Jenin refugee camp overnight, arresting 1 Palestinian and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the area; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also confiscate surveillance cameras during a raid in al-Bireh and patrol near Ramallah, Jenin, and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian residential building in al-Zayim village near Jerusalem. Unidentified persons open fire on an Israeli bus near Ramallah, injuring 2 Israeli settlers. Israeli settlers verbally and physically assault Palestinian schoolchildren in central Hebron, sparking minor confrontations. Separately, settlers slash a number of tires on Palestinian-owned vehicles and leave racist graffiti on nearby walls in Kafr al-Dik near Salfit. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/8; MNA, MNA, WAFA 11/9; PCHR 11/15)

Vehicles bearing $15 million in cash pass through the Erez border crossing into Gaza. The money was reportedly provided by Qatar, approved for transfer by Israel, and set to help Hamas pay the salaries of civil servants in Gaza and support Gazan families struggling to meet their basic needs. The transfer is yet another indication of progress in the Egypt- and UN-mediated efforts to broker a “calm” or some sort of cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. It is reportedly the first of 6 planned monthly transfers. (JP 11/8; NYT 11/9)

Al-Hayat reports that PA president Mahmoud Abbas has given in to Egyptian pressure and agreed to stop working against the Egyptian effort to broker a “period of calm” between Israel and Hamas. According to Palestinian sources, Abbas has agreed not to impose new sanctions on Gaza and to resume fully paying PA employees in Gaza. The Egyptian plan is reportedly to mediate a period of calm lasting 2 to 3 weeks, then to broker some kind of reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah, and then to resume talks on a long-term cease-fire between Israel and a newly unified Palestinian side. Later, a senior PA official says he is unaware of any change in Abbas’s position, as the al-Hayat report indicates. “Abbas agreed with the Egyptian president that there was a need to alleviate the suffering of our people in the Gaza Strip,” the official says. “But [Abbas] also emphasized that Hamas was not authorized to reach any agreement with any party on behalf of the Palestinians." (AH, HA, JP, JP, TOI, YA 11/8)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian at a gas station near Jerusalem after she allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli border police officer with scissors. They also arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin, Tulkarm, and Ramallah; and patrol near Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian residential building in Silwan and 2 Palestinian homes in Bayt Hanina. (JP, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 11/6; PCHR 11/8)

PLO Executive Committee member Azzam al-Ahmad denies the 11/4 report that the Fatah leadership has agreed to support the recent Egyptian proposal of a “calm” between Israel and Hamas. He also denies that PA president Abbas discussed the issue with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in their meeting on 11/3. (WAFA 11/6)

Qatar’s Gaza Reconstruction Committee announces that it plans to provide temporary support 50,000 Gazans families. Each family is set to receive approximately $100 in the “next few days,” according to a statement from the committee. Separately, Hamas announces a series of large infrastructure projects in Gaza, including 1 set to create 10,000 jobs for university graduates. The official announcing the projects offers no details about who is funding them, what type of work they will require, and how long they may last. (AFP, TOI, YA 11/7)

The Jerusalem District Planning and Building Committee approves a plan to expand East Jerusalem’s Ramat Shlomo settlement with 640 new housing units, some of which are set to be built on Palestinian-owned land. “It’s very disappointing that the district committee relied on formalistic reasons to approve a step that violates the property rights of Palestinian landowners through and through,” says a researcher with the anti-settlement group Ir Amim. “This decision is additional proof that Israeli control in East Jerusalem means a regime based on serious discrimination.” (HA 11/7)

Syria’s Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad says that the Syrian government has a plan for the “return” of Palestinian refugees to the Yarmouk refugee camp now that government forces have retaken control of the area. Yarmouk was home to approximately 160,000 Palestinian refugees prior to the Syrian civil war in 2011. Very few are still living there today. (AFP, TOI 11/7; EI 11/10)

IDF troops open fire on 3 Palestinian minors crossing Gaza’s border fence near al-Maghazi refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is critically injured. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw rocks at a Palestinian home in southern Hebron, injuring 2 Palestinians. Later, IDF troops shut down a number of streets in central Hebron, clearing the way for Israeli settlers to perform religious rites in the area. Some settlers throw stones at Palestinian property in the area, causing damage. IDF troops also arrest 1 Palestinian during raids near Ramallah; and patrol in and around Tulkarm and Hebron. (MNA, WAFA 11/3; MNA, MNA 11/4; PCHR 11/8)   

