The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stabbed and injured 2 Palestinians near Bethlehem. Israeli settlers also uprooted dozens of olive trees in Qusra. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians in Barta’a while 1 of them tried to move his car after the Israeli soldiers said it was not legally registered. Israeli forces also demolished water pipes in al-Minya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians trying to reach the Haram al-Sharif compound, beating and injuring 2. In Gaza, Israeli forces bombed Khan Yunis, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, Jabalia refugee camp, and Bureij refugee camp, killing dozens of people, including 76 from the same family in an airstrike in Gaza City and 40 in airstrikes on 8 buildings in Jabalia refugee camp. Israeli forces also bombed the only water desalination plant in northern Gaza. 5 Israeli soldiers were killed in combat. In Lebanon, rockets were fired toward Israel, killing an Israeli soldier. Israel attacked several places in Lebanon. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/22; AJ, AP 12/23; AJ, AJ 12/24; UNOCHA 12/26)

More than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 8,000 children and 6,200 women, and around 54,000 have been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 296 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 75 children. More than 3,800 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured since 10/7. 140 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 771 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 12/3, at least 52,000 housing units had been destroyed and 253,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 60% of all housing units. 69 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing, while 23 trucks entered via the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing. The World Food Programme said 9 out of 10 Palestinians go without food for the whole day and there was an acute risk of famine. 70 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza. (AJ, AP, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 12/22; HA 12/23)

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said all 47 Palestinians detained at its ambulance center in Jabalia refugee camp were tortured by Israeli forces. (AJ 12/22)

Hamas political bureau member Husam Badran told Al Jazeera that Hamas seeks Palestinian unity and a uniform political stance by all political factions. (AJ 12/22)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with Russian president Vladimir Putin, discussing the situation in Gaza. Putin invited Abbas to visit him in Moscow. (HA, REU, WAFA 12/22)

Israel told Palestinians in al-Bureij refugee camp and Nuseirat refugee camp to evacuate south to Dayr al-Balah. Parts of southern Gaza, including large parts of Khan Yunis, are also under evacuation orders. (HA, NYT, NYT, UNOCHA 12/22; AJ 12/23 AJ, AJ, WAFA 12/24; HA 12/25; NYT 12/26)

The UN Security Council passed a resolution calling on the parties to “create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities . . . facilitate and enable the immediate, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale,” and demanding parties “facilitate the use of all available routes to and throughout the entire Gaza Strip” for aid deliveries. It also requested a UN chief of aid disbursement and a UN official for accelerating aid, demanded the release of the captives, and demanded that enough fuel is allowed into Gaza to meet the humanitarian needs. 13 members voted in favor while the U.S. and Russia abstained. Previous versions called for an end to the fighting and later a suspension, but the U.S. rejected these two suggestions. After the vote, PA ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour called the resolution a step in the right direction and said that Palestine, the Arab Group, and the OIC had 3 objectives: an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian assistance at scale, and no forced displacement. Hamas called the resolution insufficient. Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen said Israel would continue its war on Gaza until all captives were released and Hamas was eliminated and said Israel would continue to screen all aid going to Gaza. Russian ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia called the language ambiguous and had tried to include an amendment calling for a suspension, which was voted down by the U.S. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/22; AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, WAFA 12/23; WAFA 12/24)

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres appointed James Eugene McGoldrick to replace Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident Coordinator Lynn Hasting in the office of the UN special coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process. Hasting was replaced due to Israel refusing to grant her a visa. (UNOCHA 12/22)

The New York Times reported that an Israeli brigadier general ordered a tank commander to shell a house where he knew Israeli hostages were being held by Palestinian militants in Kibbutz Be’eri, killing 12 Israelis and the Palestinian militants. (HA 12/13; NYT 12/22; HA 12/25; NYT 12/27)

The European Commission approved $130 million in aid to the PA to help with the payment of salaries, allowances for vulnerable families, and payments for medical referrals in East Jerusalem. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 12/22)

