The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathered to protest outside Ofer prison, injuring 2 with live ammunition. The IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and in 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Nil‘in), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries, except in Bil‘in, where 2 are struck by a tear gas canister and sound bomb. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities bar men under the age of 50 from praying at Haram al-Sharif. PA Pres. Abbas urges Palestinians to defend the holy site “by any means necessary,”speaking at a meeting in al-Bireh on threats to Jerusalem and the holy sites. (MNA 10/17; PCHR 10/23)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and wound a Palestinian with a rubber-coated metal bullet in al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas during clashes sparked by a raid in the camp. Separately, 3 Palestinian children nr. Bayt Umar n. of Hebron are wounded by an unexploded Israeli sound bomb. Meanwhile, an Israeli border police officer is lightly injured when Palestinians throw a Molotov cocktail at an army post in n. Bethlehem. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin; patrols in 3 villages nr. Jenin and 2 villages nr. Ramallah. Israeli settlers torch a mosque in Aqraba village nr. Nablus and leave “price tag” graffiti. In East Jerusalem, hundreds of Israelis tour Haram al-Sharif for the festival of Sukkoth, while Palestinians under 50 and all women are prevented from entering for morning prayers. (JP, MNA, REU 10/14; PCHR 10/16)

UN Secy.-Gen. Ban makes a brief visit to the Gaza Strip, meeting mbrs. of the PA unity govt. and seeing some of the devastation firsthand. Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri issues a statement calling on Ban to take “serious actions” to end the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, and claiming that the UN official “took part in providing cover for the Israeli massacres in Rafah.” Meanwhile, truckloads of cement and steel enter Gaza for the 1st time in a year (600 tons of cement, 50 trucks of construction materials, and 10 trucks of metal), while Israeli authorities allow 15 tons of produce, mainly dates and sweet potatoes, to be sent for sale in the West Bank. (MNA, JP 10/14)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen on 3 separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 3 villages nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Ramallah, and in Tubas and the nearby al-Fara‘a r.c.; patrols in 2 villages nr. Qalqilya and 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah. In Hebron, 2 Jewish settlers are injured when Palestinians throw stones at their car. In East Jerusalem, hundreds of Israeli security troops enter Haram al-Sharif, deploying stun grenades and rubbercoated metal bullets to disperse stone-throwing Palestinian worshippers. (AFP, MNA 10/13; PCHR 10/16)

UN Secy.-Gen. Ban meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu in Jerusalem and PA PM Hamdallah in Ramallah. The senior UN official discusses the Gaza war, tensions in Jerusalem and the need to restart peace talks with the Israeli premier; Gaza reconstruction, the Palestinian unity govt., and the need to realize a negotiated 2-state solution with Hamdallah. (AFP, MNA 10/13)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian child is wounded by unexploded Israeli ordnance in a village nr. Bethlehem. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas, and 1 village nr. Jenin; patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 villages nr. Jericho, and 1 village nr. Hebron. Overnight in East Jerusalem, Israeli police and private security officers accompany a group of Israeli settlers into Silwan, where the settlers move into 25 residences, sparking minor confrontations with Palestinians in 2 separate incidents. The residences were purchased with the support of the right-wing Israeli organization Elad. During the day, hundreds of Jewish activists enter Haram al-Sharif. (HA, JP, MNA 9/30; PCHR 10/2)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. IDF troops open fire on gravel collectors nr. the Gaza border fence, injuring 2. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Hebron and 2 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nearby, in Salfit and 1 nearby village, and in 1 village nr. Jenin during the day. (PCHR 9/25)

An anonymous Israeli official tells the media that indirect cease-fire talks will recommence in Cairo on 9/23. Egyptian media, meanwhile, report that Hamas and Fatah will hold talks over national reconciliation before the joint Palestinian delegation opens negotiations with the Israelis in Cairo. (HA, REU, WAFA 9/20)

An Israeli drone crashes inside s. Lebanon. The IDF says a technical malfunction, rather than a targeted attack, caused the crash. (AFP, JP 9/20)

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

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

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

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen, wounding 1. Separately, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries or damage. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Jenin, and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Ramallah during the day. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians throw stones at an Israeli’s car in Bayt Hanina, wounding the driver. (MNA 9/18; PCHR 9/25)

