The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault 2 Palestinians herding sheep near Burin. Israeli settlers also assault a Palestinian man and set fire to his car during a raid in Burqa. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raid Arab al-Malihat, threatening shepherds with guns. An Israeli airstrike targeting a vehicle kills the 3 Palestinian occupants. PA forces subsequently violently disperse Palestinians protesting outside of the Jenin governor’s office demanding that a Palestinian prisoner is released to participate in the funeral procession, 30 are injured. A Palestinian allegedly collaborating with Israel is reportedly killed after the airstrike. Israeli forces also raid Tulkarm, razing infrastructure and damaging buildings. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrest 30 Palestinians during raids in and around Tulkarm, Nablus, Hebron, Ramallah, Jericho, and Jalazone refugee camp. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Rafah, and al-Bureij, killing at least 104 people, including the head of aid distribution in Gaza Amjad Hathat. Israeli forces also continue the siege of al-Shifa Hospital and arrest Al Jazeera journalist Mahmoud al-Aliwa, the second Al Jazeera journalist to be arrested by Israeli forces at the hospital. Israeli military chief of staff Herzl Helevi tours the hospital. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Marjayoun, Houla, and Ghandouriya. Hezbollah forces fire rockets at Israeli soldiers in Metula and Avivim. (AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/20; AJ, HA, HA, REU, UNOCHA 3/21)

More than 31,923 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,400 children and 8,900 women, and around 74,096 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 431 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 111 children. More than 4,665 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 250 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,489 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 181 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. Jordan, the U.S., Egypt, Singapore, and Germany airdrop aid over Gaza. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA 3/20; UNOCHA 3/21)

Israel says its forces have killed 90 people in and around al-Shifa Hospital since 3/18 and brought 160 out of 300 arrested Palestinians to Israeli detention centers in the Naqab. Hamas denies Israeli claims that Hamas members were in the hospital. The Gaza Media Office says Israeli attacks have killed more than 100 aid workers in the past week. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU 3/20; NYT 3/21)

Autopsy reports reveal that a Palestinian prisoner who died at the Ofer Prison on 2/8 died due to medical neglect while a prisoner who died on 1/1 at the Megiddo Prison died after being beaten. (HA 3/20)

The Israeli High Court of Justice approves the demolition of the family home of a Palestinian man who was killed by Israeli forces after he injured an Israeli soldier in East Jerusalem on 10/12/2023. It is the first time the Israeli court has approved a punitive demolition based on an attack that did not lead to Israeli fatalities. (AJ, HA, HA 3/20)

The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) urges FIFA to sanction Israel due to the Israeli attacks on Gaza. The PFA says 6 other national soccer associations endorse the proposal that will be discussed at the next FIFA congress in May. (AJ 3/20)

Palestinian MK Ayman Odeh is expelled from the Knesset after saying “[w]hat the Israeli army is doing [in Gaza] is murder, a massacre, the starvation of children.” (HA 3/20)

U.S. secretary of defense Lloyd Austin urges Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant to consider alternatives to a ground invasion of Rafah during a phone call. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says “gaps are narrowing” in the ceasefire negotiations. Hamas official Osama Hamdan says the Israeli response to the Hamas counterproposal was negative. Blinken also meets with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in Jeddah and UAE foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the UAE. Blinken says the U.S. has submitted a new draft resolution at the UN Security Council calling for an immediate ceasefire. (AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, REU, REU 3/20; AJ, AJ, AX, HA, NYT, NYT, REU 3/21; AJ 3/22)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with U.S. Republican senators via video link, telling them that he will continue attacking Gaza. Netanyahu also speaks with House speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer reportedly declined a request by Netanyahu to address the Senate Democrats. (HA, HA, NYT, REU 3/20; AJ, AJ 3/21)

19 Democratic senators, led by Tom Carper (D-DE), call on the Biden administration to “promptly establish a bold, public framework outlining the steps necessary” to establish a Palestinian state. (AJ 3/21)

Saudi Arabia donates $40 million to UNRWA. (AJ, REU, WAFA 3/20; AJ 3/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers block a road between Ramallah and Nablus with burning tires. Israeli forces dressed as Palestinians raid Balata refugee camp, injuring 3 Palestinians, including a 4-year-old who is bitten by a dog and the 2 others with live ammunition. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Sarra. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raid Shu’fat refugee camp, injuring a Palestinian with a baton round. Israeli forces also raid Ramin, demolishing a monument erected to commemorate Palestinians killed by Israeli forces. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Nablus, Tulkarm, Ramallah, and Jenin. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Rafah, Gaza City, Dayr al-Balah, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 127 people, including at least 30 in strikes on homes in Dayr al-Balah. In Lebanon, Hezbollah says it has attacked 6 sites in Israel, including 2 buildings in Manara. In Yemen, U.S. and UK forces bomb Hodeidah and Saada. (AJ, HA, NYT, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/4; UNOCHA, WAFA 2/5)

More than 27,365 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 11,500 children and 7,200 women, and around 66,630 have been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 374 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 94 children. More than 4,408 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 223 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,296 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. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 207 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah and Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossings. The Jordanian and Dutch air forces drop aid near the Jordanian Field Hospital. (AJ, UNOCHA, WAFA 2/4; UNOCHA 2/5)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas meets with UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Tor Wennesland in Ramallah. (WAFA 2/4)

The Israeli military’s psychological warfare unit acknowledges that it runs the Telegram channel 72 Virgins – Uncensored, on which graphic and incendiary content is posted about killings of Palestinians and the destruction of homes in Gaza. (HA 2/4)

The Israeli housing ministry publishes a tender for the construction of 62 housing units in the Efrat settlement south of Bethlehem. The Israeli government also approves the continued funding of settlement farming outposts. (AJ, PCN, PCN 2/5)

The Israeli government extends the Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law for a year, barring Palestinians married to Israelis from obtaining Israeli citizenship. The government also says it plans to hire 65,000 construction workers from India, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan to replace the 72,000 Palestinians employed at construction sites before 10/7/2023. Foreign Minister Israel Katz says UNRWA “perpetuates the false narrative of Palestinian ‘refugees’ needing to return to Israel. We are actively working to disengage UNRWA from Gaza.” National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir tells the Wall Street Journal that the Biden administration “is busy giving humanitarian aid and fuel” to Gaza instead “of giving us his full backing.” Ben-Gvir also says he encourages Palestinians in Gaza to “emigrate to places around the world.” The High Court of Justice rejects a petition to recuse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from office. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, REU, WSJ 2/4; HA 2/5)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan says “[a]t this point, it is up to Hamas to come forward and respond to a serious [ceasefire] proposal, and we will continue to press Qatar and Egypt to try and generate a positive response.” (HA, HA 2/4; HA 2/5)

The U.S. Senate publishes a new proposal for a bill to provide aid to Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel, earmarking $14.1 billion to Israel and $10 billion in humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, stipulating that no funds can go to UNRWA. The House has proposed a standalone bill for Israel to avoid funding Ukraine and Taiwan. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel says bill would prevent the U.S. from funding UNRWA and the U.S. would instead divert funds to “other partners.” (AJ, HA, HA, NYT, NYT 2/5)

UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini tells the Financial Times that Israel has not provided evidence to back its claim that 12 UNRWA staffers were involved in Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. EU high commissioner of foreign affairs Josep Borell calls the suspension of funding for UNRWA “disproportionate and dangerous.” Haaretz reports that Israel’s Bank Luemi has notified UNRWA that it will block the agency’s bank account due to “tangible suspicions it is transferring funds to terror groups in Gaza.” The bank also suspends the account of 1 of the settlers sanctioned by the U.S. on 2/1. (AJ, HA, HA, HA, REU, WAFA 2/4; REU 2/5)

Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joly says Canada will sanction some Israeli settlers and place new sanctions on Hamas leaders. (AJ, REU, WAFA 2/4)

In the West bank, Israeli settlers plowed 10 dunams (2.5 acres) of Palestinian farmland in al-Kharouba. Israeli forces punitively demolished the family home of a Palestinian prisoner in Aqraba. Israeli forces also shot and injured a Palestinian using a baton round and seized a vehicle in Ramallah. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians, including a child, in Deir Nizam. Israeli forces also raided Carmel, assaulting a Palestinian and seizing vehicles. Meanwhile, Israeli forces made 15 Palestinians close their shops in ‘Azzun. Israeli forces also seized a tractor in Qaryut. Separately, Israeli forces demolished a well and issued stop-work notices for 3 homes in Beit Umar. 23 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Qalqilya, Salfit, Nablus, and Jericho. In Gaza, Israeli forces bombed Rafah, Khan Yunis, Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza City, al-Bureij, Jabalia refugee camp, and Dayr al-Balah; it was unclear how many casualties there were. Israeli forces also raided al-Awda Hospital, arresting all boys and men over the age of 16 and stripping them to their underwear, including 6 Doctors Without Borders staffers, and bombed the UNRWA headquarters in northern Gaza. In Lebanon, Israeli forces shelled several sites, killing 4 Hezbollah members. 2 Israeli soldiers were injured in Malkia. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/19; AJ 12/20)

More than 19,667 Palestinians had been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 7,729 children and 5,153 women, and around 54,000 had been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 294 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 74 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. 132 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. 104 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing and 60 entered via the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing. (UNOCHA 12/19)

A survey conducted by the Euro-Mediterranean Monitor said 71% of Palestinians in Gaza suffer from extreme hunger. 98% said they were not able to eat enough food. 64% said they had eaten grass and expired food. (AJ 12/19)

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh met with Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Qatar. (AJ, HA 12/20)

Islamic Jihad released a video of 2 Israeli captives who called on Israelis to pressure the Israeli government to get them released. (AJ, REU 12/19; HA, HA 12/20)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant visited Israeli soldiers in southern Gaza, saying the Israeli ground invasion would expand to other areas beyond Khan Yunis in the south. President Isaac Herzog said Israel is willing to negotiate a new temporary ceasefire with Hamas. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU 12/19)

UN Security Council members negotiated for the second day in a row over the wording of a resolution. The U.S. opposed language calling for a ceasefire and putting the UN in charge of inspecting aid deliveries to Gaza instead of Israel. The vote was postponed until 12/20. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said a ceasefire would “validate” Hamas’ Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 12/19; NYT, WAFA 12/20)

French foreign minister Catherine Colonna said that France will sanction violent Israeli settlers, saying she had witnessed the violence they commit during her trip to the West Bank last week. The PA called the decision a step in the right direction. (AJ, WAFA 12/19)

Senior Houthi official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti said the Yemeni government would not cease its attacks on Israel-linked ships until Israel stops its attacks on Gaza, even if it means war with the U.S.-led naval coalition. (AJ, HA, REU 12/19; NYT 12/20)