A poll released by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy found that 96% of Saudis believe their country should not have any ties with Israel. (NYT 12/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians, including a child, in Beit Einun and Husan. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians during a raid in al-Yamun. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 2 homes under construction and a warehouse near Ni’lin and 1 residential structure in al-Jiftlik. Israeli forces also seized 10 vehicles in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya. Meanwhile, Israeli forces delivered notices that they will seize 5 dunams (1.1 acres) of land near Bethlehem to build a settler road. In Gaza, Paltel reported a complete communications blackout in all of Gaza. Israeli forces bombed Jabalia refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, and Gaza City; it was unclear how many casualties there were due to the communications blackout. Israeli bombings destroyed 56 buildings in the Shuja’iya neighborhood of Gaza City. 3 Israeli soldiers were killed in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces shelled several sites, killing 2 members of Hezbollah. Israeli snipers also shot and killed a Lebanese civilian driving near Kfar Kila. (AJ, AP, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/20; AJ, AP, HA 12/21; NYT 12/26)

More than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 7,729 children and 5,153 women, and around 54,000 have been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 296 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 75 children. More than 3,387 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured since 10/7. 134 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 719 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 12/3, at least 52,000 housing units had been destroyed and 253,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 60% of all housing units. 71 trucks entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing and 120 trucks entered via the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing. (AJ, AJ, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 12/20; NYT 12/21)

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights released a statement saying it had received reports that Israeli forces had executed 11 unarmed Palestinians in front of their families in the Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. on 12/19. The Israeli forces also reportedly forced women and children into a room and threw a grenade at them, causing injuries. The Human Rights Office called for an immediate and independent investigation. (UN, UNOCHA 12/20; AJ, AJ 12/21)

Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia has banned all Israeli-flagged cargo ships from docking in its ports, citing the “Israeli massacre and brutality against Palestinians.” (AJ 12/20)

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh arrived in Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials. Hamas official Ghazi Hamad told Al Jazeera that the party had tried to contact Fatah to begin talks about the situation in Gaza now and the future of a unified Palestinian political system, but that PA president Mahmoud Abbas had rejected talks. The Wall Street Journal reported that Hamas’ political bureau was in talks with other Palestinian factions about the situation in Gaza after the Israeli attack. Political bureau member Husam Badran told the Journal that the talks also included former Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad and former Fatah member Mohammed Dahlan. The Journal also reported that Hamas turned down a proposal to exchange a weeklong ceasefire for 40 captives held in Gaza. Hamas has said on several occasions that it will not negotiate while being attacked. (AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WSJ 12/20; HA 12/21)

Israel, Cyprus, and the UK agreed to open an aid corridor between Gaza and Cyprus “under Israeli security supervision and control.” It was unclear how and when the corridor would be operational. (AJ, HA, REU 12/20)

The UN Security Council discussed a resolution on Gaza for the third day in a row without calling a vote. (AJ, NYT, WAFA 12/20)

Israeli Channel 12 reported that an Israeli tank shelled a house in Kibbutz Be’eri where Palestinian militants were holding Israeli captives, injuring an Israeli. (AJ 12/20)

In a report, Human Rights Watch charged Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, with silencing support for Palestine on the 2 social media platforms. (HRW 12/20; AJ 12/21)

Democracy for the Arab World Now said it submitted a list of 40 Israeli commanding officers to the ICC who have been involved in Israel’s attack on Gaza and should be investigated for war crimes. (AJ 12/20)

