The Palestine Chronology

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, 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, 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)

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 West Bank, a Palestinian man is crushed to death in line at a checkpoint nr. Tulkarm, the same checkpoint where 1,000s of Palestinians protested poor conditions on 12/21. An Israeli settler hits a 10-year-old Palestinian boy with his car nr. Bethlehem, moderately injuring him. Overnight, 2 Israeli settlers throw Molotov cocktails at a Palestinian home nr. Hebron and leave racist price-tag graffiti. Israeli forces demolish a home nr. Hebron and raze a nearby agricultural area. IDF troops detain 8 Palestinian children outside Ofer prison nr. Ramallah, then fire tear gas canisters at their parents when they attempt to recover their children. They also arrest a 14-year-old Palestinian girl after she throws stones at Israeli settlers’ cars. Israeli settlers clash with Palestinians in Burin village, then IDF troops open fire on the Palestinians with live ammunition, injuring 4. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces arrest 3 Palestinian fishermen. In East Jerusalem, unknown assailants throw stones at a bus in Shaykh Jarrah, lightly injuring 1 Palestinian woman. A Jewish Israeli vandalizes the Dormition Abbey nr. the Old City. Then, a Palestinian man stabs an Israeli settler in the back with a screwdriver nearby, moderately injuring him. Israeli police arrest a Palestinian on charges related to violent threats against Likud MK Tzipi Hotovely. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/31; WAFA 1/1; OCHA 1/15; DS 1/29)

Under the aegis of the State of Palestine, Pres. Abbas signs a request to join the ICC, and signs many other international treaties and conventions, at a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of Fatah at the presidential compound in Ramallah. The ICC will take up to 60 days to process the request. (MNA 12/30; AM, JP, MNA, NYT, 12/31; MNA, WAFA 1/1)

Hundreds of employees of the Hamas-run govt. in Gaza go on a 1-day strike, protesting the PA unity govt.’s decision on 12/30 to rehire civil servants who lost their jobs when Hamas came to power in 2007. (MNA 12/31; AFP 1/1)

Israel’s High Court of Justice rejects a petition to ban all punitive home demolitions, a policy resurrected following the 6/2014 abduction and killing of 3 Israeli settler teenagers. The court also rejects a petition to block the demolition of the Jabal Mukabir homes of the 2 Palestinians who attacked a West Jerusalem synagogue on 11/18. (Israel’s Supreme Court froze the demolition order for the synagogue attackers’ homes on 11/27.) It also, however, freezes the 2d order to demolish the home of the Palestinian who allegedly attempted to assassinate right-wing Jewish activist Yehuda Glick on 10/29. (HA, JP, TOI 12/31; HA 1/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers open fire on 2 Palestinian teenagers walking in a mountainous area s. of Nablus, killing 1 and seriously injuring the other. The IDF says they were throwing stones and ignored warning shots. Late at night, IDF troops open fire at a Palestinian vehicle outside Bayt Umar nr. Hebron, seriously injuring 2 men. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Ramallah and Hebron; patrols nr. Jenin and Hebron. Israeli soldiers also arrest 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint outside Bayt ‘Amr village and construct a surveillance tower at a checkpoint nr. Tulkarm. Private Israeli security guards from the Ofra settlement assault and detain a Palestinian nr. Silwad. Off the coast of the n. Gaza Strip, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats on 2 separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct house searches and arrest raids in Silwan. (JP, MNA, NYT, WAFA 12/29; JP, MNA, TOI 12/30; PCHR 12/31)

Jordan submits the Palestinians’ amended draft res. to the UNSC after the Arab Group at the UN approves the amendments. PA Pres. Abbas predicts a vote will be held on 12/30. Secy. of State Kerry calls 13 FMs from around the world to argue against the measure, then a U.S. State Dept. spokesperson says that the U.S. will not support it. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, TOI 12/29; MNA 12/30)

A PA unity govt. delegation arrives in Gaza City to coordinate reconstruction efforts, open the crossings, and deal with issues facing Gaza’s workers. It is the 2d meeting of the govt. in Gaza since its formation on 6/2 (the 1st was on 10/9). Dozens of Palestinians gather at the Erez border crossing to protest the unity govt.’s perceived inaction. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Environmental Quality Authority of Gaza announces that it will stop importing batteries and electrical appliances from Israel, citing their detrimental effects on the environment and the import fees collected by Israeli authorities. (HA, MNA, YA 12/29)

Egyptian security forces uncover and demolish 19 tunnels leading from Gaza under the border into Rafah, including 1 that led to a house 1,700 m from the border. (DNE 12/29; MNA 12/30)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces shoot and kill 1 Palestinian mbr. of Hamas’s military wing and injure 2 others in a cross-border firefight nr. Khan Yunis. The Palestinian fighters shoot and severely injure an Israeli soldier during the exchange. In the West Bank, a Palestinian man is found dead in Jericho with several stab wounds. Clashes break out between stonethrowing Palestinian youth and Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint nr. Hebron; dozens of Palestinians suffer from tear gas inhalation. More clashes break out nr. Hebron and Nablus, where 2 Palestinians are moderately injured. Israeli forces demolish 400 m of stone walls in a village nr. Nablus and 2 agricultural buildings nr. Hebron. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians at a checkpoint nr. Jenin; conduct house searches and arrest raids in and around Nablus and Hebron, as well as nr. Ramallah. Israeli settlers enter Salfit to perform religious rites, and settlers separately open fire on PA police officers nearby. Israeli settlers attack a Palestinian construction worker in Hebron, lightly injuring him. PA security forces conduct raids across the West Bank and detain 14 mbrs. of Hamas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities return the bodies of the 2 Palestinians who were killed after attacking a synagogue in West Jerusalem on 11/18. Israel punitively held the bodies for over a mo. Israeli security forces clash with stone-throwing Palestinians in Issawiyya, and 1 Palestinian child is injured with a rubber-coated metal bullet. Israeli forces conduct arrest raids in Issawiyya, Sur al-Bahir, and al-Tur, where they also demolish 2 residential structures and a barn. (AP, HA, IMEMC, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/24; HA, MEMO, WAFA 12/25; PCHR 12/31)