Hamas official Musa Abu Marzuq says that indirect cease-fire talks with Israel will restart within the next week, and also confirms the UN’s 9/16 announcement that it will take the lead in the reconstruction efforts. (AFP, MNA 9/17)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas, Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, and 1 village nr. Hebron; patrols in 4 villages nr. Salfit and in Jenin. Unknown assailants throw 2 improvised pipe bombs at Israeli settlers’ vehicles nr. Nablus, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian with a sponge-tipped bullet during clashes nr. the Old City. The teenager’s relatives deny he was involved. (MNA 8/31; PCHR 9/4)

Israeli authorities announce the expropriation of 988 acres of private Palestinian land nr. Bethlehem. PLO chief negotiator Erakat urges diplomatic action against Israel in response to the announcement. (MNA 8/31)

The Palestinian and Israeli negotiators agree on an open-ended cease-fire deal, which PA Pres. Abbas confirms in a brief televised address. The agreement contains 3 points: Israel will permit humanitarian aid and construction material to enter Gaza; Israel will restore the fishing zone from 3 to 6 naut. mi. away from the shore, and gradually extend it to 12 by the end of 2014; and indirect negotiations will continue within 1 mo. in Cairo to deal with the remaining disputes, including Hamas’s demand for sea and airports in Gaza, and the release of recently rearrested prisoners who were released in the Shalit deal. Additionally, talks between Palestinian officials and Egyptian authorities are scheduled to take place soon with the goal of opening the Rafah crossing permanently. Israeli PM Netanyahu agrees to the cease-fire deal without putting it to a vote in the security cabinet, a move reportedly opposed by Economy Minister Naftali Bennett. Haaretz reports that over half of the security cabinet would have voted against the deal. (AFP, AJ, AP, HA, JP, MNA, NYT, WP 8/26)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF continues its assault and armed Palestinian groups continue firing projectiles into Israel until the new ceasefire goes into effect in the evening. The Israeli air force hits approximately 32 targets, while IDF troops stationed along the border fence open fire on 3 occasions, 2 with artillery and 1 with live ammunition. Six Palestinians die in the attacks, and dozens are injured. Among the targets in Gaza is the so-called Italian building, a 13-story residential and commercial complex. Though the building is mostly empty at the time of the Israeli strikes, its destruction leaves around 70 families homeless. Prior to the cease-fire, the armed Palestinian groups launch more than 180 projectiles into Israel, killing 2 Israelis and wounding 5. In the West Bank, 7 Israeli settlers attack a Palestinian nr. Jerusalem with knives and stones, leaving him unconscious. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in Nablus, 3 villages nr. Hebron, 3 villages nr. Ramallah, Jenin, 1 village nr. Jenin, and Tulkarm, arresting 17; patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 2 villages nr. Salfit. In East Jerusalem, dozens of Palestinians gather in Bayt Hanina, al-Tur, and Wadi al-Juz to celebrate the cease-fire announcement and Israeli security forces disperse the celebrations with waste water, sound bombs, and tear gas. One Palestinian is arrested in Wadi al-Juz. (MNA, REU, YA 8/26; HA 8/27; PCHR 8/28)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF continues its assault with strikes on around 53 targets, killing 12 Palestinians and injuring dozens more. Also, IDF troops stationed nr. the border shell areas across the fence with artillery in 2 incidents. The armed Palestinian groups launch over 120 projectiles into Israel; of which, 102 land in open areas, 4 in urban areas, and 16 are intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. Also, Israeli authorities reopen the Erez border crossing, after closing it on 8/24. In the West Bank, a Palestinian teenager dies from injuries sustained in clashes with IDF troops on 8/15. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in 2 neighborhoods in Ramallah, Tulkarm r.c., and 1 suburb of Tulkarm, arresting 4. During the day, IDF troops conduct patrols in al-Fawar r.c., Hebron, and 1 village nr. Hebron; establish mobile checkpoints in 1 village nr. Hebron and 2 villages nr. Ramallah. In a village nr. Salfit, PA security forces detain 3 armed Israeli settlers and turn them over to IDF troops. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces enter Silwan to set up a mobile checkpoint and raid several houses. Stone-throwing Palestinian youth clash with the soldiers, but there are no arrests or injuries. (HA 8/25; PCHR 8/28)