The Huffington Post reported that the U.S. was planning to pressure Switzerland not to hold a Geneva Convention conference on violations of international law during Israel’s assault in Gaza. (AJ 12/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort raided Duma, setting cars on fire and attacking Palestinians. Israeli forces shot and injured a Palestinian with live ammunition who was trying to fend off the settlers. Israeli settlers also set fire to a tent near Kisan; the Palestinian couple who owned the tent were later reported missing. Elsewhere, an Israeli settler attempted to ram Palestinians on a street in Tuqu’. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling west of Jericho, causing damage. Israeli forces also shot and killed a Palestinian who allegedly attempted to ram soldiers at a checkpoint in Hebron using a tractor. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Arroub refugee camp, killing a Palestinian and injuring 1 other with live ammunition. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a funeral procession in Beit Umar, killing 1 person and injuring 5 with live ammunition and others with baton rounds and tear gas. Israeli forces also shot and injured 2 people with live ammunition and injured 12 others with tear gas in ‘Ayn Bus. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Huwwara, injuring 3 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Jalamah checkpoint, injuring 2 with live ammunition. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Bireh, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 3 with baton rounds. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at a checkpoint near Beit Furik, causing tear-gas related injuries. 40 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Tulkarm, Nablus, Salfit, Tubas, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Isawiya, injuring 1 with live ammunition. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed nearly 200 Palestinians and caused widespread destruction. Near Gaza, Palestinian militants attacked Kibbutz Sa’ad and Kibbutz Be’eri; no injuries were reported. Hamas fired rockets at Jerusalem, hitting targets around the city and in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc, saying it was retaliation for Israeli attacks on civilian targets. Near the Blue Line, mortar shells were fired from Lebanon toward Israel; no injuries were reported. Israel also said it had 3 killed gunmen entering Israel from Lebanon; Hezbollah denied having an active operation into Israel. Islamic Jihad later claimed responsibility. Israel later fired artillery shells at Marwahin and used combat helicopters to attack South Lebanon, killing 5 members of Hezbollah. 3 Israeli soldiers were killed and 5 injured by forces in Lebanon. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/9; AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 10/10; HA 10/11)

The Gaza Ministry of Health reported that as of 9:30 p.m. at least 687 Palestinians had been killed and 3,800 injured in Gaza, while 17 Palestinians, including 4 children, had been killed and 295 injured in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7. Israeli media reported more than 900 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 2,616 injured. Israel said it had hit 500 targets in Gaza overnight and 1,100 since 10/7. Hamas said Israeli airstrikes have killed 4 Israeli captives in Gaza. The UN reported that more than 187,518 Palestinians were displaced, including 137,427 sheltering in UNRWA facilities. 790 housing units were destroyed and 5,330 were damaged since 10/7. (AJ, ALM, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/9; ALM, AP 10/10)

The Israeli emergency rescue organization Zaka said that the bodies of 108 Israelis were found in Kibbutz Be’eri as were the bodies of Palestinian militants. Military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said the bodies of 70 militants were found in the town. (HA 10/10; AP 10/11)

Hamas’ Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson Abu Obaida said the Qassem Brigades would not negotiate the release of captives while Gaza was being bombarded. Earlier in the day Abu Obaida said Qassam Brigades would begin executing 1 Israeli captive each time Israel bombs a civilian target. There was no indication that the threat was carried out as civilian buildings were being bombed by Israel. Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk told Al Jazeera that Hamas is open to discussing a truce and all political dialogue. Hamas leader Ali Barakeh said only half a dozen members of Hamas planned the attack on Israel on 10/7 and none of its allies were informed but Hezbollah and Iran would join the battle if “Gaza is subject to a war of annihilation.” (AJ, REU, REU, REU 10/9; AJ, AP, HA 10/10)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, and Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman about the Hamas-Israel war. In a statement, bin Salman’s office said Saudi Arabia “continues to stand with the Palestinian people in their pursuit for their legitimate rights, striving for a dignified life, realizing their hopes and aspirations, and achieving a just and lasting peace.” (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/9)

Israeli military spokesperson Hagari said Israel had regained control in all communities surrounding Gaza but that Palestinian militants still could be in the area. (HA 10/9)

Reuters reported that Qatar was mediating a prisoner exchange that will see Israeli women and children released by Hamas in exchange for the release of 36 Palestinian women and children from Israeli prisons. Egyptian sources also said that Egypt was in close contact with Israel and Hamas to prevent further escalation, calling on Israel to exercise restraint and Hamas to keep the captives in good condition. (HA, REU, REU 10/9; HA, HA 10/10; HA 10/11)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant said that he had ordered that no power, water, food, or gas enters Gaza, saying “[w]e are fighting human animals and we act accordingly.” His office later said Gallant had ordered the intensity of the Gaza bombings to increase. Several Israeli politicians called for the formation of an emergency unity government, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who said the emergency government should “bring about the complete elimination of Hamas and the terrorist organizations in Gaza.” Benny Gantz’s National Unity party demanded that Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir not be part of the war cabinet and that no legislation unrelated to the war would be promoted. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 10/9; AP 10/10)

