The Palestine Chronology

In the Gaza Strip, hundreds of Fatah supporters gather in al-Katiba Square in Gaza City to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of Yasir Arafat, despite the cancellation (11/9) of the official ceremony. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse a group of Palestinians throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails at passing Israeli settlers’ cars outside al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, killing 1 with live ammunition. On separate patrols nr. Hebron and Nablus, IDF troops shoot and wound 3 Palestinians. Also, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron. Across the West Bank, Palestinians mark the anniversary of Arafat’s death with demonstrations, and clashes of differing intensity break out with Israeli troops in some 30 villages, mostly nr. Bethlehem and Hebron. Israeli settlers attack Palestinian homes nr. Hebron and, separately, settlers vandalize industrial equipment nr. Nablus. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. al-Sudaniyya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage but no injuries. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land close to the border fence e. of Dayr al-Balah. (MNA 11/11; HA, MNA, REU 11/12; PCHR 11/13)

Israeli PM Netanyahu announces a series of measures to be taken to combat Palestinian violence, including reinforcing the presence of security forces, the punitive demolition of attackers’ homes, and fines for the parents of children involved. (JP, YA 11/13)

The IDF conducts approximately 100 strikes on targets across the Gaza Strip, killing 14 Palestinians in Bayt Hanun, Rafah, Khan Yunis and Dayr al-Balah. Hospitals in Gaza report a serious shortage of medicines and equipment, particularly for trauma injuries. Palestinians fire around 100 rockets and mortar shells into Israel, causing damage and seriously wounding 2 children in the bedouin village of Lakia. Iron Dome batteries intercept 15 of the projectiles. In addition, al-Qassam Brigades fly a drone into s. Israel along the coast nr. Ashdod, and the Israeli Air Force (IAF) shoots it down. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a 22-year-old Palestinian civilian in clashes nr. Hebron. In Bayt Umar nr. Hebron, IDF troops shoot and injure 2 Palestinians in another confrontation. Separately, IDF troops detain 11 Hamas parliamentarians in Nablus, Jenin, and Salfit. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/14; PCHR 7/15)

Following a meeting of Arab League FMs in the evening, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry proposes a cease-fire to start the next day, followed by talks in Cairo. The Arab League welcomes the proposal. An Israeli official says that PM Netanyahu will discuss the proposal the following day with his security cabinet. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/14)

A rocket launched from inside Lebanon hits n. Israel, causing no damage or injuries, the 4th such attack in recent days. IDF troops respond with artillery shells. (REU 7/14)

