The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian minor succumbed to injuries sustained by Israeli forces during a raid in Balata refugee camp on 2/8. Israeli forces raided ad-Doha, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolished 2 structures in al-Buwayb. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Nablus to take measurements for punitive demolition of 2 homes belonging to families of 2 Palestinians accused of killing an Israeli soldier in October 2022. 1 Palestinian was injured by live ammunition and 20 others by tear gas while protesting the incursion. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Bil’in, Hizma, al-Ram, al-Khader, Jaba’, and Deir Sharaf. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces raided Shu’fat refugee camp, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces issued a demolition notice for 1 Palestinian home in Kafr ‘Aqab. 2 Palestinians were arrested during a late-night raid in Isawiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinian farmers near Beit Lahiya, injuring 1. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/20; AJ, MDW, MEE 2/21; PCHR 2/23; UNOCHA 3/4)

Axios reported that PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh and Israeli national security advisor Tzachi Hanegbi have been in secret talks discussing day-to-day issues and efforts to de-escalate the violence in the West Bank. According to Axios the talks started shortly after prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn-in after the PA had reached out to Netanyahu using the U.S. as a mediator. (AX 2/20)

The Israeli parliament passed the first of three votes to overhaul the judicial branch of government. The bill passed 63-47. Thousands of Israeli protesters gathered outside of the Knesset during the vote. (AJ, AP, MEE, REU 2/20; AP, F24, HA, HA 2/21; IN 2/22)

Israel prevented Ana Miranda, a Spanish member of the European parliament, from entering the West Bank and deported her to Spain after she arrived at Ben Gurion Airport. (WAFA 2/21; MEMO 2/22)

The UN Security Council issued a presidential statement expressing “deep concern and dismay” over Israel’s 2/12 announcement to legalize settlement outposts and expand settlements by more than 10,000 housing units. The U.S. supported the statement which was made in lieu of a vote on a draft resolution calling on Israel to halt settlement activity. It was reported on 2/19 that the U.S. had convinced the UAE and the PA to drop the binding resolution, which the U.S. said it would veto, and instead present the statement. PA UN ambassador Riyad Mansour said that the PA was very happy with the statement. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying that the UNSC “statement should never have been made and the United States should never have joined it.” (ABC, AJ, AP, F24, HA, MEE, REU, TOI, UN, WAFA 2/20; ALM 2/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to agricultural lands between Turmus ‘Ayya and al-Mughayyir, damaging olive trees, and threw stones at vehicles, damaging 1. Israeli settlers also vandalized 55 grapevine saplings and damaged a water tank in al-Khader. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured 1 other with live ammunition during a raid in Tubas; the man was said to have been buying bread after dawn prayers when he was shot in the head. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian protester and injured others with tear gas in Hebron. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 5 with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 1 with a baton round and 37 with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 6 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also uprooted 55 grapevine saplings and demolished 1 water well in al-Khader. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during late-night raids in Tubas and 3 at checkpoints near Nablus and al-Jib. (AJ, AP, MEE, MEMO, PCHR, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/19; PCHR 8/25; UNOCHA 9/2)

Israel approved granting an additional 1,500 work permits for Palestinians in Gaza. (AP 8/19)

The Israeli central command froze the administrative detention of Khalil Awawdeh while he is in the hospital for treatment related to his 170 days of hunger strike. Awawdeh’s lawyer also petitioned the Israeli high court of justice to have him released from administrative detention. (HA, TOI 8/19; WAFA 8/20)

The foreign ministers of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden released a joint statement calling the Israeli raids on 7 Palestinian rights organizations “not acceptable,” expressing deep concern over the raids and reiterating that the countries have not seen evidence that justify the Israeli attacks on Palestinian civil society. (HA, JP, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 8/20)

The Republic of Korea donated $1 million to UNRWA technical and vocational education and training programs in Jordan. (WAFA 8/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 3 agricultural structures in al-Mughayyir. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Arrabah, Jaba‘, Faqqua, Qalqilya, Dheisheh refugee camp, Dura, and Bayt Awa. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Isawiya and Kafr ‘Aqab. (WAFA, WAFA, 8/18; UNOCHA 8/19; PCHR 8/25; UNOCHA 9/2)

Israeli forces raided the offices of Union of Agricultural Work Committees, Al-Haq, Addameer, Bisan Research Center, Defense for Children International – Palestine, Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees, and Union of Health Work Committees. The raid was in response to Israel’s terrorist designations against the 7 organizations. The forces seized documents and equipment from some of the Palestinian rights organizations and sealed the doors of the offices. The UN Human Rights office condemned the Israeli raids and the EU called the Israeli allegations against the organizations unsubstantiated. The U.S. expressed concern about Israel’s raids, saying that Israel has not provided sufficient evidence to justify the terrorist designations against the organizations. In a show of solidarity, officials from the EU, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and the UK visited the offices of Al-Haq, which had been forced open by Palestinians after the Israeli forces sealed the entrance. 6 of the rights organizations were deemed terrorist organizations by Israel in October 2021, and 1 was designated as such in 2020. Several EU countries have dismissed the Israeli claims after reviewing files submitted to the EU. (+972, AI, AJ, AP, AX, BBC, B’Tselem, GDN, HA, HA, HA, JP, MDW, MDW, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, NA, NBC, NYT, PCHR, REU, REU, TOI, UNOCHA, WP, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WP 8/18; AJ, HA, MDW, MEE, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 8/19; WAFA 8/20; B’Tselem 8/21; MDW, WAFA 8/22; MEE, MEMO 8/23; ABC 8/24 ALM 8/25; HA 8/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinians herding sheep in al-Juwaya in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian homes in Hebron, causing damage and injuring 1 Palestinian. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set up settlement outposts in al-Buwairah. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians with live ammunition during a protest against a late-night raid in al-Bireh. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Birzeit, al-Bireh, al-Mughayyir, Ramallah al-Tahta, Deir Abu Mash’al, Huwwara, and al-Yamun. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian agricultural lands east of Abasan; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/21; WAFA 7/22; PCHR 7/28; UNOCHA 8/5)

The Israeli high court of justice postponed the eviction of a Palestinian family living in Silwan until further hearings have been made. (HA 7/22)

Israeli forces fired missiles from the occupied Golan Heights at Damascus, killing 8 people, including 3 Syrian soldiers, and wounding 7 others. (AP 7/21; AJ, F24, HA, TOI, WP 7/22)