A Palestinian minor succumbs to injuries sustained during Israel’s assault on Gaza in 2014. He was hospitalized after an Israeli air strike on his home in Gaza City on 8/21/14 and lived for 4 years as a quadriplegic. (WAFA 11/3; EI, PCHR 11/8)

The Lebanese newspaper al-Akhbar publishes a draft Hamas-Israel cease-fire agreement, reportedly the product of the most recent round of Egypt-mediated talks. The agreement would see Egypt permanently opening the Rafah border crossing and lifting other border restrictions, Israel expanding the fishing zone off Gaza’s coast to 14 nautical miles and permitting 5,000 Gazans to enter Israel to work. The deal would also see the PA pay 80% of the salaries of Gaza’s civil servants, with Qatar funding those salaries for at least 6 months. Meanwhile, PA president Mahmoud Abbas meets with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Sharm al-Shaykh. They discuss a slew of regional issues, reportedly including the Egyptian effort to mediate the stalled Palestinian national reconciliation process and a cease-fire in Gaza. Al-Sisi reportedly urges Abbas to accept a “graded reconciliation” agreement, a version of which was reported earlier today. (AKH, HA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, YA 11/3)

Israeli drones bomb a group of Palestinians allegedly launching incendiary kites and balloons into southern Israel near al-Bureij refugee camp; there are no reported injuries. On the other side of the border fence, Israeli firefighters put out 2 fires allegedly sparked by such attacks. This marks the first instance of Palestinians launching such incendiary devices into Israel since 10/25. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian minors approaching the border fence near Dayr al-Balah; 1 Palestinian is injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver a stop-work order to a Palestinian home and 3 makeshift residential structures under construction near Salfit. They also demolish 2 Palestinian residential structures in Yatta near Hebron and confiscate 2 tractors from Palestinian agricultural land near Tubas. IDF troops arrest 12 Palestinians during raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault and injure 2 Palestinians and smash the windows of a Palestinian store in central Hebron. Palestinian witnesses say that the settlers assaulted the first Palestinian after he objected to their loud music and use of foul language. (MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/31; PCHR, WAFA 11/1)

The Palestinian and Israeli press reports that Israel has agreed to allow Qatar to transfer money to Hamas to pay the salaries of the civil servants working for its government, in Gaza. It’s unclear if Israel has agreed in principle or if an agreement has been signed. Separately, Palestinian sources say that significant progress has been made in the Egypt-mediated talks toward a long-term cease-fire between Hamas and Israel. They don’t offer details, but they point to recent trust-building steps taken by both sides, including Israel’s decision to allow transfers of diesel fuel into Gaza for the area’s sole power plant and Hamas’s efforts to limit the violence at the ongoing Great March of Return protests. (HA, YA 10/31)

Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman announces that he has ordered Gaza’s fishing zone expanded to 6 nautical miles off the northern coast and 9 nautical miles off the southern coast. Lieberman reduced the fishing zone to 3 nautical miles on 10/17 after rocket fire from Gaza. Sources in the defense minister’s office say that the move comes in the context of the Israeli government’s efforts to maintain calm along Gaza’s border fence. (AS, YA 10/31)

Approximately 3,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s northern border to continue the Great March of Return and to cheer on approximately 15 Palestinian boats setting sail in a symbolic protest of the Israeli blockade. Israeli naval forces fire warning shots at the boats, forcing them to turn back to shore, and IDF troops along the border fence open fire on the other protesters; 1 Palestinian is killed and 34 are injured, including 3 paramedics. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 186. Also along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Lahiya. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in Atana refugee camp near Ramallah and uproot approximately 550 Palestinian trees outside Bayt Ula near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin, Nablus, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm; and patrol in and around Nablus and Hebron. (EI, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 10/29; MNA 10/30; PCHR 11/1)

The PLO Central Council (PCC) convenes for a 2d day of meetings in Ramallah and reaches a non-binding decision to suspend all PLO and PA agreements with Israel, including those that govern the PA’s security coordination with the IDF, until the Israeli government recognizes the State of Palestine. PA president Mahmoud Abbas vows to implement the decision, a move he has not taken in response to similar PCC decisions in the past. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 10/30)

