The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian family in their home in the Masafer Yatta area, causing bruises. Israeli settlers also opened fire at Palestinians harvesting olives in Kafr Ni’ma; no injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers opened fire at Palestinian homes in Hebron; no injuries were reported. Israeli settlers, reportedly disguised as soldiers, also attacked Palestinians west of Jericho with stones and clubs, causing injuries and damage. Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian during a funeral procession in Beit Umar, injured 1 other with live ammunition; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at al-Jalamah checkpoint, killing 2 and injuring 2 others. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, injuring 3 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bethlehem, injuring a minor with a baton round. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters near Far’un, injuring 1 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also shot and injured 3 Palestinians near the separation wall west of Attil. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Bireh, injuring 2 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also demolished 2 agricultural structures in Mughayyir al-Abeed in the Masafer Yatta area. Additionally, Israeli forces fired tear gas near a hospital in Dura, causing tear-gas related injuries. A rocket, either launched from Gaza or an Iron Dome interceptor, hit Baqa ash-Sharqiya, killing 1 Palestinian and injuring 6 others. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians in Silwan after they allegedly fired fireworks at Israeli forces. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians in Isawiya and Ras al-Amud. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrested 13 Palestinians on suspicion of incitement and supporting Hamas. In Gaza, Israeli naval forces fired shells at a port west of Gaza City and Khan Yunis, damaging the port and fishing boats. Israeli airstrikes also killed hundreds of Palestinians and caused damage, especially to the Rimal, al-Karama, and al-Furqan neighbourhoods and Jabaliya. Gaza economy minister Juad Abu Smallah was reportedly assassinated by Israel. It was reported that white phosphorus bombs were dropped on al-Karama. UNRWA said its headquarters in Gaza was hit by Israeli bombs. Hundreds of rockets were fired at Israel from Gaza. Near Gaza, Israel said it had killed 4 militants at a beach north of Gaza and 2 in Kibbutz Re’im. Militants were also reported to have attacked Mefalsim, causing casualties. In Lebanon, militants fired anti-tank missiles at an Israeli vehicle and Israeli forces attacked militants with a helicopter and artillery. Rockets were also fired toward Israel. In Syria, rockets were launched at the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Israel fired artillery and mortar shells at Syria. (AP 10/7; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/10; AJ, AP, AP, AP, HA, REU 10/11)

Israel claimed to have regained full control of the area around Gaza, saying the bodies of approximately 1,500 Palestinian militants were found in the area. The Gaza Ministry of Health said 830 Palestinians had been killed in Israeli airstrikes and 4,250 wounded since 10/7 as of 5.30 p.m. 22 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 4 children; 332 have been injured. Israeli media reported that as of 9 p.m. more than 1,000 Israelis and foreign nationals had been killed and 2,806 injured since 10/7. The UN said 263,934 Palestinians have been displaced, with 175,486 people sheltering at UN facilities. All but 1 mobile communications tower was destroyed in Israeli strikes. More than 610,000 people in Gaza were disconnected from the water supply due to Israeli actions. The Gaza Power Plant was reported to run out of fuel by noon on 10/11, with electricity currently limited to 3-4 hours per day. (AJ 10/9; AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, AP, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/10; AJ, AP, AP, REU 10/11)

The Gaza Ministry of Health called for the opening of a “safe corridor” to allow medical aid as hospitals are overwhelmed. 4 ambulances and 1 hospital in Beit Hanun were targeted by Israeli airstrikes, closing the hospital. PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh said Israel was refusing to allow aid from the West Bank to enter Gaza. (AJ, AJ 10/10; WAFA 10/11)

Israeli military spokesperson Richard Hecht said Israel may not use the same “level of fidelity” in warning civilians before striking homes and apartment buildings. It had been reported that Israel no longer used smaller munitions to “knock” on the roofs of apartment buildings or call building managers before demolishing them with larger bombs. Hecht also called the parliament and ministries in Gaza legitimate targets. Hecht further said Palestinians in Gaza should flee to Egypt via the Rafah crossing, first saying that it is open and later tweeting that he did not know if it was open. Israel bombed the crossing on 10/9 after which it was closed. Israel also hit the crossing today. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the Israeli military would release “all constraints” on its attacks on Gaza and is “transitioning to a full-scale offensive.” The Israeli military said it had dropped hundreds of tons of bombs on Gaza and is emphasizing “damage, not precision.” (AJ 10/9; AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU 10/10)