Israeli and Palestinian negotiators return to Cairo and reports appear in the press of a potential breakthrough. Senior Islamic Jihad officials Khalid al-Batsh and Ziad Nakhleh are quoted saying they believe an agreement will be made within hours. Lebanon-based Hamas official Usama Hamdan says “there has been positive and fast progress.” An anonymous Palestinian official says that the Palestinian delegation would accept the new Egyptian proposal that would open the crossings into Gaza for aid and construction material, and defer disputed points to further negotiations to be held in 1 mo. Notably, Egypt requires the Rafah crossing to be negotiated with the Palestinians directly, separate from the indirect negotiations with the Israelis. Later in the day, however, senior Hamas official Musa Abu Marzuq says that there has been no progress in talks. (HA, JP, MNA, ToI, Yahoo! 8/25)

In closed meetings at the UN headquarters in New York, U.S. diplomats present principles for a UNSC res. that would call for a cease-fire in Gaza and conduct meetings with their German, French, and British counterparts, as well as Jordanians, in the hope of reconciling the 3 different proposals. The U.S. has sent Israel and Egypt a draft of the principles in the past 2 days. The Jordanian draft includes an international monitoring mechanism and the other 2 do not. (JP, REU 8/25)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF continues its assault with air strikes on over 50 targets, killing 18 Palestinians and injuring dozens more. Also,IDF troops stationed nr. the border shell areas across the fence with artillery in 3 incidents. The armed Palestinian groups launch approximately 135 projectiles into Israel; of which, 125 land in open areas, 5 in urban areas, and 10 are intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. Israeli authorities temporarily close the Erez border crossing, except for humanitarian cases, in response to a mortar shell wounding 3 Israelis nearby, which is claimed by al-Qassam Brigades. In the West Bank, approximately 400 Israeli settlers, escorted by IDF troops, enter a village nr. Salfit to visit religious monuments. In a village w. of Ramallah, IDF troops open fire with live ammunition and tear gas on a group of stone-throwing Palestinian youth, injuring 1. Separately, IDF troops fire tear gas at Palestinian children on their way to school in a village s. of Hebron; establish 5 mobile checkpoints around Ramallah; and conduct patrols in Hebron and 2 villages nr. Jericho. Late at night, the IDF conducts 1 house search and arrest raid in a village nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces enter Wadi al-Juz to set up a mobile checkpoint and raid 2 houses. (JP, JTA, YA 8/24; HA 8/25; PCHR 8/28) 

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that OPE will continue until its goals are reached, in comments to the press ahead of a special cabinet meeting at the Israeli Defense Ministry. Also, the Israeli govt. calls up 10,000 additional reserve troops. (AP, HA 8/24; AFP, HA 8/25)

After meetings with Arab League secy.-gen. Nabil al-‘Arabi and reps. of several Palestinian factions, PA Pres. Abbas returns to Ramallah from Cairo. Abbas will meet with senior Palestinian officials to further develop his new diplomatic initiative before U.S. Secy. of State Kerry visits in the coming days. Meanwhile, Hamas leader Khalid Mishal says in an interview with Iranian TV that Hamas would not return to negotiations in Cairo. (JP 8/24; HA, ToI 8/25)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF continues its assault with attacks on 41 targets, killing 11 Palestinians and injuring dozens. Israeli fighter jets and drones strike targets in n. Gaza, as well as nr. Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah, while IDF troops fire smoke bombs and live ammunition across the Israel-Gaza border in 1 location and Israeli artillery shelling hits 2 others. The armed Palestinian groups fire over 100 projectiles into Israel; of which, 3 land in urban areas, 73 land in open areas, and 17 are intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. Meanwhile, Hamas executes 4 alleged collaborators with Israel in the courtyard of a mosque in Jabaliya r.c. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts patrols in Hebron and 2 nearby villages, as well as 1 village nr. Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with a group of Palestinian youth outside a checkpoint nr. Shu‘fat, and 1 Palestinian is wounded when the soldiers open fire with tear gas and rubbercoated metal bullets. (AFP, AP, HA, MNA 8/23; PCHR 8/28)

Following talks between Hamas leader Mishal and PA Pres. Abbas in Doha on 8/21 and 8/22, Hamas publicly agrees to support Abbas’s application to join the ICC. According to PLO chief negotiator Erakat, only Islamic Jihad has not yet approved the document Abbas is asking all Palestinian factions to sign before he moves forward. (AFP, AP, MNA 8/23)