The Foreign Press Association in Jerusalem said it has filed a petition with the Israeli Supreme Court to gain “immediate access” to Gaza for international media. (AP, HA, REU 12/19; NYT 12/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 10 olive trees in Kafr ad-Dik. Israeli settlers with a military escort also raided al-Twana, assaulting Palestinians. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers blocked the entrance to Deir Balut. Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian man, claiming he had injured 2 Israeli soldiers in a car ramming near Atuf. Israeli forces also shot and killed a Palestinian outside of the Ofer Prison, injuring 4 others with live ammunition. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Tulkarm, damaging infrastructure and Palestinian property. Israeli forces also assaulted and detained 3 Palestinian farmers in Khirbet Yanun. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians during raids in Idhna and Arrabah. Israeli forces also demolished 5 homes and 6 water tanks in Farasin. Separately, Israeli forces seized a home in Karma, turning it into a military outpost. In the western part of Jerusalem, 2 Palestinian gunmen were killed after they opened fire at a bus station, killing 3 people and wounding 16 others. An Israeli civilian was killed by the soldier who killed the 2 Palestinians after the soldier mistook him for a Palestinian. The soldier was later arrested for the killing of the Israeli after a video circulated showing he had his hands raised in the air. Hamas said the 2 gunmen were members of its armed wing. Israeli forces subsequently arrested members of the families of the 2 Palestinians in Sur Baher. In Gaza, a Palestinian man succumbed to injuries sustained from Israeli forces on 11/29 in Beit Hanun. Israeli forces shot and injured an Israeli journalist in southern Gaza. In Lebanon, Israel said it shot down an “aerial target” crossing from Lebanon. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/30; AP, HA 12/3; HA 12/4)

The Gaza Media Office did not update the casualty numbers, leaving the death toll from Israeli attacks at 15,000 as of 11/27, including 6,150 children and 4,000 women, and around 35,000 injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 7,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 242 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 63 children. More than 3,200 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,431 have been injured since 10/7. 75 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.8 million Palestinians, nearly 80% 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 11/18, at least 45,000 housing units had been destroyed and 233,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 60% of all housing units. Israel said that at least 2,005 soldiers have been wounded since 10/7. Dozens of trucks carrying aid entered Gaza, including 7 trucks carrying fuel. 14 ambulances provided by Saudi Arabia also arrived in Gaza. Gaza’s Ministry of Health said hundreds of Palestinians needed to be evacuated to hospitals outside of Gaza for treatment. 30 people were evacuated to Egypt, including 9 wounded. 91 Palestinians returned to Gaza from Egypt and 31 medical staffers from the UAE and 2 UN staffers entered Gaza. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA 11/30; UNOCHA 12/1)

The temporary ceasefire that was set to expire at 7 a.m. was extended for an additional day into 12/1. 30 Palestinian prisoners, 8 women and 22 children, were released from Israeli prisons on the seventh day of the prisoner exchange. 8 Israeli captives were released from Gaza. 2 Russian Israelis released on 10/29 were counted as released today to uphold the 1 to 3 prisoner release ratio that the parties had agreed to. Israel reportedly rejected a proposal from Hamas to exchange 7 captives and the bodies of 3 captives who had been killed in Israeli airstrikes. Egypt and Qatar said they continued efforts to extend the ceasefire by 2 days. Parents of Palestinians released in the prisoner exchanges called on the Red Cross to investigate the treatment of Palestinians after freed Palestinians said they were beaten and mistreated in prison.  (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, AX, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/30; AJ, AP, NYT 12/1)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and attended a meeting of the Israeli war cabinet. Blinken urged Israel to account “for humanitarian and civilian needs in southern Gaza before any military operation there,” and to curb settler violence in the West Bank. Blinken also reportedly expressed support for Israel’s continued war but warned that the longer it takes the more pressure there would be on Israel and the U.S. Blinken also met PA president Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, saying the 2 discussed the need for reforms in the PA to combat corruption, aid to Gaza, and settler violence. Abbas presented Blinken with a file documenting Israeli crimes in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and urged Blinken to support a lasting ceasefire. (AJ, AJ, AX, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 11/30; AP 12/1; HA 12/4)

Israeli energy minister Israel Katz called on Israel to punish the families of the 2 Palestinian gunmen that killed 3 Israelis in Jerusalem, saying they should lose their East Jerusalem residency cards. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir responded to the shooting by saying Israel will distribute more weapons to Israeli civilians. (AJ 11/30)

Higher Arab Monitoring Committee chairperson Mohammed Barakeh petitioned the Israeli High Court of Justice to end the Israel’s ban on protests in Palestinian communities in Israel. (HA 11/30; WAFA 12/2)

Qatari minister of state for international cooperation Lolwah al-Khater visited Gaza, meeting with Thomas White, the director of UNRWA affairs in Gaza. (AJ 11/30)

ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan visited Israel, touring areas attacked by Hamas on 10/7. Khan was invited to visit Israel by Israeli families that have relatives held captive in Gaza. In an interview with Haaretz, Khan said he had “reason to believe” that Hamas had committed crimes under international law on 10/7. Khan also said he was looking into settler attacks in the West Bank and the large casualty numbers in Gaza. Palestinian rights organizations urged Khan to visit Gaza. (AJ 11/30; HA 12/2)

Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez said he doubted that Israel respected international humanitarian law and called Israel’s resumption of attacks in Gaza unacceptable. Israel subsequently summoned the Spanish ambassador for a reprimand and recalled its ambassador to Spain for consultations. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 11/30)

Jordan hosted an aid conference for Gaza. King Abdullah II condemned Israel for not allowing sufficient aid into Gaza. (REU 11/29; AJ, REU 11/30)

A +972 Magazine and Local Call investigation based on interviews with 7 current and former members of the Israeli intelligence community, Palestinian testimonies, data, and documentation from Gaza revealed that Israel had increased its attacks on what it calls “power targets,” which include private buildings, infrastructure, and high-rise blocks, to create a shock effect among civilians. According to the sources, the goal of bombing these civilian targets is to “lead civilians to put pressure on Hamas.” Several sources also said Israel has files that show its assessment of how many civilians will be killed in the bombing of these civilian targets. A source told the 2 publications that Israel had increased its permitted “collateral damage” from dozens when targeting a Hamas commander to hundreds and that Israel is fully aware how many civilians will be killed in its attacks. The sources also revealed that Israel use AI-based systems, such as Habsora, to identify targets, including the suspected homes of junior members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The investigation also said that Israel had broken from previous protocol by allowing the targeting of residential buildings without warning the residents, with Israeli Air Force chief of staff Omer Tishler saying that the “roof knocking” policy does not apply to war. Israel estimated that it had killed 1,000-3,000 Palestinian militants in Gaza out of at least 15,000 casualties. (+972, AJ 11/30)

The Washington Post reported that in late October Pope Francis told Israeli president Isaac Herzog in a phone call not “to respond to terror with terror”. (AJ, HA 11/30)

German and Belgian police searched homes of people who allegedly made social media posts in support of Hamas in Munster, Nordhorn, and Eupen. (AJ, HA 11/30)

Al Jazeera said its analysis of hundreds of speeches at the UN found that 55% of nations that have spoken on the issue of the situation in Gaza have called for a ceasefire, while 23% have called for a “pause,” and 22% did not call for either a pause or a ceasefire. (AJ 11/30)

The New York Times reported that Israeli military and intelligence officers knew of Hamas’ plans for Operation Al-Aqsa Flood but dismissed the attack as aspirational. The Israeli military obtained a 40-page document it called “Jericho Wall” outlining the plans for the operation, which the Times said was followed “with shocking precision.” The document showed that Hamas had intricate knowledge of Israeli military bases, prompting questions of whether it had informants in the Israeli military. (NYT 11/30; AP 12/1; NYT 12/2)

MSNBC cancelled The Mehdi Hasan Show, hosted by Mehdi Hasan, from 1/1/2024, saying it was making changes in preparation for the 2024 U.S. presidential elections. MSNBC was criticized for silencing voices critical of Israel with its cancelation of the show. Hasan was pulled off air for a period after the Israeli attacks started on 10/7. (AJ 11/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 12 olive trees in Salfit and vandalized Palestinian property in al-Twana in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces shot and killed 3 Palestinians, including a 12-year-old during raids in Balata refugee camp, Beita, and Burqa. Israeli forces also shot and injured 5 people during raids in Balata refugee camp, Habla, and Burqa. Israeli forces also issued stop work orders for 8 homes in al-Khader. 76 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around ‘Azzun, al-Arroub refugee camp, Nablus, Balata refugee camp, Jenin, Tubas, Bethlehem, Aroura, and Abu Dis. 3,130 Palestinians have been arrested in the West Bank since 10/7. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot, injured, and arrested a Palestinian child in Jabel Mukaber. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed around 270 Palestinians, including 30 in an airstrike on an UNRWA school in Jabalia refugee camp, 15 in Khan Yunis, 14 in Rafah, 10 in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City, and 5 in Nuseirat refugee camp. Israel also bombed the Zeitoun neighborhood, Bani Suhaila, al-Daraj, and al-Tufah. Israel said it had assassinated Hamas naval commander Omar Abu Jallah. Israeli forces also attacked the Indonesian Hospital’s main gate, power generators, and administrative office. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrested al-Shifa Hospital director Mohammad Abu Salmiya and other medical staff. After the arrest, the Gaza Ministry of Health suspended coordination with the WHO. 4 wounded Palestinians died during an evacuation from the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital to Khan Yunis. Israel said it attacked 300 sites in Gaza during the day. Rockets were fired from Gaza at Israel; no injuries were reported. In Lebanon, Israeli forces attacked several sites, saying they had been used to fire 35 rockets toward Israel, causing damage to 2 homes. In the Red Sea, the U.S. said it shot down drones launched from Yemen. (HA 11/22; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/23; UNOCHA 11/24; AJ 11/25; AJ 11/25)

The Gaza Media Office reported that 14,800 Palestinian have been killed, including 6,000 children and 4,000 women, and around 35,000 have injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 7,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 220 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 54 children. More than 2,885 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,431 have been injured since 10/7. 75 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.7 million Palestinians, more than 70% 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 Israel blockade. As of 11/18, at least 45,000 housing units had been destroyed and 233,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 60% of all housing units. 18,000 gallons of fuel and 80 truckloads of aid entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing. 433 foreign nationals and 17 wounded Palestinians were evacuated to Egypt. Less than 500 people fled northern Gaza to the south; UNOCHA noted that there were more people arrested by Israeli forces while crossing than in previous days. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 11/23)

Qatar announced that the ceasefire will begin at 7 a.m. on 11/24 with 13 captives being released to Israel at 4 p.m. The ceasefire was reportedly delayed due to a disagreement over the list of captives that would be released. The Israeli High Court of Justice rejected 2 petitions against the prisoner exchange, saying the court did not have justification to intervene in the ceasefire deal. Israel said Palestinians will not be allowed to return to the north of Gaza during the ceasefire. Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant said he expected the Israeli attacks on Gaza to continue for 2 months after the ceasefire period is over. Egypt said 35,000 gallons of diesel, 4 trucks of gas, and 200 trucks carrying aid would enter Gaza daily from 11/24 during the ceasefire.  (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AX, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT 11/23; HA, HA 11/24)

Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported that an Iranian brokered deal would see 23 Thai captives released by Hamas without conditions. (HA 11/23)

Displaced Palestinians returning to the homes they fled from in al-Qanoub near Sa’ir said Israeli settlers had demolished and stolen all their belongings, including 5 homes, tents, and solar panels. The settlers had threatened the Palestinians with displacement or death. (WAFA 11/23)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with the Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez and Belgian prime minister Alexander de Croo in Ramallah, discussing the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. (WAFA 11/23)

A delegation of foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries, including the PA, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, and Nigeria met with French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris, discussing the situation in Gaza. The delegation had met with leaders in the UK, Russia, and China in the past week. (WAFA 11/23)

Israeli Channel 12 reported that National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had instructed police not to deal with Israeli settler violence against Palestinians. Ben-Gvir also instructed prison authorities to use “an iron fist” in repressing celebrations of prisoner releases. (AJ 11/23)

Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah met with Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Lebanon. (AJ 11/23; HA 11/24)

Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares said before a meeting in Israel between Prime Minister Sanchez and Israeli president Isaac Herzog and prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Spain wants to recognize a Palestinian state in the “very short term,” adding the existence of a Palestinian state is the “best guarantee for peace in the Middle East.” During the meeting with Netanyahu, Sanchez proposed an international conference to settle the overall conflict. UK prime minister David Cameron also met with Netanyahu. (AJ, HA, REU 11/23)

Israeli communications minister Shlomo Karhi submitted a proposal to the Israeli cabinet that would end the publication of government notices in Haaretz and halt all government payments to the newspaper, including by canceling all state employees’ subscriptions. (AJ, HA 11/23)

German police raided 15 properties it claimed were linked to Hamas and Samidoun. (AJ, AP 11/23)

The UN said its member states had raised $218 million in funding for its flash appeal for Gaza, constituting 18% of the 1.2 billion requested. (UNOCHA 11/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Yamun and damaged their vehicle. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles in Awarta, causing damage. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set fire to a school in Zanuta, causing extensive damage. Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian during a raid in Balata refugee camp. Israeli forces also shot and injured 6 Palestinians, including a child, during raids in ad-Doha, ‘Asira al-Qibliya, Jenin, and Balata refugee camp. 45 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Ramallah, Jericho, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned home in Isawiya, displacing 6, and a structure in Silwan. In Gaza, the Israeli military said it had encircled Jabalia refugee camp. Israeli soldiers continued their sieges of the Indonesian and al-Shifa hospitals; around 500 patients and staff were evacuated from the Indonesian Hospital to a hospital in Khan Yunis later in the day. At least 120 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza City, Jabalia refugee camp, Beit Lahiya al-Bureij, and Khan Yunis. Israel also attacked al-Awda Hospital, killing 3 doctors and a patient. The number of fatalities was likely much higher since the Gaza Ministry of Health was unable to communicate with hospitals and civil defense members in northern Gaza. 2 Israeli soldiers were killed. 10 rockets were fired at Israel with 1 hitting Ness Ziona; no injuries were reported. In Lebanon, Israeli forces attacked several areas of South Lebanon, saying anti-tank missiles were fired by Hezbollah at Israel. 4 people, including an elderly woman and 2 journalists working for Al-Mayadeen television network, were killed in Israeli attacks in Kfar Kila and Tair Harfa. 4 Hamas members were killed in a drone strike on Chaatiyeh, reportedly including deputy chief of the Qassem Brigades in Lebanon Khalil Kharraz. Hezbollah later said it attacked Israeli tanks and soldiers, a military base in Beit Hilal, and a missile factory in Shlomi. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/21)

The Gaza Ministry of Health was not able to fully update the casualty figures due to a collapse in services and communications at hospitals in northern Gaza, leaving the casualty numbers at around 13,000 Palestinians killed, including 5,500 children and 3,500 women, and around 32,000 injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 3,250 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 209 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 52 children. More than 2,885 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,431 have been injured since 10/7. 73 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.61 million Palestinians, around 70% 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 Israel blockade. As of 11/6, at least 40,000 housing units had been destroyed and 220,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 45% of all housing units. 2 trucks carrying 17,000 gallons of fuel and 79 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing. UNRWA said 108 members of its staff have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. (AJ, AP, HA, UNOCHA 11/21)

Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha was released after being arrested on 11/18 by Israeli forces in Gaza. Abu Toha was reportedly beaten while detained. (AJ, HA, NYT 11/21)

The Ministry of National Economy in the Nablus governorate said Israel had only allowed 45 Palestinian businesses to operate in Huwwara since 10/7, forcing 255 business to close. (AJ 11/21)

Jordan said Israel had ordered the evacuation of its field hospital in Gaza, saying it would not heed the order. (AJ, HA 11/21)

Hamas said it had agreed to the terms of the first prisoner exchange and temporary ceasefire. Islamic Jihad said it was coordinating with Hamas on the prisoner exchange deal. The Israeli war, security, and government cabinets convened in separate meetings in the evening to discuss the deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the deal was likely to happen, despite opposition from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and that Israel would continue its war on Gaza after the temporary ceasefire. The meeting of the government cabinet was still ongoing at the end of the day. It was reported by Haaretz that the Israeli public would have 24 hours to appeal to the Israeli High Court of Justice if the government decides to approve the deal. Islamic Jihad said an Israeli captive it had tried to release earlier for humanitarian reasons had died. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU 11/21; AJ, HA 11/22)

Jordanian prime minister Bisher Khasawneh said “[a]ny displacement [of Palestinians in the West Bank] or creating the conditions that would lead to it, Jordan will consider it a declaration of war and constitute a material breach of the peace treaty.” (AJ, HA, REU 11/21)

Lebanese caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati condemned the Israeli killing of 2 Lebanese journalists, saying Israel’s “goal is to silence the media that exposes its crimes and attacks.” (AJ, AP 11/21)

U.S. national security council spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. would not support Israeli military action in southern Gaza unless it “clearly articulated [a] plan for how they are going to protect the lives of the hundreds of thousands of people that have now added to the population because they were asked to leave by the Israelis.” Kirby also said that the Biden administration was considering redesignating the Yemeni Houthi government a terrorist organization, citing its attacks on Israel and the seizure of an alleged Israeli-linked vessel on 11/19. Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said the U.S. continued to supply Israel with “155 mm rounds, precision-guided munitions, and air defense systems.” Politico reported that the U.S. had sent Israel the coordinates for humanitarian sites, including hospitals, and gave Israel information about the movement of aid groups to avoid Israeli attacks on protected groups. However, Israel reportedly continued attacking those sites. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU 11/21; AJ 11/22)

A survey by the organization Arab World for Research and Development found that 98% of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza said they could not “forgive nor forget” Israel’s attacks on Gaza, with 65% saying the attacks were targeting all Palestinians. 75% said they supported Operation Al-Aqsa Flood to some extent. 22% said they expected the PA to return to power in Gaza. (AJ 11/21)

The European Commission said its review of its aid to Palestine did not find evidence that funds were used for Hamas. (AJ, HA, REU 11/21)

Representatives from the OIC and Arab League and the foreign ministers of the PA, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Jordan met with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry said Israel’s goal with bombing southern Gaza was to force Palestinians to flee Gaza. (AJ, HA, WAFA 11/21)

Leaders of the BRICS countries met virtually to discuss the situation in Gaza, demanding a ceasefire and condemning attacks on civilians in Gaza and Israel. Representatives of Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, all countries that will join BRICS in 2024, also attended the meeting. Saudi crown prince Mohammad bin Salman called for a global ban on exports of arms to Israel. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU 11/21)

The South African parliament voted 248-91 to close the Israeli embassy and suspend ties with Israel. The motion was non-binding, leaving President Cyril Ramaphosa to implement it. (AJ, AJ, HA, WAFA 11/21)

The Scottish parliament voted 90-28 in favor of a ceasefire. All parties except for the Scottish Conservatives supported the motion. (AJ 11/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinians harvesting olives in Burqin, injuring them with sticks and stones. 2 Israeli settlers were shot and injured at the Itamar settlement. Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinian during raids in Bethlehem and at-Tabaqa. Israeli forces also raided Bethlehem, injuring 64 Palestinians and firing tear gas near an orphanage, leading to the evacuation of 100 children. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians, including a child, during raids at Birzeit University and in al-Mughayyir and Sabastia. 55 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Nablus, Tulkarm, Ramallah, Tubas, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces demolished the family home in Shu’fat refugee camp of a 13-year-old boy who was arrested after he allegedly stabbed and killed 1 Israeli soldier on 2/13. The father and brother of the Palestinian child were arrested and beaten by Israeli forces ahead of the demolition. The U.S. condemned the demolition. In Gaza, 241 Palestinians were killed, including 43 members of the same family, and around 500 injured in Israeli airstrikes. Israel said it assassinated Hamas member Mahsan Abu-Zina. Israel also said 1 Israeli soldier was killed and 2 seriously wounded in northern Gaza. Rockets were fired at Israel; no injuries were reported. In Syria, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes near Damascus, killing 3 people said to be members of Hezbollah. (HA 11/7; AJ, AP, AP, HA, NYT, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/8; AJ, HA 11/9; AP 11/10)

The Ministry of Health in Gaza said at least 10,569 Palestinians have been killed, including 4,324 children and 2,823 women, and 26,475 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 2,450 people were buried in rubble, including 1,350 children. 155 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 44 children. More than 2,397 people have been injured. Around 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,431 injured since 10/7. 33 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began. Over 1.61 million Palestinians, around 70% 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 Israel blockade. As of 11/6, at least 40,000 housing units have been destroyed and 220,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting around 45% of all housing units. Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza City shut down most of its operations after running out of fuel and being hit by Israeli airstrikes daily since 11/5. 106 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing. No one was evacuated from Gaza to Egypt. It was estimated that 50,000 people fled the northern part of Gaza to the south, bringing the total number to 72,000 since 11/5. UNRWA said 99 of its staff members had been killed since 10/7, including 2 in the past 24 hours. The WHO said that diarrhea and chickenpox were spreading in Gaza and warned that there was a risk of cholera and other epidemics. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate said 44 Palestinian journalists had been killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and 25 have been detained in the West Bank since 10/7. (AP 11/7; AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/8; AJ, HA, REU 11/9; AJ 11/10)

The Israeli High Court of Justice ruled to evict Israeli settlers who had been occupying Palestinian-owned land for 30 years in the Jordan Valley. The court accepted a petition by 20 Palestinian landowners filed 5 years ago but gave the settlers 7 years to leave the 1,000 dunams (250 acres) of land which was planted with date-bearing palms. The judge wrote in her ruling that the settlers’ cultivation of the land was done in violation “of international law, but also in violation of the government’s declared policy and even contrary to halakhic law.” (HA 11/9)

PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki filed a complaint to the International Atomic Energy Agency over Israeli heritage minister Amichai Eliyahu’s comment that Israel could drop a nuclear bomb on Gaza, calling the comment the “prevailing discourse in Israel” and “an official recognition that Israel possesses nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction.” PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte, who invited Abbas to the Netherlands. Abbas also spoke with Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese, urging him to help stop the Israeli attacks in Gaza, calling it genocide. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/8; AJ, REU 11/9)

Hamas deputy political leader Saleh al-Arouri condemned the U.S. for supporting the continuation of the war on Gaza while encouraging humanitarian pauses and called on Arab states that have normalized relations with Israel to sever political and economic ties. Al-Arouri also said Hamas is ready for a comprehensive deal that would see all Palestinian prisoners released by Israel in exchange for the captives held by Hamas. (AJ 11/8)

Israeli education minister Yoav Kisch said Israel could rebuild Israeli settlements in Gaza. Military chief of staff Herzl Halevi told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that the PA has been working extensively to prevent pro-Hamas demonstrations in the West Bank. (HA 11/8; HA 11/9)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken said Israel should not reoccupy Gaza after the war and that Palestinians in Gaza should not be forcefully displaced from Gaza. Haaretz reported that unnamed European diplomats were worried about Israeli politicians’ call to reoccupy Gaza. (HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU 11/8)

The G7 issued a joint statement after a meeting in Tokyo condemning Hamas, supporting Israel’s right to self-defense, and calling for “humanitarian pauses.” (AP, HA 11/7; AJ, AP, HA, NYT 11/8)