Israel’s supreme court ruled that Israel is allowed to strip its citizens of their citizenship if they are convicted of treason, terrorism, or espionage. (HA, REU, WAFA 7/21; MDW 7/23; MEE 7/25)

Norway joined Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Holland, Spain, and Sweden in saying it had dismissed Israeli claims that 6 Palestinian rights organizations are terrorist organizations, citing insufficient evidence. Norway’s foreign minister Anniken Huitfeldt said she had raised concerns about the lack of evidence during her visit to Israel in March. Norway directly or indirectly funds Al-Haq, the Union of Agricultural Work Committees, and Defense for Children International – Palestine. (HA 7/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 450 olive, plum, grape, and almond trees near Turmus ‘Ayya. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 returning to the West Bank from Jerusalem at the Qalandia checkpoint, 1 crossing from the West Bank to Jordan via the Allenby Bridge, and 1 while working his land in Idhna. (WAFA, WAFA 7/12; PCHR 7/21; UNOCHA 7/22)

Haaretz reported that the World Zionist Organization’s settlement division was finalizing plans to invest $8.5 million to connect settlement outposts in the West Bank to the Israeli electrical grid and preparing plans to have the outposts retroactively authorized by the Israeli government. (HA 7/12)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz approved 5,500 Palestinians to be registered with the Palestinian population registry and increased Gaza merchant permits for commerce in Israel from 1,500 to 15,000. Defense Minister Gantz also gave final approval for construction in Hizma and Harmaleh and 1st level approval for construction in Haris, Kisan, and Battir. Additionally, Israel said it would open a new crossing from Israel to the northern part of the West Bank to ease access to Jenin and delayed a meeting to expand Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem. The moves were described by Israel as a result of a meeting between Gantz and PA president Mahmoud Abbas last week and comes 1 day before U.S. president Joe Biden will arrive in Israel for a 4-day tour of Israel, Palestine, and Saudi Arabia. (AP, HA, WAFA 7/12)

4 members of the U.S. senate Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Dick Durban (D-IL), wrote a letter to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken saying that the U.S. review of the evidence into the killing of Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh “hardly constitutes an independent investigation into the overall circumstances of her killing.” In a separate letter, U.S. senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) called on the Biden administration to provide a senior-level classified briefing on the investigation details and the administration’s plan for accountability. (ALM, HA 7/12; MEE, WAFA 7/13)

Citing insufficient evidence, the foreign ministries of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Holland, Spain, and Sweden issued a joint statement saying that the countries have decided to dismiss Israeli claims that 6 Palestinian rights organizations are linked to terrorism and will continue funding them. The rights organizations were designated terrorist organizations by Defense Minister Gantz in October 2021. (AP, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA 7/12; MDW 7/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at 1 Palestinian vehicle driving near the Homesh settlement outpost, injuring 1 and damaging the car. Thousands of Palestinians partook in a funeral ceremony in Ramallah for Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed by Israeli forces on 5/11 in Jenin refugee camp. PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke at the ceremony and awarded her the Al-Quds star of honor. Abu Akleh will be buried in East Jerusalem on 5/13. Israeli forces prevented Palestinians in the funeral procession from accompanying her casket through the Qalandia checkpoint from Ramallah to East Jerusalem. Israeli forces also demolished a water collection pond used for irrigation in Marj Na‘aj. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during a late-night raid in Hebron, Rumana, Qabatiya, and Burqin, and 2 at flying checkpoints in Hebron and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided a house in Bayt Hanina, where friends and family of Abu Akleh were holding a memorial ceremony for her; Israeli forces confiscated Palestinian flags. Israeli police also raided Abu Akleh’s house on 5/11, confiscating Palestinian flags. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids. (AJ, AJ, AP, CNN, GDN, HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/12; WAFA 5/13; PCHR 5/19; UNOCHA 6/4)

Israel’s higher planning council approved 4,427 new settlement housing units in the West Bank. 2,791 received final approval, while 1,636 were deposited for public comment before final approval. Among the new housing units are the retroactive legalization of the Mitzpeh Dani and Givat Oz VeGaon settlement outposts and expansion of the settlements of Negohot, Shvut Rachel, Dolev, Betar Ilit, and Kiryat Arba. According to Haaretz, the government’s meeting to approve the settlements was a condition by Yamina MK Nir Orbach to remain in the fragile government coalition. UN Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland condemned the settlement expansions. On 5/13, 15 European countries urged Israel to reverse its decision, including France, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Poland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Sweden. (PCN 5/9; ABC, AJ, AP, GDN, HA, JP, MEE, MEMO, REU, TOI, WAFA 5/12; AJ, ALM, F24, REU, WAFA, WAFA 5/13)

Ecuadorian president Guillermo Lasso met with Israeli president Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem, saying he will open a representative office in Jerusalem and support Israel in votes at the UN. President Lasso also met with prime minister Naftali Bennett and foreign minister Yair Lapid. (HA 5/12)

The New York Times reported that the FBI stated in a 2018 letter to the Israeli government that it wanted to use NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware “for the collection of data from mobile devices for the prevention and investigation of crimes and terrorism” before purchasing the spyware later the same year. (NYT 5/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided the Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm, leading to a confrontation with students; 2 were injured by baton rounds and 16 suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also seized 1 residential tent, demolished an agricultural structure, and seized agricultural equipment in Beit Samia. 17 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Nablus, Bethlehem, Hebron, Tulkarm, Tubas, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City and Shu‘fat. In Israel, Israeli police shot and killed 1 Palestinian man from Hebron who was working at a construction site in Ashkelon after he stabbed a police officer. The Israeli police officer approached the Palestinian man who was working at the construction site without a permit before he lightly wounded the officer. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/12; WAFA 4/13; PCHR 4/14; UNOCHA 4/23)

The Israeli Civil Administration signed an order declaring 22,000 dunams (5,445 acres) of land in Area C south of Jericho an Israeli nature reserve. The nature reserve, dubbed Nachal Og Nature Reserve, is situated on 6,000 dunams (1,483 acres) of privately-owned Palestinian land. The nature reserve designations means that Palestinians will not be allowed to cultivate the land or have their livestock graze on it, without approval from the Israeli nature reserve officer. (PCN 5/24; HA, WAFA 5/25)

The office of the Israeli attorney general approved connecting Israeli settlement outposts built on Israel-declared state lands in the West Bank to the electrical grid. In the decision, the attorney general’s office also said that Palestinian villages in Area C, not recognized by Israel, should be given equal consideration in being connected to the electrical grid, citing international law of non-discrimination. (HA 4/12; MEMO 4/13)