The Israeli military began sending planes to Europe to collect reservists that have been called up. More than 300,000 Israeli military reservists were called in to participate in the Israeli assault on Gaza. (REU 10/9; AJ, HA, REU 10/10)

Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said Israel would hand out 10,000 rifles to volunteers in Israeli border communities and in Israeli settlements. (AJ, REU 10/10)

A plane carrying U.S. ammunition arrived in Israel. The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier reached the eastern Mediterranean. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan criticized the U.S. for moving the carrier near Israel, warning of a massacre in Gaza. (AJ, HA, REU 10/10; AP 10/12)

Thousands of Jordanians protested in Amman against the Israeli attacks on Gaza, demanding the Israeli embassy be closed and that Jordan end its peace treaty with Israel. (REU 10/11)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre about the Israeli attack on Gaza. PA envoy to the UN Riyad Mansour wrote a letter to the UN Security Council calling Israeli actions, including intentional starvation of Gaza, “genocidal.” (REU, WAFA 10/10)

The Likud Party said the leaders of the parties in the Israeli government coalition have agreed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can form an emergency unity government. Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman said on 10/8 that he will only join the unity government if the Israeli leadership commits to ending the policy of constraining Hamas and eliminates the organization. (HA, REU 10/10)

U.S. president Joe Biden gave a televised speech calling the Hamas operation on 10/7 “pure, unadulterated evil,” recounting unconfirmed Israeli narratives of militants committing rapes. Biden also compared Hamas to ISIS, attributed the operation to anti-Semitism, rather than resistance, and reiterated his stance in support of Israel, saying Israel has a “duty to respond,” despite the mass civilian casualties in Gaza. Biden further stated that the U.S. is sending ammunition and interceptors for the Iron dome to Israel. Lastly, Biden warned other countries and organizations against getting involved against Israel. Hamas called Biden’s speech deplorable and inflammatory, saying Hamas launched its operation to defend the Palestinian people and put an end to the occupation. Biden also spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu about U.S. assistance. 392 members of the U.S. House of Representatives co-sponsored a resolution in support of Israel, calling the Hamas operation “barbaric.” It is unknown if the resolution will pass, as it is unclear if the acting speaker of the House Patrick McHenry (R-NC) has the authority to bring the resolution to the floor. (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA 10/10; FWD, HA, REU, REU 10/11)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan said the U.S. was in talks with Egypt and Israel to create a humanitarian corridor for residents of Gaza. (HA, REU 10/10)

The U.S. State Department said Secretary of State Antony Blinken will arrive in Israel on 10/12 for meetings with Israeli leaders. Blinken will also travel to Jordan. UK foreign secretary James Cleverly is also scheduled to arrive in Israel on 10/11. (AJ, HA, REU 10/10; REU 10/11)

U.S. homeland security advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall said the U.S. is working on different options to ensure that all U.S. citizens can leave Israel by air, sea, and land. There are currently no direct flights from Israel to the U.S. Many other countries, including France, Germany, and Canada, said they are planning on offering their citizens flights out of Israel. (AJ, HA 10/10)

President Erdoğan spoke with Russian president Vladimir Putin about measures to halt the Hamas-Israel conflict and deliver humanitarian aid. Erdoğan also said he is having talks with regional leaders to negotiate a halt to the war. Egyptian president Abdel Fatah al-Sisi and Qatari emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani spoke about protecting civilians in Gaza. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU 10/10; AJ, AJ 10/11)

Houthi leader Abdel Malek al-Houthi said that if the U.S. intervened in the attack on Gaza it would respond with drones and missiles. (AJ, HA 10/10)

Berlin police banned pro-Palestinian demonstrations planned for 10/11, saying expressions of solidarity with Palestine pose a threat to public order. Australian police said a planned pro-Palestinian protest scheduled for 10/15 will be an unauthorized activity. (HA 10/10; REU 10/11)

UK home secretary Suella Braverman sent a letter to English and Welsh police, saying that waiving Palestinian flags may in some instances be illegal in cases where it is “intended to glorify acts of terrorism.” (AJ 10/10)

EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borell said he had invited PA and Israeli foreign ministers Riyad al-Maliki and Eli Cohen to an EU foreign ministers meeting to discuss the situation in Palestine and Israel. Borell also said that Israel must adhere to international law, saying Israel violates the law by imposing a total blockade on Gaza. Borell further said that the “overwhelming majority” of EU states are against cutting aid to Palestinians, as suggested by some EU officials. (AJ, HA, REU 10/10)

The UN high commissioner for human rights Volker Turk said the total siege of Gaza imposed by Israel was illegal under international law as it deprives civilians of goods essential to their survival. Turk also said Israeli airstrikes had struck residential and UN buildings as well as UN schools. (AJ, REU 10/10)

The UN Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel said that there was clear evidence that war crimes had been committed in Israel and Gaza. (AJ, UN, WAFA 10/10)

The office of the ICC prosecutor said the court mandate to investigate “the situation in the State of Palestine” extends to the current attacks. (REU 10/10) 

Sweden and Denmark suspended aid to Palestinians. (AJ, HA, REU 10/10)

The UAE donated $20 million in aid to Palestinians via UNRWA. (AJ 10/10)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s separation wall, occupation, and settlements, as well as U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in Hebron, Jericho, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, 2 areas near Nablus (Beita village and the Huwwara checkpoint), 5 villages near Ramallah (al-Janiya, al-Bireh, Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin, and Bil‘in), and along Gaza’s border near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp. At least 31 Palestinian are injured and 2 are arrested. In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and injure 3 Palestinian minors during clashes sparked by an IDF raid near Nablus. IDF troops also arrest 3 Palestinians and assault 1 during late-night raids near Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers throw stones at, and open fire on, Palestinian homes in Burin village near Nablus, causing no major damage or injuries. The attack sparks minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In 4 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, NYT, WAFA, YA 2/23; PCHR 3/1)

The U.S. State Department announces that the new U.S. embassy in Israel will open in Jerusalem in 5/2018, implementing President Trump’s 12/6/17 pledge to move the embassy from Tel Aviv. The embassy is set to open with ambassador David Friedman and a skeleton staff working out of an existing U.S. facility in the Arnona neighborhood. “This decision will turn the 70th anniversary of Israeli independence into an even bigger celebration,” says Israeli PM Netanyahu. “Thank you, President Trump, for your leadership and your friendship.” Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) secretarygeneral Saeb Erakat says, “The U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and now to move its embassy on the eve of marking 70 years since the Nakba [. . .] shows the determination of the U.S. administration to violate international law, destroy the 2-state solution, and provoke the feelings of the Palestinian people, as well as of all Arabs, Muslims, and Christians around the globe.” (AP, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 2/23)

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against U.S. president Donald Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, as well as Israel’s settlements, the separation wall, and occupation in 2 villages near Ramallah (al-Mazra‘a and Nabi Salih), al-Bireh, Jericho, Salfit, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, 2 villages near Nablus (Beita and Huwwara), and along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, and al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 41 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct a raid in Nablus overnight, sparking clashes with stonethrowing residents; 7 Palestinians are injured. They also assault and lightly injure 5 Palestinian minors in central Hebron. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to 3 homes under construction near Bethlehem, issue arrest summons to 1 Palestinian during a raid near Hebron; and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 2/16; WAFA 2/17; PCHR 2/22)

Israeli forces return the corpses of Palestinians killed in deadly confrontations with the IDF on 9/26/2017 and 2/7 to their families in Bayt Surik near Jerusalem and Halhul near Hebron, respectively. (JP, MNA, TOI 2/17)

In a 5th day of cross-border violence in Gaza, Palestinian fighters fire 2 mortar shells into s. Israel overnight, causing damage and no injuries; Israeli forces respond with air strikes on 2 Hamas targets nr. Khan Yunis and artillery fire on areas nr. Rafah, causing damage. Following the morning’s violence, Israel and Hamas agree to deescalate tensions along Gaza’s border. Israeli forces pull back from the so-called Access Restricted Areas along the border fence and Hamas fighters maintain a cease-fire. Qatar, Egypt, and the UN were reportedly involved in the deescalation talks. Meanwhile, Israeli officials say they plan to continue anti-tunnel operations in the coming weeks. (JP, TOI 5/7; YA 5/8; PCHR 5/12)