Axios reported that Israeli prime minister Netanyahu told U.S. president Joe Biden that Israel will invade Gaza. The Washington Post reported that the U.S. is preparing for a prolonged war in Gaza and is assessing Israeli diplomatic, political, and military needs. The White House briefed members of Congress that Israel will need replenishment for the Iron Dome, ammunition rounds, precision-guided missiles, and small-diameter bombs. Biden said in a briefing that 11 U.S. citizens have been killed by Hamas and that there likely are U.S. captives being held in Gaza. The U.S. also said Iran was complicit in the Hamas attack and warned Iran about getting involved in the fighting. Iran denied any involvement or knowledge. (ALM, HA, HA, REU, REU 10/9; HA, REU, REU 10/10)

Egyptian officials said they had warned Israel about an imminent attack from Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office denied having received warnings. (HA 10/9)

President Erdoğan spoke to Israeli president Isaac Herzog, urging him to end indiscriminate attacks on Gaza. (AJ, ALM 10/9)

The UN Security Council convened a meeting on the situation in Gaza without releasing a statement. Secretary-General Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and said 137,000 Palestinians were sheltering in UNRWA facilities. Guterres also said he was deeply distressed by Israel’s decision to prevent all power, food, and gas from entering Gaza. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 10/9; AJ, HA 10/10)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken deleted a tweet on X in which he said he “encouraged Turkey’s advocacy for a cease-fire.” The tweet was replaced by language that supported Israel’s “right to defend itself.” (HA 10/9)

Hungary, Bulgaria, and Poland evacuated hundreds of their own citizens and European and Israeli nationals from Israel. (HA, HA 10/9)

The U.S., Germany, the UK, France, and Italy issued a joint statement of support for Israel, saying the countries are coordinating to “ensure Israel is able to defend itself, and to ultimately set the conditions for a peaceful and integrated Middle East region.” (AP, REU 10/9; HA, HA 10/10)

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov condemned violence against Palestinians and Israelis and criticized the U.S. for its “destructive policy” of undermining the Quartet by monopolizing Israeli-Palestinian dialogue during a press conference with Arab League secretary-general Ahmed Aboul Gheit. (REU, WAFA 10/9)

The EU, Germany, and Austria said they suspended all aid to Palestinians in response to Hamas’ operation in Israel. None of the aid in question is delivered to Hamas. Later EU countries, including Ireland, France, Spain, and Luxembourg, objected to the EU Commission's decision and EU Crisis Management commissioner Janez Lanercic said the EU aid would continue. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, REU 10/9; AJ 10/10)

The Bank of Israel said it will sell $30 billion of foreign currency to maintain the shekel’s stability in light of the war with Hamas. The shekel had lost 10% of its value compared to the dollar in 2023 before the war. (AJ, ALM, HA, REU 10/9)

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)

Hamas officials say that all main Gaza factions have agreed to reimpose their cease-fire immediately, while Egyptian mediators work to secure the compliance of smaller factions. Islamic Jihad says it will observe the moratorium as long as Israel also ceases fire. Israel does not comment. Before the new cease-fire goes into effect, the PFLP and other unidentified Palestinians fire 1 Grad and 2 Qassam rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Israel does not respond. Israeli DM Barak authorizes construction of a kindergarten in Hebron’s Beit Romano settlement, home to some of the most extremist Jewish settlers. Meanwhile, Jewish settlers uproot olive trees in Qasra village nr. Nablus; when local Palestinians try to drive them away, IDF troops intervene, firing tear gas and live ammunition at the Palestinians, seriously injuring 1. The IDF also patrols in Kafr al-Dik village nr. Salfit. Palestinians (sometimes accompanied by Israeli and international activists) hold weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the separation wall, land confiscations, and settlement expansion in Bil‘in, al-Ma‘sara, and Ni‘lin, as well as at the Qalandia crossing into Jerusalem. IDF soldiers beat and fire rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at the protesters, causing no serious injuries, and arrest 2 Palestinians. (AP, MNA, YA 8/26; MNA, WP 8/27; PCHR 9/8; OCHA 9/9)

In Egypt, 100s of protesters rally outside the Israeli emb. after Friday prayers demanding the expulsion of the amb. (WP 8/28)