Representatives from Ireland, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden signed a letter to EU enlargement commissioner Olivér Várhelyi of Hungary, urging him to disburse EU aid to the PA. Commissioner Várhelyi has been withholding the aid, saying that the PA needs to reform its schoolbooks to conform with a pro-Israeli narrative. (WAFA 4/12)

In the West Bank, 25 Israeli settlers posing as soldiers attacked a Palestinian couple in their home in Qaryut, leading to the hospitalization of both Palestinian victims; the settlers also caused significant damage to the interior of their home, their car, and their tractor; Israeli forces did not arrive to investigate the scene until 7 hours after it was reported. Israeli settlers also threw stones at 6 Palestinian homes and set a barn on fire in Burqa; Israeli forces subsequently violently dispersed Palestinians trying to repel the settlers. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers erected a settlement outpost named after the settler killed on 12/16, Nefei Yehuda, near the Kiryat Arba settlement; the Nahala movement financially supported the settlement outpost, as it had the Evyatar settlement outpost in May. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians in Hebron, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 5 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 5 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces seized 1 tractor in Masafer Yatta. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Arrabah, Silat ad-Dhahr, Jenin, and Burqa; Israeli forces seized 1 car during the raid in Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Sheikh Jarrah, injuring several journalists covering the event by physical assault, including 1 AP journalist; AP condemned the Israeli forces’ attack on its employee. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a, Dayr al-Balah, and al-Qarara; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, JP, MEE, MEE, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/17; MEMO 12/18; JP, WAFA 12/19; PCHR 12/23)

PA foreign ministry called on the UN to establish a protective system to ensure the safety of Palestinians as Israeli settler violence continues to increase. (WAFA, WAFA 12/17; MEMO 12/18)

Haaretz reported that the Israeli company Candiru’s spyware had been purchased by Saudi Arabia, Spain, Israel (for the Shin Bet), Singapore, the UAE, and Germany, and had been used to target people in Catalonia, Lebanon, Yemen, the occupied Palestinian territories, Singapore, Iran, Armenia, and Turkey. It was also reported by the Guardian that NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware was found on jailed Indian dissident activist Rona Wilson’s phone. (AP, GDN, HA, HA 12/17)

The UN general assembly voted 156 for, 7 against, and 15 abstaining on a draft resolution confirming the rights of Palestinians over their natural resources in the occupied territories and the rights of the native population of their resources in the occupied Golan Heights. The resolution also called on Israel to stop exploiting the resources of the territories it occupies. The 7 countries voting against the resolution were Israel, Canada, the U.S., the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, and Palau. (WAFA, WAFA 12/17; WAFA 12/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian man trying to enter Israel for work by the separation wall near al-Yamun. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters near Dura and in al-Arroub refugee camp, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered demolition orders for 2 houses in Abu Nawwar and a stop-work order for a house in Nahalin. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Qalqilya and Ras al-Far‘a. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/28; PCHR 11/4)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Swiss president Guy Parmelin in Ramallah. (WAFA 10/28)

New York state comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said that a review of Unilever had found that its subsidiary Ben & Jerry’s is engaged in BDS activity, leading the state’s pension fund to divest from Unilever due to New York’s anti-BDS law. Ben & Jerry’s announced on 7/19 that it would no longer sell its ice cream in Israeli settlements and that it would not renew its licensing agreement with an Israeli company to produce Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. Arizona, New Jersey, and Florida have also divested from Ben & Jerry’s since the announcement. The New York state pension fund is said to have $111 million in investments in Unilever. (REU 10/28; NYP 10/29; MEMO 11/1)

U.S. house democrat Betty McCollum (D-MN) introduced a resolution condemning Israel’s terror designation of 6 Palestinian rights groups. The resolution calls the decision repressive and anti-democratic. The resolution was cosponsored by representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Cori Bush (D-MO), Chuy García (D-IL), Marie Newman (D-IL), Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), and André Carson (D-IN). (TOI 10/28; MEMO 10/29)

The EU released a statement saying that it wants to see evidence from Israel that the 6 Palestinian rights groups that were designated terrorist organizations on 10/22 are in fact involved in terrorism. The EU noted that Israel in the past has misled the EU in saying it was funding terrorist-supporting rights groups. 12 European countries, including Germany, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and Norway released a joint statement, calling on Israel to reverse its decision from 10/27 to advance plans for new Israeli settlement units in the West Bank. Russia said in a tweet that it was disappointed by Israel’s decision. The UK urged Israel to reverse its decisions from 10/24 and 10/27 to expand settlements. (AJ, ALM, CNN, HA, HA, MEMO, MEMO, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/28; WAFA 10/29)

The president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo told Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett that he intends for his country to open an economic diplomatic mission in Jerusalem during a meeting. (JP, MEMO 10/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up mobile homes outside of the Shvut Rachel settlement near Jalud to expand the settlement. Israeli forces demolished several structures in Khirbet Humsa after demolishing more than 30 structures on 7/7. Israeli forces also demolished 1 large Canaanite-era cemetery near al-Khader to expand a settlement road; the cemetery was dated around 2300 to 1550 B.C.E. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished a large water tank in Bayt Dajan. Palestinian students from Birzeit University held a sit-in protest at the university for the mass arrest of 33 students on 7/14 by Israeli forces in Turmus ‘Ayya, were the students were visiting the family who were victims of a punitive demolition on 7/8. All of the 33 students were released the same day. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around ‘Asira al-Qibliya, Marah Rabah, Deir Qaddis, Abu Dis, and ‘Anin. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a house raid in al-Tur. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/15; PCHR 7/29)

The Intercept and Local Call reported that Israeli settlers and soldiers had cooperated in the deliberately killing at least 4 Palestinians on 5/14, a day where Israeli soldiers and settlers ultimately killed 11 Palestinians across the West Bank. In videos obtained by B’Tselem, it is evident that Israeli settlers stand side by side with Israeli soldiers firing automatic rifles at Palestinians trying to protect themselves from a settler raid in ‘Urif. Similar joint attacks by settlers and soldiers led to killings of Palestinians in Iskaka, ‘Asira al-Qibliya, and al-Reihiya. (+972, INT 7/15; HA 7/16)