On the diplomatic front, Abbas travels to Cairo for talks with Egyptian pres. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. After their meeting, Abbas says “my main goal is for the truce talks to resume in Egypt as soon as possible.” In an interview on Egyptian television, Abbas says that he is planning a major diplomatic initiative and that he will present the plan to U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry, who is scheduled to visit the region in the coming days. The plan reportedly includes asking the UN to set a timetable for the Israeli occupation and signing the Rome Statue on behalf of the PA, which would give the ICC jurisdiction over cases relating to the occupation. For its part, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry releases a statement after the Abbas/al-Sisi meeting inviting the Israelis and Palestinians to return to Cairo for further cease-fire negotiations. (AJ, HA, WSJ 8/23)

Israeli PM Netanyahu holds talks with UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon. Netanyahu compares Hamas to ISIS, in reference to the group’s 8/22 execution of collaborators, and blames the group for the latest escalation in violence. (AJ, HA, REU 8/23)

In the evening, 2 rockets are fired from Lebanon into n. Israel. No group claims responsibility for the attack, though Lebanese military officials suspect a small, local Palestinian group. Late at night, 5 rockets are fired from Syria into the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israeli military officials say that a Palestinian group, not Syrian govt. forces, is responsible. Between the 2 sets of rocket attacks, 8 Israelis are lightly injured. (DS, JP, REU 8/23; AFP, HA, YA 8/24)

In the Gaza Strip around midday, an armed Palestinian group launches 3 rockets into Israel that land in an open area nr. Beersheba, breaking the 24-hour extension to the previous 5-day cease-fire. The IDF responds with air strikes, hitting approximately 25 targets across Gaza, killing 2 Palestinians and injuring over 50. In 1 incident late at night, IDF troops launch 6 missiles at a house in Gaza City in an attempt to assassinate Mohammed Deif, Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades commander. Deif’s wife and 7-mo.-old son, as well as 3 other Palestinians, are killed in the attempt. The armed Palestinian groups fire over 50 projectiles into Israel, with 1 rocket hitting a highway nr. Tel Aviv and around 14 intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. At a hospital in Turkey, 1 Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained earlier in the assault. Overnight in the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in Dayr Istya, Hebron, 3 villages nr. Nablus, 1 village s. of Hebron, and 1 village n. of Tulkarm, arresting 13 Palestinians. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces raid a home and arrest 1 Palestinian. (AP, CNN, HA, MNA, WP 8/19; PCHR 8/21)

In the morning in Cairo, Palestinian and Israeli negotiators, as well as Egyptian mediators, conduct talks on a long-term ceasefire agreement, specifically the Israeli demands for Hamas’s disarmament and the Palestinian demands for lifting the blockade. Head of the Palestinian delegation al-Ahmad says “maybe we will reach an agreement and maybe not.” Palestinian negotiator Qais Abdel Karim says the Israelis have proposed measures that would comprise “not removing the blockade but easing it.” Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum says, in an email to CNN, that “if Netanyahu does not understand our message and people’s demands in Gaza through political language, we know a way to make him understand.” After hostilities resume in Gaza, both Israel and the Palestinian factions accuse the other of violating the cease-fire and instruct their reps. to end the negotiations. (AP, Guardian, HA, MNA 8/19)

German, French, and British diplomats begin circulating a document containing principles for a new United Nations Security Council (UNSC) res. at the UN’s New York headquarters. The principles include a return of PA control to Gaza, reconstruction under international supervision, and a return to Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. U.S. and Israeli diplomats have been briefed on the initiative. (HA 8/21)

In the Gaza Strip, health officials say that the death toll is rising as dozens of Palestinians die from injuries sustained during the Israeli assault and more bodies are recovered from the rubble of homes. (66 Palestinians die during the 5-day cease-fire, succumbing to injuries sustained in earlier attacks.) In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure 8 Palestinians with rubbercoated metal bullets in n. Bethlehem during clashes outside Rachel’s Tomb. In the afternoon, the IDF enters Qalqilya, where a group of Palestinian children throw stones at them. The soldiers detain 2 children. The IDF conducts 5 patrols in various areas of the West Bank during the day. After the Friday afternoon prayer, hundreds of Palestinians attend protests nr. Bayt Furik and Qalandia against the Israeli assault on Gaza. Clashes break out with IDF troops in both places and 9 Palestinians are wounded (6 nr. Bayt Furik and 3 at Qalandia). In the evening, more clashes break out during demonstrations in Silwad village and at Ofer Prison. Two Palestinians are wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets at each demonstration. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/15; PCHR 8/21)

Israeli authorities release 3 Palestinian men that IDF troops captured during the ground invasion of Gaza. (MNA 8/16)