The IDF launches dozens of air strikes across the Gaza Strip, killing 28 Palestinians and wounding approximately 550. There are fatal strikes in Gaza City, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, Jabaliya, Khan Yunis, and Bayt Lahiya, among others. Palestinians fire dozens of projectiles into Israel, with 1 rocket hitting a house in Ashdod, causing damage. Other targeted towns include Beersheba, Ashqelon, and Sdot Negev in the s., and Rehovot, Yavne, Lod, Ramle, and Gadera in the c. Iron Dome batteries intercept 2 rockets fired at the Jerusalem area and 2 others fall in open areas. A mortar shell injures 2 Israeli soldiers close to the border. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/10; PCHR 7/11)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that attacks will continue to “expand and continue until the fire on our communities is over and the quiet returns.” The PM also tells mbrs. of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Comms. that a cease-fire with Hamas is not on the agenda. Islamic Jihad spokesperson Abu Ahmad says the “factions in Gaza are not going to surrender.” At an emergency meeting of the UNSC in New York, UN Secy.-Gen. Ban says that “it is now more urgent than ever to try to find common ground for a return to calm and a cease-fire understanding,” and that he has been in contact with Israel, the PA, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, the Arab League, the U.S., and the EU. Palestinian UN amb. Riyad Mansour tells the meeting that the international community is obliged to ensure protection of Palestinian civilians, and accuses Israel of violating its responsibility as an occupying power. Israeli UN amb. Ron Prosor says Hamas is “committing a double war crime: targeting Israeli civilians while hiding behind Palestinian civilians.” Pres. Obama telephones PM Netanyahu and tells him that the U.S. is willing to help negotiate a cease-fire. State Dept. spokesperson Psaki says that Kerry has been “reaching out to countries in the region” including Qatar and Egypt, which “can play a role in bringing an end to the rocket fire from Hamas.” (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/10)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire approximately 20 projectiles into s. Israel, causing no injuries and minor damage to several buildings in 1 kibbutz. Two projectiles are intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. The IDF launches air strikes on 3 Hamas-related targets in the s. Gaza Strip. IDF troops on the border fence nr. Rafah fire tank shells at the remains of the Gaza international airport, causing no casualties. Later, IDF troops open fire on farmers close to the border fence nr. Dayr al-Balah, wounding 1. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, IDF naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops injure 8 Palestinians with live ammunition and rubber-coated metal bullets during clashes with demonstrators at Qalandia checkpoint nr. Ramallah. There is also a demonstration in Surayf village nr. Hebron protesting Israeli settlements, and IDF troops open fire during the ensuing clashes, wounding 5 Palestinians. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements and, occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces deploy in large numbers and restrict worshippers’ access to Haram al-Sharif. Two days after his death on 7/2, Abu Khdeir’s funeral is held in Shu‘fat, after which there are violent clashes with Israeli police, who use rubbercoated metal bullets and injure 20. (HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/4; PCHR 7/10)

Israeli media reports that Egyptian intelligence officials are mediating a truce between Israel and Hamas, on the basis of “quiet for quiet.” Israeli FM Lieberman criticizes talk of a possible cease-fire and urges the IDF to target the Hamas leadership. Hamas spokesperson Abu Zuhri, meanwhile, says the group is “not interested in a confrontation” and holds Israel “responsible for the escalation.” (REU, ToI, YA 7/4)

In the Gaza Strip, an IDF drone strikes a target nr. Dayr al-Balah, killing a mbr. of Hamas’s armed wing, al-Qassam Brigades. Meanwhile, the IDF strikes 12 other, separate targets across the Gaza Strip, causing damage and 3 injuries to civilians. The air strikes hit military training facilities belonging to al-Qassam Brigades, Islamic Jihad, and the PRC, as well as a concrete factory. In addition, IDF troops shell agricultural lands close to the border fence nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. Off the coast of Khan Yunis, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops level land nr. Salfit and destroy dozens of olive trees. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and Jericho at night. Israeli settlers attack Palestinian-owned agricultural land nr. Beitar Ilit, destroying crops. (HA, JP, MNA, REU, WAFA 6/29; PCHR 7/2)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says his country is “ready to expand” the operation in Gaza, in comments at the weekly cabinet meeting. Meanwhile, the PRC in Gaza claims responsibility for rocket fire, which it describes as “retaliation to the Israeli crimes against our Palestinian people in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip and the ongoing violations against prisoners.” (AFP, MNA, ToI 6/29)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on armed Palestinians close to the border fence nr. Bayt Lahiya, wounding 1. Subsequently, a rocket is fired from Gaza into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In 3 further, separate incidents, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians collecting straw close to the border fence nr. Dayr al-Balah, wounding 1; violently disperse Palestinians throwing stones nr. Jabaliya, causing no injuries; and, open fire on Palestinians collecting raw materials nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians demonstrating outside Ofer prison nr. Ramallah in solidarity with prisoners on hunger strike, wounding 3. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Tubas and 1 village nr. Nablus at night; patrols in Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jericho, and in Qalqilya at night. Also, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers attack 2 Palestinians on a road nr. Ramallah, causing moderate injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces enter Issawiyya and lightly injure 6 Palestinians during a raid on a bakery. (MNA 5/23; PCHR 5/29)