26 Democratic senators signed a letter to the Biden administration requesting clarification on Israel’s strategy in Gaza. More than 1,000 staffers from the U.S. Agency for International Development signed a letter calling for an “immediate ceasefire.” 100 congressional staffers also staged a walkout demanding a ceasefire. (AJ, AJ, HA, NYT 11/8; AJ 11/9)

The Wall Street Journal reported that Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi had rejected a proposal by CIA director William Burns that would see Egypt take control of the security in Gaza before the PA can take over after Israel’s war. The New York Times reported that a Qatari-mediated deal to release 50 of the Hamas-held captives failed after Israel decided to launch its ground invasion on 10/27. (AJ, HA 11/8; AJ 11/9)

The U.S. Department of Defense said the U.S. military had attacked a facility used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in eastern Syria; 9 people were reportedly killed. Yemen shot down a U.S. drone flying over Yemeni territorial waters. (AJ, HA, NYT 11/8; AJ, HA, HA, NYT 11/9)

Italy said it would send a hospital ship to the coast of Gaza to treat injured Palestinians. (AJ 11/8)

Spanish minister for social rights Ione Belarra called on the international community to sanction Israel and said Israel was carrying out a “planned genocide” against Palestinians in Gaza. Belgian deputy prime minister Petra De Sutter called on the Belgian government to place sanctions on Israel and investigate its bombings of hospitals and refugee camps. (AJ, AJ 11/8; HA 11/9)

Brandeis University banned a chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine, claiming the student group openly supports Hamas. (AJ 11/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians during raids in Beit ‘Anan and Sa’ir. Israeli forces also shot and injured 10 Palestinians during raids in Tulkarm refugee camp, Arrabah, and Sa’ir. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian girl at the Qalandia crossing, claiming she was carrying a knife. Israeli forces also seized 1 vehicle and vandalized 2 others during a raid in Shaab al-Butum in the Masafer Yatta area. 56 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Jericho, Jenin, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed 306 Palestinians, including mass casualties in strikes on residential buildings and UNRWA schools in Rafah and Khan Yunis. Israel also killed WAFA journalist Mohammad Abu Hasira and 42 members of his family in an airstrike in Gaza City. 450 people were injured in the Israeli airstrikes. The Red Cross said 5 trucks carrying aid to health facilities in Gaza City came under fire, damaging 2 of the trucks and lightly injuring a driver. The Red Cross did not say who attacked the convoy. Rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage. In South Lebanon, Israeli forces attacked several sites, causing damage. Israeli fighter jets were also reported to be flying over Beirut. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/7; AJ, AJ, NYT 11/8)

The Ministry of Health in Gaza said at least 10,328 Palestinians have been killed, including 4,100 children and 2,550 women, and 25,956 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 2,450 people were buried in rubble, including 1,350 children. 153 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 44 children. More than 2,386 people have been injured. Around 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,431 injured since 10/7. 30 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began. Over 1.61 million Palestinians, around 70% 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 Israel blockade. At least 40,000 housing units have been destroyed and 220,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. 93 aid trucks entered Gaza. 19 Palestinians, including 12 children suffering from cancer, and around 600 foreign nationals were evacuated to Egypt. The WHO said 160 health care workers have been killed while on duty in Gaza and that in some hospitals operations are performed without anesthesia due to lack of supplies. The Israeli military released a video showing thousands of Palestinians fleeing south from the northern part of Gaza. The UN said that 15,000 people fled from the north to the south today, 5,000 on 11/6, and 2,000 on 11/5. The UN also said that there was no flour left in northern Gaza and that all bakeries are closed. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/7; AJ, AP, AP 11/8)

PA Wall and Settlement Resistance Committee head Muayad Shaaban said 9 Palestinian communities, totaling 1,000 people, in the eastern West Bank have been displaced from their homes since 10/7. (AJ 11/7)

The Israeli human rights organizations ACRI, HaMoked, and Ir Amim petitioned the Israeli High Court of Justice to lift restrictions on Kafr ‘Aqab in East Jerusalem, which has been under a strict closure since 10/7, including being completely shut off from 5 p.m. to the next morning. Only private vehicles can leave and enter the neighborhood in the period that the checkpoint is open. (HA 11/7)

Hamas said it wanted to release 12 captives but that “the situation on the ground is what hinders this from being completed.” (AJ 11/7)

PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh spoke with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh spoke with Swedish foreign minister Tobias Billström. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 11/7)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the Israeli ground invasion of Gaza a ‘phenomenal success.’ Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the intention of the ground invasion was to remove Hamas and guarantee the Israeli military free access to Gaza “without limitations on operations.” Hamas said Israel had not made big military gains in Gaza. (AJ, AP, HA 11/7)

The Israeli National Planning and Building Council approved the establishment of a new community named Hanon near Gaza. (HA 11/7)

United Arab List leader MK Mansour Abbas told Radio al-Nas that he denounced the Hamas operation on 10/7, saying innocent civilians were killed and that Islam is against taking women, children, and elderly as captives. He added that Hamas’ actions did “not represent our Arab society, nor our Palestinian people nor our Palestine nation.” (HA 11/7)

U.S. vice president Kamala Harris urged Israel to hold Israeli settlers accountable for the many attacks they commit against Palestinians in the West Bank during a conversation with Israeli president Isaac Herzog. Herzog wrote a letter to 700 U.S. university presidents demanding that they deal with students that allegedly support the actions of Hamas. (AJ, HA 11/7)

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 234-188 to censor Palestinian American representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) for defending the pro-Palestinian phrase “from the river to the sea.” 22 Democrats joined Republicans in voting to censor Tlaib. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) blocked the fast-tracking of a bill that would provide Israel $14 billion in aid and cut the same amount from the budget of the Internal Revenue Service. Democrats want the Israel funding to be part of a bill that also includes aid to Ukraine and Taiwan. (HA, NYT 11/7; AJ, AJ, AP, HA 11/8)

CIA director William Burns met with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who called on an immediate ceasefire. (AJ 11/7)

Saudi Arabia said that in addition to the scheduled OIC extraordinary summit on 11/12, the country will host an emergency meeting of the Arab League and an Africa-Saudi summit on the situation in Gaza. (HA 11/7; AJ, REU 11/8)

UK Labour Party MP and shadow minister for employment rights and protections Imran Hussain resigned from the party’s frontbench in protest over leader Keir Starmer’s refusal to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. (AJ 11/8)

Germany said it had decided to release $75.8 million in aid to Palestinians that it suspended nearly month ago when it said it would review its support of Palestine. Germany also pledged an additional $21.5 million in support for Palestine. The majority of the aid will go to Palestinians in Gaza and Jordan through UNRWA. (REU 11/7)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian succumbed to injuries sustained from Israeli forces during a raid in Ras Karkar last week. Israeli settlers posing as Israeli forces made 3 Palestinian families demolish their residential tents on the outskirts of Hizma. Israeli forces shot and killed 4 Palestinians during a raid in Jenin, 9 were injured, including 1 in a drone strike on a house. Israeli forces also shot and killed a Palestinian during a raid in Yatta. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 44 Palestinians during raids in Beita, Hebron, Zawata, Safa, al-Ram, Dura al-Qara’, ‘Anata, and Dheisheh refugee camp. 60 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Silwad, Hebron, Nablus, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian in Shaykh Jarrah, claiming he had stabbed and injured a police officer. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 304 Palestinians. Israel said it had carried out 600 airstrikes in the past 24 hours. Hamas said it had repelled Israeli advances near Gaza City, forcing Israeli tanks and bulldozers to retreat. Israel hit the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, causing extensive damage. Near Lebanon, an Israeli soldier was killed and 2 others injured when an Israeli tank rolled over them. Israel attacked several places in Lebanon; 3 mortar shells were fired at Israel. In Syria, Israeli forces carried out airstrikes, saying they had hit targets that fired rockets toward Israel. (AP 10/29; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/30; HA, NYT 10/31)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said at least 8,309 Palestinians have been killed, including around 5,000 women and children, and 21,048 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. 1,800 Palestinians, including 940 children, have been reported missing. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 122 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 33 children. More than 2,208 have been injured. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals; 5,431 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1.4 million Palestinians, more than half the population in Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. As of 10/23, at least 27,781 housing units had been destroyed and 150,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. At least 45% of all housing units have been either destroyed or damaged in Israeli airstrikes. UNRWA said 10 of its staff have been killed in the past 3 days, bringing the total number of UNRWA staff killed by Israel to 63. 26 trucks carrying aid to Gaza entered via the Rafah crossing. The WHO said it had not been able to resupply al-Shifa and al-Quds hospitals because of the risk of Israeli airstrikes. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said an Israeli airstrike damaged its warehouse in Gaza City. Israel closed off the water to Gaza again after reopening 2 water lines in the past week. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 10/30)

Hamas released a video of 3 Israeli captives, calling on Israel to facilitate their release. Israel said it had rescued 1 captive from Hamas during an operation in Gaza. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU 10/30)

Al Jazeera journalist Youmna ElSayed said her family had received a phone call from Israel warning them to flee south from Gaza City. Al Jazeera condemned the threat against their journalist in a statement, saying “Israel’s actions continue with impunity as they attempt to silence the messenger.” (AJ, AJ 10/30) 

PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki met with Cypriot foreign minister Constantinos Kombos, discussing the need for an immediate ceasefire. (WAFA 10/30)

Israeli media reported that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich had sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, informing him that monthly payments to the PA delivering the PA’s tax revenue had stopped. (AJ 10/30)

A draft document written by the Israeli Ministry of Intelligence said Israel may try to forcefully displace Palestinians in Gaza to Egypt. 2 other options in the document included that Israel hands control of Gaza to the PA or that is establish “local Arab rule” by Palestinians in Gaza. Israeli sources verified the authenticity of the document but said the government is not expected to debate the proposals. (HA 10/30; AP 10/31)

The Israeli High Court of Justice denied a petition by 3 Israeli organizations to remove a temporary order allowing worsening conditions for Palestinian prisoners. The judges said “[t]he assessment of human rights violations in times of war is not comparable to such assessments in peaceful situations.” (HA 10/30)

Al-Haq, al-Mazan, and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights urged ICC prosecutor Karim Khan to issue arrest warrants for “Israeli authorities and military personnel.” (AJ 10/30; WAFA 10/31)

At the UN Security Council, PA ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour criticized the international community for not forcing Israel to stop its bombing of Gaza, saying “they are besieged and bombed with nowhere safe to go.” Israeli UN ambassador Gilad Erdan wore a yellow Star of David, resembling the markings forced on Jewish people by Nazi Germany, saying “Never Again.” Dani Dayan, the chairperson of the Israeli Holocaust Remembrance Center, Yad Vashem, said Erdan’s actions “disgraces both Holocaust victims and Israel.” UNRWA commissioner-general Phillippe Lazzarini told the Security Council that a ceasefire was a “matter of life and death for millions,” and charged Israel with collective punishment. (AJ, NYT, WAFA 10/30; AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, WAFA 10/31; HA 11/1)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant said Hamas will “die fighting” or “surrender without any conditions.” (AJ 10/30)

U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. does not support a ceasefire, reiterating the White House’s position that a ceasefire would only benefit Hamas. Kirby stated the U.S. position was to support “temporary, localized humanitarian pauses for aid, and for people to get out.” The U.S. also said 4 rockets were launched at the Ain al-Asad air base, causing no injuries or damage. Saudi defense minister Khalid bin Salman said he discussed the need for a ceasefire during a meeting with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. (AJ, HA, REU, REU 10/30; AJ 10/31)