Haaretz said that documents they had examined revealed that the Israeli defense ministry had worked with a Jewish National Fund subsidiary, Himanuta, to purchase Palestinian-owned land in the West Bank and to prevent Palestinians from accessing the land in question. The deals between Himanuta and the defense ministry were made in 2018 and 2019. Among the purchases were a 1,000-dunam (250 acres) plot of land near the Hamra settlement, which Israel closed off to its Palestinian owners more than 50 years ago; a plot of land near Ramallah; the home of the Bakri family in Hebron; and a 218-dunam (54 acres) plot of land near the Argaman settlement. (HA 7/15)

Israel and Morocco signed a cybersecurity agreement in Rabat, further bolstering the 2 countries’ normalization deal. (MEMO 7/15)

The New York Times reported that Israel is refusing to extricate a Mexican former federal prosecutor, Tomas Zeron De Lucio, who is wanted for falsifying evidence, torture, and misuse of the NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware. According to NYT sources, Israel is refusing the extradition because of the country’s perception of Mexico as supportive of Palestine. Zeron De Lucio is said to have sought political asylum in Israel. (HA, MEMO, NYT 7/15; GDN, TOI 7/22; TOI 7/23)

The Canadian cybersecurity research group Citizen Lab said that spyware from the Israeli company Candiru was used to spy on more than 100 activists from several countries including Saudi Arabia, Israel, Hungary, Indonesia, the UK, Palestine, Iran, Lebanon, Yemen, Spain, Turkey, Armenia, and Singapore. Spyware was installed on the users’ computers using the Microsoft operating system Windows. Microsoft said it had updated its software to close the hole in its security. 1 of the ways the spyware infected users’ devices was when a user clicked on a URL set up by the attacker. Citizen Lab found that activists had been hacked through domain names from fake websites with domain names such as “amnesty reports,” “refugee international,” woman studies,” “euro news,” and “CNN 24-7.” (AJ, AP, GDN, MEE, REU 7/15; ALM 7/16; NYT 7/17)

Lebanese prime minister-designate Saad Hariri resigned 9 months after being picked to try to form a government. Hariri’s resignation followed a meeting with President Michel Aoun on 7/14, where he proposed a 24-minister cabinet. (AJ, HA, REU, REU 7/14; AJ, AP, AX, HA, MEMO, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU 7/15; AP 7/16)

Facebook suspended the account of a Palestinian user who uploaded a letter from the Palestinian political prisoner in Israeli jail Khalida Jarrar to her recently deceased daughter. The account was initially suspended for 60 days but was unblocked by Facebook on 7/20. (HA 7/20; HA 7/21)

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said at a conference hosted by the Geneva Institute that China plans to increase its involvement in resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. At the virtual conference were also a member of the Knesset from the Meretz (Vigor) party and Ahmad Majdalani, the PA social development minister. (HA 7/15)

A football exhibition match between Beitar Jerusalem and the Spanish F.C. Barcelona was canceled after Barcelona demanded the game should not be held in Jerusalem, which the owner of Beitar Jerusalem refused. Barcelona’s demand came after weeks of pressure from Palestinians, including chairman of the Palestinian Football Association Jibril Rajoub and Joint List member of Knesset Sami Abu Shehadeh. (ALM 7/13; AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEMO 7/15; ALM 7/16; WAFA 7/17; MEMO 7/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at 1 Palestinian man, who was hospitalized for his injuries, in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near al-Mughayyir and Madama, causing damage. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Tubas and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Shaykh Jarrah demonstrating against Israeli threats of evictions to several families in the neighborhood; 22 were injured, including 6 by rubber-coated bullets. At a counter-protest, the Kahanist lawmaker Itamar Ben-Gvir from Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) had set up an outdoor office protected by dozens of Israeli police officers. In a video of the counter-protest, the deputy mayor of Jerusalem Aryeh King was filmed yelling to a Palestinian activist, while standing next to Ben-Gvir, “Abu Hummus [the Palestinian activist], how is your ass? Did they take the bullet out of your ass? Did they take it out already? It is a pity it did not go in here,” pointing to his head. Nearby, 1 Israeli settler-owned vehicle was set on fire, to which 3 Israeli settlers armed with live ammunition fired at unarmed Palestinians; no injuries were reported. 1 Israeli settler also used pepper spray on Palestinians eating an iftar meal near 1 of the houses Palestinians are threatened with eviction; clashes subsequently broke out. In a separate incident, 1 Israeli settler stabbed 1 Palestinian at his workplace, who was hospitalized for his injures. 15 Palestinians were arrested in Shaykh Jarrah. 1 Palestinian Waqf guard was also arrested at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya, damaging 1 boat; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israel said 6 incendiary balloons from Gaza had started fires in Israel. (AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA 5/6; HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 5/7; HA 5/10; PCHR 5/11)

The lawyer representing the Palestinian families under the eviction threat in Shaykh Jarrah said the families reached an agreement with the Israeli settlers supposed to take over their homes, as was asked of them by an Israeli judge. The lawyer also said he had asked the court to allow more data to be presented on behalf of the Palestinians proving their ownership. The judge of the Israeli court subsequently ruled to postpone the decision until 5/10. (WAFA, WAFA 5/6; ALM, MEMO 5/7)

1 Palestinian reporter said that she was beaten by a Hamas police officer for not wearing a headscarf while working on a news story on 4/25. The Hamas interior ministry said it would present an apology to the reporter, as the police officer had acted in violation of policy. (AP 5/6; ALM 5/11)

Foreign minister of Jordan Ayman Safadi called on Israel to protect the ownership rights of the Palestinians facing eviction in Shaykh Jarrah, saying that Jordan has provided the PA with documents that proves “beyond doubt” that the Palestinians own the homes. The Arab League also condemned Israel for evicting Palestinians in East Jerusalem. (MEMO 5/6; HA 5/7)

At a military court in the West Bank, Israel charged a Spanish woman with financially aiding the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which Israel considers a terrorist organization. The woman lives in the West Bank and works for a Palestinian health NGO. (AP 4/6)

For the 2d day in a row, Israeli forces attacked Syria. In this attack, an Israeli helicopter fired near Quneitra; there were no reports of damage nor injuries. (REU 5/5; HA 5/6)

A group of 185 Israelis, including prize winners, professors, authors, activists, and military personnel wrote a letter to the ICC, saying not to trust Israel’s own conclusions from investigations into war crimes, suggesting that the ICC instead work with Israeli human rights organizations. (HA, MEE 5/6)

