The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to agricultural fields near Burin. Armed Israeli settlers also raided Arab al-Mleihat, intimidating Palestinians. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers also assaulted 2 Palestinians and attempted to set fire to their tent in Tuqu’. In East Jerusalem, Israel forced 1 Palestinian family to demolish their own home in Bayt Hanina. Off the coast, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of al-Sudaniyya and Rafah; no injuries were reported. In Tamra, Palestinian citizens of Israel protested the Israeli government’s failure to address the rising murder rate in Palestinian communities. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/29; PCHR 8/3; UNOCHA 8/11)

An unknown gunman tried to assassinate Mahmoud Khalil from al-Shabab al-Muslim, killing his companion in Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in Lebanon. (MEE 7/29; AJ, F24, GDN, HA, MEE, REU 7/30; ALM, BBC, MEE, NYT 7/31; MDW 8/2)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with members of the PFLP ahead of a reconciliation meeting of most Palestinian parties on 7/30 in Egypt. (HA 7/30)

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the U.S. and Canada adopted a resolution labelling Israel an apartheid state. (MDW 7/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians in al-Mufaqra. Israeli forces detained journalist Basel Adra, who was covering the attack, for several hours and confiscated his phone. Israeli settlers also assaulted 1 Palestinian man at the Otniel settlement before he was arrested by Israeli forces. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian home in Sebastia, before Israeli forces arrested 2 Palestinians defending the home. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting a raid in ‘Askar refugee camp, causing tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting house demolitions in Silwan. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/15; HA 7/16; PCHR 7/19; UNOCHA 7/29)

The Palestinian Water Authority said that the Israeli water company Mekorot had reduced the daily supply of water to Hebron and Bethlehem provinces to 6,000 cups. (WAFA 7/15; QDS 7/17)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was hospitalized after fainting and fitted with a heart monitor. Netanyahu was released on 7/16 and said he was hospitalized due to dehydration. (AJ, ALM, HA, NYT, REU, SKY 7/15; AJ, GDN, HA, NYT, REU 7/16; HA 7/17)

In Lebanon, a group of Lebanese people, reported to be MP Kasem Hashem and journalists, entered an area claimed by Israel on border of Lebanon and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights before being shot at by Israeli forces; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA 7/15)

Congressional Progressive Caucus leader Pramila Jayapal (D-CA) called Israel “a racist state” during a speech in Chicago. Later in a statement Jayapal clarified that she thinks the Netanyahu-led government is racist after criticism from Democratic leaders. (HA 7/15; WAFA 7/16; AX, HA, MDW, MEE 7/17; MDW 7/18)

In the West Bank, unidentified gunmen opened fire at an Israeli settler vehicle near Qalqilya. Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians with batons, pepper spray, and stone at a spring near Tubas. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a raid in Jericho. Israeli forces also leveled land and uprooted olive trees in Kafl Haris and razed an agricultural road in Zanuta. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters during a raid in Dheisheh refugee camp, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolished a water cistern serving 6 Palestinian families in al-Baqa’a. 16 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Jericho, Tulkarm, Hebron, Ramallah, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the home of Islamic Waqf Department deputy director Najeh Bkeirat in Sur Bahir, detaining him. Israeli forces also demolished a retaining wall in al-Tur and a pergola in Wadi al-Juz. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Silwan, damaging a house and causing tear-gas related injuries. (QDS, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/12; MEE, PCHR, WAFA 7/13; BTselem 7/19; UNOCHA 7/29)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas visited Jenin for the first time in 12 years, giving a speech in Jenin refugee camp. Abbas praised the steadfastness of the Jenin residents in light of Israel’s attacks. The visit followed Israel’s large-scale attack on Jenin refugee camp on 7/3 and 7/4. Around 1,000 PA troops secured the area for Abbas. Abbas also canceled a meeting with representatives of different Palestinian factions without giving a reason. (AJ, ALM, AN, AP, BBC, HA, MEE, NYT, QDS, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 7/12; MEE 7/13; MDW 7/14)

2 Israeli settlers, including an off-duty soldier, were charged with terrorism, 1 for vandalizing a mosque in ‘Urif and the other for placing a chair in front of the door of a Palestinian home in Umm Safa and setting the chair on fire. Both incidents occurred in June. (AJ, HA, REU, TOI 7/12)

In Lebanon, Israeli forces opened fire at people approaching the border fence to Israel near Metula; 3 members of Hezbollah were said to be injured. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, HA, MEE, REU 7/12; HA 7/13)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant visited Azerbaijan, discussing strategic, diplomatic, and security ties with President Ilham Aliyev, Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov, and other officials. (ALM 7/12; HA 7/13; ALM 7/14)

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) said she would not attend Israeli president Isaac Herzog’s address to Congress, citing Israel’s ban on Omar and representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) from entering Israel and Palestine in 2019, Israel’s increase in its killing of Palestinians in the West Bank, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement that he wants to crush Palestinians’ hope of statehood. Later on 7/13 and 7/14, Omar was joined in her boycott by Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and Cori Bush (D-MO). Omar and Bowman also boycotted a speech by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi in June. (AX, HA, HA, MEE 7/13; HA, MEE 7/14; HA 7/15; WAFA 7/16)

A U.S. national security council spokesperson said that “[t]here is no talk of some kind of formal reassessment. The United States and Israel share a special bond, and our enduring commitment to Israel’s security is ironclad.” The statement followed a New York Times column by Thomas Friedman, who said a U.S. reassessment of its ties to Israel was inevitable. (NYT 7/11; HA, HA 7/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Huwwara, injuring 1 and causing damage. Israeli settlers also vandalized citrus and almond trees and other property near Kafr ad-Dik. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man after he shot and killed an Israeli soldier near the Kedumim settlement, west of Jit. Hamas claimed responsibility for the killing of the soldier, citing Israel’s massive attack on Jenin on 7/3 and 7/4. Israeli forces also razed a road and seized a tent and a vehicle near Duma. Elsewhere, Israeli forces opened fire at a Palestinian vehicle traveling near Haris, causing damage. Israeli forces also demolished 2 residential structures in Wadi Abu Hindi, displacing 13 Palestinians. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ramallah, Kafr Ni’ma, Silat ad-Dhahr, Tura, Yatta, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan and al-Eizariya. (AJ 7/5; AJ, AP, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/6; UNOCHA 7/8; PCHR 7/13; UNOCHA 7/29)