UK foreign secretary James Cleverly said the UK was working to facilitate a temporary ceasefire to allow more aid to enter Gaza. UK parliamentary private secretary Paul Bristow was fired from the Conservative government for writing a letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak calling for a ceasefire. (AJ, REU 10/30; AJ, AJ, HA 10/31)

Axios reported that Mossad director David Barnea traveled to Qatar over the weekend for meetings with Qatari officials regarding a prisoner exchange with Hamas. U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke with Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, discussing the humanitarian situation in Gaza and Qatari efforts to mediate a prisoner exchange. (AJ, AX, HA 10/30)

OIC secretary-general Hussein Brahim Taha condemned the Israeli attacks on Gaza, calling on the international community to intervene. (WAFA 10/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort shot and killed a Palestinian man during a raid in Dura al-Qara’. Israeli settlers also shot and injured a Palestinian in Shufa. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinians traveling near Burqa, injuring a Palestinian woman. Israeli settlers also opened fire at a Palestinian vehicle near Bizarya, causing damage. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers vandalized olive trees near Tell. Israeli forces shot and killed 3 Palestinians, including 2 minors, during raids in Shuqba and Jamma’in. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Huwwara, Tarqumiyah, and Dar Salah, injuring 3 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian home in Bayt Hanina. 65 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Nablus. Around 750 Palestinians have been arrested by Israeli forces since 10/7. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed around 100 Palestinians, including several people sheltering at an UNRWA school in Khan Yunis. Rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage. In Haifa, Israeli police violently dispersed anti-war protesters, arresting 4 and injuring others with batons. In Lebanon, Hezbollah fired an anti-tank missile at Israeli soldiers in Shtula, injuring 5. Israel fired artillery shells and conducted drone strikes in Lebanon. Hezbollah said 2 of its members were killed. Protesters demonstrated outside of the German and U.S. embassies in Beirut. In Syria, Israel conducted airstrikes in the Quneitra province. In Turkey, 60 people, mostly police officers, were injured after protesters in Istanbul attempted to storm the Israeli consulate. There were also demonstrations in Jordan, Yemen, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, Iran, and the West Bank. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, UNOCHA WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/18; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/19)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said as of 5 p.m. at least 3,500 Palestinians had been killed, including at least 853 children, and 12,500 had been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7, including 47 entire families consisting of 500 people. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 65 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 15 children. More than 1,284 have been injured, including at least 300 with live ammunition. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,300 Israelis and foreign nationals; 4,562 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1 million Palestinians have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. At least 11,887 housing units have been destroyed in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. The number is likely much higher as the latest data is from 10/14. The Palestinian civil defense team said that more than 1,000 Palestinians were under the rubble of buildings in Gaza. (AJ, AJ, HA, UNOCHA 10/18)

Palestinians in the West Bank observed a general strike in protest against the Israeli airstrike that killed 471 people at al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City on 10/17. (WAFA, WAFA 10/18)

The Israeli military again called on Palestinians in northern Gaza to evacuate south to the al-Mawasi area. (AJ 10/17; HA, UNOCHA 10/18)

The PA leadership held an emergency meeting chaired by President Mahmoud Abbas, confirming a July 2023 decision to end security coordination with Israel and reaffirming the Palestinian people’s right to self-defense. (WAFA 10/18)

The Knesset approved temporary legislation to allow Israeli prisons to admit new inmates beyond their legal capacity, allowing worsening conditions for Palestinian prisoners, including reducing living spaces and forcing prisoners to sleep on mattresses on the floor. The bill will be in effect for 3 months. Israel prisons have received 500 new Palestinian prisoners since 10/7, including 118 who crossed from Gaza to Israel in relation to Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. The Israeli High Court of Justice ruled in 2017 that prisoners must be given at least 37.7 square feet of space. The Knesset ethics panel also voted to suspend Jewish Hadash MK Ofer Cassif from the Knesset for 45 days and revoked his salary for 14 days over his anti-war stance. (AJ, HA 10/18; HA 10/19)

U.S. president Joe Biden landed in Israel for meetings with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and the war cabinet. Biden was supposed to travel to Amman for meetings with President Abbas, Jordanian king Abdullah II, and Egyptian president Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi, but the meetings were cancelled by the 3 leaders after Israel bombed al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, killing 471 people. Biden told Netanyahu during a meeting that “it appears as though it was done by the other team, not you” in reference to the hospital bombing. Biden cautioned Israel not to be consumed by rage, saying the U.S. made mistakes after 9/11. Biden also announced $100 million in humanitarian aid to Palestinians as the Senate was working on passing a bill providing $10 billion in extra military aid to Israel. Biden said aid to Gaza could start arriving on 10/20, as Egypt needs to “patch the road” to the crossing. Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) blocked an attempt by Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) to prevent the Biden administration from dispersing the $100 million in aid to Palestinians. 33 Democratic senators urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken to lead efforts to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. Around 300 Jewish Americans were arrested at the U.S. Capitol while protesting Israel’s war in Gaza. The protest was arranged by Jewish Voice for Peace. (HA 10/17; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU 10/18; AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, WAFA 10/19; AJ 10/20)

After President Biden’s meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying that Israel will not allow aid from its territory to enter Gaza until the captives are returned. The statement also said Israel demands that the Red Cross be able to visit the captives and that Israel will not “thwart” humanitarian aid from Egypt as long as it only consists of food, water, and medicine. (AJ 10/17; AJ, HA 10/18)

President el-Sisi said during a press conference with German chancellor Olaf Schulz that Israel could allow Palestinians in Gaza to stay in the Naqab desert until Israel can “do what they wish to do with the militant operatives in the Gaza Strip.” El-Sisi also spoke with President Biden about aid coming through the Rafah crossing. Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan met with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in the sidelines of an OIC meeting in Jeddah, discussing the situation in Gaza. Amir-Abdollahian called on the OIC members to sanction Israel and expel Israeli ambassadors. The OIC called for an immediate ceasefire and for Israel to lift the siege of Gaza. (AP 10/16; AJ 10/17; AJ, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 10/18; WAFA 10/19)

The U.S. blocked a UN Security Council resolution calling for humanitarian access to Gaza, protection of civilians, and condemning Hamas’ operation in Israel. The resolution, introduced by Brazil, was approved by 12 members of the Security Council, while Russia and the UK abstained. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres called “for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Middle East.” (AJ 10/17; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU 10/18)

U.S. State Department director of the office of public and congressional affairs Josh Paul resigned in protest over the Biden administration’s policy toward the Israeli assault on Gaza and its “impulsive reaction built on confirmation bias, political convenience, intellectual bankruptcy, and bureaucratic inertia.” (AJ, HA 10/18; AJ, NYT 10/19)

Jewish Currents reported that the Palestinian academics and analysts Noura Erakat, Yousef Munayyer, and Omar Baddar had their interviews cut from segments on CBS and CNN. MSNBC last week temporarily removed 3 Muslim hosts, Mehdi Hasan, Ali Velshi, and Ayman Mohyeldin, who is Palestinian, from their programming. (JC 10/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort toured Solomon’s pools near Bethlehem and an archeological site near Qarawat Bani Hassan. Israeli settlers with a military escort also raided Jalbun, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces closed Route 60 near Huwwara for 3 hours, claiming stones were thrown at settler vehicles. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israel closed the compound to young Palestinians during the incursion and Israeli forces prevented some Waqf employees from entering. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/4; AJ, HA, PCHR 10/5)

Israeli police arrested 5 Israelis for spitting on Christians and churches in the Old City of Jerusalem. 4 of the 5 were arrested shortly after a spitting incident at a church and the other was arrested for an incident earlier in the week. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA 10/4; HA 10/7)

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said 84 Palestinians had fled their homes in the Masafer Yatta area since July due to Israeli restrictions on their movement after the 2022 Supreme Court decision to allow Israel to forcefully transfer Palestinians living in the “firing zone.” (HA 10/4)

Haaretz reported that Israeli minister at the Defense Ministry Bezalel Smotrich has been excluding the military advocate general official Eli Levertov from discussions on settlement expansion reportedly over Levertov’s objections to decisions made by Smotrich on settlements. (HA 10/4)

Jordan sent a letter to the Israeli embassy in the country complaining of Israeli settler tours at the Haram al-Sharif compound and settler attacks on Christians in Jerusalem. (WAFA 10/4)

Haaretz also reported that Qatar is considering providing additional aid to Gaza and that Israel is considering increasing the quota for Gazans to work in Israel. (HA 10/2; HA 10/4)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken overrode a Republican block on the dispersal of $75 million in food assistance to Palestinians hours before a clause would have seen the funds dispersed elsewhere. The State Department did not publish the outcome, which was instead announced by UNRWA-USA. (HA 10/4)

National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz met with U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan at the White House for a briefing on the Saudi-Israeli normalization deal negotiations. It was reported that the White House is seeking to have Gantz’s party and other opposition parties replace the Religious Zionist Party and the Jewish Power Party if Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir oppose concessions to Palestinians as part of the normalization deal. (HA 10/5; ALM 10/6)

20 U.S. senators wrote a letter to U.S. president Joe Biden urging his administration to preserve the option of a two-state solution in a potential Saudi-Israeli normalization deal. The senators said Israel should commit to not annexing any of the West Bank; halt settlement expansion; dismantle illegal settlements, including those retroactively legalized; allow natural growth in Palestinian towns and cities; and allow Palestinians to travel within the West Bank without interference. The senators were led by Chris Murphy (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Peter Welsh (D-VT). (HA 10/4; WAFA 10/5)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian man was shot and killed after he rammed 7 people, killing 1 and injuring 6, including 1 Palestinian minor, 2 soldiers, and 2 settlers at a checkpoint near Ni’lin. The man’s family said he had been humiliated by Israeli forces at a checkpoint 2 weeks ago. Israeli forces later raided the man’s home in Deir ‘Ammar refugee camp, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 1 with a baton round; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli settlers threw stones at a Palestinian family driving near the al-Mahkamah checkpoint, injuring 1 child and causing damage to the vehicle. Israeli settlers also stopped 1 Palestinian woman driving near Ramallah, smashing her window and stealing her bag. Israeli forces seized 1 bulldozer in Bidya. 16 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Salfit, Jenin, Ramallah, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian taxi driver with tools and sticks near the Mamilla Cemetery. Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces issued demolition notices for 9 Palestinian-owned homes in al-Bustan. In Haifa, around 3,000 Palestinian citizens of Israel marched with 164 coffins to protest the Israeli police’s failure to combat gun violence in their communities; the protest was attended by MK Ayman Odeh. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/31; PCHR 9/7; UNOCHA 9/11)

Adalah petitioned the Israeli High Court of Justice to intervene against legislation from July which prevents 1,500 prisoners, mainly Palestinians, from being released from Israeli prisons on 9/1. Adalah said the law, pushed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, “is another step up in the racist, sweeping and arbitrary measures against Palestinian prisoners.” (HA 8/31; WAFA 9/2)

In a televised ministerial meeting, Libyan prime minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh said that his government rejects “any form of normalization” with Israel, saying “[l]ong live Libya, long live Palestine, and long live the Palestinian cause in all of our hearts.” The remarks followed the suspension of the Libyan foreign minister on 8/27 after it was made public that she held a meeting with Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen in Rome last week. (AP, HA 8/31)

Former directors of the Shin Bet Yuval Diskin (2005-2011) and Ami Ayalon (1995-2000) urged U.S. president Joe Biden not to meet with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing the Israeli government’s effort to overhaul the judicial branch of government. (HA 8/31)