The IDF continues heavy air strikes (including 1 missile dropped fr. a war plane and 13 missiles fired fr. helicopters and drones) and artillery attacks (more than a dozen) hitting at least 19 targets across Gaza, killing another 11 Palestinians (5 civilians and 6 militants), wounding 20 (19 civilians and 1 militant), and damaging a commercial building and several homes. Israeli DM Barak stresses that the assaults are in response to the bus attack on 4/7 and not the start of a major offensive. Palestinians fire another 24 mortars and 6 rockets, causing damage in 2 incidents but no injuries. Various factions claim responsibility for firing, including the AMB, DFLP, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), and the PRCs. Israel’s new Iron Dome system intercepts 3 of the rockets. In addition, IDF troops on the n. Gaza border fired warning shots at Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, forcing them to flee. Israeli naval vessels fired toward the Gaza City beach and at Palestinian fishermen off the coast w. of Nussayrat r.c., causing no injuries. With the past 24 hrs. marking the worst flare-up in crossborder violence since OCL, UN Secy.-Gen. Ban calls on both sides to observe a ceasefire immediately. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Jericho and 2 villages nr. Ramallah (firing rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at stone-throwing youths who confront them, causing no serious injuries); conducts morning arrest raids, house searches nr. Jericho. Palestinians (sometimes accompanied by Israeli and international activists) hold weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the separation wall, land confiscations, and settlement expansion in Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih/Dayr Nizam. IDF soldiers fire rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at the protesters, causing no serious injuries; 5 Palestinians are arrested. (IsRN, JP, MNA 4/8; JP, MNA, NYT, WP 4/9; IFM 4/10; PCHR 4/14; OCHA 4/15)

Overnight, the IDF sends troops into Gaza to engage a group of armed Palestinians laying a roadside bomb nr. the border fence, fatally shooting 2 Islamic Jihad mbrs.; the deaths bring to 22 the number of Gazans killed by the IDF since the 1/18/09 cease-fire. Later in the day, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine detonates a roadside bomb on the Gaza border fence as an IDF patrol passes, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Jenin (firing live ammunition and stun grenades at homes, injuring a Palestinian woman); fires tear gas at stone-throwing Palestinians demonstrating against the separation wall construction in Bil‘in; fires live ammunition, rubbercoated steel bullets, tear gas at Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists taking part in weekly nonviolent protests against the separation wall in Ni‘lin (injuring 10 Palestinians, 2 with live ammunition). Jewish settlers burn 10s of d. of Palestinian crops nr. Yitzhar settlement nr. Nablus, block firefighters fr. reaching the scene. A Jewish settler is found dead nr. Eli settlement btwn. Ramallah and Nablus; the circumstances of his death are unclear. (NYT, WP 5/23; OCHA, PCHR 5/28)

As OCL enters day 10, IDF ground forces tighten the circle around Gaza City and continue to operate against Palestinian rocketlaunching units across n. Gaza, still avoiding entering densely populated areas. Troops deploy to segment the Strip into 3 main operational zones: a northern zone running fr. the n. Gaza border south to Netzarim Junction (the Qarni Crossing–Netzarim settlement line drawn on 1/4); a central zone fr. Netzarim Junction to Khan Yunis; and a southern zone fr. Khan Yunis to the Rafah border. While IDF troops are still entering Gaza, IDF reservists have not yet been sent in.

Meanwhile, French pres. Nicholas Sarkozy begins a regional tour to press for a 48-hr. humanitarian cease-fire, meeting with Mubarak in Cairo and Olmert in Israel).

Combat notes: In Gaza City, residents and medical workers report that IDF troops are concentrated in the al-Shuja‘iyya, al-Tuffah, and al-Zaytun neighborhoods (al-Zaytun is a strategic high point, providing a view over the breadth of the Strip) and that fighting is so intense (involving heavy Israeli tank and helicopter fire) that bodies of the dead have been left lying in the street and ambulances are unable to reach the area. IDF troops occupy at least 3 high-rise buildings in eastern areas of Gaza City as observation posts, expelling the residents and exchanging heavy gunfire with Palestinian gunmen. Israeli aircraft drop leaflets over Gaza City warning residents to evacuate their neighborhood; 1,000s of Gazans report receiving automated phone messages form the IDF saying “We are getting rid of Hamas.”