The Jerusalem District Court acquitted an Israeli police officer for the killing of the 32-year-old autistic Palestinian man Eyad al-Hallaq who was shot and killed in East Jerusalem on 5/30/2020. Al-Hallaq’s parents called the acquittal a “disgrace.” The police officer was subsequently reinstated and send on a commanders’ course. The police officer ignored al-Hallaq’s counselor who told him that al-Hallaq had special needs. After the acquittal, Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was filmed calling al-Hallaq’s mother a terrorist when she confronted him outside of the court. Ben-Gvir also referred to the police officer as a hero. (AJ, AP, GDN, HA, MEE, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA 7/6; MDW 7/7; HA 7/8)

The Jenin Brigades issued a statement saying “[i]t is heart-breaking that we are being fatally stabbed in the back by our own people, the PA security services, which committed an act on Tuesday that no fighter or defender of this land would accept,” referring to a PA arrest of 2 Palestinians who were wanted by Israel. (MDW 7/6)

The UAE said it would donate $15 million to UNRWA and Algeria said it would donate $30 million to the PA to help rebuilt Jenin refugee camp after the 2-day long Israeli invasion of the camp on 7/4 and 7/5, which caused wide-spread damage to Palestinian property. (ALM, AP, HA, WAFA 7/6; HA, NA 7/8)

In Lebanon, 2 rockets were fired at Israel without causing damage and Israel subsequently fired 15 artillery shells at Kfarchouba. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, MEE, REU 7/6)

New Hampshire governor Chris Sununu signed an anti-BDS executive order barring the state from investing in companies that boycott Israel. The executive order was signed at a ceremony attended by Israeli ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan. (MDW, MEE 7/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up tents on land near Deir Sharaf. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Duma, injuring 2 Palestinians and damaging a car. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinians with pepper spray near Jamma’in, injuring 1. Israeli forces uprooted 70 olive trees in Khallet al-Qutun near Tuqu’. Israeli forces also leveled land near Qaryut in preparation for settlement expansion. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the home of 16 Palestinians who had previously been imprisoned by Israel, seizing cash, several vehicles, and jewelry, claiming that the Palestinians had received payments from the PA. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/26; PCHR 7/6; UNOCHA 7/8)

The Israeli military alleged that a rocket was launched from the Jenin area at Israel before exploding within the West Bank, causing neither damage nor injuries. (HA, JP, TOI 6/26)

An Israeli parole board denied an early release petition for Palestinian prisoner Walid Daqqa, who the Israeli prison service acknowledge is terminally ill with cancer. Daqqa, who has been imprisoned by Israel for 39 years, has already completed his original sentence but was sentenced to an additional 2 years for allegedly helping smuggling cellphones into prison. (WAFA 6/26; HA 6/27)

In Lebanon, 1 Israeli drone was shot down by Hezbollah militants near Zibqin. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, REU 6/26)

The Israeli Higher Planning Council approved 5,700 settlement housing units and retroactively approved the Palegi Maim, HaYovel, and Nof Harim settlement outposts. 818 housing units received final validation including 359 in Elkana, 381 in Revava, 29 in Givat Ze’ev, 42 in Carmiel, and 7 in Hermesh. 4,915 housing units were approved for deposit, including 1,563 in Eli, 98 in Ariel, 714 in Givat Ze’ev, 340 in Ma ‘ale Adumim, 312 in Beitar Ilit, 310 in Adora, 264 in Etz Efraim, 152 in Ma ‘ale Amos, 78 in Asfar, and 754 in the 3 settlement outposts. Peace Now reported that more than 13,000 housing units had been approved in the first half of 2023. The French foreign ministry and the UN issued a statement condemning the settlement approval and the recent Israeli settler violence. The U.S. said it was “deeply troubled by Israel’s decision.” (HA 6/25; AJ, ALM, ALM, AP, BBC, HA, HA, PCN, REU, WAFA, WAFA 6/26; WAFA 6/27; UN 6/28; NYT 6/29)

The Palestinian Legislative Council in Gaza announced that it had filed a complaint against Israel with the ICC over the Israeli blockade of Gaza. (MDW 6/29)

Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had told a Knesset committee that his government is ready to help the PA financially to prevent it from collapsing but that the Palestinian “ambitions for the establishment of a state must be eliminated.” (NA, QDS 6/26; MEMO 6/27; QDS 6/29)

The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs counted 570 Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians and Palestinian property between 1 January and 26 June, raising the number of attacks counted by the UN from 71 in 2022 to 95 incidents in the first half of 2023. (HA 7/1)

The Taub Center for Israel Studies at New York University made available documents from the Israeli archives showing that the Israeli military poisoned Palestinian land around Aqraba in 1972 to ensure that Palestinians could not cultivate the land as Israel established the Gitit settlement on land confiscated from the town’s residents. The Israeli military estimated that they had caused property loss from the spraying of the land amounting to $25,000. (HA 6/23)

In the West Bank, 1 unidentified person shot and injured 1 Israeli settler and 4 Israeli soldiers near Ya’bad. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian and injured 8 others during a raid in Balata refugee camp. Israeli forces also demolished a car scrap yard in Ein ad-Duyuk al-Tahta. Elsewhere, Israeli forces issued notifications that it will seize 70 dunams (17.3 acres) of land in Azzun ‘Atma and Masha. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ya’bad, Dheisheh refugee camp, ad-Doha, Askar refugee camp, and Seida. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 car wash shop in Shu’fat. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jabel Mukaber and Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian fisherman with a baton round west of al-Sudaniyya. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/13; PCHR, WAFA 6/14; PCHR 6/15; UNOCHA 6/18; UNOCHA 7/8)

Israel’s military advocate general said that the soldiers responsible for the death of Palestinian American Omar As’ad on 1/12/22 will not be criminally prosecuted. 78-year-old As’ad died of heart failure after being arbitrarily detained and left on his stomach on the floor in a yard of an abandoned house while handcuffed, blindfolded, and gagged. The U.S. State Department said on 6/14 that it is seeking more information from Israel about the decision not to charge the soldiers. (AP, HA, REU 6/13; AJ, AJ, AP, BBC, HA, MDW, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA 6/14)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas began his 4-day official visit to China. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA 6/13)