56 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 7 Democrats in the Senate led by Representative Andre Carson (D-IN) and Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VA) urged Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) and House Representative Michael McCaul (D-TX) to end their block on the dispersal of $75 million for UNRWA food program assistance in the West Bank and Gaza. (HA 8/31)

Israel summoned the Belgian ambassador for a reprimand after the Belgian minister for international development Caroline Ganz said “entire villages are being wiped off the map by the Israelis,” referring to the Palestinian villages where residents have fled during the summer due to Israeli settler attacks and Israeli military demolitions. (HA 8/31; WAFA 9/1)

The Forward reported that in his forthcoming book The Last Politician: Inside Joe Biden’s White House and the Struggle for America’s Future, Franklin Foer wrote that President Joe Biden had directed his national security advisors to “[s]mother [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu with love” during Israel’s May 2021 assault on Gaza. According to Foer, Biden refrained from criticizing Israel’s assault to build trust with Netanyahu. (HA 8/31)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided Balata refugee camp, injuring 7 with live ammunition and 85 with tear gas and demolished 1 home and the local headquarters of Fatah using explosives. Israeli forces demolished part of a Palestinian-owned home in Maon in the Masafer Yatta area. Elsewhere, Israeli forces issued stop-work orders for 3 houses and a water well near Yatta and a road in Khallet al-Mayah. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jenin, Nur Shams refugee camp, Balaa, Beit Fajjar, and Surda. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 2 Palestinian fishermen and seized their boat. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/16; PCHR 8/17; UNOCHA 8/28)

Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir toured the Ofer prison, saying his policy of “reducing as much as possible the indulgences for Hamas terrorists” was being implemented by the Israel Prison Service. (HA 8/17; WAFA 8/18)

Palestinians in Burqa petitioned the Israeli High Court of Justice through the human rights group Yesh Din to have the court cancel the transfer of the land the Homesh outpost sits on to the Samaria Regional Council, saying the legalization of the outpost will prevent Palestinian landowners from accessing their land. (HA 8/17)

Amnesty International issued a statement calling on Israel to release Walid Daqqa from prison so he can get treatment for his bone marrow cancer at a civilian hospital. (AI, WAFA 8/16)

The Biden administration sanctioned the environmental group Green Without Borders and its director Zuhair Subhi Nahla for allegedly allowing Hezbollah to use their sites near the Blue Line. (AP, HA 8/16)

UNIFIL said senior members of the Israeli and Lebanese militaries held a meeting at a UN position on the Blue Line to discuss the situation, including recent air and ground violations. (HA 8/16)

China donated $1 million for UNRWA educational programs in Gaza. (WAFA 8/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort toured Jericho. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 1 with a tear gas canister and others with tear gas. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Bani Na’im, Ya’bad, Jalamah, and Burqa. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Umm Tuba. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/2; PCHR 6/8; UNOCHA 6/18)

A Hamas official told Haaretz that Hamas and the PA are working together to pressure Gulf countries to continue funding the World Food Programme cash payments to 200,000 Palestinians in Gaza, which is set to be shut down this summer due to funding cuts. (HA 6/2; MDW 6/10)

Haaretz reported that Israel is allowing 6 settlement outposts to operate in the part of Masafer Yatta that Israel has designated a firing zone and where the Palestinian residents will be forcefully expelled. 3 of the outposts were built after the High Court of Justice ruling in May 2022 allowing the Israeli government to expel the more than 1,000 Palestinians. (HA 6/2; WAFA 6/3)

UNRWA commissioner-general Phillippe Lazzarini said that his agency only had secured $107 million in new contributions of the $300 million needed during a donor conference. UNRWA did not say who had provided the new funds. Lazzarini said before the conference that UNRWA needs $150 million to keep its services running until the end of 2023, $50 million to start 2024 without liabilities, $75 million to keep food programs in Gaza running and $30 million for cash distributions in Syria and Lebanon. (WAFA, WAFA 6/2; AJ, AP, WAFA, WAFA 6/3) 

Mexico upgraded the Palestinian representation in Mexico City to an embassy. (WAFA 6/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian-owned car and threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near ‘Urif. Israeli settlers also attacked Israeli forces that were pursuing the suspected arsonist, blocking the soldiers’ vehicle and pushing the soldiers. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at 2 schools and homes in Burqa. Israeli settlers also the slashed tires of Palestinian vehicles in Hebron. Israeli forces uprooted olive trees from a settlement farm after the Israeli Supreme Court ruled that the farmland belongs to Palestinian families. Some 40 Israeli settlers were detained during the razing of the land. Israeli forces also issued a demolition notice and a stop-work order for 2 homes in Birin. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 house in Shaab al-Butum and uprooted 100 olive and almond trees in Khillet al-Dabe in the Masafer Yatta area. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Husan, Bethlehem, Kafr Malik, Beit Sira, Tell, Nablus, Tulkarm, and Bidya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished parts of their own home in Isawiya. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/15; HA, HA, PCHR 2/16; UNOCHA 3/4)

The Knesset passed a law that allows the interior ministry to revoke the residency and citizenship of Palestinians in Israel who are convicted of terrorism and receive funding from the PA. If their citizenship and residency status is revoked, Israel can deport the Palestinian to the West Bank. (ALM, AP, HA, MEE, NYT, REU 2/15; AJ, GDN 2/16; MDW 2/20)

Reuters reported that the UN Security Council was considering a draft resolution written by the UAE in coordination with the PA to have the body condemn Israel’s settlement announcement from 2/12. The U.S. State Department called the draft resolution “unhelpful” but did not say if the U.S. would veto it. The vote is likely to take place on 2/20. (AX 2/14; REU 2/15; HA, REU 2/16; AP, HA 2/17)

An investigation by dozens of media outlets worldwide led by Forbidden Stories revealed that an Israeli company has been hired to meddle in election campaigns throughout the world. According to the company’s senior staff, the company has successfully meddled in 27 of 33 presidential-level campaigns it has been involved in, including in the 2022 Kenyan elections and the Nigerian elections in 2015. (GDN, HA, HA, HA 2/15; F24, HA, HA 2/16; GDN 2/17)

Japan announced an aid package to Palestine worth some $40 million, including support for UNRWA. (WAFA 2/15)

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

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

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

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

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

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort harassed students on their way to school in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, preventing some from reaching the school. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians and Israeli activists protesting a visit by Israeli president Isaac Herzog to Hebron (see below). Israeli forces also demolished water pipelines supplying Atuf with water. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Ramallah, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during late-night raids in Kaubar and al-Arroub refugee camp, and 1 near al-Jaba‘. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a house raid in Isawiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen northwest of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/28; PCHR 12/2)

President Herzog visited Hebron for a Hanukkah ceremony in al-Ibrahimi Mosque, drawing condemnation and protest from Palestinians and Israeli left-wing activists. The PA foreign ministry said that President Herzog was breaking international law and “embracing the settlement enterprise.” The religious advisor to PA president Mahmoud Abbas, Mahmoud Habbash, compared Herzog’s participation in the ceremony with that of Ariel Sharon visiting the Haram al-Sharif compound in 2000. The OIC, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Arab League also issued statements of condemnations criticizing the visit. (HA, MEE 11/26; AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA 11/28; +972, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA 11/29; ALM, MEMO 11/30)

The Israeli high court of justice denied Palestinian appeals against demolitions of 58 homes in Wadi Yasoul in Silwan, which would lead to the displacement of 725 Palestinians. (HA 11/28; WAFA 11/29; PCHR 12/2)

1 Palestinian prisoner held on administrative detention ended his hunger strike after Israel set a date for his release. The man had been hunger-striking for 49 days and was admitted to a prison hospital on 11/24 as his condition deteriorated. (WAFA 11/28)

President Abbas extended the COVID-19-related state of emergency for another 30 days. The state of emergency has been in effect since March 2020, when the pandemic hit Palestine. (WAFA 11/28)

Israel’s and the UK’s foreign ministers Yair Lapid and Liz Truss wrote an article in the Telegraph, saying the 2 countries will work together in preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons. Foreign Minister Lapid was in London meeting UK officials before heading to France for meetings on 11/29. The article was published 1 day before talks began in Vienna to revamp efforts to reenter a new Iran nuclear agreement. (DT, GDN, REU 11/28; AJ, DT, HA, JP, TOI 11/29)

Japan donated $10 million to the PA in support of its budget and Cyprus donated $113,000 to the UNRWA. (WAFA, WAFA 11/28; MEMO 11/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole 1 garbage truck belonging to the town council of Qusra. Israeli settlers also uprooted some 300 olive trees in al-Mazra‘a al-Garbieh. European diplomats partook in the olive harvest in Qusra, 1 of the Palestinian areas where Israeli settlers frequently attack Palestinians and their property. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Burin, Tell, Qabatiya, Beit Fajjar, and al-Khader. (MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/21; PCHR 10/28)

2 Israeli settlers, both minors, were indicted for partaking in an attack on Palestinians and their property in Khirbet al-Mufkara on 9/28. The younger of the 2, a 15-year-old, was charged with attempted assault and rioting that damaged property. The older, a 17-year-old, was charged with aggravated assault of a public servant, an Israeli soldier. Palestinian residents said that around 100 settlers raided the village for some 30 minutes. (HA 10/21)

Peace Now reported that Israeli settlers in Hebron had started construction of a new neighborhood that will include 31 housing units near the Old City. Israel’s Higher Planning Committee approved the building permits for the settlement expansion in 2017 but no construction had been allowed as Peace Now and the Hebron municipality sued to have the permits revoked. That petition was rejected recently. Peace Now said they would appeal to the Supreme Court. (PCN, TOI 10/21; WAFA 10/24)

It was reported by Turkish media that Turkey had arrested 15 people on 10/7 for spying on the country for Israel’s intelligence service Mossad. According to reporting, all 15 arrested were Arabs, with at least 7 said to be Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza. They had been monitored by Turkish intelligence for a year. (ALM, HA, HA, TOI 10/21; JP, MEMO 10/22; HA 10/25; HA 10/27)

The EU signed an agreement to contribute $105 million to the UNRWA budget. The agreement was made as the EU parliament voted to approve the EU’s continued support of UNRWA. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers burned Palestinian-owned olive trees and stole olive harvests between Jurish and Qusra. Israeli settlers also stole olive harvests from a Palestinian farmer near Kafr Qalil. Israeli forces delivered a demolition order for a house in Susiya and a stop-work order for a house in Laseefer, near Yatta. 15 Palestinians were arrested, including 11 during late-night raids in Hebron, Tulkarm, Seida, ‘Urif, Sa‘ir, Beit ‘Anan, Biddu, and al-Shuyukh, and 4 during the day in the vicinity of Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, some 70 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 2 Palestinians were arrested in al-Tur and Isawiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of al-Shuka. (MEE, MEE, WAFA, WAFA 10/5; MEMO 10/6; PCHR 10/7)

In Gaza, Palestinians protested outside of the UNRWA headquarters against the 2-year working plan signed between the U.S. state department and UNRWA. The agreement conditions U.S. aid on monitoring of UNRWA aid recipients’ affiliation with militant groups and monitoring of school curriculum. (AJ 10/5)