IDF troops stationed along the border nr. Gaza City open fire on Palestinian farmers, causing no injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces confront Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, arresting 2 fishermen and confiscating their boat. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian attempting to climb the separation wall and enter Jerusalem, causing minor injuries; and arrest a Palestinian at a checkpoint in Jericho when they find he is carrying a knife. They also conduct raids and house searches in Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Tulkarm and Bethlehem, arresting 3 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 1; patrol in and around Tulkarm and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault 2 Palestinian human rights activists in Hebron, destroying some of their personal property. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse stone-throwing Palestinians in Silwan, arresting 3. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/7; PCHR 5/12)

In Gaza, a group claiming affiliation with the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) fires a rocket into Israel nr. Ashdod, causing no damage or injuries (the group will not take credit until 6/1). Holding Hamas responsible for any projectile fire from Gaza and asserting that Islamic Jihad was the culprit, Israeli Air Force (IAF) jets strike 4 Islamic Jihad, Popular Resistance Comms. (PRC), and Hamas training sites in Rafah, Khan Yunis, and Bayt Lahiya late at night, causing damage but no casualties. Off the coast nr. Khan Yunis and then nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, injuring a fisherman in the later incident. Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage into Gaza only (they will keep it open through 5/28). In the West Bank, IDF troops chase down, shoot, and injure 4 Palestinian workers nr. Qalqilya. Separately, 4 Israeli soldiers detain and assault a Palestinian trying to cross over the separation wall nr. Qalqilya. Unidentified gunmen shoot and injure a Palestinian man in s. Hebron. The IDF conducts late-night raids and house searches late at night in and around Hebron, and in 1 village nr. Nablus, arresting 9 Palestinians; patrols during the day nr. Jericho and Hebron. Israeli forces photograph an electricity network nr. Hebron, then deliver a notice demanding its operations be suspended. They also deliver a stop-work notice for a water well under construction nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct a late-night raid in Jabal Mukabir, arresting 1 Palestinian. (AP, HA, MNA, WAFA 5/26; HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 5/27; PCHR 5/28; JP 6/10)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire warning shots at Palestinians approaching the border fence, injuring 3. Off the coast nr. Jabaliya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, outside Ofer Prison, and Jalazun r.c.), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 4 Palestinians and 1 international are moderately injured and dozens suffer from tear gas inhalation. The IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Jericho, and in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians in the Old City. After Israeli forces bar a group of rightwing Jewish activists from entering a school in Haram al-Sharif, a leader of the activists writes a letter to the Israeli authorities calling for the school to be officially recognized as a synagogue under the Protection of Holy Places Law and for Jews to be allowed to worship there. (MNA 4/3, 4/4; WAFA 4/7; PCHR 4/9)

Israeli PM Netanyahu convenes his security cabinet to discuss the 4/2 agreement between the P5+1 and Iran, and the cabinet unanimously opposes the deal. Netanyahu says, “This is a bad deal not just for Israel, this is a bad deal for the region and for the world,” and calls for any final deal to require Iran to recognize Israel’s right to exist. (AFP, HA, JP, TOI 4/3; REU, TOI 4/4)

In 2 separate incidents in the Gaza Strip, IDF troops e. of Khan Yunis and along the n. border open fire with live ammunition on Palestinian farmers working nr. the fence, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli authorities release 14-year-old Palestinian Malak al-Khatib from prison after arresting her on 12/31 for throwing stones and possessing a knife, the latter being a charge added after the arrest. The IDF violently disperses Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Jalazun r.c., Silwad, Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum); 1 Palestinian is seriously injured with live ammunition in Kafr Qaddum and 1 is arrested in Bil‘in. The IDF also patrols nr. Qalqilya, Jericho, and Ramallah. PA security forces conduct raids and house searches in 2 villages around Hebron, detaining 27 people. (MEMO, MNA 2/13; AFP, HA, MNA 2/14; PCHR 2/19)

On a visit to Luxembourg, PA Pres. Abbas says that he will be forced to “take harsh steps” if Israel does not unfreeze the transfers of tax revenues collected on behalf of the PA for the last 2 mos., denying the PA over $200 m. (MNA, WAFA 2/14)