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill creating an ambassador-level position at the State Department focused on creating normalization deals for Israel. The bill, which passed 413-13, was co-sponsored by Democrat Ritchie Torres (D-NY) and Republican Mike Lawler (R-NY). (HA 6/13; MDW 6/14)

The Lebanese parliament failed to elect a president for the 12th time. Lebanon has not had a president since Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022. (AJ, AP, HA 6/14)

Amnesty International released a report on the Israeli attacks on Gaza between May 9 and May 13, calling on the ICC “to consider the applicability of the crime against humanity of apartheid within its current formal investigation.” Amnesty found that 31 Palestinians had been killed, including in unlawful killings and possible war crimes. Amnesty also found that 3 Palestinians in Gaza were possibly killed by rockets misfired by Palestinian armed groups. (AI 6/13; MEE 6/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man at the Rantis checkpoint, claiming he had tried to take a weapon from an Israeli soldier after his car was stopped at the checkpoint. Israeli forces also tased and injured 1 Palestinian woman near Huwwara, claiming that she had tried to stab an Israeli soldier. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a funeral procession in Beit Umar, injuring 2 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 15 with tear gas. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Nabi Salih, Beita, and Zweidin. (AJ, AP, HA, QDS, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/9; PCHR 6/15; UNOCHA 6/18)

The Higher Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel called for a general strike on 6/9 and 6/10 over the continuing rise in homicide rates among Palestinian citizens of Israel, blaming Israeli police inaction. (QDS, WAFA 6/9)

Axios reported that the Israeli government had decided to postpone discussions on settlement construction in the E1 area of the West Bank. Discussions were scheduled to take place next week. According to the reporting, both the U.S. and European countries have expressed concern about the plans to the Israeli government. (AX 6/9; MEE 6/10; JP 6/12)

In South Lebanon, Israeli forces violently dispersed Lebanese protesters demonstrating against Israeli constructing of a barrier near the border between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Lebanon south of Kfar Chouba. UNIFIL soldiers later intervened to help remove the Lebanese protesters. (AP, HA 6/9)

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that PA president Mahmoud Abbas will meet President Xi Jinping during a state visit on 6/13-6/16. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 6/9; JP 6/10; GDN, WAFA 6/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort raided al-Mazra’a al-Gharbiya, vandalizing property. Israeli settlers also erected vending stalls on a highway near al-Farisiya. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers stole 14 Palestinian-owned sheep in Kafr ad-Dik. Israeli forces issued demolition notices for a residential structure near Tubas and 3 homes in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition during a raid in Kafr Dan; 4 were arrested. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 6 Palestinians during a raid in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound; some settlers were seen openly praying on the compound. In Umm al-Fahm, Israeli authorities demolished several Palestinian-owned agricultural structures. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/7; PCHR, WAFA 6/8; UNOCHA 6/18)

An Israeli bulldozer nearly plowed into a Lebanese protester before UNIFIL soldiers convinced the Israeli soldier manning to bulldozer to move back. Israeli forces have been working on constructing a barrier in the area south of Kfar Chouba near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. (AP, HA 6/9)

Fatah deputy chairperson Mahmud Aloul told reporters that Fatah’s decline in popularity is linked to the party’s inability to deliver on promises made when Fatah adopted a peaceful resistance. Aloul also said he would not seek to succeed Mahmoud Abbas as Fatah chairperson, saying the party needs someone from the younger generation. (ALM, QDS 6/7; ALM 6/10)

U.S. special representative for Palestinian affairs Hady Amr met with members of the family of the 2-year-old boy Israeli forces shot on 6/1 and who succumbed to his wounds on 6/5. On 6/6, Amr’s office called on the Israeli government to “evaluate all use of deadly force that involves civilian casualties.” Amr also met with PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh. (TOI, WAFA 6/7; WAFA 6/8)

Israeli national security advisor Tzachi Hanegbi met with Moroccan officials, including Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, in Rabat, discussing possible Israeli recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. In return for recognition of sovereignty Morocco is reportedly willing to upgrade the 2 countries’ diplomatic missions to embassies and enter a free-trade agreement. (ALM, HA, MEE, REU, TOI 6/7; HA, MEE, REU 6/8; ALM 6/10; HA 6/11)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken met with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah. According to a U.S. official, the 2 discussed Israel normalization, Yemen, Sudan, and human rights. Blinken also met with Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan and GCC ministers at a GCC ministerial meeting in Riyadh. The GCC nations and the U.S. issued a joint statement after the meeting calling for a “2-state solution along 1967 borders with mutually agreed swaps consistent with internationally recognized parameters and the Arab Peace Initiative.” Iran reopened its embassy in Riyadh and bin Salman met with Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro a day prior to Blinken’s meetings. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU, TOI 6/7; DoS, NYT, REU 6/8; NYT 6/10)

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 blocked a road south of Jenin and threw stones at Palestinian vehicles, causing damage. Israeli settlers also vandalized heavy machinery in Madama. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raided Burqa, throwing stones at Palestinian homes. Israeli forces seized a vehicle, an electric transformer, and a forklift used by Aqraba municipal workers to rehabilitate and clean a water spring. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli municipal workers demolished commercial structures in Wadi Qaddum. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/31; PCHR 6/1; UNOCHA 6/18)

In Lebanon, 5 members of the PFLP-GC were killed and 10 others injured in an explosion in Qusaya. The PFLP-GC said that an Israeli airstrike had killed the 5 members while Israel denied having carried out the attack. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, MEE, REU 5/31; BBC, HA 6/1)

Palestinian citizens of Israel began a 3-day sit-in protest outside of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office calling on the Israeli police to ensure the safety of Palestinian citizens as the murder rate in Palestinian towns and cities continued to rise. (MEE 5/31) 

An Israeli parole committee in Ramle prison said it could not determine if Palestinian prisoner Walid Daqqa was eligible for parole and decided to refer the question to a different committee. The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society called the decision tantamount to killing him given Daqqa’s bone marrow cancer. (WAFA 5/31; MDW 6/4)