The Israeli supreme court proposed that 3 Palestinian families living in Sheikh Jarrah under the threat of eviction become “1st generation protected tenants” in their homes. The status would protect them and their families from being evicted by Israeli settlers for 3 generations. A 4th family was offered to become 2d-generation protected tenants. Under this scheme, which the supreme court calls a compromise, the families still have a chance to prove to the Israeli court that they have ownership rights. The families would have to pay $750 a year in rent to the Nahalat Shimon settler organization. Both the Palestinian families and the Israeli settler groups trying to evict the families have expressed opposition to the proposal from the supreme court. If the Palestinian families accept the “compromise,” they would have to pay Nahalat Shimon’s court and legal fees in the amount of $9,300. The settler organization and the Palestinian families were told to respond to the proposal by 11/2. The Palestinian families have been living in their homes since 1956, when the Jordanian government and the UN built 28 homes in Sheikh Jarrah for displaced Palestinians. (HA, HA, MEMO 10/5; ALM 10/12)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with president of the World Bank David Malpass in Ramallah. (WAFA 10/5)

The Czech Republic announced that it will buy an air defense system from the Israeli state-run company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. The deal is worth $630 million and will provide the Czech Republic with the Spyder system. (AJ 10/5; MEMO 10/6)

U.S. senator Rand Paul (R-KY) delayed a vote in the Senate on the $1 billion bill providing additional military aid to Israel, allegedly to replenish the Iron Dome missile defense system. The bill would have passed immediately if all 100 senators agreed to pass it. Instead, it will have to go through the formal process before it can be passed. (HA, HA 10/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians during a raid in Tayasir, injuring 2 with live ammunition, 1 with a rubber-coated bullet, and other suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces raided a printing company in Hebron, seizing 19 printing machines and closing the company indefinitely. Israeli forces also demolished 1 agricultural structure and 1 water tank near Qiffin and 1 commercial structure in Ya‘bad. 15 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Deir Abu Mash’al, Tubas, Qusra, and Beit Umar. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/18; PCHR 8/19)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with the head of Egypt’s general intelligence service Abbas Kamel in Ramallah. The readout from the meeting said that the 2 discussed bilateral relations. However, it is likely that the 2 also discussed the Egyptian mediation efforts to create a long-term ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. Egyptian security officials met with Israeli security officials earlier in the day in Cairo and Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett and Defense Minister Benny Gantz met with Kamel prior to his visit to Ramallah. Palestinian factions in Gaza said they would resume protests at the Gaza fence on 8/21 if no progress had been made in easing the restrictions imposed on the Gaza blockade after the May assault on Gaza and if Qatari aid continued to be stalled. During their meeting, Kamel invited Prime Minister Bennett to Cairo to meet Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. (ALM, AP, HA, HA, WAFA 8/18; ALM, HA, MEMO, MEMO 8/19)

The Israeli high court of justice rejected a petition by the family of Ahmad Erekat, who was killed by Israeli forces on 6/23/2020, to have his remains handed over to his family. According to Adalah, Israel is holding the bodies of 81 people killed by Israeli forces since 2015. (HA, WAFA 8/18; MEE 8/19)

Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett was invited to meet U.S. president Joe Biden at the White House on 8/26. (AP, AX, MEE, MEMO, REU, REU 8/18; HA, MEMO 8/20)

53 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives called on U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken to take a more proactive role in ensuring that humanitarian aid is able to reach Gaza, as Israel continues to keep additional restrictions on the blockade placed during the Israeli assault on Gaza in May. The representatives were led by Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI). (HA, MEE 8/19; ALM, WAFA 8/20)

Japan announced that it would contribute $3.7 million to the UNRWA during a visit by Japanese foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Ramallah. (WAFA 8/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces handed a demolition order for a Palestinian-owned house in al-Twana sheltering 10 people; 1 other resident in al-Twana received a stop-work order. Israeli forces also confiscated 1 Palestinian-owned bulldozer in Tulkarm. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah and Dura. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli supreme court ruled that 1 78-year-old man in Silwan could be evicted from his home after his landlord sold the house he was living in to the settler organization Elad. Israeli forces stormed the Bab al-Rahma area of the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces also delivered demolition notices for 1 mosque and the house of a Fatah official in Silwan. 2 Palestinian families started demolishing their own homes in Jabal Mukabir. In Gaza, Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian cancer patient at the Erez crossing as he was traveling to East Jerusalem for treatment. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 9/14; HA 9/15; PCHR 9/17)

The Israeli settler that in July 2015 burned the house of a Palestinian family, killing 1 18-month-old and his parents and severely burning 1 other child, was sentenced in an Israeli court to 3 life sentences. (GDN, REU 9/14; AJ 9/15; JP 9/16)

The Unified Palestinian Leadership for Popular Resistance, an umbrella organization formed on 9/3 after a meeting between the major Palestinian factions in Gaza and the West Bank, including Fatah and Hamas, declared 9/18 a day of mourning over the normalization agreements between the UAE, Bahrain, and Israel. (WAFA 9/14)

Ahead of the signing ceremony on 9/15 formalizing the UAE and Bahrain’s normalization with Israel, PA prime minister Mohmmad Shtayyeh condemned the deal, calling it “a dark day in the history of the Arab nation and of the Arab League,” and further stated that, “[t]omorrow the Arab peace initiative dies, as will the Arab consensus.” He also said that his government has recommended to PA president Mahmoud Abbas that the PA reevaluate its relations with the Arab League. (AJ, HA 9/14)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu landed in Washington D.C. ahead of the signing ceremony for the normalization deals with Bahrain and the UAE on 9/15. His delegation notably did not include his coalition partners defense minister Benny Gantz and foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi. A spokesperson for the Qatari foreign ministry ruled out that Qatar would normalize relations with Israel before peace is made between Israel and Palestine. (HA 9/14; AJ 9/15)

The EU donated $600,000 to UNRWA to help contain COVID-19 in UNRWA-run refugee camps. (WAFA 9/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 300 olive trees in al-Khadir. Settlers also wrote racist graffiti on walls of buildings and slashed the tires of 25 vehicles in al-Jib. Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians in al-‘Arub, causing tear-gas related injuries. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Qalqilya, Jenin, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israel struck targets in Gaza after a rocket was fired from Gaza toward Israel. No injuries were reported, but damage was reported. Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis, forcing farmers to leave. Israeli naval forces fired a water cannon at a Palestinian fisherman, causing damage to his boat. Israel also reduced the fishing zone to 6 nautical miles. 3 Palestinians were arrested after trying to enter Israel by the Gaza fence; all 3 were released on 12/20. (AJ, HA, HA WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/19; PCHR 12/26)

The Israeli high court of justice criticized Israeli police handling Palestinian complaints of destruction of their property. The court said the police’s handling of such complaints “is troubling, to say the least” and that in 1 case, “except for taking the Palestinian plaintiff’s statement, the police did virtually nothing.” (HA 12/20)

The United Arab Emirates announced a $25 million contribution to the UNRWA. (WAFA 12/19)

Israeli forces demolish 12 Palestinian homes in Qalandia r.c., sparking clashes with Palestinian protesters; there are no serious injuries. Israeli raids in Abu Dis and al-Am‘ari r.c. spark further clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians (3 Palestinians are injured). Late at night, they demolish 4 more Palestinian structures in Issawiyya and 1 under construction in Silwan, and arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Ras al-Amud. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Zabbuba village nr. Jenin, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents (there are no serious injuries). They arrest 4 more Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Hebron, Salfit, and Qalqilya. The IDF reopens a road nr. Bethlehem, having closed it in the wake of a shooting attack in the area on 7/21. Israeli forces begin constructing permanent cement rooms at the entrance to al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron; the press reports that the rooms will be used as a security inspection area. Meanwhile, the IDF maintains the general closure of Hebron and its surrounding district that it put in place on 7/1. (MNA 7/25; JP, MNA, WAFA 7/26; HA 7/27; PCHR 7/28)

UNRWA releases a statement expressing concern for the humanitarian effects of the IDF’s weeks-long crackdown on Hebron and the surrounding area. (MNA 7/25)

In response to a petition from Palestinian residents of Jerusalem, Israel’s High Court of Justice orders the police to explain why they are withholding the bodies of Palestinians killed while allegedly carrying out attacks on Israelis. The police are given 3 weeks to respond. (TOI 7/26)

In Gaza, hundreds of Palestinians gather outside the UNRWA office in Gaza City to protest the agency’s reduction of services. Off the n. coast, Israeli naval forces fire warning shots at Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night raids and searches in 1 village each nr. Nablus, Ramallah, and Salfit, confiscating property and arresting 2 Palestinians; patrol during the day in 1 village nr. Ramallah, 3 nr. Hebron, and Tulkarm. Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians allegedly selling fireworks in a village nr. Qalqilya claiming that they were to be used in attacks on IDF troops. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinians nr. Nablus, then Israeli forces intervene and arrest 1 Palestinian.

In East Jerusalem, stone-throwing Palestinian worshippers who spent the night in al-Aqsa Mosque clash with Israeli police at Haram al-Sharif; 10 Palestinians are injured and 6 are arrested. The Palestinians spent the night in the sanctuary in order to circumvent Israeli restrictions on their access today, a Jewish holiday. Later, around 850 Jewish visitors tour the sanctuary under an Israeli police escort. Clashes continue later in the day when as many as 150 Israeli special forces escort 70 right-wing Jewish activists on a tour of the sanctuary; 19 guards from the Islamic Waqf, 2 Palestinian journalists, and 4 Israeli police officers are injured, and 5 Palestinians are detained. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians on raids in Silwan. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 7/26; MNA 7/27; PCHR 7/30)

Israel’s High Court of Justice orders an immediate halt to the construction of 296 settler residences in the Beit El settlement and upholds its order for the demolition of 2 residential buildings in Beit El by the end of 7/2015. Meanwhile, Haaretz reports on an internal IDF document apparently showing that Palestinian residents of Susiya village nr. Hebron have legitimate ownership claims to their village’s land, which supports their efforts to stop the planned evacuation and demolition of their village. (HA, JP, MDW, TOI, WAFA 7/26; YA 7/27)

In the Gaza Strip, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) declares a state of emergency after heavy rains and flooding exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation. Egyptian authorities open the Rafah crossing for the 2d day in a row, but at limited capacity. Separately, unknown assailants fire shots in the direction of Israeli forces positioned along the border with e. Gaza, and IDF troops respond by firing a tank shell, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the Judea Military Court finds a Palestinian man guilty of planning to assassinate Israeli FM Avigdor Lieberman during OPE. Nr. Qalqilya, Israeli settlers attempt to kidnap a Palestinian youth, but his family intervenes. Nearby, Israeli settlers attack a Palestinian-owned car shop and injure the owner. IDF troops violently disperse a protest in Dayr ‘Ammar nr. Ramallah and injure 1 Palestinian with rubber-coated metal bullets. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, and Nablus; patrols nr. Hebron, Ramallah, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli soldiers beat and arrest a Palestinian youth nr. the Old City. (AKH, IMEMC, MNA, YA 11/27; HA, MNA 11/28; PCHR 12/4; OCHA 12/5)

Israel’s High Court of Justice decides to freeze the 11/20 demolition orders on the homes of the 2 Palestinian men who attacked a West Jerusalem synagogue on 11/18. (MNA 11/27)

Following Hamas official Abu Marzuq’s comments about the UN’s Gaza reconstruction plan on 11/26, another senior Hamas official says that the UN has amended its plan based on consultations with Hamas. (MNA 11/27)