Senior Israeli security officials speculate that the uptick in violence along Gaza’s border fence this weekend stemmed from a power struggle in Gaza between PIJ and Hamas over the ongoing Great March of Return and the potential benefits to come from a cease-fire agreement with Israel. Separately, a senior Israeli political source says that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is focused on the ongoing negotiations on a cease-fire, rather than preparations for another assault on Gaza. “We can reoccupy Gaza and remove Hamas from power, but there are no volunteers to take Gaza off our hands,” the source says. “If there was someone willing to take responsibility for the strip, we would have taken over it tomorrow.” (HA, YA 10/29)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse protestors near Jabaliya refugee camp, Rafah, and Gaza City; 5 Palestinians are killed and at least 200 are injured. The killings bring the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 184. Hours after the protests conclude, unidentified Palestinians launch 34 rockets from Gaza into southern Israel; 17 are intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system and the rest land in open areas, causing no damage or injuries. The Israeli Air Force then conducts a wave of air strikes across Gaza, targeting more than 90 sites and causing extensive damage to many buildings, including a hospital in Gaza City. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Friday protests against the Israeli occupation and the settlements in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, central Hebron, and 2 villages near Ramallah (Bil‘in and al-Mazra‘a); 2 Palestinians are killed, 8 are injured, and 1 is arrested. Three Israeli soldiers are also injured in the clashes today. IDF troops also assault and arrest 1 Palestinian, arrest 3 others, and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Tulkarm, Bethlehem, Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. (EI, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA 10/26; MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/27; HA 11/29; PCHR 11/1)

Hours before the protests, killings, and air strikes in Gaza, Al-Hayat reports that the Egyptian officials who have been shuttling back and forth between Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza over the past 2 weeks have brokered an understanding between Hamas and the Israeli government. Hamas reportedly agreed to end all violence along the border, including acts of violence perpetrated during Great March of Return protests and all incendiary balloon and kite attacks, in exchange for Israel lifting certain restrictions on Gaza. Separately, Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman says he is “hopeful” that this coming weekend will pass without major clashes along Gaza’s border fence.  He also says that he will need to see a month of calm before implementing any more major changes. “We need to see what happens at least until the end of 11/2018, and then we can reach conclusions one way or another.” (AH, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, TOI 10/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a 4-story building in al-Bireh near Ramallah; an agricultural structure in Khirbet al-Marajim near Nablus; and a makeshift residential structure, 3 tents, and 3 agricultural structures in Bardala near Jericho. IDF troops patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. Approximately 50 Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian school in Urif village near Nablus, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian students and residents of the area; 1 Palestinian is injured. (MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/18; PCHR 10/25)

The IDF reinforces its troops stationed along Gaza’s border with additional tanks, artillery and engineering forces ahead of the planned protests on the other side of the border fence on 10/19. Meanwhile, Hamas announces plans to investigate the rocket fire on 10/17, likely in an effort to reduce tensions ahead of the planned protests on 10/19. (HA, TOI, YA 10/18)

Al-Hayat reports that Hamas and the other factions in Gaza recently agreed to scale back the Great March of Return protests along Gaza’s border fence to help facilitate the Egyptian effort to mediate a long-term Hamas-Israel cease-fire. The deal was reportedly reached on 10/15, before rocket fire and air strikes heightened tensions on 10/17. Meanwhile, a delegation of senior Egyptian officials shuttle between Gaza and Israel throughout the day, negotiating with both Hamas and Israeli officials on a long-term cease-fire and the stalled Palestinian reconciliation process. (AH, AP, TOI, TOI, YA 10/18)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo announces that the U.S. consulate general in Jerusalem, which serves Palestinians, is to be merged with the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem. “This decision is driven by our global efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations,” he says. “We will continue to conduct a full range of reporting, outreach, and programming in the West Bank and Gaza as well as with Palestinians in Jerusalem through a new Palestinian Affairs Unit inside the U.S. Embassy Jerusalem.” (JP, MNA, MNA, REU, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/19)