4 Israeli soldiers were arrested for assaulting 1 Palestinian man after arresting him in Deir Abu Mash‘al on 5/27. (HA 5/31)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh and Egyptian prime minister Moustafa Madbouly signed a number of agreements to further cooperation between the 2 countries in Cairo. (WAFA, WAFA 5/31)

U.S. assistant secretary of state for near eastern affairs Barbara Leaf told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Middle East subcommittee that there is “a lot of misreporting and hyperventilation in the press” regarding potential normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Leaf also said that it “is an end goal” for the U.S. to facilitate normalization. (HA, HA 5/31; MEE 6/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers damaged 5 dunams (1.25 acres) of wheat crops with pesticides in Beit Umar. Israeli settlers also razed land in Burqa, near the Homesh settlement outpost. Initially the Israeli military prevented the work from being carried out, but stopped intervening on the orders of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Israeli forces shot and injured 13 Palestinians with live ammunition and arrested 14 during raids in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, where at least 50 Palestinian homes were raided, including the home of the Jericho governor Jihad Abu al-Assal. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting a raid in Beit Umar, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces issued stop-work orders for 17 structures in Aqraba. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. (HA, HA, QDS, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/25; PCHR 6/1; MEE 6/4; UNOCHA 6/2)

Israel said it had downed a drone crossing from Lebanese airspace. (REU 5/25)

U.S. president Joe Biden released a 60-page document on how his administration seeks to combat anti-Semitism. It was feared that the document would adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism. However, the highly controversial definition was only mentioned as being “embraced” by the administration. The IHRA definition is used to stifle criticism of Israel by conflating anti-Semitism with criticism of Israel. (HA, HA 5/25; AP, MEE 5/26; MDW 6/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3, including 1 minor, with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 40 with tear gas. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 who also had their vehicle seized near Ya’bad and 1 during a house raid in Balata refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, some 130,000 Muslim worshipers attended the last Friday noon prayer of Ramadan at the Haram al-Sharif compound. (HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/14; UNOCHA 4/20; PCHR 4/27)

Saudi Arabia hosted a meeting of the foreign ministers of Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait to discuss allowing Syria to return to the Arab League. It was reported that no consensus was reached on the issue. The ministers also discussed the Palestinian issue. (AJ 4/14; AP, HA, MEE, WAFA 4/15; REU 4/16)

The Wall Street Journal reported, based on anonymous sources, that the rockets launched at Israel from Lebanon on 4/6 were launched by Shi’ite forces in coordination with the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force Esmail Qaani, Hamas leaders Saleh al-Arouri and Ismail Haniyeh, and Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah. (HA, WSJ 4/14; HA 4/16)

In the West Bank, thousands of Israeli settlers, including 7 cabinet ministers, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich among them, and several MKs marched to the Evyatar settlement outpost. 22 Palestinians protesting the march were injured by baton rounds fired by Israeli forces, while more than 100 suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli settlers also threw stones at vehicles near al-Khader, Bethlehem, and al-Bireh and threw stones at commercial structures in al-Khader. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor during a raid in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, 3 were injured, including 2 by live ammunition, and 5 were arrested. A video of the incident showed the minor running away from Israeli soldiers when he was shot in the back. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided al-Ein refugee camp, injuring 2 with live ammunition and 10 with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians in Beit Umar, causing tear-gas related injuries and damage to 1 vehicle. In East Jerusalem, some 1,500 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. (AJ, ALM, GDN, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/10; AJ, AP, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 4/11; PCHR 4/13 MDW 4/14; UNOCHA 4/20)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a press conference that he had rescinded his firing of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on 3/26. Gallant had continued to act as the defense minister despite his dismissal. Netanyahu also criticized the former Israeli government for its deal with Lebanon to demark the maritime borders between the 2 countries. (AP, AX, MEE, REU 4/10; HA 4/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided ‘Ain al-Hilweh, causing damage to Palestinian property, including solar cells. Israeli settlers also vandalized nearly 180 grape vine saplings near Bethlehem. Israeli forces raided Ras Karkar, injuring 2 Palestinians with live ammunition, including a minor. In East Jerusalem, hundreds of Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. (HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/9; PCHR 4/13; UNOCHA 4/20)

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh met with Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon. (ALM 4/6; HA, MEMO 4/9)

The militant group Lion’s Den announced it had executed a Palestinian resident of Nablus on 4/8 who the organization said had collaborated with the Shin Bet, leading to the Israeli assassination of 1 of their members. In a video released prior to the execution, the man said that the Shin Bet extorted him to collaborate using his sexual orientation against him. (HA, PCHR 4/9; HA 4/12; ALM 4/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinian shepherds near Kisan, causing injuries. Israeli settlers from the Mitzpe Yair settlement outpost killed 10 Palestinian-owned sheep in the Masafer Yatta area. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near al-Bireh, injuring 4 Palestinians and causing damage. Israeli settlers also raided Deir Balut, throwing stones at Palestinian homes and vehicles, causing damage. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man during a raid in ‘Azzun. Israeli forces also raided al-Arroub refugee camp, injuring 1 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. In Tel Aviv, thousands of Israelis protested against the Israeli government for the fourteenth  Saturday in a row. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/8; WAFA 4/9; ; HA 4/10; PCHR 4/13; UNOCHA 4/20)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant extended the closure of West Bank and Gaza crossings until the evening of 4/12, citing the killing of 3 Israelis and 1 foreigner on 4/7. Palestinians with special permits for access to the Haram al-Sharif compound and for work in Israel were also affected by the closure. Gallant also ordered Israeli soldiers to assist Israeli police in central Israel. (HA 4/8)

In Syria, 6 rockets were fired from Syria at the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights; no damage was reported. Israel subsequently fired artillery and used drones to attack areas in Syria, causing damage. (HA 4/8; AJ, AJ, AP, BBC, REU, REU 4/9; AJ 4/10)

Lebanese prime minister Najib Mikati said that his government will file a complaint with the UN secretary general and the UN Security Council over the Israeli attacks on Lebanon on 4/6. Mikati also said that the Lebanese military’s investigation into the firing of rockets from Lebanon concluded that it was not carried out by a particular organization. (WAFA 4/8; HA 4/9)