The Israeli government issues tenders for 198 new settlement homes in Hebron and Efrata (Gush Etzion bloc). Meanwhile, the Jerusalem municipality approves the planned relocation of the National Defense College to the Mount of Olives. Also, Israeli NGO Peace Now says that approval for settlement plans jumped 300% in 2012, and that under Netanyahu’s premiership, 40% of construction starts in settlements were in settlements located outside of the so-called blocs that Israel intends to keep under a final-status agreement. (AP, JP, YA 1/16)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF fires warning shots at Palestinians scavenging for construction materials close to the border fence in the n. Gaza Strip, causing no injuries. In a separate incident, the IDF shells an open area 200 m from the border nr. Bureij, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, The IDF raids Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, opening fire on Palestinians with live ammunition, rubber-coated steel bullets, and tear-gas grenades, seriously wounding 1. The IDF says that Palestinian protesters threw stones and firebombs at the Separation Wall and Israeli forces. Palestinian news agencies report that the raid was in response to the Palestinians opening a hole in the bottom of the wall nr. Rachel’s Tomb. The IDF also demolishes sheep barns and sheds nr. Jericho; patrols in Tulkarm and 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Jericho at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Salfit at night. Meanwhile, an IDF investigation concludes that Israeli soldiers fired 80 bullets without justification when they mortally wounded a Palestinian man in al-Nabi Salih on 11/17 (he died on 11/19). Jewish settlers raze land nr. 2 separate settlements in the Jordan Valley and nr. Nablus in preparation for expansion. (MNA, WAFA 1/16; PCHR, PNN 1/17)

Israeli security forces dismantle Palestinian protest camp Bab al-Shams in the E1 zone nr. Jerusalem, after the Supreme Court authorizes the government to dismantle the site. Protesters were removed on 1/12, but the tents had remained. Separately, the High Court of Justice orders the state to refrain from evicting Palestinians from 8 villages in the s. Hebron Hills in an area the IDF has designated a firing zone for training. (REU 1/16; AFP, HA 1/17)

Dep. head of Hamas’s political bureau Musa Abu Marzuq says that the movement will not agree to dismantle the IQB as part of a prospective reconciliation deal with Fatah. He makes the comments in response to recent reports in al-Quds al-Arabi that Fatah is demanding Hamas dismantle its armed wing and integrate it into the PA security forces. (ToI 1/16)

The EU grants €100 m. to the PA and to UNRWA to provide essential services in the West Bank. Palestinian pres. Abbas announces that Saudi Arabia will give the struggling PA $100 m. to alleviate the PA’s financial crisis. (IMEMC, REU 1/16)

UN Sec. Council votes 14-1 to impose embargo on air traffic to and from Iraq and Kuwait. The sole "nay" vote is cast by Cuba [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 9/26; MET 10/9]; in hard-hitting speech at Gen. Assembly, Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze suggests Moscow would support military operation against Iraq if sanctions fail, and warns war may be imminent if Saddam does not leave Kuwait [WP 9/26; NYT 9/26, 9/27; MEM 9/26; CSM 9/27].

In 75-min. speech broadcast in its entirety on CNN (excerpts on major networks), Saddam tells American television audience that Iraq is the victim of conspiracies [INA 9/26 in FBIS 9/26; NYT, WP, WT, MEM 9/26].

U.S. House Appropriations Committee shelves Pres. Bush's request to cancel Egypt's military debt to U.S. after being told it faced certain defeat (cf. 9/30) [MEM 9/26].

After 4 days of talks in Teheran, Pres. Asad and Pres. Rafsanjani declare "full agreement" on opposition to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait [MEM 9/25; NYT 9/26].

Asad is credited with bringing Iran into anti-Iraq camp, persuading Iranian leadership to recast call to jihad against West as measure to be taken only if West stays on after Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait [NYT 10/11].

Saudi Arabia expels 12 more diplomats from Jordanian consulate and embassy; Jordan recalls its ambassador in protest [NYT 9/26].

Israel's Supreme Court rules army can raze Palestinian houses and shops around area where IDF soldier was killed on 9/20. Court says demolitions are urgent military need, and can proceed if homeowners are given compensation [WP, LAT, WT 9/26; FJ 10/6; MET 10/9].

After visit to Bureij refugee camp, UNRWA commissioner general expresses concern about demolition of houses and shops, says there is a disproportion between the 9/20 killing and Israel's response [JDS 9/26 in FBIS 9/27].

Israeli think tank Jafee Center issues annual report "Intemnational Terrorism 1989" attributing to Middle East groups only 8.9% of 406 incidents recorded; report states Fateh helped Western security agencies curb terror and that Palestinian attacks outside Israel declined sharply [MEM 9/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike is observed in most of the occupied territories [WP, NYT 2/17]. Occupied territories' civil administration lowers limit on amount of money that can be brought into W. Bank from Jordan [NYT 2/17]. Maj. Gen. Ehud Barak, Israel's deputy chief of staff and Def. Min. Rabin confirm soldiers buried 4 Palestinians alive 2/5 [WP 2/17]. Rabin announces his intention to establish military appeals court in occupied territories [CSM 2/17]. In Tel Aviv, 800 attend conference organized by Israeli intellectuals demanding Israeli government begin peace talks with Palestinians [NYT 2/18]. Israeli High Court upholds army order banning distribution of al-Quds newspaper in occupied territories [FJ 2/21]. Jewish settlers raid 'Azzah refugee camp near Bethlehem, shoot and wound 1 youth [FJ 2/21].

Arab World: UNRWA announces the suspension of all activities in Lebanon requiring intemational staff, and transfer of operations from Lebanon to Syria [FJ 2/21].

Other Countries: Israeli P.M. Shamir ends 2-day visit to Italy [WP 2/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli riot police halt bus carrying Palestinian high school students from Haifa to Umm al-Fahm; several students are beaten. At least 1 Palestinian is shot, wounded during clash with Israeli soldiers in Jenin. In Qabatiyyah, 2 Palestinians are shot, wounded when soldiers open fire on demonstrators [WP 2/17]. Army seizes 3 school buildings for military posts in Nablus [FJ 2/21]. Palestinian demonstrators bum tires and throw stones at entrance to Gush Qatif settlement in Gaza. In Rafah camp 4 are wounded in clash with soldiers [FJ 2/21]. In Sura and Majd villages, near Hebron, protesters bum Israeli buses. Soldiers use tear gas, rubber bullets to break up demonstration in Fawwar refugee camp, wounding 9. Protests are held in Jenin refugee camp, Duhayshah camp and Bani Na'im village [FJ 2/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus-area village of Burqa, Palestinian child dies of gunshot woundsuffered during demonstration 2/5 [NYT 2/8; FJ 2/14]. Dayr al-Balah youth dies in E. Jerusalem hospital from army-inflicted head injuries [WP 2/8]. General strike is observed throughout E. Jerusalem, W. Bank, and Gaza Strip. All government schools in E. Jerusalem are ordered closed [NYT 2/8]. Unanimous finding by Israeli High Court calls for creation of appeals court in Gaza Strip and W. Bank. Strike by Gaza's 300 Palestinian lawyers enters 6th week [NYT 2/9]. Palestinian youths riot in East Tapiot, Jewish neighborhood in E. Jerusalem, breaking windows, blockading streets, and fighting police. Police fire tear gas, rubber bullets to break up crowd [LAT 2/9].

Arab World: Iraqi Foreign Ministry official denies having direct contacts with Israeli officials during 1985 negotiations to build oil pipeline [WP 2/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Bayt Ummar, village north of Hebron, Israeli forces fire into crowd of stone throwers, killing 3, wounding at least 7. In nearby Bayt Fajjar, residents burn bus used to transport workers to Israel; at least 10 are wounded in clash between villagers and army. At least 1 is shot during demonstration in Halhul. In village of Jabal al-Mukabir, soldiers close off 2 roads after stone throwers attack Jewish houses. Police use military-delegated emergency powers to impose curfew on Jerusalem refugee camp after violent demonstrations in 4 E. Jerusalem neighborhoods [NYT, WP 2/8]. Violent demonstrations and clashes with police are reported in Jerusalem's Thuri quarter, 'Isawiyyah village, and nearby Silwan village. At least 9 are injured by police trying to disperse demonstrations. Shu'fat camp, north of Jerusalem, isordered under curfew after violent nightlong demonstration [FJ 2/14]. Military imposes curfews in Qalqiliyyah, 'Aqbat Jabir refugee camp, Tulkarm-area village of Hibla, Bayt 'Ur al-Tahta, and Kafr Malik after violent demonstrations. In Tulkarm, curfew is temporarily lifted to allow food distribution. Curfews continue in Nablus, old and new 'Askar camps, 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma', Tulkarm camp, Bani Na'im, 'A'idah camp, Jalazun camp, Am'ari camp, and 'Arrub camp [FJ 2/14]. Reports indicate 2 villagers are shot, killed: 1 during demonstration i Tulkarm, another in clash in Ayyub. Both demonstrations are instigated by rumors of settler attacks against Palestinians [WP 2/10]. UN officials report treating 37 residents of Jabalya refugee camp for beating injuries after army raid. At least 1 is shot, wounded in Khan Yunis [WP 2/8]. Soldiers conducting search for stone throwers in Burayj camp, seize youth, beat him, and leave him in orange grove; boy dies in hospital [LAT 2/9]. Arab World: PLO fighters surround house near 'Ayn al-Hilwah in S. Lebanon where gunmen are believed to be holding 2 UNRWA employees [LAT 2/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Labor Minister Moshe Katsav says workers from S. Lebanon and Europe will join Israeli high school students to replace Palestinian laborers. Education Minister Yitzhaq Navon orders mobilization of high school students to help harvest citrus crops [NYT 1/18]. Police Minister Chaim Bar-Lev denies Israeli police fired tear gas into mosques in 1/15 clash. UNRWA sends 8 trucks of food to wait at gates of refugee camps until army allows them to enter. UN Undersec. Gen. Marrack Goulding ends week-long visit [LAT 1/18]. Israeli High Court delays deportation of 4 Palestinians until after their appeals are heard [LAT 1/18; CSM 1/19]. Peace Now stages demonstration outside P. M. Shamir's office to begin week of activities protesting situation in occupied territories [FBIS 1/21]. Demonstration at UNRWA headquarters in Gaza City condemns occupation, demands UNRWA be allowed access to camps [FJ 1/24]. Military court orders Gaza attorney Raji al-Surani to pay IS 1,500 fine or spend 15 days in prison for refusing to defend a client [FJ 1/24].

Arab World: Amal leader Nabih Birri announces end of 3-year siege of W. Beirut's Burj al-Barajinah and Shatila refugee camps and S. Lebanon's Rashidiyyah camp [LAT 1/18].

Other Countries: In interview, PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat denies local leaders in occupied territories challenge his position, calls for UN peacekeeping force in W. Bank and Gaza Strip. Israeli Ambassador to the UN Benjamin Netanyahu said violence must be ended before talks begin, denies Israel is preventing food from reaching W. Bank and Gaza Strip [LAT 1/18].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel maintains round-the-clock curfews on all 8 Gaza Strip refugee camps, lifts all W. Bank curfews except in town of Salfit [LAT, NYT 1/18]. Soldiers teargas demonstrators outside Ramallah church. Youths stone soldiers breaking locks on Ramallah stores to force owners to open; at least 1 soldier is injured. Residents of al-Mazra'ah al-Sharqiyyah are prevented from leaving village for 10th straight day. Several are injured in Balatah when Israeli troops open fire on protesters. Demonstrators in Jalazun blockade roads, stone soldiers, attack Israeli central region commander [FJ 1/24].