The World Bank transfers $31.6 m. to the PA via the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan Trust Fund. The money was donated by Australia, the UK, and Norway and will fund, among other things, emergency needs in Gaza. (WAFA 12/24; MNA 12/25)

Israeli authorities approve the construction of 380 new residences in the East Jerusalem neighborhoods of Har Homa and Ramot, as well as a separate plan for 1,850 residences in Arnona. (AFP, HA, IMEMC, WAFA 12/24)

In the Gaza Strip, Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing, allowing infirm Palestinians to cross into Egypt, as well as foreign passport holders. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage but no injuries. IDF troops nr. the e. border of Gaza open fire on several Palestinian farmers, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, around 6,000 Palestinians go on strike in response to the overcrowding and poor conditions of a checkpoint nr. Tulkarm. IDF troops clash with stone-throwing residents of al-Fawar r.c., and dozens of Palestinians suffer from tear gas inhalation. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Hebron and Ramallah; patrols nr. Ramallah and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron; delivers demolition orders for 2 structures nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers accompanied by IDF troops enter Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with residents in which 2 Palestinians are injured. At the Israeli settlement of Adam, private settlement security officers detain 2 Palestinians approaching the area with knives. Separately, Palestinian youth throw stones at cars nr. Bethlehem and injure a 4-year-old Israeli settler. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces deliver 10 demolition notices to residential buildings in al-Tur. (HA, IMEMC, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/21; AFP, MNA, TOI, YA 12/22; PCHR 12/25)

PA FM al-Maliki says that the Palestinians will amend the res. they submitted to the UNSC on 12/17 in hopes of having a vote on it before the end of the year. (MNA 12/21)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire a rocket into s. Israel in the Eshkol region. Israel holds Hamas responsible and the IDF launches a latenight air strike at a Hamas military training site nr. Khan Yunis, causing damage to the site and a nearby UNRWA school. It is the 1st Israeli bombing in Gaza since the 8/26 cease-fire ended OPE. In the West Bank, Palestinians gather in Turmus ‘Ayya, Silwad, and Ofer detention center to protest the death of a senior PA official on 12/10, sparking clashes with IDF troops in which 9 Palestinians are injured with rubbercoated metal bullets and 2 are detained. In Silwad, Israeli soldiers deliberately fire at electricity transformers, causing a power outage. Also, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), Bethlehem, and Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), shooting 1 in Bil‘in with a rubber-coated metal bullet and 1 in Ni‘lin. The IDF conducts an arrest raid nr. Qalqilya; patrols nr. Ramallah, Hebron, Jericho, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. Meanwhile, dozens gather in Balata r.c. to celebrate the 47th anniversary of the PFLP. In East Jerusalem, nearly 60,000 Palestinians pray at Haram al-Sharif, then march through the streets of the Old City in protest of Israeli policies regarding the site. Later, Israeli forces conduct house searches and arrest raids in the Old City, al-Wad, Silwan, and al-Bustan. Clashes break out between Israeli police and stone-throwing Palestinians late at night in Wadi al-Juz, Anata, and Silwan. Police injure 3 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets and arrest 5. (AP, HA, MNA, 12/19; AFP, HA, MNA, WAFA 12/20; PCHR 12/25)

U.S. Pres. Obama signs into law the U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership Act, which includes increased intelligence and military cooperation and new congressional oversight procedures. (TOI 12/20; IHY, JP, JTA 12/21)

The UNGApasses 2 nonbinding res. regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict and Palestinian affairs: the 1st calls on Israel to pay Lebanon $856.4 m. in damages related to an oil spill Israeli forces caused during the 2006 war; the 2d recognizes Palestinian sovereignty over the natural resources in the oPt. (AFP, WAFA 12/20)

A leaked report from the IAEA concludes that Iran is upholding commitments made to the P5+1 related to its disputed nuclear program. (JP, REU 12/18)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops e. of al-Bureij arrest 3 Palestinians as they attempt to cross the border fence into Israel. Late at night, Israeli soldiers stationed nr. Jabaliya open fire on a group of stone-throwing Palestinians, injuring 5. Off the n. coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces open fire on several Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage but no injuries. Meanwhile, the union of hospital sanitation workers suspends its strike after PA ministers agree to pay the salaries of 750 mbrs. who had not received full wages since 6/2. Overnight, 1 Palestinian is killed and 4 are injured in an explosion at a Hamas military facility in s. Gaza. In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with around 30 stonethrowing Palestinians nr. Nablus, lightly injuring 1 with rubber-coated metal bullets. Israeli soldiers also assault and arrest 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Jenin. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Jenin and Hebron; patrols nr. Hebron and Tubas. Dozens of Israeli settlers clash with Palestinians nr. Burin village, s. of Nablus, after the settlers cut down an electricity line that leads to a Palestinian home. In East Jerusalem, municipal officials accompanied by security forces deliver 11 demolition orders to residences in Silwan. Elsewhere, 140 right-wing Jewish activists enter Haram al-Sharif, sparking verbal confrontations with Palestinian worshippers. Israeli forces detain 3 Palestinian photographers during the incident. (HA, MNA, WAFA 12/18; PCHR 12/25)