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

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

In the Gaza Strip, 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, unexploded Israeli ordnance kills 3 Palestinians and injures 2 others in e. Gaza City. IDF troops open fire at gravel collectors nr. the border fence e. of Bayt Lahiya, injuring 2. Separately, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land close to the border fence nr. Khan Yunis. The IDF patrols in Jericho and 2 nearby villages, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 village nr. Hebron. Also, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, Nil‘in, and Wadi Fukin), 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara) and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries. (MNA 9/19; PCHR 9/25)

French Pres. Hollande meets with PA Pres. Abbas in Paris to discuss Abbas’s plans to go to the UN and ICC. In a joint press conference, Hollande says that a “solution to the conflict” between the Israelis and Palestinians will be put to the UNSC. (AFP, HA 9/19)

Reps. of Iran and the P5+1 group meet in New York for talks on Iran’s disputed nuclear program, with just weeks to go until the 11/24 deadline for a deal over Iran’s nuclear program to be reached. It is the 1st round of talks since the 7/20 deadline was extended. Participants suggest that the parties are close, but with difficult final issues still to resolve. Meanwhile, the IAEA reports that Iran is continuing to take action in compliance with the interim agreement. (AFP, AP, REU 9/19)

U.S. Secy of State John Kerry leaves Israel after 2 days of meetings saying that discussions had been “productive” but with no obvious sign of a breakthrough. Kerry says that Netanyahu and Abbas have a week or 2 to make difficult decisions that would allow the resumption of direct negotiations. (HA, REU 5/24) In the Gaza Strip, the IDF conducts an incursion nr. Khan Yunis, entering 250 meters past the border fence and levelling land. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in the Old City of Hebron at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, 1 village nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Jenin, al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr Hebron, and 1 village nr. both Jericho and Salfit at night. Israeli soldiers also attack regular demonstrations by Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and the occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), causing no serious injuries except 2 in Bil‘in and 1 in al-Ma‘sara; all injured individuals were struck with tear gas canisters. (MNA 5/24; PCHR 5/30)

After meetings with the U.S. and EU envoys and Arab FMs, Abbas declares in a televised address that the Palestinians will ask for full member-state status at the UN, not simply observerstate status. Insiders say Abbas was debating which tack to take until he met again with Ross and Hale who offered no incentives and only threats to get him to drop the plan; outraged by the U.S. posturing, he decided to go for full membership. (NYT 9/17)

The IDF patrols in 9 villages between morning and late evening (4 nr. Ramallah, 2 nr. Tulkarm, 1 each nr. Jenin, Jericho, and Salfit). A Hamas mbr. dies of injuries received in a 1/8/09 IDF drone missile strike on his vehicle in Khan Yunis, during Operation Cast Lead. Palestinians (sometimes accompanied by Israeli and international activists) hold weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the separation wall, land confiscations, and settlement expansion in Bayt Umar, Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and al-Nabi Salih. IDF soldiers beat and fire rubbercoated steel bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at the protesters, moderately injuring 1 Palestinian; 1 Palestinian is arrested and 2 Palestinian journalists are forcibly removed. Armed Jewish settlers fr. Esh Kodesh outpost nr. Nablus attempt to swim in a pond on nearby Palestinian land in Qusra-Jaloud village and open fire on villagers who confront them, wounding 1 before the IDF intervenes, firing tear gas at the Palestinians to disperse them. (PCHR 9/22; OCHA 9/23)

Palestinians fire a rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Israel responds with at least 3 air strikes on Hamas training sites in Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City, and Khan Yunis, causing collateral damage to 6 homes but no reported injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts patrols in Jericho and 3 villages nr. Qalqilya and Tulkarm; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Nabi Salih, arresting an organizer of the weekly demonstrations against the separation wall. Palestinians and international activists demonstrate against construction of settlements and the separation wall at the Qalandia crossing and in Bayt Umar. IDF soldiers fire rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at the protesters, injuring 4 Palestinians (including 2 journalists) and 1 international activist. Jewish settlers fr. Taffuh settlement s. of Nablus attempt to seize Palestinian agricultural lands e. of Salfit but are removed by the IDF. Jewish settlers fr. Karnei Shomron settlement nr. Qalqilya stone Palestinian vehicles. (AFP 3/5; IsRN 3/6; PCHR 3/10; OCHA 3/18)