In a joint statement, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK urged “Israel to reverse its decision to advance the construction of 540 settlement units in the Har Homa E area of the occupied West Bank, and to cease its policy of settlement expansion across the Occupied Palestinian Territories.” (REU 5/6; AJ, ALM, HA, JP, WAFA, WAFA 5/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up 1 tent and 1 water tank on Palestinian-owned land east of Ramallah. Israeli settlers with military escort also toured Sabastiyya, closing off parts of the town to Palestinians. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers razed a tract of land near Awarta. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 who was shot and injured by Israeli forces while near Bani Na‘im, and 6 others during raids in and around Salfit, Tuqu‘, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Jenin; during the raid in Salfit, 2 Palestinians were assaulted and 1 car was damaged. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/23; PCHR 12/24)

The Jordanian foreign ministry condemned continued Israeli excavations of al-Shuhada’ cemetery in the Old City of Jerusalem. (WAFA 12/24)

A new Federal Registration Notice by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection said that all products from Area C of the West Bank must be labelled as originating in Israel, while goods from Areas A and B must be labelled “product of West Bank.” The change was, according to the notice, made to reflect the “guidance from the U.S. Department of State that the country of origin marking requirements for goods produced in certain areas of the West Bank be updated to reflect the fact that producers in these areas operate within the economic and administrative framework of Israel.” (HA 12/23; WAFA 12/24; WAFA 12/26)

The EU contributed $22.5 million and Spain $1.22 million to the PA Ministry of Social Development for the distribution of cash aid to 115,000 vulnerable families in the West Bank and Gaza. (WAFA 12/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted olive and fig saplings in Dayr Istya and Haris and uprooted 30 olive saplings in al-Khadir. Israeli undercover forces shot and injured 5 Palestinians using live ammunition during a raid in Qalandia refugee camp; 2 were said to be in critical condition and Israel also said 6 of the Israeli undercover soldiers were lightly injured. Later, 1 other Palestinian was shot and injured by Israeli forces at the Qalandia checkpoint between the West Bank and East Jerusalem; according to Israeli sources, he was shot because he used the vehicle lane to try to pass through the checkpoint on foot. Israeli forces also shot and injured 3 Palestinians and arrested 4 others during raids in Dheisheh refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 2 structures near Bethlehem and delivered 1 demolition order for 1 tent in the Jordan Valley. 21 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Qalandia refugee camp, al-‘Izzariya, and Yatta. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers threatened Palestinians with a gun on the Palestinians’ property in Silwan. 3 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City and Silwan. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/7; PCHR 12/10)

The PA health ministry said that the World Health Organization is sending 5,000 COVID-19 testing swabs to Gaza, as Gaza is facing a severe shortages on COVID-19 testing material. (WAFA 12/7)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said that the districts of Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Tulkarm would be placed on a 1-week lockdown from 12/10 to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus in those districts. (WAFA 12/7)

A member of the UAE’s ruling family, son of the UAE president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Nahyan bought a 50 percent stake in Beitar Jerusalem, a soccer team known for extreme racism among its supporters. Beitar Jerusalem is the only team in the top tier of Israeli soccer not to have employed an Arab soccer player and its fans regularly chant “Death to Arabs” and verbally degrade the Prophet Muhammad during games. (AJ, HA 12/7; ALM, BBC, TOI, SKY 12/8)

Spain donated $485,000 to the World Food Programme to help provide food for some of the most vulnerable families in Gaza. (WAFA 12/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up caravans on Palestinian-owned land in the northern part of the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces handed stop-work orders for 7 houses south of Hebron. Israeli forces also seized 1 bulldozer and 1 truck near Tubas. 12 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Qalqilya, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided Shu‘fat, firing tear gas at Palestinians. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya; during the raids, clashes ensued between Palestinians and Israeli forces; tear-gas related injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/15; PCHR 10/22)

Israel’s civil administration’s supreme planning council approved 3,071 new settler units in 19 different settlements throughout the West Bank. On 10/14, the same planning council approved 1,877 settler units, making the total of 4,948 settler units for the 2 days combined. According to Peace Now, 2020 has surpassed all other years in approved settler units since Peace Now began counting in 2012. The total amount of settler units approved in 2020 is 12,159. The UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Nickolay Mladenov condemned Israel’s settlement expansion, as did the UK, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy in a joint statement. (AJ, HA, PCN, WAFA 10/15; AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 10/16; WAFA 10/17)

The Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud said during an event with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy that “the only thing that can deliver lasting peace and lasting stability is an agreement between the Palestinians and the Israelis,” suggesting that Saudi Arabia is not close to normalizing relations with Israel. He also said that Saudi Arabia does not have an opinion about other countries that normalize relations with Israel as the UAE and Bahrain have done. U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo had said 1 day earlier during a press conference with Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan that “[w]e hope that Saudi Arabia will consider normalizing its relationships as well. We want to thank them for the assistance they’ve had in the success of the Abraham Accords [the normalization deals made with Bahrain and UAE] so far.” (AJ, HA, REU 10/14; REU 10/15)

The PA received 2 grants from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and Al Aqsa Fund of the Islamic Development Bank, amounting to $11 million for hospitals in the West Bank and Gaza. (WAFA 10/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling between Bethlehem and Hebron; 1 Palestinian child was injured by broken glass in his eye. Israeli settlers also uprooted dozens of Palestinian-owned olive saplings east of Yatta. Israeli forces opened fire at a vehicle with 5 Palestinians inside at a military checkpoint near Jenin, causing damage to the vehicle; no injuries were reported. 7 Palestinians were arrested in and around Hebron, Qalqilya, and Nablus; during a raid in Tammun, Israeli forces seized mobile phones, leading to confrontations with Palestinians; no injuries were reported. During a different raid in Sabastiyya, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces detained the secretary of Fatah in Jerusalem Yasser Darwish and banned him from entry to the West Bank for 3 months. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya, the Old City, and al-Tur. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of al-Shawka; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/8; WAFA 10/9; PCHR 10/15)

An Israeli court ruled that Israel can demolish 1 school east of Ramallah under the pretext that it was built without a permit. The school enrolls 50 students and was financed by donations from France, Finland, Luxembourg, Ireland, Spain, the UK, and Sweden. (WAFA 10/8; WAFA 10/9)

Secretary-general of the PLO Saeb Erakat said that he had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. (AJ, JP, TOI, WAFA 10/9)

Israel and Jordan signed a deal allowing airlines from each country to fly over each other’s airspace. (HA 10/8)