Israel’s High Court of Justice rules in favor of Lara Alqasem, the U.S. student who the Israeli authorities denied entry into Israel on 10/2 and have detained ever since over her support for BDS. “Since the appellant’s actions do not raise satisfactory cause to bar her to entry to Israel, the inevitable impression is that invalidating the visa given to her was due to the political opinions she holds,” the court’s ruling reads. “If this is truly the case, then we are talking about an extreme and dangerous step, which could lead to the crumbling of the pillars upon which democracy in Israel stands.” (EI, HA, MNA, TOI 10/19)

An Israeli drone bombs a site east of Bayt Hanun in Gaza in the evening, moderately injuring 1 Palestinian. An IDF spokesperson says that the strike targeted a group of Palestinians who were throwing firebombs across the border fence into Israel earlier in the day. Separately, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian at a Great March of Return tent camp near Gaza City. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uproot or otherwise destroy approximately 370 grape vines and 30 olive trees outside al-Khadir village near Bethlehem, 50 olive tree saplings outside Tell village near Nablus, 22 olive trees from a grove near Qalqilya, and 100 olive trees outside al-Mughayyir near Ramallah. Separately, an Israeli settler driver runs over 2 Palestinians near Qalqilya, injuring both. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers uproot dozens of Palestinian trees in Silwan. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Abu Dis. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/14; MNA, MNA, MNA 10/15; PCHR 10/18)

Amid escalating violence along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that if the attacks from Gaza don’t stop, Israel will offer a “different” response. “Hamas apparently didn’t get the message,” he says, referring to the last round of Israeli air strikes in Gaza. “If they don’t stop the attacks against us, they will be stopped in a different way and it will be painful—very painful.” Later, Israel’s security cabinet reportedly decides to wait and see if Hamas will heed Netanyahu’s warning before ordering a broader assault on Gaza. (HA, JP, TOI, TOI, YA 10/14; MNA 10/15)

The Israeli cabinet approves NIS 22 million (approximately $6.1 million) to expand the Israeli settlements in Hebron. The plan calls for the construction of 31 housing units, 2 new kindergartens, a daycare center, and a public park on the site of a former IDF post. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 10/14)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. A small group of protesters detonate an explosive along the border fence, ripping a hole in the barrier that allows approximately 20 of them to cross into Israel; 3 are killed when Israeli soldiers open fire on the group. Throughout the day, IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Rafah, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 4 more Palestinians are killed at approximately 150 are injured. The killings bring the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 177. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian vehicle south of Nablus, killing 1 occupant and injuring the other. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem and Tulkarm; and patrol near Hebron, Nablus, and Qalqilya. They also violently disperse Palestinians gathering in Ras Karkar near Ramallah and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya to protest the Israeli occupation; 7 Palestinian are injured. Israeli forces seal off all entrances to Hadida, the northern Jordan Valley village where they demolished several structures yesterday. Israeli border security guards arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel near Qalqilya armed with a knife. In central Israel, an incendiary balloon is found on the side of the street in Rishon Lezion, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, NYT, TOI, TOI, WAFA 10/12; EI, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/13; PCHR 10/18)

A Palestinian prisoner dies in Israel’s Ayalon Prison. It’s unclear exactly what circumstances led to his death. He was arrested in 2015 and sentenced to 7 years in prison. He is reportedly the 4th Palestinian prisoner to die in Israeli custody since the beginning of the year. (MNA, WAFA 10/12)

After another Friday of mass protests and violence along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman orders a halt of all Qatari-funded fuel transfers into Gaza. Lieberman previously barred fuel transfers for a few weeks in 8/2018 after a similar surge of resistance activities in Gaza. (HA, TOI 10/12; MNA, TOI, TOI, YA 10/14)

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh says that Hamas is still working to reach “understandings” with Israel on a possible long-term cease-fire agreement. “We are working with a number of parties, including Egypt, Qatar and the UN, to reach understandings in order to break the blockade,” he says. “It is possible to reach the kind of understandings that would lead to quiet in exchange for the lifting of the blockade,” he adds, before alluding to the Egyptian goal of incorporating a new intra-Palestinian reconciliation agreement into the process. “The quiet does not have to come at a political price or at the expense of the intra-Palestinian reconciliation.” (YA 10/12)

The Tel Aviv District Court rejects an appeal from Lara Alqasem, the U.S. student who was denied entry to Israel on 10/2, determining that her ongoing support for BDS is grounds for denial. Her lawyers may still petition Israel’s High Court of Justice. (HA, TOI 10/12)