Israel confirms that it is building a 10-mi. Palestinian-only road around Ma’ale Adumim settlement, linking Jericho and Bethlehem and bypassing Jerusalem, to create “transportational contiguity” btwn. Palestinian communities that would otherwise be cut off by the separation wall; critics note that 56 acres of privately owned Palestinian land and 352 acres of “state land” have been appropriated for the construction, which will also allow for the expansion and linkage of Ma’ale Adumim, Mishor Adumim, and Kedar settlements. In Gaza, the IDF raids and searches homes in al-Shuka, occupying several houses as observation posts (troops are still in the village at the end of the day); sends troops into al-Fakhari nr. Khan Yunis, raiding several homes, leveling lands, firing on residential areas, causing no reported injuries; sends troops into Bayt Hanun, bulldozing at least 100 d. of citrus trees and fences around a college and cemetery, withdrawing in the evening. The ESF creates 2 new openings in the Rafah border fence nr. Rafah’s Bloc J and al-Barahma, but no passage through the openings is reported. Egypt allows 30 Islamic Jihad mbrs. and Palestinian civilians stranded in Egypt since Israel sealed the Gaza borders on 6/12 to return to Gaza through the Rafah crossing (see 9/30). In the West Bank, the IDF conducts arrest raids, house searches in and around Bethlehem (arresting a mbr. of the Bethlehem municipal council), nr. Hebron, and in al-Bireh, Ramallah, Qalqilya (occupying homes as observation posts, firing on Palestinian children as they leave school, wounding 2, ages 11 and 13). (NYT, OCHA, WP, WT 10/10; PCHR 10/11; OCHA 10/17)

Overnight and during the day, the IDF makes air strikes on 6 Hamas and ESF targets across Gaza, killing at least 2 Hamas mbrs. and wounding 5 bystanders at a rocket launching site in n. Gaza, and hitting a guard post nr. Haniyeh’s Shati‘ r.c. residence for a 2d day (wounding 3 bystanders); other targets are located in Jabaliya r.c., Khan Yunis, and Nussayrat r.c. (leaving a total of 7 bystanders wounded). A 7th IDF air strike targets a PA presidential guard post nr. Gaza City, causing no casualties. The IDF also shoots, wounds a Palestinian woman who strays nr. the border fence nr. Bayt Lahiya. Hamas fires 6 rockets toward Israel, lightly injuring 3 Israelis, causing light damage. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in Qabatya; raids areas of Hebron, Jericho, withdrawing without making arrests; fires rubber-coated steel bullets, percussion grenades, tear gas at Palestinian, Israeli, international peace activists demonstrating in Bil‘in against the separation wall, injuring 6 and also barring journalists fr. reaching the site. (NYT, WP, WT 5/26; OCHA 5/30; PCHR 5/31)

Expedited U.S. military aid (including munitions, night-vision gear, body armor) begins reaching Lebanon, with 5 U.S. military transport planes landing in Beirut. The Lebanese army occasionally shells, fires on FI positions inside Nahr al-Barid r.c., but the undeclared cease-fire generally holds. (At least 70% of residents have vacated the camp, with the Lebanese government and army encouraging the remainder to leave.) (BBC 5/25; WP, WT 5/26)