Lebanon’s former prime minister Saad Hariri, who resigned after prolonged protests at the end of 2019, said that he is a possible candidate to head the new Lebanese government. (REU 10/8; AJ 10/9)

The U.S. Trump administration announced new sanctions on Iran that effectively shuts off the country from the global financial system. The new sanctions are expected to halt flows of food, medicine, and humanitarian aid to Iran. (AJ, REU 10/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers under quarantine due to possible COVID-19 virus infection in the Jordan Valley attacked 3 Palestinians with stones and set 2 Palestinian vehicles on fire near the Dead Sea. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian minors at a youth center in Hebron. 3 Palestinians were arrested by Israeli forces during raids near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided a COVID-19 clinic and arrested 4 workers because the PA had donated COVID-19 test kits to the facility. The closure of the clinic happened after days of warnings by health professionals that East Jerusalem is becoming a hot spot for the virus. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 2 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, 3 Palestinians were arrested by the Gaza fence while trying to enter Israel. (HA, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 4/14; HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/15; PCHR 4/16)

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that its troops had broken up a standoff near the Lebanese-Israeli border. A photo depicts Israeli and Lebanese troops with their guns drawn, separated by UNIFIL soldiers. Lebanon reported intensified Israeli drone activity over its air space and that Israel had set up a tent on Lebanese soil, retreating after 4 hours. (TOI 4/15)

The PA received 50,000 COVID-19 testing kits from the Chinese company Alibaba. (WAFA 4/14)

The EU contributed $13.6 million and Austria and Spain contributed $1.1 million each for vulnerable Palestinian families in the West Bank and Gaza. (WAFA 4/14)

After a second day of clashes and confrontations at Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin village near Jerusalem slated for evacuation and demolition, Israel’s High Court of Justice issues a temporary freeze on the demolition orders amid a dispute over land ownership. During the clashes, 3 international activists are detained and 4 vehicles belonging to activists and journalists are impounded. Meanwhile, The UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain jointly convey a formal protest to the Israeli authorities over their plans to demolish the village, warning that such demolitions make a two-state solution less viable. UN officials also protest the demolition plan. UK, Italian, Swedish, Belgian, Norwegian, Finnish, Danish, Swiss, German, Spanish, and Irish diplomats all visit Khan al-Ahmar today. The IDF blocks them from seeing the community’s 10-year-old schoolhouse, which was made from tires. (ALM, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/5; EI, HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 7/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate a length of water pipe in Bardala village near Jericho and a residential tent outside Susiya near Hebron. They also patrol near Nablus, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Hebron. Israeli settlers cut down 350 grapevines in Palestinian farmland near Bethlehem. They leave racist graffiti at the scene as well. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 4 agricultural buildings, a gas station, and a car wash in Hizma village and arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. Along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on a Palestinian riding a motorcycle near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In Gaza, an Israeli drone bombs a Palestinian motorcycle in Dayr al-Balah, destroying the vehicle and causing no injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 7/5; HA 7/6; PCHR 7/12)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Britain, Denmark, France, Spain, and Sweden summon the Israeli ambassadors to their countries to protest Israel’s settlement construction plans. An anonymous senior European diplomat tells the Israeli newspaper Ha’Aretz that Britain and France see E1 development as a ‘‘red line’’ and feel Israel is acting ungratefully after the support it received during Operation Pillar of Defense. Former U.S. amb. to Israel Dan Kurtzer tells Ha’Aretz that the Obama admin. is angry over an Israeli official’s suggestion in a recent briefing that Israel generated the E1 plan in anticipation that Obama would refuse to reaffirm Bush’s 2004 letter to Sharon (which Israel views as U.S. approval of Israeli settlement expansion in areas it intends to keep under final status; see the Quarterly Update in JPS 132), when he entered office in 1/2009, as indeed occurred. Meanwhile, a source in the Israeli PM’s Office says there will be no retraction of the E1 construction plan. (HA, NYT, YA 12/3)

The dep. mayor of Jerusalem reveals that the municipality is expected to give final approval to a new settlement in occupied East Jerusalem called Givat Hamatos, the 1st of its kind since Har Homa in 1997. Located between Talpiot and Bayt Safafa, the new settlement will be on the agenda of the planning comm. on 12/19. In addition, Jewish settlers occupy a 5-story building in the Har Homa/Jabal Mukabir neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem that had previously been sold to a settler organization. (HA, JP 12/3)

Twelve Fatah mbrs. return to the Gaza Strip after fleeing in the 2007 conflict with Hamas. Returning Fatah mbr. Mahmoud Musleh says that around 450 Fatah mbrs. who fled to countries across the region, as well as to the West Bank, will return once procedures are complete. (MNA 12/3)

PM Ismail Haniyeh appeals to Arab states to help pay for reconstruction of the Gaza Strip following damage inflicted during Operation Pillar of Defense, estimated at $250–545 m. (REU 12/3)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF shoots a Palestinian child nr. al-Bureij r.c. close to the border fence, causing minor injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF kills a Palestinian civilian when a military jeep hits a car traveling on the Nablus– Ramallah road. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in Jericho and 1 nearby village, 3 villages nr. Ramallah, and 2 villages nr. Jenin later in the day; conducts night-time house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Tulkarm, and in Nablus and Balata r.c. (MNA 12/3; PCHR 12/6)

UN secy.-gen. Ban Ki-moon accuses the Syrian government of serious violations of the 1974 agreement separating Israeli and Syrian forces in the Golan Heights. In a UNSC report, Ban expresses concern about recent incidents across the cease-fire line, and recommends a 6-mo. extension of the UN peacekeeping force in the Golan Heights. (AP 12/3)

Israel deports the 1st 36 foreign activists (fr. Belgium, Germany, and Spain) detained as participants in the Welcome to Palestine air flotilla; others will be deported as soon as flights are available. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in ‘Aqabat Jabir r.c. in the morning, Issawiyya in the afternoon (firing tear gas and stun grenades to intimidate residents), and alBireh and 5 villages nr. Ramallah and Salfit at night; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Jenin. (WP 7/11; PCHR 7/14; OCHA 7/15)

The Israeli cabinet approves a map demarcating Israel’s northern maritime border with Lebanon as a move to preserve its economic rights to offshore natural gas reserves. (JPI 7/22; DS 7/27)