Reps. of the major Palestinian political parties meet in Gaza and discuss a 5-point initiative jointly presented by the PFLP and Islamic Jihad to kick-start the national reconciliation process. Meanwhile, 1,000s of supporters of Mohammad Dahlan, the exiled former PA and Fatah official, gather in a Hamas-approved demonstration as a corruption trial against him opens in the West Bank. Pres. Abbas orders several Fatah officials to be fired from the PA for helping organize the demonstration. (AHR, AP, MEMO, MNA 12/18; FT 2/4)

The U.S. announces that it will oppose the proposed UNSC res. submitted by the Palestinians on 12/17. Meanwhile, a senior Palestinian official says that the Palestinian res. lacks the support of 9 mbrs. of the UNSC, which would be required for the res. to pass, and is vulnerable to a veto by a permanent mbr. state. (AP, HA, MDW 12/18; AFP 12/19)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion along the border fence nr. Khan Yunis to level land. In the West Bank, over 10,000 people attend a funeral procession in Ramallah for the Palestinian killed by Israeli soldiers on 12/15, and a general strike is held in the surrounding villages. IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinians during a raid of a village w. of Jenin, and several Palestinians suffer from tear gas inhalation. Israeli soldiers later detain a Palestinian at a mobile checkpoint nr. Jenin. Separately, Israeli forces deliver stopwork orders to 4 homes under construction nr. Bethlehem and patrol nr. Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians in Silwan during raids and house searches, as well as 2 Palestinian youths on their way home from school. After the 12/15 killing of a Palestinian in Qalandia, right-wing Jewish activists enter Haram al-Sharif early in the morning. Also, clashes break out in various neighborhoods around East Jerusalem and 3 Palestinians are arrested. (MNA, WAFA 12/16; IMEMC 12/17; PCHR 12/18)

A day ahead of the Palestinians’ promised submission of their draft res. to the UNSC, various Palestinian, U.S., EU, Arab, and Israeli officials meet to discuss their options. PA FM al-Maliki meets with French FM Fabius, and he offers to back the French draft UNSC res. if a couple of critical amendments are made. Separately, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry flies to London to hold talks with senior PLO official Saeb Erakat and PA intelligence chief Majid Faraj, and later with an Arab League delegation. Kerry asks the Palestinians to delay submitting their draft so he can conduct further meetings with PA Pres. Abbas. Russian Dep. FM Mikhail Bogdanov reiterates Russia’s support for the Palestinian UNSC res. during a meeting with Palestine’s Amb. to Russia Fayed Mustafa in Moscow. (AFP, HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 12/16)

The Israeli Defense Ministry and the U.S. military conduct a 2d test of the Arrow-3 antiballistic missile system, designed to defend Israel from hypothetical Iranian nuclear weapons, but the test fails. (HA, TOI 12/16; AFP 12/17)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troopsstationed along the n. border open fire on a group of stonethrowing Palestinians, injuring 4. A Palestinian is injured in an explosion nr. the French Cultural Center in Gaza City. (A small armed group takes responsibility for the attack on 12/18.) In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation, as well as the recent death of a senior PA official on 12/10 nr. Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, and 1 village nearby (Bayt Umar), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). Two Palestinians are hit by tear gas canisters in Bil‘in and 7 are shot with rubbercoated metal bullets elsewhere. Meanwhile, a Palestinian man throws vinegar at a family of 5 Israeli settlers nr. Bethlehem, lightly injuring all of them. (The Israeli press 1st reported the story as an acid attack.) Another Israeli settler hits the Palestinian man with his car and shoots him in the leg, moderately injuring him. Shin Bet officers arrive soon after to detain the Palestinian man. The IDF then conducts a raid of his home. Separately, Palestinians throw stones at IDF troops on a patrol of Bayt Umar nr. Hebron, sparking clashes in which 3 Palestinians are injured with rubber-coated metal bullets. The IDF also patrols in the n. Jordan Valley, where they assault a Palestinian farmer and lightly injure him. IDF troops fire tear gas at dozens of Palestinians throwing stones at the soldiers; 1 Palestinian youth and 1 Israeli officer are injured. Israeli soldiers also conduct a raid s. of Bethlehem; patrol in Tulkarm. Following a march marking Hamas’s 27th anniversary, the IDF conducts late-night arrest raids nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli police increase their patrols and deploy additional officers around Haram al-Sharif. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WP, YA 12/12; MNA, TOI 12/13; IMEMC 12/14; AFP, PCHR 12/18; EI 12/22)

The Israel Prison Service threatens to move the 70 Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike since 12/9 to criminal sections of their prisons, which would decrease their quality of life, if they continue their strike. (MNA 12/12)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry phones Russian FM Sergey Lavrov and PA Pres. Abbas separately to discuss the French and Palestinian draft UNSC res. Kerry pressures Abbas not to end security coordination with Israel in response to the 12/10 death of senior PA official Ziad Abu Ein. Following the call, senior PLO and Fatah officials postpone their meeting to discuss a response until 12/14. (JP, MNA 12/13)

The Portuguese parliament adopts a recommendation calling on the govt. to recognize Palestinian statehood “in coordination with the EU.” (AFP, TOI 12/12; HA, IMEMC, WAFA 12/13)