The Egyptian press reports that mediators in Cairo have offered a “final proposal” for a longterm agreement to extend the 5-day cease-fire. The agreement will reportedly end Israel’s military offensive, ease the siege, expand the fishing zone, and increase imports into Gaza. In addition, subsequent talks will deal with other issues such as prisoner swaps and establishing an airport and seaport for Gaza. Islamic Jihad spokesperson Yousef al-Hasayneh says that a truce agreement will be signed with Israel once the 5-day cease-fire ends. Israel’s security cabinet meets in Tel Aviv to discuss the ceasefire agreement and ongoing negotiations, their 2d such meeting in 24 hours. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/15)

The IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip by land, air, and sea, killing 79 Palestinians. In the most deadly incident of the day, an Israeli air strike hits a family home in Nussayrat r.c., killing 11 Palestinians. Armed Palestinian groups fire over 90 projectiles into Israel, with Iron Dome batteries intercepting 17 projectiles. The rocket fire injures 2 Israeli civilians. In the West Bank, armed Palestinians open fire on Israeli settlement Shavei Shomron nr. Nablus, causing no casualties. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin and in Tubas at night. Jewish settlers shoot and injure a Palestinian nr. al-Khadir in the Bethlehem region. (AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/31; PCHR 8/1)

During the day, White House spokesperson Josh Earnest says the shelling of a UN school the previous day is “totally indefensible” and that “it does not appear there is a lot of doubt about whose artillery was involved in this incident.” (AFP, AP, MNA, 7/31)

 In Cairo, a Palestinian delegation including Hamas and Islamic Jihad reps. discuss a ceasefire agreement with Fatah reps. and Egyptian authorities. (AP, HA, JP, MNA, 7/31)

In the evening, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry and UN Secy.-Gen. Ban release a joint statement announcing a 72-hour cease-fire agreed to by all parties, to begin 8/1 at 8:00 A.M. local time. During that time, negotiators from all sides will discuss a longer-term agreement in Cairo. The IDF intends to continue searching for and destroying tunnels during the truce. Also, they call up a further 16,000 reservists. (AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/31)

The IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip, conducting air strikes and advancing its ground offensive. Israeli attacks kill 144 Palestinians. In air strikes on 3 homes in Khan Yunis, 13 Palestinians from the same family are killed. Israeli tank fire hits Gaza’s only power plant, partially destroying it and further cutting electricity to Gaza City and other parts of the territory. The plant’s director says that it is “finished.” Meanwhile, the IDF gives evacuation orders to more than 400,000 residents of n. Gaza. Armed Palestinian groups fire rockets into Israel, with air raid sirens in Ashqelon and nr. Jerusalem, among other places. Iron Dome batteries intercept 1 rocket above the Gush Etzion settlement bloc nr. Bethlehem, a projectile claimed by al-Quds Brigades. In the West Bank, a Palestinian dies in Hebron, succumbing to injuries he received in clashes with IDF troops on 7/20. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids into 1 village nr. Nablus and Tulkarm at night. (AFP, AP, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/29; PCHR 7/30)

PLO official Yasir ‘Abid Rabbuh announces that the various factions agreed to a 24-hour truce, but his claim is subsequently denied by Hamas. Al-Qassam Brigades head Mohammed Deif says in an audio address that there will be no long-term cease-fire without “the stop of the aggression and the end of the siege.” (AFP, AP, Guardian, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/29)

The IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip, killing 61 Palestinians. Local officials say targets struck include 5 mosques and a soccer stadium, in addition to other Palestinian infrastructure and multiple tunnels. Prolonged Israeli shelling of Khan Yunis kills at least 6 and wounds more than 20. Also, the IDF strikes a UNRWA-run school in c. Gaza. Palestinian fighters kill 2 Israeli soldiers overnight and fire approximately 67 rockets and mortar shells into Israel, with 18 projectiles intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. In the West Bank, an Israeli citizen shoots and kills a Palestinian man between al-Ram and Hizma checkpoint n. of Jerusalem, reportedly after the Palestinian man threw stones at the Israeli’s car. IDF troops shoot and injure 5 Palestinians in ‘Askar r.c. nr. Nablus, during clashes in an arrest raid. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces clash with Palestinians in at-Tur, Shu‘fat r.c., and Issawiyya, causing no serious injuries. (AFP, AP, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/22; PCHR 7/23)