In Gaza, UNRWA suspends food deliveries to 750,000 Gazans for lack of stocks and Gaza municipal officials are forced to shut down Gaza’s power plant once again for lack of fuel (see 11/11) after Israel suspends food and humanitarian aid shipments to Gaza in response to Palestinians firing 8 rockets and some mortars into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The UN’s World Food Program, which feeds an additional 130,000 nonrefugee Palestinians, says it is delving into its emergency stock of food, which will last only 4 more weeks. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Bethlehem, Jenin. Israeli police raid an event being held at the Jerusalemite Association for Community Development in Wadi al-Juz in East Jerusalem (attended by, among others, the Egyptian amb. to Israel and a Spanish embassy official), halting the event on the grounds that it constituted illegal Palestinian political activity in Jerusalem. (WP, WT 11/14; OCHA 11/19; PCHR 11/20)

In Gaza, the IDF makes 3 air strikes destroying a Palestinian home in al-Shuka, after warning residents and neighbors to leave; later sends troops into al-Shuka, firing on residential areas, rounding up all males over age 13 for ID checks, searching homes, holding 50 Palestinians for several hrs. of interrogation, eventually arresting 3 before withdrawing. In the West Bank, the IDF sends undercover units into Burkin nr. Jenin in a car with Palestinian license plates, arresting a wanted Islamic Jihad mbr.; patrols, searches businesses, conducts random ID checks in various areas of Hebron and nearby Halhul; patrols in, fires percussion grenades, tear gas, and rifles on residential areas of al-Zababda; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, nr. Jenin. Palestinian gunmen raid WAFA press agency offices in Gaza City, beating a reporter, vandalizing equipment, accusing WAFA of biased news coverage in favor of Abbas, Fatah; no group takes responsibility. Armed, masked Jewish settlers fr. Suissa severely beat a 79-yr.-old Palestinian outside Hebron. (NYT, OCHA 9/20; PCHR 9/21)

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz acknowledges that Hizballah has fully abided by the cease-fire and that Israel had detected no significant resupplying of weapons and missiles fr. Iran, Syria. By this date, 4,950 new UNIFIL soldiers fr. France, Italy, Spain and 10,000 Lebanese troops have been deployed in s. Lebanon. Meanwhile, UN relief coordinator in Lebanon David Shearer says that Israel left behind at least 350,000 unexploded cluster bomblets in s. Lebanon, stating that “the outrageous fact is that nearly all of these munitions were fired in the last three to four days of the war.” (NYT, WP, WT 9/20)

The IDF announces that in preparation for PA elections on 1/9, it has moved forces out of Palestinian population centers, suspended incursions into Palestinian areas, eased some restrictions on Palestinian for 72 hrs., removed 14 roadblocks in the West Bank, allowed Palestinian officials to bring ballot boxes into 8 villages under curfew. The vast majority of checkpoints and roadblocks remain, however, and election officials have compensated by installing extra polling places so that Palestinians do not have to cross IDF barriers. The IDF fatally shoots a uniformed, unarmed, 61-yr.-old PSF officer waiting for a ride at al-Mahatin checkpoint nr. Khan Yunis; fires on residential areas of Rafah. Palestinian gunmen detain 2 journalists fr. Spain’s El Pais, releases them unharmed an hr. later, without explanation. A 17-yr.-old Palestinian girl dies of injuries received in Khan Yunis on 12/28/04. (XIN 1/8; VOI, VOP 1/8, El Pais [Madrid] 1/9 in WNC 1/11; NYT 1/9; OCHA, PR 1/12; PCHR 1/13)

An AMB gunman ambushes, fatally shoots a Jewish settler security chief patrolling around Itamar settlement in the West Bank, is then shot dead by other security guards; the IDF later blows up the gunman’s home in nearby Bayt Furik. The IDF also continues operations in Gaza City, bulldozing 700 dunams of land, demolishing several Palestinian homes, firing on Palestinians, wounding 4 before withdrawing later in the day; fires on residential areas of Aida r.c., Bayt Furik, Tal al-Sultan, Yatta; raids, fires on stone-throwing youths in Balata r.c., Tulkarm r.c. and town; conducts arrest raids, house searches in al-Khadir, Bayt Sahur; shells an electricity tower in Rafah, cutting electricity to some neighborhoods and Brazil r.c. The IDF also fires warning shots at a Spanish emb. vehicle at the Abu Huli checkpoint in Gaza; Spain lodges a formal complaint, saying it had received Israeli approval for the trip. (NYT, WP 8/14; PCHR 8/19) The 20th summer Olympics opens in Athens. Palestine is represented by 2 track and-field athletes, 1 swimmer. The International Olympic Comm. (IOC) 1st recognized Palestine in 1934, but rescinded recognition in 1948, when it recognized Israel. After the signing of the Oslo Accord in 1993, the IOC recognized Palestine again. Palestinian teams have competed in the summer Olympics in Atlanta (1996) and Sydney (2000). (PR 8/18, 8/25)

The IDF conducts overnight arrest raids, house searches in Aida r.c. 2 Palestinians die of injuries received on 10/26, 11/4. Palestinians in the territories, activists around the world (including Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Jordan, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the U.K., the U.S.) observe a day of protest against the separation wall. (VOI, VOP, YA 11/9 in WNC 11/11; DS, GS, PM 11/10; PCHR 11/13)

The IDF openly assassinates wanted AMB Nablus cmdr. Mahmud Titi, firing rockets at him in Balata r.c., also killing 2 AMB mbrs, 1 Palestinian bystander, seriously damaging a nearby home. Hrs. later an AMB suicide bomber detonates a device in Rishon Letzion, killing 2 Israelis, injuring 25. Nr. Bethlehem, the IDF fires on a group of 20 Palestinian laborers attempting to circumvent a checkpoint, killing 1 Palestinian. In Jenin, Islamic Jihad mbr. Khalid Zakarni dies in a mysterious explosion; the IDF claims explosives he was carrying detonated prematurely, Palestinian sources say he was hit by an IDF tank shell. The IDF also bars a Palestinian woman needing kidney dialysis, a Palestinian man suffering a heart attack fr. crossing checkpoints to reach hospitals, allowing them to die; conducts house-to-house searches, directs heavy gunfire at residential areas in Salfit, detaining 100s of Palestinian men aged 15 to 50, arresting 13 PSF mbrs.; conducts arrest raids in Burkin (firing several shells at the home of a Hamas mbr.), Hebron, Husan, Nahalin, Tulkarm. In Gaza, the IDF shuts the main north and south road, claiming the action is in response to Palestinian mortar fire at Gaza settlements. The IDF also begins issuing magnetic cards to al-Mawasi residents; only residents with cards will be allow to cross through the al-Mawasi checkpoint. (MM 5/23; Interfax 5/23 in WNC 24; AP, JP, LAW 5/22; LAW, NYT, UPMRC, WP, WT 5/23; PCHR 5/30)