In the Gaza Strip, a bomb explodes outside a Fatah-affiliated charity, lightly injuring 2 bystanders. Shipments of domestic-use gas into Gaza resume after a dispute between local officials and the PA unity govt. is resolved on 12/10. All public institutions, ministries, and charities go on strike in protest of the PA unity govt.’s failure to pay civil servants. Several civil society organizations coordinate cleaning campaigns in Gaza’s hospitals, as the sanitation workers’ strike continues for a 10th day. IDF troops stationed along the border e. of al-Bureij arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel. In the West Bank, 1,000s of Palestinians attend the funeral of Ziad Abu Ein in Ramallah. Palestinians gathered for the funeral clash with IDF troops in al-Bireh; 19 are injured from rubber-coated metal bullets. Meanwhile, over 100 Palestinians gather in c. Hebron to protest Abu Ein’s death, leading to 2 separate clashes with IDF soldiers. There are also demonstrations in Turmus ‘Ayya. During the day, Israeli soldiers arrest Palestinians at a checkpoints nr. Ramallah and Hebron. The IDF conducts arrest raids nr. Jenin and Hebron; patrols in Tulkarm and n. of Jenin. Late at night, unidentified assailants open fire on the home of an imprisoned Hamas MP in Hebron, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse 100s of Palestinians gathered to protest Abu Ein’s death in Shu‘fat r.c., Issawiyya, al-‘Izzariya, and Silwan. They conduct late-night arrest raids and house searches in Jabal Mukabir, Wadi al-Juz, Ras al-Amud, and Issawiyya. Meanwhile, 75 new security guards are added to the security detail at Haram al-Sharif in response to King Abdullah of Jordan’s request. (MNA 12/10; HA, JP, MNA, NYT 12/11; IMEMC, MNA 12/12; TOI 12/13; PCHR 12/18)

UN Special Coordinator Serry holds talks with senior Hamas official Abu Marzuq at the UN building in Gaza City. Serry calls on the PA unity govt. to take on its responsibilities stipulated in the cease-fire agreements, specifically staffing the border crossings. Outside the UN building, dozens of Palestinians gather for a sit-in protest in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike. (MNA, TOI 12/11)

Egyptian pres. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi travels to Jordan to hold talks with Jordan’s King Abdullah. They discuss the draft UNSC res. that Jordan plans to introduce on behalf of the Palestinians before 12/25. Meanwhile, Jordan’s House of Deps. votes to cancel its 9/2014 gas agreement with U.S. company Noble Energy. The MPs oppose increasing Jordan’s economic ties with Israel, despite Jordan’s ongoing energy crisis. (JT, MNA 12/11; JP 12/12; NYT 12/14)

The French Senate passes a nonbinding res. inviting the govt. to recognize Palestinian statehood. The French parliament previously passed a similar res. on 12/2. Meanwhile, the Swiss govt. invites all states party to the Fourth Geneva Convention, which includes every UN mbr. and Palestine, to attend a summit on 12/17 to discuss the situation in the oPt. (AFP, AP, HA 12/11; WAFA 12/13)

In the Gaza Strip, the Union of Civil Servants announces that all govt. employees will go on strike on 12/11, and that school workers will strike on 12/14, in protest of the PA unity govt.’s failure to pay civil servants in Gaza who were hired after Hamas came to power in 2007. An IDF tank stationed along the border e. of al-Bureij r.c. fires on agricultural land, causing damage. Hours later, 4 IDF tanks and 3 armored bulldozers cross the border fence in e. Gaza, leveling land and firing live ammunition toward Palestinian property. In the West Bank, IDF troops detain 2 Palestinians as they approach the Tekoa settlement nr. Bethlehem. Israeli forces confiscate 3 Palestinian-owned tractors while patrolling in a bedouin village in the n. Jordan Valley. They also stop work on a UN Development Program project nr. Salfit, detain 2 Palestinian workers, and confiscate 1 tractor. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Ramallah, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Jenin. Israeli settlers cut the wires to 4 electricity poles and chop down several olive trees nr. Burin village s. of Nablus, clearing the area for the expansion of 2 nearby settlements. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police raid the Silwan home of Ahmad al-Ghoul, head of the Fatah Youth Movement in Jerusalem, and arrest him. He was recently attacked by Israeli settlers on 11/21. Israeli authorities deliver demolition notices to several residences and commercial buildings in Silwan, al-Tur, Issawiyya, and Jabal Mukabir. Israeli police detain 2 Palestinian women at Haram al-Sharif. They also conduct arrest raids around East Jerusalem; deliver demolition notices in Silwan, al-Tur, Issawiyya, and Jabal Mukabir. (IMEMC, JP, MNA, WAFA 12/9; PCHR 12/10)

After threatening a mass action on 12/6, 70 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons launch a hunger strike in protest of Israel’s treatment of a fellow prisoner and its use of solitary confinement. (MNA 12/9; WAFA 12/10)

The Knesset Finance Comm. approves a series of public funds transfers, including PM Netanyahu’s 12/8 request for around $20 m. to support the West Bank settlements. (AFP, TOI, YA 12/9)

The Lower House of the Irish Parliament unanimously passes a nonbinding res. calling on the Irish govt. to recognize Palestinian statehood, similar to the 1 passed by the Upper House on 10/23. (REU 12/9; HA 12/11)