An armed Palestinian opens fire on Israeli settlers at the Barkan Industrial Park near the Ariel settlement, killing 2 and seriously injuring a 3d. The assailant evades arrest and flees the scene. IDF troops then set up dozens of mobile checkpoints and conduct raids and searches in the area. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 18 Palestinians during raids near Hebron, Tulkarm, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Salfit. Israeli settlers break the windows of 10 Palestinian vehicles at a showroom near Salfit. In East Jerusalem, more than 100 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Along Gaza’s border, an Israeli aircraft conducts an air strike on a group of Palestinians near Rafah who were allegedly preparing to fly incendiary kites and balloons into southern Israel; there are no reported injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli firefighters put out 5 fires in border communities allegedly sparked by such kite and balloon attacks emanating from Gaza. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/7; PCHR 10/11)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries (2 fishermen are arrested and 1 boat is confiscated). Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering near Rafah to continue the Great March of Return; 1 protester is injured. Israeli firefighters put out 7 fires reportedly sparked by incendiary kites and balloons flown into southern Israel from Gaza. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians at protests against the Israeli occupation in al-Bireh near Ramallah; 5 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 13 Palestinians during raids near Ramallah, Hebron, Jenin, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Salfit. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to a Palestinian home and well under construction near Hebron. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian vehicle near Qalqilya, causing minor damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. (MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA 10/6; PCHR 10/11)

Hamas announces that a member of its armed wing has succumbed to injuries that he sustained during a previously unreported accidental explosion on 10/1. Later, another Hamas fighter succumbs to injuries reportedly sustained years ago in unclear circumstances in Gaza. (MNA 10/6; MNA 10/7)

Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman orders the reduction of the fishing zone off Gaza’s coast from 9 nautical miles to 6 nautical miles, citing concerns about the recent violence along Gaza’s border. “The defense minister’s decision was made following the violent rioting over the weekend near the fence and attempts to harm IDF forces and launch confrontational flotillas,” according to a Defense Ministry statement. This marks the 2d time in the past few months that Lieberman has ordered a punitive reduction of the fishing zone. (MNA, TOI 10/6)

Al Akhbar reports that the UN has agreed to pay the salaries of Gaza’s civil servants for 3 months and that Israel has agreed in principle to permit 5,000 Gazan merchants to enter Israel for business. The report comes days after similar reports of a deal under which Qatar would pay $60 million for fuel for Gaza’s sole power plant. Meanwhile, senior Israeli defense officials say that PA president Mahmoud Abbas was enraged at the UN plan to transfer Qatari-funded diesel fuel to Gaza, as reported on 10/4. Abbas later confirms that he is considering possible response, including a suspension of the approximately $100 million that the PA transfers to Gaza per month. Also, a senior Fatah official calls UN Special Coordinator Mladenov a “servant” of the Trump admin., presumably in response to the UN official’s work to facilitate transfers of aid to Gaza without PA involvement. “He should not be intervening in internal affairs,” the official continues. “It is not his right or mandate to interfere, but he puts his nose in everything.” (AH, TOI, TOI, WAFA 10/6; TOI 10/8; TOI 10/9)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Gaza City, Bayt Hanun, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 32 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 167. Meanwhile, Israeli firefighters put out 2 fires in open areas in southern Israel that were allegedly sparked by incendiary kites and balloons flown from Gaza. Israeli forces stationed along the border fence arrest a Palestinian allegedly attempting to cross into Israel armed with a knife near Jabaliya refugee camp; conduct a limited incursion late at night to level land near Dayr al-Balah. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uproot approximately 40 olive trees in a Palestinian grove near Ramallah; set fire to a Palestinian-owned home in central Hebron, causing major damage. An Israeli settler driver allegedly rams a Palestinian at a checkpoint near Ramallah, causing major injuries. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, Salfit, Nablus, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Jenin and Hebron. An IDF raid in Qalqilya sparks minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; there are no reported injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in the Old City. (MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 10/3; MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, PCHR 10/4)