The IAEA announces in a quarterly report that Iran has cut its stockpile of higher-enriched uranium by around 80%, in compliance with earlier agreements. The report also says Iran is meeting its other obligations. (AP, REU 5/23)

In the n. Sinai Peninsula nr. al-Arish, unknown persons blow up a gas pipeline, disrupting the natural gas supply to an industrial zone. (AP 5/23; MNA 5/24)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on armed Palestinians close to the border fence nr. Dayr al-Balah, injuring 1. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Nablus at night; patrols in al-‘Arub and 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Meanwhile, shots are fired toward a house in West Bank settlement Psagot, causing no injuries. In Israel, Jewish extremists leave “price tag” graffiti on a Druze-owned dentistry office in Yokneam. In East Jerusalem, a separate “price tag” attack targets Vaticanowned offices with graffiti. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA 5/7; PCHR 5/8)

U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice arrives in Jerusalem and holds a meeting with Israeli PM Netanyahu to discuss the Iranian nuclear issue. She also meets Pres. Shimon Peres, and Israel’s National Security Adviser Yossi Cohen. Rice travels with a team that includes U.S. Under Secy. of State Wendy Sherman. Her trip is unrelated to the breakdown in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. (HA 5/7)

Iranian technical experts and representatives of the P5+1 countries hold talks in New York City. An anonymous EU official describes them as “useful,” ahead of talks beginning 5/13 aimed at reaching a more comprehensive agreement. (AP, REU 5/7)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wound 2 Palestinians in an air strike in Dayr al-Balah. The IDF says that the target was Abdullah Kharti, a Popular Resistance Cmtes. operative involved in rocket fire. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels also open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and 1 nearby village, and in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Qalqilya at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Ramallah in the morning, in Qalqilya and 1 nearby village, and 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin and Salfit in the afternoon, and in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Jewish settlers uproot around 800 olive tree saplings nr. Ramallah, and in a separately incident, a settler assaults a Palestinian nr. Bethlehem, moderately wounding him. (MNA, WAFA 2/9; PCHR 2/13)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces shoot and wound a Palestinian nr. Dayr al-Balah close to the border fence after an explosion targets an Israeli military jeep, causing no injuries. Separately, Israeli forces open fire on farmland nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries, and in another incident, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion nr. Bayt Hanun and search the area adjacent to the border fence before withdrawing. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin and in Tulkarm in the morning, 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in 6 villages nr. Jenin and 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a total of 4 Palestinian homes, 2 each in the al-Isawiyya and Bayt Hanina neighborhoods. (AFP, MNA 1/27; PCHR 1/30)

A dispute escalates between Israeli PM Netanyahu and Economy and Trade Minister Naftali Bennett, with Netanyahu condemning his colleague for “irresponsible” comments, a reference to Bennett’s reported attack on the PM’s suggestion Israeli settlers could live under Palestinian rule. (HA, ToI 1/27)

The Israeli Air Force attacks a warehouse of S-300 missile launchers in the Syrian city of Latakia, according to Syrian opposition groups cited in Israeli media. The Syrian govt. neither confirms nor denies the alleged strike. (JP 1/27)

Egypt’s Supreme Council of the Armed Forces gives DM Sisi approval to run for pres., an election he is widely expected to win. (REU 1/27)

In the Gaza Strip, an Israeli air strike kills 2 Palestinians in Bayt Hanun, a mbr. of Islamic Jihad and the other a mbr. of the PFLP. Meanwhile, Israeli forces open fire on farmland nr. Dayr al-Balah, causing no injuries, and separately, open fire on lands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops fire tear gas and rubber-coated metal bullets at Palestinians in Bayt Furik nr. Nablus, wounding 1, as residents try to repel Jewish settlers. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid the Abu Dis campus of al-Quds University, firing tear gas and rubber-coated metal bullets after students clash with a group of soldiers checking IDs at the entrance. (JP, MNA 1/22; PCHR 1/23)