In the Gaza Strip, the union of hospital sanitation workers goes on a full strike following weeks of partial strikes protesting the govt.’s failure to pay them since 6/2. Off the coast nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on a Palestinian fishing boat, critically injuring 1 fisherman. IDF troops along the e. border open fire on agricultural lands, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, a Palestinian man enters a supermarket in Mishor Adumim, an Israeli industrial zone in the Ma’ale Adumim settlement bloc, and stabs 2 Israeli settlers, lightly injuring them. An off-duty Israeli security officer shoots him in the leg and the Israeli police detain him. Later, 2 Palestinian men are arrested in connection with the incident and IDF troops raid the injured man’s home in al-‘Izzariya. Separately, IDF troops shut down a secondary school nr. Nablus after a group of Palestinians throws stones at Israeli vehicles on a nearby road on 12/2. IDF troops patrol in ‘Askar r.c. nr. Nablus and 1 area in the e. part of the city, sparking clashes with residents and shooting 1 Palestinian in the foot. Israeli forces deliver demolition orders and stop-work notices to Palestinians in 2 villages nr. Bethlehem. The IDF conducts arrest raids and house searches nr. Nablus, Ramallah, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces enter the Jabal Mukabir neighborhood, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians nr. the homes of the 2 Palestinian men who were killed after they attacked a West Jerusalem synagogue on 11/18. During the clashes, Israeli forces detain 1 Palestinian boy and injure others with tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets. Separately, Israeli forces arrest another Palestinian boy in Silwan. Meanwhile, around 300 Israeli security officers escort multiple construction vehicles into Shu‘fat r.c., and they demolish around 20 stores and the abandoned Cola building for the expansion of an Israeli checkpoint. None of the Palestinian proprietors were notified prior to the demolition. Also, Israeli forces raid the home of a Palestinian reporter with Ma‘an News Agency. The soldiers detain his brother and father and tell the reporter that they will not be released until he turns himself in, which he does soon after. (AnA, AP, HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 12/3; MEMO, MNA, PCHR 12/4; PCHR 12/11)

Reps. of all the parties in the Knesset meet and agree to hold elections on 3/17/2015. Following the meeting, the full body votes in favor of dissolving the 19th Knesset. This vote constitutes a 1st reading, and like any bill it must pass 2 more (both scheduled for 12/8) before being implemented. (AFP, IHY, JP, TOI, YA 12/3)

The Jerusalem City Council announces its plans to use NIS 50 m. to fund new construction projects in the Har Homa settlement in East Jerusalem. (AFP 12/3; JP 12/4)

The U.S. House of Reps. passes the U.S.- Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014, after the Senate passed it on 9/19. U.S. Pres. Barack Obama will sign it into law on 12/19. (AFP 12/3)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops on the e. border fence twice open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands, causing no injuries. Late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the coast nr. alSudaniyya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, PA security forces enter the H2 area of c. Hebron and arrest 2 Palestinians. IDF troops deliver demolition orders to several homes, tents, and other residential structures in 2 bedouin communities s. of Hebron. The IDF conducts house searches in Jalazun r.c., as well as nr. Hebron and Bethlehem; patrols nr. Salfit, Hebron, Tulkarm, Jenin, and in al-‘Arub r.c. An IDF raid in ‘Askar r.c. nr. Nablus sparks clashes with stone-throwing residents; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces enter Shu‘fat r.c. and clashes break out with residents, causing no injuries; conduct house searches in Ras al-Amud and Jabal Mukabir. An unknown assailant throws a firebomb at a bus nr. the Old City, causing some damage. (IMEMC, JP, MNA 12/2; MNA 12/3; PCHR 12/4)

Israeli PM Netanyahu fires Fin. Min. Lapid and Justice Minister Livni from his cabinet. Netanyahu criticizes the 2 ministers for disloyalty, citing their opposition to his “nation-state” bill, and tells the press that he will soon call for the 19th Knesset to be dissolved. Meanwhile, reps. of the 4 nonZionist parties in the Knesset, Balad, Hadash, Ra’am, and Ta’al, meet to discuss running as a joint list in the upcoming elections. (AFP, FP, HA, JP 12/2; AFP, REU, YA 12/3)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry holds talks with European FMs at a NATO meeting in Brussels. They discuss France’s draft UNSC res., which sets a timetable on IsraeliPalestinian peace negotiations. (AFP, REU 12/2; AFP, HA 12/3)

The UNGA passes a res. introduced by Egypt, which calls on Israel to give up its nuclear weapons and put its nuclear facilities under international oversight. (YA 12/2; EI 12/4)

The French parliament passes a symbolic res. that facilitates recognition of Palestinian statehood. The res. “invites the French govt. to use the recognition of the State of Palestine as an instrument to gain a definitive res. of the conflict,” and sets a 2-year deadline for the creation of an independent Palestinian state. (AFP, IMEMC, MEMO, REU, RT 12/2; WAFA 12/3)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops along the n. border open fire on a group of Palestinian youth playing nr. the fence, seriously injuring 1. Later, a separate group of Israeli soldiers nearby opens fire on a group of Palestinian men approaching the border to throw stones at the soldiers, causing no injuries. Off the coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathered for a sitin protest nr. al-Shuhada Street nr. Hebron; dozens suffer from tear gas inhalation. The Shuhada checkpoint has been closed since 11/22. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Nablus, Hebron, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem late at night, IDF troops conduct raids and house searches in Ras al-Amud and Wadi al-Juz. In West Jerusalem, 3 mbrs. of the anti-Arab group Lehava torch 2 classrooms in a school where Arab and Jewish students study together and leave racist graffiti on the walls. (IMEMC, JP, MNA 11/29; HA, IMEMC, MEMO, REU 11/30; PCHR 12/4; HA 12/11)