A leaked memo from the U.S. Defense Department claimed that the Mossad had advocated for its officials and other Israelis to protest against the Israeli government’s judicial reforms. The Israeli government denied the reports. (NYT 4/8; AJ, HA, REU 4/9; HA 4/10; AX 4/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition during a raid in Husan. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Arroub refugee camp, injuring 1 with live ammunition. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, 6 rockets were launched at Israel from Gaza; no damage was reported. Israeli forces conducted airstrikes near Nuseirat refugee camp, causing damage. In Kafr Qassim, Israelis burned 2 Palestinian-owned cars and sprayed hateful graffiti. Israeli police also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the Israeli raids on the Haram al-Sharif compound on 4/4 and 4/5 in Umm al-Fahm, Haifa, Nazareth, Kafr Kanna, and Arraba; 4 were arrested in Umm al-Fahm. In Lebanon, rockets and mortar shells were launched at Israel; no damage was reported. Israeli forces conduct airstrikes in Lebanon, causing damage near Rashidieh refugee camp and al-Kalila. (AJ, HA 4/5; AJ, AJ, ALM, HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/6; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AX, AX, HA, HA, MDW, REU, WAFA 4/7; PCHR 4/13; AP 4/14; UNOCHA 4/20)

The Qatari Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, saying Israel caused the escalation with its attacks on the Haram al-Sharif compound. It was reported that France was seeking to mediate between Lebanon and Israel while Egypt was in talks with Hamas and Israel to deescalate the situation. (AJ, HA, HA 4/7)

The U.S. prevented a UN Security Council statement condemning the rockets fired between Israel and Lebanon upon request by the Israeli government. (HA, MDW, WAFA 4/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor approaching the separation wall near Faqqua. Israeli forces also shot and injured 3 Palestinians during a raid in Ni’lin, and injured others with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a raid in Nabi Salih. Israeli forces also demolished 2 residential structures in az-Za’ayyyem, displacing 11. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assaulted 1 Palestinian in the Old City. Israeli forces also assaulted several Palestinians in Jabel Mukaber. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Sur Baher. In Gaza, 1 rocket was launched at Israel, landing in an open area; no damage was reported. Israeli forces also opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of al-Qarara, Dayr al-Balah, and Jabaliya. In Tel Aviv, hundreds of thousands of Israelis protested against the Israeli government for the eleventh Saturday in a row. (AP, AP, HA, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/18; UNOCHA 3/19; PCHR 3/23; UNOCHA 3/31)

Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah met with senior members of Hamas, including its deputy political leader Saleh al-Arouri, in Lebanon. (HA, MEMO 3/19)

VICE released their own investigation into the death of Walid al-Sharif, who was shot on 4/22/2022 at the Haram al-Sharif compound, concluding that he died of a baton round to the head fired by Israeli forces. Israeli authorities had maintained that the 23-year-old had died because he fell while running from Israeli forces. Sharif fell into a coma after being hit by the baton round and died on 5/14/2022. The VICE investigation was based on video analysis with help from Forensic Architecture. (VICE 3/18; HA 3/19)

In the West Bank, Palestinians in the Jenin district observed a general strike in protest against the Israeli raid on 3/16 which killed 4 Palestinians and injured 23 others in Jenin refugee camp. Israeli settlers vandalized some 50 olive trees in Husan. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man near al-Bireh, claiming that he had a knife in his hand. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beit Umar, injuring 3 with live ammunition, 1 with a baton round, and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Lubban al-Gharbi, injuring 1 with concussion grenade shrapnel and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan and Kafr Qaddum, injuring 10 with tear gas in Bayt Dajan and 8 with baton rounds and others with tear gas in Kafr Qaddum. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces closed large parts of Sheikh Jarrah and the Old City for a settler marathon in the city. (AP, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/17; AJ 3/18; PCHR 3/23; UNOCHA 3/31)

Israel returned the body of a Palestinian man killed by Israeli forces on 3/23/2020 to his family. (WAFA 3/17)

Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah met with Islamic Jihad leader Ziyad al-Nakhalah in Lebanon. (HA, MEMO 3/19)

2 Israeli teenagers were indicted on terrorism charges for throwing Molotov cocktails at the Sidna Ali Mosque in Herzliya at the end of January earlier this year. (HA 3/17)

In the West Bank, 18 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Tarqumiyah, Dura, Bayt Kahel, Aida refugee camp, Nahalin, Nur Shams refugee camp, Nablus, al-‘Awja, and Ramallah. In Israel, a bomb explosion on a road near the Megiddo prison injured 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel traveling in his car. Israeli media reported that the bomb was planted by a person who had crossed from Lebanon into Israel during the weekend. A suspect was shot and killed later near Kibbutz Adamit. (WAFA 3/13; HA 3/14; HA, AJ, AP, BBC, HA, MEE, NYT, REU 3/15; PCHR 3/16; ALM 3/17; UNOCHA 3/19)

Representatives from 23 EU countries, the UK, and Norway visited Palestinians under threat of displacement due to planned Israeli demolitions in Sheikh Jarrah, Silwan, and the Old City. (WAFA 3/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian minor near the Kiryat Arba settlement in Hebron, causing hospitalization. Israeli forces assaulted 2 Palestinian minors near Kisan. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bruqin, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered stop-work notices for 2 houses under construction in Hamsa. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 1 Palestinian family demolished parts of their own home in Silwan. 3 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City and in Silwan. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/20; PCHR 11/24; UNOCHA 11/25)

It was reported that Israeli forces in the Jenin area had distributed leaflets to Palestinian residents warning them against attempting to cross the separation wall, saying “If you cross the fence, fire will be opened directly at you . . . We promise you that we will hurt you and will hold you accountable if you make any mistake!” The Israeli military said that it had not approved the language in the leaflets. (HA 11/20)

PA President Mahmoud Abbas met the leaders of Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Algeria, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, the UN and FIFA at the sidelines of the World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar. (WAFA 11/20; WAFA 11/21)