In addition to carrying out air strikes in support of advancing ground troops, the IDF reports making 40 air strikes targeting tunnels on the Rafah border, weapons caches, homes of senior Hamas and PFLP mbrs. (most of whom are in hiding), the Gaza airport site. Target areas include Abasan, Bayt Hanun, Bani Suhayla, Bayt Lahiya, al-Bureij r.c., Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City (the center city, al-Tuffah, al-Shuja‘iyya, Tal al-Hawa, alZaytun), Jabaliya, Khan Yunis, Khuza, the al-Mawasi area (w. of Khan Yunis), Nussayrat, Rafah, al-Shabura r.c. (nr. Rafah), Shati’ r.c., al-Shuka, Yibna r.c. (nr. Rafah).

Of particular note: A home in Gaza City’s al-Zaytun neighborhood, where the IDF placed 110 Palestinians it had rounded up on 1/4, is hit by an air strike and repeatedly shelled, killing at least 30 mbrs. of an extended family (including 5 children age 4 and younger) and wounding scores; the IDF bars relief workers fr. reaching the scene until 1/7. A shell fired from an Israeli naval vessel hits a Palestinian home in Shati’ r.c., killing a family of 7 asleep in their beds. A late-night air strike hits an UNRWA school in Shati’ r.c. being used as a shelter, killing 3 members of a single family. The IDF also makes air strikes hitting the offices of the Hamas-affiliated al-Risala for a 2d time (see 1/3). Photographs and live footage of the ongoing operations clearly show IDF artillery firing white phosphorus shells on densely populated areas, though Israel denies using the munitions. The IDF fires flechette shells on residential areas nr. Bayt Hanun, killing at least 1 Palestinian, wounding at least 3.

Palestinians fire 28 rockets, 5 mortars into Israel, hitting Ashdod, Ashqelon, Beersheba, Sederot, and Shaar Hanegev, damaging an empty kindergarten in Ashdod, injuring 2 Israelis in Shaar Hanegev.

More than 40 Palestinians are killed today (almost half of them children), bringing the estimated Palestinian toll to 550 dead, 2,500 injured. The Israeli toll reaches 9–10 dead, more than 70 wounded: 3 IDF soldiers are killed, 24 wounded (4 seriously) by friendly fire when their unit is hit by an Israeli tank shell outside Gaza City; an IDF officer is killed during an exchange of fire in n. Gaza, possibly by an IDF tank shell; 6 IDF soldiers are wounded in clashes with Palestinians nr. the e. Gaza border.

Humanitarian notes: Israel allows 80 truckloads of food, medicine, and medical equipment into Gaza, but the UN says much more is needed. Relief agencies (including the ICRC, UNRWA, and UNSCO) warn that two-thirds of the Strip is still without power, suffering freezing winter temperatures; 250,000 Gazans are without any running water; and water supplies for another 500,000 Gazans are expected to run out within days because of lack of fuel for pumps and backup generators. Shifa hospital, which has been running fully on generators for 3 days, warns that it has only a 2-day supply of generator fuel. (BBC, CNN, IDF, IDF Radio, MM, NYT, REU, RFM, UNIS, UNOSAT, WT 1/5; AFP, BBC, Guardian, HA, IDF, IFM, Israel Radio News, MA, MM, NYT, WP, WT, YA 1/6; IFM, PCHR, WJW, WT 1/8; Committee to Protect Journalists, MM, YA 1/9; NYT, WP 1/10; NYT 1/17; WP 1/27; BBC 2/23)

The IDF arrests 2 12-yr.-old Palestinians at an OCL protest nr. Hebron; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Bethlehem and in al-Bireh, Ramallah. Clubwielding PASF officers violently disperse a protest against OCL by students attempting to march fr. Ramallah’s Birzeit University to a main IDF checkpoint at Atarot. (PCHR 1/8)