In Cairo, the Arab League agrees to politically and financially back the Palestinians’ draft UNSC res. The financial backing would come in the form of monthly $100 m. cash donations to replace transfers of any tax revenues that Israel may punitively withhold. (AFP, HA 11/29; HA, WAFA 11/30; TOI 12/1; MDW 1/9)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops on the border twice open fire on Palestinian homes, causing 1 injury. In 2 separate incidents off the coast nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian woman at the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron after she refuses to undergo a security check. Nearby, Israeli soldiers patrol nr. al-Shuhada Street, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youth; several Palestinians suffer from tear gas inhalation. Clashes break out in Tuqu‘ nr. Bethlehem when IDF troops raid the village and search several homes. The IDF also conducts arrest raids and house searches nr. Jenin, Nablus, and Ramallah; patrols nr. Hebron, Birzeit, Ramallah, Jericho, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya; arrests 2 Hamas mbrs. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 8 locations nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin, Qalandia checkpoint, outside Ofer prison, Jalazun r.c., and 2 other villages), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are 16 moderate injuries and 2 serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct house searches and raids in Silwan. (AP, HA, JP, MNA 11/28; MNA 11/29; PCHR 12/4)

Ahead of the French Parliament’s 12/2 vote on Palestinian statehood, FM Fabius presents a new diplomatic proposal for restarting peace negotiations. The proposal includes a UNSC res., currently being drafted by French officials as an alternative to a Palestinian-drafted text, which will provide a framework and a 2-year deadline for talks. He says that France is prepared to host a new round of peace negotiations. (AFP, HA 11/28)

In Egypt, Egyptian security officials shoot and kill a Palestinian security officer as he drives into an ambush meant for another nr. Shaykh Zuwayd in the n. Sinai. (AP, MNA 11/28)

In the Gaza Strip, unknown Palestinians fire shots toward IDF troops nr. the Erez crossing, causing no injuries. In 2 separate incidents, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF informs residents nr. Jenin that 1,000s of dunams of land in the area will be seized; delivers demolition orders for 8 structures to Palestinians in a village nr. Hebron. Elsewhere, a Palestinian throws a Molotov cocktail at a settler nr. Hawara village s. of Nablus, and IDF troops impose a curfew on the village. The IDF conducts arrest raids and house searches nr. Hebron, Nablus, Qalqilya, and in Jenin r.c. Clashes break out with residents nr. Nablus, injuring 4 Palestinians in ‘Askar r.c. Late at night, a group of settlers, accompanied by IDF troops, enters a village e. of Ramallah and tries to burn a Palestinian’s home, but residents stop them. An Israeli settler attempts to run over 3 Palestinians with his car s. of Hebron, causing no injuries or damage. In East Jerusalem, municipal authorities and IDF troops deliver a demolition order to the Silwan home of the Palestinian who was suspected of shooting right-wing Jewish activist Yehuda Glick on 10/29 and was killed hours later by Israeli security forces. (See QU in JPS 174 for more.) In Israel, police arrest a U.S. citizen, saying that he has been living in Israel illegally for 18 mos., he possesses illegal weapons, and that he is planning attacks on Haram al-Sharif with his roommate, an IDF soldier. (MNA, WAFA 11/19; IMEMC, MNA, PCHR 11/20; PCHR 11/27; AFP, JP, HA 12/9)

Israeli authorities announce that the bodies of the 2 Palestinians who attacked a synagogue in West Jerusalem on 11/18 will not be returned to their families. Following the announcement, clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces break out in the East Jerusalem neighborhoods of Jabal Mukabir, where the men were from, Sur al-Bahir, Silwan, Issawiyya, and al-Tur; 12 Palestinians are injured by rubber-coated metal bullets. (HA, TOI 11/19; MNA 11/20)

Palestinian bus drivers working for Egged continue their strike for a 2d day, protesting the death of a driver on 11/16. (IMEMC 11/19)

Israeli authorities approve the construction of 78 new homes in 2 settlements in East Jerusalem. (AA, REU 11/19)

For the 2d day in a row, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with Oman’s FM Alawi in London to discuss the negotiations between reps. of Iran and the P5+1 over Iran’s disputed nuclear program. (AP 11/19)

Jordan’s govt. formally condemns the attack on the West Jerusalem synagogue on 11/18. The Jordanian parliament holds a moment of silence for the 2 Palestinians who were killed by Israeli police after perpetrating the attack, and Jordanian PM Abdullah Ensour sends a letter of condolence to the men’s family. (TOI 11/21)

Two Palestinian men attack a synagogue in West Jerusalem, killing 4 rabbis and 1 Druze policeman, and injuring around 8 others. Policemen shoot and kill the 2 men. Later in the day, Israeli security forces raid the men’s homes in Jabal Mukabir, East Jerusalem, and arrest 12 of their relatives. Clashes break out between Palestinians and Israeli officers in the neighborhood, injuring 22 Palestinians with tear gas and rubber-coated metal bullets. More clashes erupt in Sur al-Bahir, Wadi al-Juz, and al-Tur. Israeli PM Netanyahu orders the punitive demolition of the 2 men’s homes, and adds additional border police in Jerusalem. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT 11/18; MNA 11/19, 11/20; ALM 11/21)

A 15-year-old Palestinian dies in a hospital in Turkey, succumbing to injuries sustained on 7/21 in Gaza during Israel’s Operation Protective Edge (OPE). (PCHR 11/20)