In the West Bank, 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Turmus ‘Ayya, Jalazun refugee camp, Ramon, Nablus, and Tubas. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Silwan. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 11/8; PCHR 11/10; UNOCHA 11/25)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh attended the COP27 climate summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. At the sidelines of the summit Prime Minister Shtayyeh attended a meeting with Israeli environmental protection minister Tamer Zandberg, Lebanese prime minister Najib Mikati, Iraqi president Abdul Latif Rashid, and officials from Oman and Jordan and other countries in the Middle East. Israel and Jordan also signed a memorandum of understanding to continue work on an agreement made in November 2021 to exchange water, provided by Israel, for energy provided by Jordanian solar farms. (HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA 11/8)

A convoy of 15 trucks carrying fuel from Iraq to Syria was attacked in an air strike after entering Syria, killing 10 people. The attack was attributed to Israel. (HA 11/9; AP 12/14)

In an interview with Kan, U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides said that he will see how the next right-wing government speaks and acts before taking a position on the possibility of the Otzma Yehudit party forming part of the government. Ambassador Nides also said "[t]his is a country that is a democracy with elected leadership and I intend to work with them." The White House is reportingly considering not engaging with the Itamer Ben-Gvir-led Otzma Yehudit. (HA 11/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 2 Palestinians in Kafr ad-Dik, causing hospitalization. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Huwwara. Israeli forces handed temporary eviction notices to 2 Palestinian families, ordering them to leave their land for 3 days from 11/1 and for 10 hours on 11/9 while Israeli forces conducted military drills in Khirbet Humsa. Israeli forces also handed punitive demolition notices in Kafr Dan to 2 families who are relatives of 2 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces on 9/14. 37 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Tulkarm, Abud, ‘Anata, Biddu, Dheisheh refugee camp, Beit Umar, Surif, Iraq al-Tayeh, Nablus, al-Yamun, Jenin, al-Jiftlik, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in al-Tur, demanding the release of the body of a Palestinian killed by Israeli forces on 9/22. 3 Palestinians were arrested in Bayt Hanina and Jabel Mukaber. (MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/27; MEMO 10/28; PCHR 11/3; UNOCHA 11/13)

Israel said it had eased the collective punishment restrictions imposed on Nablus and that it will remove some of the checkpoints that were set up 2 weeks ago. (HA 10/28)

Lebanon and Israel officially signed their maritime border demarcation agreement. Lebanese president Michel Aoun and Hezbollah secretary general Hassan Nasrallah both praised the agreement, saying that it does not signify a move towards normalization with Israel. The agreement provides Lebanon with the vast majority of potential profits from the Qana gas field and Israel all the profits from the Karish gas field. Energean, the company licensed to operate the Karish gas field, said it began production at Karish on 10/26. (AJ, HA, REU 10/26; AJ, ALM, AP, AX, BBC, HA, MEMO, MEMO, REU, REU, REU, REU 10/27)

Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz met with Türkiye president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and defense minister Hulusi Akar in Ankara. Defense Minister Gantz said that the 2 sides had decided to resume defense cooperation. (AJ, ALM, AP, AX, HA, REU 10/27)

20 Democratic members of the U.S. house of representatives signed a letter, circulated by representative Don Beyer (D-VA), to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken saying that Israel should not be included in the U.S. visa waiver program due to its ethic discrimination and racial profiling. (HA 10/28; MEE 10/31)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian shot on 10/15 in Qarawat Bani Hassan succumbed to his injuries. Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Qiffin. Israeli settlers also vandalized solar panels in al-Farisiyya. in Tell. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized a Palestinian school in ‘Urif, igniting a fire and smashing windows with stones. Israeli forces demolished 1 residential structure in Tell. In East Jerusalem, some 250 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. (HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/16; PCHR 10/20; UNOCHA 11/1)

Israel closed the crossings to the West Bank and Gaza from 4 P.M. to 10/17 at 11.59 P.M. for the Jewish Sukkot holiday. (HA 10/7)

As collective punishment, Israel denied entry permits to 164 Palestinians related to people Israel perceives to be part of the Lion’s Den militia in Nablus. In the announcement, Israel touted that it had revoked entry permits this year for 2,500 Palestinians who are related to persons Israel considers militant. (HA, JP, TOI 10/16)

Israel charged 2 Palestinian citizens of Israel with cooperating with Hamas. (HA 10/16)

Lebanon reported that it had complained to the UN of 4 instances where Israeli naval forces have made incursions into Lebanese territorial waters, as demarked by the Israeli-Lebanese maritime agreement signed earlier this week. Israel denied that it had crossed into Lebanese territory. (HA, REU 10/16)

In the West Bank, dozens of Israeli settlers escorted by Israeli forces stormed Huwwara, attacking Palestinians, stores, and vehicles; 53 Palestinians were injured and 6 were arrested. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian vendors selling produce in Bardala, damaging their products. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Dura, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian man during a raid in Aqabat Jabr refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a funeral procession for a Palestinian minor killed on 10/12 in al-Arroub refugee camp, causing tear gas related injuries. Israeli forces also shot and injured 2 Palestinians with baton rounds during a raid in Kafr Dan, tear-gas related injuries were also reported. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in ‘Anata, Dheisheh refugee camp, Bethlehem, Hebron, Qalandia refugee camp, and Kafr Dan. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers stormed the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians; 20 Palestinians and 2 settlers were injured. Dozens of Palestinian-owned vehicles were vandalized and 5 Palestinians were arrested. MK Itamar Ben-Gvir joined the settlers brandishing guns and threatening to shoot Palestinians. Israeli settlers also toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Sur Baher, displacing 3. 13 Palestinians were arrested in Isawiya and al-Thuri. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired tear gas at al-Bureij refugee camp near a school, causing tear-gas related injuries among students and staff. (ABC, AP, HA, HA, MEE, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WP 10/13; AJ, JP, MDW, MEE, MEMO, WAFA 10/14; MEE 10/15; UNOCHA 10/16; PCHR 10/20; UNOCHA 11/1)

Israeli deputy mayor of Jerusalem Aryeh King called on Jewish settlers to volunteer to “protect” East Jerusalem neighborhoods during ongoing Palestinian protests in East Jerusalem over Israel’s continued siege of ‘Anata and Shu‘fat. (HA 10/12)

Israeli public security minister Omer Bar-Lev instructed Israeli police to ease the checkpoint restrictions around Shu‘fat, in what was described as an effort to ease tensions in East Jerusalem after days of protests against the siege of Shu‘fat and ‘Anata, which started on 10/8. (HA 10/13)