Palestinian citizens of Israel and Palestinians across Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank observe a general strike in protest of the so-called Nation-State Law, which codified Israel’s status as the nation-state of the Jewish people when it passed in the Knesset on 7/19/18. Israeli forces violently disperse demonstrations against the law on the outskirts of Ramallah, and in Nablus, Qalandia refugee camp, and Qalqilya, as well as 2 neighborhoods in East Jerusalem, (al-‘Izzariya and Abu Dis); 14 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops patrol in Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; there are no reported injuries. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and Bethlehem. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering near al-Bureij refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp throughout the day to protest the Israeli blockade, protest the Nation-State Law, and continue the Great March of Return; at least 44 Palestinians are injured. In the evening, several Palestinian fishing boats sail in a symbolic challenge to Israel’s blockade. They turn back to shore after Israeli naval forces fire warning shots in their direction, causing no damage or injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli firefighters put out 4 fires in southern Israeli border communities reportedly sparked by incendiary kites or balloons flown from Gaza. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers assault a number of Palestinians and damage a number of their vehicles in the Old City. Later, Israeli forces violently disperse of Palestinian minors congregating near the Damascus Gate to the Old City; 1 Palestinian is injured and 2 are arrested. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Abu Dis and Hizma, sparking minor clashes in the latter. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 10/1; MNA, MNA, MNA, YA 10/2; PCHR 10/4)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops dismantle a number of IEDs reportedly planted near the border fence during the protests on 9/28. They also violently disperse hundreds of Palestinian minors gathering along the border fence to continue the Great March of Return; 10 Palestinians are injured. Separately, Israeli forces shut down a major road in southern Israel after incendiary balloons and kites flown from Gaza spark at least 5 fires in the border area. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct a raid on a warehouse on the outskirts of Ramallah, sparking minor clashes; 1 international journalist and 6 Palestinians are injured and 3 Palestinians are arrested. They also shoot and injure a Palestinian during a raid of his home near Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, a group of Israelis assault a Palestinian shop-owner in al-Masara, causing minor injuries and sparking minor clashes between Israeli security forces in the area and Palestinian residents of the neighborhood; 3 Palestinians are injured. (HA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA 9/30; MNA, TOI 10/1; PCHR 10/4)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli firefighters put out 6 fires reportedly sparked by incendiary kites or balloons flown into southern Israel from Gaza. An Israeli aircraft carries out an air strike on a site allegedly used as a staging area for such attacks near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no reported injuries. In 2 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, unidentified assailants throw an IED at the Beit El settlement overnight, causing no reported damage or injuries. IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, Qalqilya, and Nablus; and patrol in and around Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Issawiyya. (MNA, MNA 9/22; MNA 9/23; PCHR 9/27)

Hamas officials meet with an Egyptian delegation in Gaza to discuss the stalled Palestinian reconciliation process. According to a Hamas statement, they share a “deep conversation about ways to end the siege on the Gaza Strip and alleviate the suffering of our people.” (TOI 9/23)

After a meeting of the Israeli security cabinet, an Egypt- and UN-backed cease-fire between Israel and Hamas goes into effect. It is reportedly based on the principles of the cease-fire deal that halted Operation Protective Edge, Israel’s 2014 assault on Gaza, and it provides for a cessation of all hostilities. The Israeli cabinet reportedly approved the agreement in principle on 8/12 and only met today to review the details one last time. Earlier, Israeli DM Lieberman announced the reopening of the Kerem Shalom border crossing (effectively lifting the last of the restrictions the Israeli authorities imposed on 7/9) and the expansion of the fishing zone off Gaza’s coast to nine nautical miles, up from as few as three at the peak of the Israeli crackdown. “The opening of the Kerem Shalom crossing, after four days of quiet, is intended to indicate to the population in Gaza that maintaining quiet is first and foremost an interest for Gaza’s residents,” he says. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/15; AHR, MNA, TOI 8/16)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian farmer outside Salfit, preventing him from working his land. They also break into a Palestinian home in central Hebron and violently attack 2 Palestinian minors; there are no reported injuries. IDF troops conduct raids in central Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; 1 Palestinian is injured. They arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during further raids near Jericho, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol in and around Hebron and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian residential building under construction in Issawiyya. They also detain 9 Palestinian women at Haram al-Sharif for undisclosed reasons (8 are released later in the day and banned from the sanctuary for 15 days); and arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in Silwan, Ras al-Amud, Sur Bahir, and the Old City. (MNA, WAFA 8/15; MNA, PCHR 8/16; PCHR 8/30)