Israeli NGO Peace Now announces that Israel has approved 261 new housing units in 2 West Bank settlements, Nofei Prat nr. Jericho and Ariel, in the n. It is the 5th such move in the last 2 weeks. (AFP 1/22)

The opposing sides of Syria’s civil war meet in Montreux, Switzerland, as a long-awaited UN peace conference gets underway. The 1st day’s agenda is occupied by formal speeches; Syrian FM Muallem and opposition leader Jarba both issue strident denunciations of their opponents. U.S. Secy. of State Kerry calls the rough start to the talks “a tough and complicated process.” Meanwhile, a shell fired from inside Syria strikes a home in n. Lebanon, wounding 1. (AFP, AP, DS, REU 1/22)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces open fire on open farmland nr. Dayr al-Balah, causing no injuries. Separately, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion nr. Bayt Lahiya to level land. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 3 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron at night; patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers throw rocks at a vehicle belonging to the PA Ministry of Health nr. Nablus, causing light injuries. (MNA 1/14; PCHR 1/16)

Reports surface in the Israeli media attributing Israeli DM Ya’alon with remarks describing U.S. Secy. of State Kerry as “obsessive” and “messianic.” The comments, made to associates in private, are condemned by the U.S. State Dept. Following a meeting with Netanyahu, Ya’alon issues an apologetic statement. The next day, Kerry tells reporters at a press conference in Kuwait that he would not let “one set of comments undermine peace efforts.” (AFP, HA, JP 1/14; HA 1/15)

The PLO Executive Cmte. meets in Ramallah, presided over by Pres. Abbas, and releases a statement that says the peace process will likely collapse unless it is based on relevant internationally-recognized terms of reference. (WAFA 1/14)

A referendum is held in Egypt on a new constitution, with the Muslim Brotherhood boycotting the vote and holding protests. Some 160,000 soldiers and 200,000 police officers are deployed to secure polling stations. Two small bombs explode, 1 in Cairo and 1 in Mahalla, causing no injuries. Clashes between supporters of former pres. Morsi and security forces leave 11 dead in Cairo, Giza, Bani Suef, and Sohag. (AFP, AP, REU 1/14)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinians close to the border fence nr. Dayr al-Balah, wounding 1. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Bethlehem and 1 nearby village and Aida r.c., 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Salfit at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night. In Jerusalem, a Palestinian stabs an Israeli man nr. the Damascus Gate of the Old City, wounding him. (HA, MNA 1/11; PCHR 1/16)

Former Israeli PM Ariel Sharon dies in Tel Hashomer hospital nr. Tel Aviv, aged 85, following 8 years in a coma. Sharon suffered a stroke in 1/2006 and never regained consciousness. U.S. Pres. Obama praises Sharon’s dedication to his country and his “unshakable commitment” to Israel’s security. (REU 1/11)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces also conduct a limited incursion nr. Khan Yunis to level land. In response, Palestinians from Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades, the military wing of the PFLP, fire 2 mortar shells at the tanks, causing no damage or injuries. Separately, the military wing of the DFLP, the National Resistance Brigades, claims responsibility for firing 2 mortar shells at an Israeli military position nr. Dayr al-Balah. Later, 3 Palestinians are wounded by an Israeli air strike nr. Khan Yunis, and 1 child sustains minor injuries. An Israeli air strike also targets a training site for Islamic Jihad’s al-Quds Brigades nr. Rafah, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF shoots and injures 3 Palestinians in Dahaysha r.c. in Bethlehem during clashes sparked by an arrest raid. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Tulkarm in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm in the morning, and in 3 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron at night. (MNA 1/9; PCHR 1/16)

Reps. from Iran and the P5+1 meet in Geneva to discuss implementation of the 6-mo. interim deal they agreed to on 11/24, 2 weeks before the deal is due to take effect (on 1/20). The discussions will take 2 days and are being formally held by Iran’s Dep. FM Araghchi and EU senior negotiator Helga Schmid. (AFP, AP 1/9)