14 Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, signed an agreement in Algeria to hold Palestinian elections. The agreement comes after 2 days of meetings mediated by Algerian officials. At the meetings were Hamas chairman of the political bureau Ismail Haniyeh, Fatah member Azzam al-Ahmad, and PFLP secretary general Talal Naji. The agreement recognized the PLO as the sole representative for the Palestinian people and called for elections within 1 year. According to leader of the DFLP Tayseer Khalid, Hamas and Fatah rejected a clause in the agreement to form a unity government. (AJ, CNN, F24, HA, JP, MEMO, NA, REU 10/13; MEMO, NAT 10/14; MEMO 10/15)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Kazakhstan. During the meeting, President Abbas said he does not trust the U.S. as a mediator for peace, instead voicing support of mediation efforts by the Quartet. Abbas also met with the leaders of Qatar, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan. A U.S. spokesperson criticized Abbas’s comments, calling President Putin “a far cry from the type of international partner needed to constructively address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” (AP, HA, MEMO, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/13; ALM, AX, TOI 10/15 HA, JP 10/16)

Lebanese president Michel Aoun officially said that Lebanon had accepted the maritime boundaries agreement with Israel, emphasizing that the agreement “does not signify any type of normalization.” Knesset members will vote on the agreement in 2 weeks. (AP, HA, MEMO, REU 10/13)

In the West Bank, Palestinians in several cities observed a general strike in solidarity with residents of Shu‘fat and ‘Anata, which have been closed by Israel since 10/8. Palestinians in Nablus also observed a general strike in protest against Israeli closures of all the entrances to the city. Israeli settlers attacked 1 vehicle transporting patients to an-Najah Hospital, damaging the vehicle. Israeli settlers with military escort also visited Joseph’s Tomb, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians resisting the incursion near Nablus; 1 Palestinian was shot and injured by Israeli forces. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raided Huwwara, attacking businesses and people and blocking a road, 1 Palestinian was injured. Israeli settlers also set fire to a poultry facility and truck in Qusra. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian and injured 1 other while violently dispersing Palestinian protesters at al-Arroub refugee camp. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bethlehem, injuring 1 with a baton round and causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Ramallah, injuring 2 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also assaulted 1 Palestinian man after forcing him out of his vehicle at a checkpoint near Bayt Lid. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers led by MK Itamar Ben-Gvir toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Coinciding with the tour, Israeli forces assaulted and arrested 3 at the compound, including 2 Waqf guards. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Isawiya, Silwan, al-Tur, Ras al-Amud, Shu‘fat refugee camp, Jabel Mukaber, Sur Baher, and Bayt Hanina, using tear gas and stun grenades. A general strike was also observed by Palestinians in East Jerusalem in solidarity with Shu‘fat and ‘Anata. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/12; ALM, BBC, GDN, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, MEE, MEMO, PCHR, PCHR 10/13; UNOCHA 10/16; UNOCHA 11/1)

The Israeli cabinet approved the maritime border agreement with Lebanon, sending it to the Knesset for final approval in 2 weeks. (AP, HA 10/12)

The U.S. White House released its National Security Strategy. The strategy included language referring to expanding normalization deals for Israel and a commitment to Israel as a “Jewish and democratic” state. The strategy paper also restated president Joe Biden’s position in support of a 2-state solution “along the 1967 lines, with mutually agreed swaps.” The paper did not mention any effort to restart negotiations. (White House 10/12; MEE 10/13)

In the West Bank, Palestinian militants shot and killed 1 Israeli soldier near the Shavei Shomron settlement; the soldier was accompanying Israeli settlers to Sabastia. Israeli forces seized 1 excavator and 2 trucks in Shufa. In East Jerusalem, more than 1,000 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. The PA condemned the incursion. Israeli forces assaulted 1 Palestinian man at the Shu‘fat checkpoint, causing injuries. (AJ, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/11; WAFA 10/12; PCHR 10/13; UNOCHA 10/16; UNOCHA 11/1)

Representatives from 14 Palestinian factions, including Fatah and Hamas, met in Algeria for a 2-day conference on reconciliation. (AJ 10/11)

Israel and Lebanon announced that both countries were satisfied with the final draft of the maritime border agreement made by the U.S. The Israeli security cabinet is scheduled to convene on 10/12 to discuss the agreement. (AJ, ALM, ALM, AX, CNN, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, NYT, REU, REU, REU 10/11; MEMO 10/12; AJ 10/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort toured Sabastiyya, leading to a confrontation with Palestinian protesters; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli settlers also vandalized 1 home and solar panels in Khirbet al-Farisiyya. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near al-Bireh. Israeli forces forcefully evicted Palestinians from their home in Khallet Tata. Israeli forces also fired tear gas near a school in Tuqu‘, causing tear-gas related injuries among students and staff. Meanwhile, Israeli forces raided the home of a Fatah official, arresting him and seizing some $3,000 in cash in Tuqu‘. Israeli forces also delivered a demolition notice against a house in al-Khader. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian at the entrance to Beit Umar. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Sa‘ir, Beit Duqqu, ‘Anata, and Hizma. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/6; MEMO, WAFA 10/7; PCHR 10/13; UNOCHA 10/16)

Israel rejected Lebanese amendments to the U.S. proposal for the demarcation of maritime borders between Israel and Lebanon. (AX, HA, REU 10/6)

In the West Bank, 4 settlers—2 women and 2 children—were apprehended by members of Lion’s Den organization after entering Nablus; the 4 were then transferred to PA security forces who escorted them to the Israeli military. Lion’s Den released a statement saying, “[o]ur message to the occupation forces is that we don’t kill women and children, but we are warning the settlers that attack Palestinians that they will be treated accordingly.” 1 Israeli soldier was shot and injured near the Ofra settlement; it was unclear who shot the soldier as the incident happened as Israeli forces tried to stop a Palestinian car allegedly evading an order to stop. Israeli settlers blocked an entrance to Nablus, calling on the Israeli government to take harsher measures against Palestinians. Israeli settlers also blocked an entrance to Nablus on 10/2. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Ramallah. Israeli settlers also attacked a secondary school in Huwwara, assaulting staff and students and damaging vehicles and school property. In East Jerusalem, nearly 500 settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Israel, a group of Israelis overturned a Palestinian-owned vehicle in Bat Yam after the vehicle was stopped and the driver was asked to adhere to the Jewish customs of Yom Kippur. Israelis also attacked 3 Palestinians in separate incidents in Tel Aviv, including 1 who was stabbed. (HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/4; HA, MEMO 10/5; PCHR 10/6; UNOCHA 10/16; AJ 10/19)