The Palestinian Central Council convenes in Ramallah for its 29th regular meeting. The PLO body discusses a variety of issues related to statehood, including the stalled national reconciliation process, and plans to meet again on 8/16. In a speech kicking off the meetings, PA president Abbas says that Hamas is not serious about reconciliation. “Hamas principally does not have intentions to achieve reconciliation,” he says. Abbas also criticizes the Trump administration’s peace efforts and reiterates that he wants to unify the West Bank and Gaza with “one government, one law, and one legitimate force without militias.” (TOI, WAFA 8/15)

The Israel Land Authority (ILA) publishes tenders for the construction of 602 new housing units in the Ramat Shlomo settlement of East Jerusalem. The 603 units are part of a larger development plan that dates back to 2010. The ILA separately reaches a $380 million agreement with the Jerusalem Municipality for a series of development projects across the city, including 20,000 new housing units. The Jerusalem City Council is expected to approve the plan next week. (HA, YA 8/15)

Four incendiary devices lashed to balloons land in an open area in southern Israel, reportedly having been launched from across the border fence in Gaza. They cause no reported damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian during clashes sparked by an IDF raid in Dahaysha refugee camp near Bethlehem. They also arrest 6 Palestinians during further raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Tubas; and patrol near Hebron. Israeli forces evacuate a small Bedouin community near Tubas, displacing 4 families; raze a small area of Palestinian land near Nablus to clear space for the expansion of settlements in the area; and demolish a Palestinian home near Ramallah. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/14; PCHR 8/16)

Amid reports about a possible long-term cease-fire agreement with Hamas, and following a meeting with senior Israeli defense officials, Israeli DM Lieberman says that all the restrictions he imposed on the Kerem Shalom border crossing in the past month will be lifted and that the fishing zone off Gaza’s coast will be expanded to nine nautical miles on 8/15 if the recent calm along Gaza’s border fence persists. Lieberman reportedly called the meeting after observing a decline in the number of incendiary kite and balloon attacks in recent days. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 8/14; HA 8/15)

In Gaza, Israeli drones bomb sites near Jabaliya refugee camp and near al-Bureij refugee camp allegedly being used as staging areas for incendiary kite and balloon attacks; there are no reported injuries. On the other side of the border fence, Israeli firefighters put out 10 small fires allegedly sparked by such attacks. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse dozens of Palestinians gathering near al-Bureij refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 1 Palestinian is injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah and Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces level Palestinian lands near Bethlehem to make space for the expansion of settlements in the area. IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Hebron; and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. A raid near Ramallah sparks clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; there are no reported injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Silwan. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/4; PCHR 8/9)

A Palestinian minor succumbs to injuries sustained when Israeli soldiers opened fire on Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border on 8/3, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 140. (MNA, WAFA 8/4)

Israeli naval forces intercept the second ship of a planned flotilla sailing toward Gaza in a symbolic effort to break the Israeli blockade. As they did with the flotilla’s lead ship on 7/29, Israeli naval forces commandeer the ship, escort it to the port at Ashdod, and detain all 12 activists on board. “The forces made it clear to the sailors that they were violating the blockade and that any humanitarian supplies can be delivered to Gaza through the port of Ashdod,” the IDF states. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/4)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Rafah, Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, Gaza City, and al-Bureij refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 200 are injured. The killing brings the Great March of Return death toll to 139. Amid the protests, a number of Palestinian protesters cut through the first layer of fencing near the Kerem Shalom border crossing. Israeli tanks then shell a Hamas observation post in the area, causing damage. Also along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near al-Maghazi refugee camp, causing minor damage. Meanwhile, Israeli firefighters put out 30 small fires near the border fence that were allegedly sparked by incendiary kite and balloon attacks emanating from Gaza. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, hundreds of Palestinians gather for Friday prayer in Khan al-Ahmar, the Jerusalem-area Bedouin village that is slated for evacuation and demolition. IDF troops violently disperse Friday protests at Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is injured. They shoot and injure 3 more Palestinians during clashes sparked by arrest raids near Ramallah. (EI, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/3; MNA 8/4; PCHR 8/9)