Under an agmt. reached on 5/21, 12 of the 13 Palestinians deported to Cyprus are sent on to 3d countries (3 each to Italy, Spain; 2 each to Greece, Ireland; 1 each to Belgium, Portugal). They will be treated as refugees, given 1-yr. residency permits; if they leave their host country, they will not be allowed to return. The 13th, PA Bethlehem intelligence chief Abdallah Daoud, considered by Israel the "most dangerous" of the 13 men, will remain in Cyprus until a country can be found that will take him. (NYT, WP 5/22; CNA 5/22 in WNC 5/23; NYT, WP 5/23; MEI 5/31; CNA 8/6 in WNC 8/8)

A Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) suicide bomber dressed as an IDF soldier detonates a device in a Netanya market, killing 2 Israelis, wounding 50. The PFLP says the attack is to protest the PA's continued detention of the group's leader, Ahmad Saadat, under U.S.-British supervision in connection with the 10/01 PFLP assassination of Tourism M Rehavam Ze'evi. The IDF sends tanks, APCs into Ramallah after shots are fired at a Jewish settler driving nearby; troops withdraw to the outskirts of the city a short time later. The IDF also makes incursions into several villages nr. Hebron, Tulkarm; partially demolishes 2 factories, bulldozes a strip of agricultural land, 7 greenhouses nr. Qarni crossing in Gaza; lifts a week-long 24 hr. curfew on the al-Mawasi area of Gaza. (AP, Palestine Media Center 5/19; AFP 5/19 in WNC 5/20; NYT, WP, WT 5/20; Interfax 5/20 in WNC 5/21; WT 5/21; LAW 5/22; JPI 5/31)

Israel releases tenders for the construction of 957 housing units in Jewish settlements. (HA 5/19; WT 5/21)

The European Union (EU) says that Belgium, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain have agreed to take the 13 Palestinians deported to Cyprus on 5/10 as part of the Israeli-PA deal to end the Church of the Nativity stand-off. (AFP, CNA 5/19 in WNC 5/20; NYT 5/20)

Around 90 Peruvian converts to Judaism are airlifted to Israel to take up residence in Alon Shvut, Karmei Tzur settlements. The Ashkenazi chief rabbinate sent a delegation of rabbis on a 2 wk. mission to impoverished rural areas Peru in early 5/02 to convert anyone "who said they were willing to immigrate to Israeli immediately." (HA 7/19; WT 7/24)

The IDF fire on a PSF patrol operating btwn. Dayr al-Balah and Kefar Darom settlement, killing 1 PSF officer, seriously injuring a 2d. The IDF also demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Brazil camp; bulldozes Palestinian land around Netzarim settlement. (PCHR 11/8)

In Spain, Peres, Arafat hold a brief 1-on-1 mtg. to discuss how to widen their cease-fire, restart peace talks. Arafat says that the PA has cracked down on Hamas, arrested more than 60 PFLP mbrs. since the Ze'evi assassination on 10/17. Peres tells Arafat he must arrest at least another 10-15 of Israel's most wanted. (RNE 11/3 in WNC 11/5; NYT, WT 11/4)

Sharon cancels plans to come to the U.S. on 11/11 for the opening of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) session, where he was expected to meet with Bush. (NYT, WP, WT 11/4; WP 11/5; NYT 11/6)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes diminish overall, though sharp fighting is reported on the Gaza coast. (WP 11/4)

On the sidelines of a Euro-Mediterranean economic conference in Spain, Spanish PM José María Aznar hosts a working lunch with Arafat, Peres, Mubarak to discuss the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Although Peres lacks a mandate fr. Sharon to conduct negotiations, the men reportedly hold "serious and intense" talks on the situation. (AFP, MM, REU 11/2; RNE 11/2 in WNC 11/3; MENA 11/2, EFE [Madrid], RNE 11/3 in WNC 11/5; WT 11/3) (see 10/30)

The U.S. widens its campaign to freeze "terrorist" assets to include all groups on the State Dept. list of "terrorist" orgs., including Hamas, Hizballah, Islamic Jihad, the PFLP. (NYT, WP 11/3; WJW 11/8; SAF 11/8 in WNC 11/9; MM 11/13; SA 11/13 in WNC 11/14; JT 11/19 in WNC 11/20) (see 9/24)

Based on new intelligence information, the IDF chief rabbi officially declares dead the 3 IDF soldiers kidnapped by Hizballah in 10/00. (MM 11/2; WP 11/3)

Peres says that he is preparing a personal peace initiative, that he will probably meet with Arafat on the sidelines of a 2-day economic conference that opens in Spain on 11/2. Sharon, expressing surprise, reminds Peres he must coordinate any mtgs. with Arafat with the PM's Office. (AP, MM 10/30; NYT, WP, WT 10/31; HA 11/6; HP 11/7; MENA 11/8 in WNC 11/9; JP 11/11 in WNC 11/14) (see Peace Monitor)

Israel demolishes 6 Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem. The U.S. condemns the action as highly provocative. The IDF conducts raids into Bayt Hanun, Bayt Lahia under intense shelling and heavy machine gun fire, hitting electricity generators, cutting power to the area; also makes arrest raids in Araba, Tulkarm; directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Khan Yunis; fires on Palestinian fishermen off Dayr al-Balah; bulldozes 10s of dunams of Palestinian land in Wadi Qana, reportedly to expand Ma'ale Shomron settlement; bulldozes 6 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Netzarim settlement; reinforces troops on the Nablus-Qalqilya road (cutting power to the area), around Tulkarm. Palestinians fire several mortars at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, causing no damage. The PA says it has arrested 2 Islamic Jihad mbrs. in connection with the Hadera attack on 10/28. Families of Palestinians placed under 6-mo. administrative detention by the PSF over the past 2 wks. hold a demonstration outside PSF offices in al-Bireh, Ramallah; scuffle with PSF officers. (LAW 10/30; HP, LAW, NYT, WT 10/31)

In the Galilee, 400 Israeli police clash with 1,000 Israeli Arabs residents of al-Tira and Taybeh protesting the government's expropriation of village lands for a highway, leaving more than 40 Israeli Arabs (including 3 MKs), 18 police officers injured. (JP [Internet] 10/30; HA 10/31)