In the Gaza Strip, public servants in ministry offices, schools, and public universities begin a general strike, protesting the fact that their full salaries haven’t been paid for over a year. In the West Bank, Palestinians nr. Tulkarm protest the recent Israeli violence in Jerusalem, sparking clashes with IDF soldiers. Dozens of Israeli settlers attack a Palestinian school in ‘Urif village nr. Nablus in response to the killing of the 4 rabbis, and IDF troops injure 6 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets, including a Reuters cameraman. Meanwhile, an Israeli settler shoots and seriously injures a Palestinian youth after a settler demonstration e. of Ramallah and Israeli settlers attack a Palestinian home s. of Nablus. Separately, settlers throw rocks at Palestinian vehicles nr. Nablus and Hebron. IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian in Baytin village nr. Ramallah. Also, IDF troops search the Hebron homes of 2 of the Palestinian men accused of kidnapping and killing 3 Israeli settler teenagers on 6/12; and raid Bayt Umar village. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers stab a Palestinian man on the street in Kafr ‘Aqab, moderately injuring him. Separately, Israeli minister of internal security Yitzhak Aharonovitch enters Shu‘fat r.c. and Palestinian youth throw stones and bottles at him. In the ensuing clashes with Israeli security forces, several Palestinians suffer from tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces demolish the home of the Palestinian man who was killed by police after driving a vehicle into a group of pedestrians on 10/22. Also, Israeli police arrest a Palestinian man on the charge of incitement after he posts videos and images to a Facebook page supporting violence against Israelis. (MNA, SAFA, WAFA 11/18; MNA 11/19; PCHR 11/20; JP 11/24)

Palestinian bus drivers working for the Israeli bus company Egged go on strike in protest of the death of their colleague on 11/16. Over 40 of them quit after Egged decides not to provide additional security. (IMEMC 11/19; AFP 12/4)

Reps. of Iran and the P5+1 (U.S., UK, China, France, Russia, and Germany) resume negotiations in Vienna over Iran’s disputed nuclear program, aiming to meet the Joint Plan of Action’s extended deadline of 11/24. In London, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with Oman’s FM Yusuf bin Alawi, a mediator in the talks with Iran. (GDN, HA 11/18; AP 11/19; NYT 11/20)

The Spanish parliament passes a symbolic res. urging recognition of Palestine as a state after Israel and the Palestinians negotiate a res. to their conflict. (IHY, REU 11/18)

In the Gaza Strip, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops stationed nr. the border open fire on an unarmed 10-year-old Palestinian boy, critically injuring him. Later, the IDF arrests 3 Palestinians who cross the border fence into Israel nr. the Kerem Shalom crossing. In the West Bank, Palestinians gather nr. ‘Askar refugee camp (r.c.) to throw stones at Israeli military vehicles, sparking clashes with the IDF that leave 1 Palestinian injured. IDF troops deliver demolition orders to 5 Palestinian families n. of Qalqilya and temporarily seal all entrances to ‘Azun village e. of Qalqilya; patrol nr. Bethlehem and Hebron. Late in the evening, the IDF conducts arrest raids and house searches in Bil‘in, detaining mayor Basil Mansur, sparking clashes with stone-throwing local residents; conducts arrest raids nr. Hebron and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 10s of Palestinian women refuse to submit their ID cards to Israeli security officers outside Haram al-Sharif, defying a new Israeli access restriction; Israeli security forces beat several of the women with rifle butts to disperse them. Meanwhile, Israeli security forces escort 30 right-wing Jewish activists into Haram al-Sharif. Separately, IDF troops conduct arrest raids and house searches in 3 other areas of East Jerusalem. At an Israeli cabinet meeting, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu reiterates his pledge to maintain the status quo at Haram al-Sharif, meaning that he intends to respect Jordan’s custody of the area. In West Jerusalem, a Palestinian stabs a Jewish Israeli with a screwdriver, injuring him; Israeli police set up roadblocks around the area in effort to capture the assailant, but he escapes. Late at night, a Palestinian bus driver is found hanged in his bus in West Jerusalem. Israeli authorities allege suicide, but the man’s family believes that Israeli settlers killed him in retaliation for the earlier stabbing. Clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces break out in al-Tur, East Jerusalem, in response to the bus driver’s death. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/16; AFP, IMEMC, JP, MNA 11/17; PCHR 11/20)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry calls Palestinian Authority (PA) Pres. Mahmoud Abbas and tells him the U.S. will veto any UN Security Council (UNSC) res. on ending the Israeli occupation within 2 years. Abbas has been circulating such a res. since his speech at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on 9/26/ 2014. (AP 11/18)

Israeli justice minister Tzipi Livni postpones until 11/23 a debate in her comm. over a new “nation-state” bill, which would enshrine Israel’s status as the national homeland of the Jewish people in the Basic Laws. Netanyahu says that he may sidestep the comm. debate and introduce the bill in the Israeli cabinet. (JTA, REU 11/16)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats on 2 separate occasions, causing damage and injuring 2 fishermen. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and wound a Palestinian during a patrol in a village nr. Tubas. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, and 1 nearby village at night; patrols in 3 villages nr. Qalqilya and 1 village nr. Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers and Palestinians clash in Silwan, causing no serious injuries. (MNA 11/9; PCHR 11/13)

Fatah officials in Gaza cancel the planned commemoration of Yasir Arafat’s death scheduled for 11/11. Hamas authorities confirm the cancellation, citing security concerns related to the series of explosions that targeted Fatah figures on 11/7. (AFP, MNA 11/9)