IDF troops on the Gaza border fires on a group of Palestinians in the fmr. Nisanit settlement area nr. the border fence nr. Bayt Lahiya, wounding 1. In the West Bank, the IDF sends an undercover unit in a car with Palestinian license plates into Tulkarm r.c., fires on a group of Palestinians wounding 4 (an AMB mbr., an Islamic Jihad mbr., 2 bystanders ages 10 and 16), then fires 5 shots at 1 of the wounded, AMB mbr. Jasr Zughayb, assassinating him; fatally shoots 2 AMB mbrs. in an exchange of fire in Nablus, also demolishing the home in which they were staying; fatally shoots a 17-yr.-old Palestinian who attempts to cut through the separation fence nr. Ramallah; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Abu Dis; raids the Modern College building in Beitunia nr. Ramallah, firing on PSF officers dispatched to the scene responding to reports of suspicious activity, killing 2 PSF officers. In Gaza, a combined group of Hamas, ESF mbrs. acting on rumors of Fatah of smuggling weapons halt, demand to inspect a 4-truck convoy escorted by Abbas’s presidential guard that entered Gaza fr. Israel through the Kerem Shalom crossing, sparking an exchange of gunfire that leaves at least 5 Palestinians dead (including 4 presidential guardsmen, 1 female bystander), 34 wounded (including 14 bystanders); the shipment of supplies (widely believed to be arms and ammunition though in separate statements, Fatah says it is food and medical supplies, equipment and tents, generators and spare parts) fr. the UAE reportedly was organized by Gaza strongman Dahlan, with the knowledge of the U.S. and Israel, and was intended for guard units loyal to him; the contents of the trucks cannot be confirmed, as they are seized during the clash (it is unclear by whom). The convoy incident precipitates Fatah-Hamas gunfights across the Strip that kill at least 3 Palestinians, wound at least another 50, and end a 3-day truce. In the most serious incidents: PA Presidential Guard units storm the Islamic University campus, clash with ESF mbrs. guarding the campus (leaving 22 wounded), claim to seize a large weapons cache and to detain 7 Iranian “explosives experts”; Hamas denies the presence of any Iranians in Gaza, Fatah does not give any proof of the arrests, Israel and the U.S. say they cannot corroborate the story; suspected Fatah gunmen fire on Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhum nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries. Other Fatah-Hamas clashes are reported in Bayt Hanun, Bureij r.c., Gaza City, Jabaliya r.c., Khan Yunis, Rafah. In Gaza City, 5,000 Palestinians attend a rally organized by the National and Islamic Higher Comm. for the Follow-up of the Intifada (NIHC) calling for a cessation to intra-Palestinian violence. Abbas issues a presidential decree taking over 18 acres of Palestinian land nr. the Qarni crossing for construction of a presidential guard training base, to be funded by Western donors; the UN will provide training; a 16-acre presidential guard base and intelligence services training college is also being built in Jericho. (MM 2/1; NYT, WP, WT 2/2; WP 2/3; Middle East Newsline 2/5; MM 2/6; OCHA 2/7; PCHR 2/8; NYT 2/23; JTA 3/4)

In Gaza, the IDF drops leaflets on and makes automated phone calls to residents in n. Gaza warning them to evacuate areas around rocket launch sites, buildings used by militants; shells Bayt Lahiya, killing 3 Palestinian civilians, wounding 11 others (the IDF says a shell may have misfired); repeatedly shells Bayt Hanun and perimeter, killing 3 Palestinian civilians, wounding 8; shells a shed on a farm nr. Gaza City, allegedly serving as a weapons depot. IDF troops stationed at the Dahaniyya airport fire on residential areas of nearby al-Shuka, wounding 1 Palestinian woman outside her home. Palestinians fire 8 rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Late in the evening, the IDF conducts air strikes destroying 2 Palestinian homes in Gaza City and Khan Yunis (belonging to an Islamic Jihad mbr.), damaging surrounding stores and residences, wounding 3 bystanders; in both cases, the IDF phoned the homes 20 min. before the attack to warn residents to evacuate. The IDF also makes an air strike destroying a house of a Hamas mbr. under construction in Brazil r.c., also destroying 2 neighboring homes, damaging several others, wounding 15 bystanders (including 7 children). In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Beitunia nr. Ramallah; conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Jericho, Tulkarm, and in ‘Askar r.c., Azariyya, Jenin town and r.c.; bulldozes 35 d. of Palestinian land for construction of the separation wall nr. Jerusalem. (WP 7/24; NYT, WP 7/25; PCHR 7/27; B’Tselem 8/3)

IDF ground forces advance another halfmile into s. Lebanon, using bulldozers to clear roads and demolish buildings, engaging Hizballah mbrs. in Bint Jubayl and encountering artillery fire, antitank weapons, land mines, leaving 2 IDF soldiers dead, 14–20 IDF soldiers wounded, 2 Hizballah mbrs. captured, an unknown number of Hizballah casualties, up to 5 IDF tanks disabled; an IDF helicopter returning fr. Bint Jubayl crashes in the n. Galilee, killing another 2 IDF soldiers. Meanwhile, IDF-Hizballah clashes continue in Maroun al-Ras. The IDF also continues air strikes across Lebanon, targeting at least 70 Hizballah sites (particularly around Tyre), killing at least 7 Lebanese civilians; also hitting a UN post, injuring 4 UNIFIL soldiers. Hizballah fires around 80 rockets into n. Israel, injuring 20 Israelis, 2 seriously, and starting brush fires. (JAZ, NBC Nightly News, Slate, Wall Street Journal 7/24; NYT, WP, WT 7/25; WP 7/26)