In Cairo, Livni rejects Mubarak’s call to renew the Gaza cease-fire. Palestinians in Gaza fire 3 rockets, 15 mortars into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts simultaneous late-night house searches in 2 villages nr Jenin, making no arrests. An Israeli court sentences jailed Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) leader Ahmad Saadat, detained in 2001 for involvement in the assassination of Israeli cabinet minister Rehavam Ze’evi, to 30 yrs. in jail; Saadat is acquitted of planning the assassination but found guilty of plotting other anti-Israel attacks. (IFM 12/25; NYT, WP, WT 12/26; PCHR 1/1; NYT 1/3)

Israel says that the death of 19 Palestinians in Bayt Hanun on 11/8 was caused by a faulty artillery radar system. Palestinians fire 6 rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, lightly injuring 2 Israelis. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts arrest raids, house searches in Abu Dis and Hebron, nr. Bethlehem and Qalqilya. In Jabaliya, a roadside bomb explodes outside the home of a PFLP cmdr., injuring his bodyguard; internal Palestinian rivalries are suspected to be the cause. (NYT, WP, WT 11/10; OCHA 11/15; PCHR 11/16)

French DM Michele Alliot-Marie ` says that French forces in s. Lebanon came within seconds of firing on IDF F-16s that repeatedly dived on their positions a wk. ago. The IDF says the incident is under investigation. UNIFIL reported 14 Israeli violations of the cease-fire last wk., including near daily overflights of Lebanon, including 3 mock air raids over the French troops’ headquarters in the south. (WP 11/10)

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)

The IDF conducts arrest raids in al-Bireh, Ramallah. (PM 6/30; PCHR 7/3)

Fatah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad formally announce cease-fires against all Israelis everywhere for a minimum of 3 mos. The DFLP, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) say they will abide by the truce. Hrs. after the announcement, the IDF begins redeploying fr. Bayt Hanun. (AYM 6/29, AYM, al-Quds, SFR 6/30, AFP, MENA, QA, al-Ra’i 7/1, AYM, MENA, NHR, SFR 7/2, AYM, HA, SFR 7/3, MA 7/4 in WNC 7/10; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/30; PR 7/2; AYM 7/5 in WNC 7/11; MEI 7/11)

U.S. and Britain tell Moscow that they find Soviet's 2/18 cease-fire proposal unacceptable because it lacks tight timetable for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait and does not compel Iraq to accept all UN Sec. Council resolutions on the crisis [NYT 2/21; CSM 2/22]; Washington urges Moscow to stiffen cease-fire conditions on Iraq [WP 2/21].

After month of often bitter negotiation, U.S. releases $400 million loan guarantee to Israel for housing for Soviet Jewish immigrants (cf. 2/21) [IDF 2/20 in FBIS 2/21; NYT, WP, WT, MEM 2/21].

Israeli authorities begin allowing 400 Palestinians per day to cross bridges from Jordan back to West Bank; "security concerns" had prompted Israel to reduce number allowed to cross river from 1,000 per day to 50 per day; at least 30 Palestinians lose their residency permits because of delay in crossing [JTE 2/20 in FBIS 2/20; MET 3/5].

Israeli air force planes bomb alleged PFLP base in Al Izzah village, about 40 miles east of Beirut; 5 people are reported injured [IDF, BDS, AFP 2/20 in FBIS 2/20; NYT 2/21; JPI 3/2; MET 3/5]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Reports indicate Israel is sending psychologists to army units in Gaza Strip because of concerns about the effect of "power, force, and beatings" policy on mental health of Israeli soldiers [NYT 1/22]. Shopowners in E. Jerusalem, W. Bank, and Gaza Strip strike [FBIS 1/21; FJ 1/24]. Attorney for 5th Palestinian scheduled for deportation announces his client is dropping his appeal [FBIS 1/22].

Arab World: Egypt's Pres. Husni Mubarak calls for 6-month cease-fire in occupied territories, international peace conference on the Middle East as part of new peace initiative [WP, LAT 1/22]. Jordan's P.M. Zayd Rifa'i tells parliament that 23 PFLP members have been detained on charges of attempting to instigate disturbances in Jordan [FBIS 1/25].