In the Gaza Strip, small explosive devices are detonated by unknown parties at the entrances of 15 Fatah mbrs.’ homes and under their cars, causing damage but no injuries. An additional blast occurs on a stage set up for a demonstration scheduled for 11/11 marking the commemoration of Yasir Arafat’s death (an event approved by Hamas authorities on 10/30). The attacks take place the day before a planned visit to Gaza by PM Rami Hamdallah, senior Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmad and Civil Affairs Minister Hussein al-Sheikhwe, but they cancel their trip as a result of the attacks. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem; patrols in Hebron, 3 nearby villages, and Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem. 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 Nil‘in), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries, except in Bil‘in, where 3 people are wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces and Palestinians clash in Shu‘fat r.c., with no serious injuries reported. (HA, MNA, REU 11/7; PCHR 11/13)

Israeli PM Netanyahu orders the demolition of homes belonging to the families of the Palestinians who hit Israelis with their cars in Jerusalem in recent weeks (see 10/22 and 11/5). (AFP 11/7)

In the Gaza Strip, Hamas security forces arrest 5 Palestinians on charges relating to the 10/31 rocket fire. Also responding to the incident, Israel closes the Erez and Kerem Shalom border crossings. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrests in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Ramallah; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, and Tulkarm. Palestinians throw a Molotov cocktail at an Israeli settler bus outside Hawara village nr. Nablus, and in response the IDF imposes an overnight curfew on the village. Israeli soldiers shoot and injure 19 Palestinians during a protest at Qalandia checkpoint, 2 with live ammunition and 17 with rubber-coated metal bullets. (HA, MNA 11/2; PCHR 11/6)

Jordan’s King Abdullah says that his country will confront Israel’s “unilateral policies” and work to protect “Muslim and Christian holy sites,” in response to the 10/30 closing of Haram al-Sharif and the escalating tensions in Jerusalem. Meanwhile, Dep. Secy.-Gen. of the Arab League Ben Hilli says that Israel has reached a “red line” with regard to “violations”in Jerusalem. Netanyahu, meanwhile, says that “Islamic extremist elements” are trying “to stir up unrest” and that Israel will maintain the status quo at Haram al-Sharif. (AFP, HA, JP 11/2)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces shoot and kill a Palestinian in Abu Tor suspected of the attempted assassination of Yehuda Glick on 10/29. During the day, Israeli authorities close Haram al-Sharif to everyone and increase police and border police patrols in the city. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron, and in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm; patrols in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin. (AFP, JP, MNA, REU 10/30)

Sweden officially recognizes the state of Palestine. In response, the Israeli govt. recalls its amb. to Sweden, Yitzhak Bachmann, for consultations. (He will be returned to Sweden on 11/29.) (AFP, HA 10/30; JP 11/20)

Fatah receives approval from Hamas authorities in the Gaza Strip to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of Yasir Arafat with a rally in Gaza City, which they schedule for 11/11. This is the 1st time Fatah activists are permitted to hold such a commemoration in Gaza since 2007. (MNA 10/30)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops stationed along the border nr. Bayt Lahiya shoot and wound a Palestinian hunting for birds. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin and Jenin r.c., and 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activist Yehuda Glick is shot and wounded by an unknown assailant nr the Old City. (HA, MNA 10/29; PCHR 10/30)

The UNSC holds an emergency session at the request of Jordan to discuss Israel’s plans for further settlement construction in East Jerusalem. (AFP, REU 10/29)

An anonymous U.S. official is quoted in the Atlantic describing Israeli PM Netanyahu as a “chickenshit prime minister” who only cares about his political survival. In response, Netanyahu’s office releases a statement saying that the PM “will continue to uphold the security interests of Israel and the historical rights of the Jewish people in Jerusalem, and no amount of pressure will change that.” The White House quickly distances itself from the comments quoted in the article. (AM, WP 10/29; Guardian 10/30)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. alSudaniyya, Israeli naval forces detain 5 Palestinian fishermen and confiscate their boat. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin and 2 nearby villages in the morning, and in 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Nablus, and in Salfit; patrols in 1 village nr. Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers from Yitzhar torch about 100 olive trees in Hawara nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian drives his car into a light rail station, killing a baby and injuring another 8 people. (An Ecuadorian citizen will succumb to her injuries on 10/26.) The driver is immediately shot and killed by police. Israeli PM Netanyahu says that PA Pres. Abbas is responsible for inciting such acts. Separately, Palestinian protesters in Issawiyya and Silwan clash with Israeli security forces. (HA, JP, MNA, REU 10/22; PCHR 10/23; HA 10/26)

Unknown assailants in the Sinai Peninsula fire small arms and an antitank missile across the border into Israel at IDF troops, injuring 2. The IDF returns fire, killing 3. (AFP, HA, REU 10/22)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a 13-year-old Palestinian in Bayt Liqya village nr. Ramallah during a patrol. Meanwhile, PA security forces kill a man in Hebron during a raid. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron during the day. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen, sinking 1 boat. (MNA, REU 10/16; PCHR 10/23)

Senior Hamas official Musa Abu Marzuq confirms that indirect cease-fire talks with Israel will resume at the end of 10/2014 in Cairo. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry calls for a resumption of the peace negotiations during remarks at a State Dept. event for ‘Id al-Adha. (AFP, REU, YA 10/16)

EU foreign affairs chief Ashton and Iranian FM Zarif hold a 2d day of talks in Vienna, and also meet with senior diplomats from the P5+1 group. The focus of the talks are remaining differences related to lifting sanctions and Iran’s uranium enrichment levels. (REU 10/17)