In Rafah, the IDF shells residential areas, conducts arrest raids and house searches, demolishes 8 Palestinian homes, severely damages 5 others, clashes with local militias, leaving 1 Hamas mbr. dead. The IDF also raids Hebron, demolishes a Palestinian home, fatally shoots Hamas mbrs. Murad al-Qawasmi, Omar alHaymuni, wounds a 3d in what may be an assassination; demolishes 1 Palestinian home, bulldozes 34 d. of land, shells residential areas nr. Khan Yunis; blows up 1 apartment in a 4-story Palestinian apartment building nr. Hebron; conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Gaza’s Kefar Darom settlement and in Aqabat Jabir r.c., Araba nr. Jenin, Bayt Sahur, Beitunia, Bethlehem, Hebron, Jericho, Qalqilya, Tulkarm r.c.; issues a military order, prohibiting Palestinian use of land 200–300 m on either side of the separation wall nr. Jenin. (VOI, VOP 11/25 in WNC 11/27; VOP 11/26 in WNC 11/30; FT 11/26; PCHR 12/2)

The Fatah Revolutionary Council endorses the Fatah Central Comm.’s 11/22 choice of Abbas as the party’s candidate for pres., with 100 of the council’s 129 mbrs. voting in favor. (WP 11/26)

The IDF sends tanks into the Bayt Hanun, Bayt Lahiya, Jabaliya r.c. in what it says will be a “limited operation,” shelling residential areas, wounding at least 17 Palestinians (including 13 children). The IDF also conducts arrest raids, fires on residential areas in Khan Yunis. In Hebron, the IDF surrounds, evacuates the home of a wanted Palestinian; fires 3 shells at the house when he does not emerge, wounding him; arrests him, demolishes the house. The IDF demolishes a 2d Palestinian home in Salfit. IDF undercover units storm a Jericho caf´e, assassinate senior Amari r.c. AMB mbr. ‘Amr A‘idiyya, wounding 3 Palestinian bystanders, arresting 19. Palestinians retaliate by firing 5 Qassam rockets toward Sederot (damaging a car but causing no injuries), firing 5 mortars at Neve Dekalim (damaging a house). The IDF also conducts arrest raids, house searches, bulldozes 15 d. in al-Qarara; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Aida r.c., Bethlehem, Dahaysha r.c., Hebron and neighboring Bani Na‘im, Nablus, Thinnaba, Tubas; seals an iron gate in the separation wall southeast of Jerusalem, cutting off access to the West Bank fr. Abu Dis, Azariyya, Sawahara. Israeli police reportedly enter 7 Palestinian voter registration offices in East Jerusalem; order 3 registration workers to report for questioning, photograph voter roles to deter Palestinians from registering. (HA, MM, WP, WT 9/8; VOI, VOP 9/8 in WNC 9/10; PCHR 9/9; BBC 9/21)

The IDF conducts arrest raids in Hebron (targeting Hamas, Islamic Jihad); fires on farmers working their fields nr. Khan Yunis, forcing them to leave; makes incursions in Nablus; sends troops into Ramallah to halt a marked al-Ayyam vehicle, arrests 4 Palestinian journalists; announces that it has arrested 3 PFLP mbrs. in recent days for plotting an attack on IDF forces in the West Bank. Hamas, Islamic Jihad say their cease-fire may have to be reassessed if the U.S. fails to urge Israel to halt construction of the separation wall. (AP 7/30; PCHR 8/7)

Dahlan, Mofaz discuss IDF redeployment fr. Jericho (where the IDF has no presence) and Qalqilya (encircled by the separation wall, with 1 IDF checkpoint providing entry, exit). Dahlan rejects the offer as hollow. (HA, IDF Radio, MA, MM, NYT, YA 7/31; VOI 7/31 in WNC 8/1)