Other Countries: U.S. criticizes Israel's new policy of beating Palestinian protesters [WP 1/22].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfews on 4 Gaza Strip camps are eased, allowing people to leave for work and food trucks to enter; 4 other Gaza camps remain under curfew [WP 1/22]. Palestine Press Service reports minor disturbances near Hebron, Ramallah, and Nablus. Relief workers in occupied territories reportreating many Palestinians for fractures, head wounds caused by severe beatings by soldiers, border police [WP, LAT 1/22]. Military lifts 7-day-old curfew on town of Salfit. Sa'ir, village near Hebron, al-Mazra'ah al-Sharqiyyah, near Ramallah, and old and new 'Askar camps are placed under curfew [FJ 1/24].

Arab World: Moroccan government acknowledges 1 student iskilled and 9 others injured in clash between police and pro-Palestinian demonstration in Fez [NYT 1/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: U.S. federal agents in Los Angeles arrest Jordanian student on immigration violations, charge youth is affiliated with PFLP [LAT 2/14].

Military Action

Arab World: Amal leader Nabih Berri reaches agreement with UN whereby Beirut's Palestinians and Shi'a will receive equal amounts of food. Shooting around Burj al-Barajinah prevents Iranian ambulances, UN food trucks from entering camp, kills Iranian embassy bodyguard. Amal and Palestinian fighters blame each other for starting today's fighting. Syrian military observers arrive in S. Lebanon in attempto arrange a cease-fire, relieve crisis in camps [NYT 2/13; WP 2/14]. Unidentified gunmen capture advisor to Lebanese Pres. Jumayyil [LAT 2/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gen. Amnon Shishak tells settler leaders they cannot take law into their own hands (in wake of attacks, threats against prisoners released 5/20) [NYT 5/25]. Poll indicates 70% of Israelis support 5/20 prisoner exchange agreement; 73% also support clemency for Jewish underground defendants [MG 5/26]. 10 injured in clash between students representing rival Palestinian factions at Bir Zeit U. [JP 5/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF announce discovery of purported PFLP cell in W. Bank responsible for 2/4 killing of IDF soldier in Ramallah; 30 arrested; 5 homes in Saffra, Beitur al-Tahta destroyed [PI, LM 5/25]. Settlers drive through Hebron, smash car windows, fire shots at home of Palestinian released in 5/20 prisoner exchange [LAT 5/25].

Arab World: Shi'ite-Palestinian fighting continues in Sabra, Shatila, Burj al-Barajneh camps, Beirut; at least 12 killed, 100 wounded; Syrian-sponsored ceasefire plan fails; Amal refuses to allow Red Cross into camps [NYT, WP, PI 5/25].

Military Action:

IDF building new roads in South and East Lebanon, bypassing villages; IDF constructing new fortifications in Bekaa.

Casualties:

IDF arrests Lebanese suspected of participation in guerrilla attacks.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Military statistics for year ending March 31 show increase in West Bank incidents of 69% over previous year, rise in use of molotov cocktails and grenades, 4417 street disturbances (increase of 79%), 35 schools closed, 66 towns, villages and camps subjected to curfews, 2 Israelis killed, 174 injured, 11 Palestinians killed, 90 injured; policeman to stand trial on torture charges after investigation of complaints by Arraba resident; Attorney General refuses to make public the Karp report on Jewish vigilantism in West Bank; Cabinet economic decisions will raise cost of imports by 7.5%, levy .3% tax on cash withdrawals from banks as partial means of financing Lebanon occupation; 8 Jewish religious students arrested in Jerusalem on suspicion of vandalizing Arab home near their yeshiva; 2 Gaza Strip Arabs sentenced to life imprisonment for grenade attack on Israeli bus in which 8 passengers were injured.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Christian and Druze leaders meeting this week to ratify truce agreement covering Chouf region, terms include entry of Lebanese Army assisted by MNF as peacekeeping force, removal of roadblocks and exchange of prisoners, temporary amnesry, reconstruction assistance for damaged villages; PFLP and DFLP seek to mediate rebellion within Fateh.

Arab Governments: Syrian President Assad forms government committee to mediate Fateh rebellion, Syrian troops reinforce guard around main PLO offices and institutions in Damascus.

US and Other Countries: US defense sources say both Israel and Syria have received US aerial reconnaissance photos since 1976; former Israeli Defense Minister Sharon, accompanied by numerous bodyguards, arrives at Montreal airport under massive security precautions.