All crossings from Israel to the West Bank and Gaza were closed due to the Israeli Yom Kippur holiday. (PCHR 10/6)

Secretary of the PLO executive committee Hussein al-Sheikh met with senior U.S. officials Jake Sullivan, Wendy Sherman, Barbara Leaf, Yael Lambert, and Hady Amr during meetings in Washington D.C. (HA 9/29; MEMO 10/5)

The Balad party appealed the Israeli central elections committee’s decision to disqualify the party from running in the upcoming election to the Israeli supreme court. The supreme court will meet to hear the appeal on 10/6. The committee banned Balad, saying that the party “rejects Israel’s existence as a Jewish and democratic state.” (HA, MEMO 10/5)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz said that Israeli military chief of staff Aviv Kochavi does not have the authority to approve assassinations or new measures. Chief of Staff Kochavi told reporters on 9/28 that he had approved using drones to carry out assassinations in the West Bank. (HA 10/4)

Lebanese officials said that the Lebanese government had submitted a list of changes to the U.S. proposal to demarcate the maritime border between Israel and Lebanon. Lebanese media reported that among the issues that Lebanon was seeking to amend was the inclusion of a security zone. (HA, HA, REU 10/4)

In the West Bank, armed Israeli settlers marched through Hebron, shouting racist slogans at Palestinians. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian riding a motorcycle by the separation wall near al-Eizariya; during the subsequent funeral procession, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 minor with a baton round. The killing marked the 100th Palestinian killed by Israeli soldiers and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in 2022. Israeli forces fired tear gas at activists protesting in solidarity with Palestinians in al-Twana and Khalat al-Dabaa in the Masafer Yatta area, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian with a baton round during a late-night raid in Jalazun refugee camp. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Hebron and Aida refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/1; AP, BBC, JP, PCHR 10/2; PCHR 10/6; UNOCHA 10/16)

U.S. mediators delivered their proposal for demarking the Israel-Lebanon maritime borders. Both Israeli and Lebanese leaders spoke favorably about the proposal. The Israeli cabinet is scheduled to meet on 10/6 to vote on the proposal. (AX, REU 10/1; AJ, AP, REU, TOI 10/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Huwwara, causing damage. 1 Israeli settler shot and killed 1 Palestinian man after he allegedly stabbed 2 Israeli settlers and sprayed 5 others with pepper spray near Beit Sira. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian man who crashed his car in Huwwara; it was unclear what caused the man to lose control of his car. Israeli forces also shot and injured 3 Palestinians during a raid in Beit Umar. Elsewhere, Israeli forces assaulted 1 Palestinian woman during a house raid in Hebron, causing bruises. Israeli forces also demolished 1 residential structure in al-Rakiz in the Masafer Yatta area, displacing 10. (AP, HA, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/22; PCHR 9/29; UNOCHA 9/30)

1 Palestinian man was released from prison on the condition that he does not enter his own land for 30 days. An Israeli military court said that video evidence of the incident on 9/12 where the man allegedly assaulted a settler complicated the narrative told by the Israeli settlers. The video shows that the man was approached by armed Israeli settlers in al-Twana before they assaulted him, breaking both his arms. 1 Israeli settler was injured in the incident. (HA 9/22)

Israel’s defense minister approved issuing an additional 1,500 work permits to Palestinians in Gaza, raising the number to 17,000. (HA 9/22)

Israel released the imam of the Great Omari Mosque in Lydda, Sheikh Yousef al-Baz, from house arrest. Al-Baz was arrested on 6/17 over claims of incitement. (MEMO 9/23)

A boat carrying between 120 and 150 refugees capsized off the coast of Syria. By 9/24, at least 94 were confirmed dead. Many of the deceased were Palestinian refugees from Lebanon. (REU 9/23; REU, WAFA 9/24)

At the UNGA, Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid said that he supports a 2-state solution and underscored that an Israeli prime minister had not voiced support for a 2-state solution at the UNGA “for many years.” Prime minister Lapid said his condition for a 2-state solution is that “a future Palestinian state will be a peaceful one. That it will not become another terror base from which to threaten the well-being, and the very existence of Israel. That we will have the ability to protect the security of all the citizens of Israel, at all times.” Lapid also called for more Arab and Muslim countries to normalize relations with Israel. U.S. president Joe Biden called Lapid’s statement on a 2-state solution “courageous.” (HA 9/21; AX, HA, HA, JP, MEE, MEMO, REU, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WSJ 9/22; ALM, ALM, F24, HA, HA, HA, HA 9/23; HA 9/24)

It was reported that Israel had agreed to sell Rafael’s SPYDER mobile interceptors to the UAE for its air defense. (HA 9/22; AJ, REU 9/23)

Israeli alternate prime minister Naftali Bennett used his veto to pull Israel out of the EU Creative Europe funding program over the EU demand that funds would not be used for artists in West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Golan Heights settlements. When the Israeli government provisionally approved partaking in the EU program in June, it also said it would set up a scheme to compensate the occupied areas excluded by the EU. (HA 9/23)

A study commissioned by Meta found that its platforms Facebook and Instagram had silenced some of their Palestinian users during Israel’s May 2021 assault on Gaza and subsequent unrest in Israel and East Jerusalem. “Meta’s actions in May 2021 appear to have had an adverse human rights impact… on the rights of Palestinian users to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, political participation, and non-discrimination, and therefore on the ability of Palestinians to share information and insights about their experiences as they occurred,” the study found. (INT 9/21; AP, MEE, META, WAFA 9/22; WAFA 9/24)

The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee met in New York. Sweden and Jordan also co-hosted a meeting to find ways to help the UNRWA gap its chronic underfunding. (Reliefweb 9/22; WAFA 9/23)