After 1 rocket lands nr. Ben Gurion Airport, the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) bans flights to and from Israel for at least 24 hours, and the European Aviation Safety Agency advises all carriers to avoid Tel Aviv “until further notice.” Israel’s Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz, in a statement, says “there is no need for U.S. carriers to suspend flights and reward terrorism.” U.S. Secy. of State Kerry and PM Netanyahu later discuss the FAA ban on a phone call. (AFP, AP, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/22)

At a monthly meeting of the EU Council, the 28 EU FMs issue a statement that “strongly condemns the indiscriminate firing of rockets into Israel by Hamas and militant groups in the Gaza Strip” and also “condemns calls on the civilian population of Gaza to provide themselves as human shields.” Meanwhile, Secy. of State Kerry meets with Egypt’s Pres. al-Sisi in Cairo to discuss Gaza, and afterward, affirms that “there is a framework available to end the violence, and that framework was the Egyptian initiative.” Senior Fatah official al-Ahmad flies in to Cairo to also meet with Kerry. In Israel, UN Secy.-Gen. Ban meets with PM Netanyahu and at a Tel Aviv press conference, Ban condemns the rocket attacks, while the Israeli leader accuses Hamas of committing a “double war crime” of targeting Israeli civilians while using Palestinian civilians as human shields. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/22)

Israeli attacks by land, air, and sea on the Gaza Strip continue, killing 47 Palestinians. A unit of al-Qassam Brigades fighters enters Israeli territory through a cross-border tunnel and kills Israeli soldiers nr. Sufa, e. of Rafah. The Hamas armed wing says that 5 soldiers are killed while the IDF says it is only 2. In fighting in Gaza City, Palestinian fighters wound 3 Israeli soldiers. The armed Palestinian groups fire around 90 rockets into Israel, killing 1 and wounding 3 in a bedouin village in the Negev. The IDF says that its forces have unearthed and destroyed 34 “terror tunnels,” 5 of which crossed the Gaza border fence. The IDF says that Palestinian factions have used up or lost around half of their rocket supplies, with 30–40% destroyed by Israeli attacks, and 10–20% fired into Israel. In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with Palestinian youth in n. Bethlehem, injuring 3 with live ammunition. There are also clashes in Hebron, where IDF troops shoot and injure 1 Palestinian, and in al-‘Arub r.c., where 5 are injured. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron at night; patrols in Hebron and 1 village, al-‘Arub r.c. and al-Fawar r.c. nearby, in 5 villages nr. Ramallah, and 2 villages nr. Jericho during the day. (AFP, AP, HA, MNA, REU, YA 7/19; PCHR 7/20)

Meanwhile, French FM Fabius holds talks with Netanyahu about a cease-fire. After the meeting, Fabius tells reporters that“the call for a cease-fire has not been heard, and on the contrary, there’s a risk of more civilian casualties.” Senior Hamas official Usama Hamdan says that Turkey and Qatar are trying to help secure an end to the violence. (AFP, AP, HA, MNA, REU, YA 7/19)

During the day, the IDF launches multiple strikes on targets across the Gaza Strip, killing 21 Palestinians, except during a 5-hour humanitarian cease-fire. After the humanitarian pause, Palestinian groups resume rocket fire into Israel, launching 105 projectiles, 20 of which are intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. One Israeli soldier nr. the border is wounded by a mortar shell just before the end of the pause. Meanwhile, 13 armed Palestinians enter Israel through a tunnel, but their attack is halted by IDF troops. Reports differ on whether or not 1 Palestinian is killed during the attack. Palestinians also launch a drone into s. Israel, which IDF troops shoot down nr. Ashqelon. UNRWA announces that 20 rockets were discovered in an unused school in Gaza, and condemns those responsible for a “flagrant breach” of international law. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/17; AJ, PCHR 7/18)

At approximately 10:30 P.M., the IDF launches a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, beginning with heavy artillery shelling of Bayt Hanun and Bayt Lahiya in the n. and incursions nr. the border fence to expand the buffer zone. IDF spokesperson Peter Lerner says the invasion has 2 objectives: “to strike Hamas . . . so they do not have the motivation to continue” and “to strike the terrorist infrastructure, the rockets, the tunnels.” During the invasion, 1 Israeli soldier is killed by friendly fire. Israeli media report that the ground invasion is initiated largely in response to the tunnel attack early in the day. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/17; AJ, PCHR 7/18)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot a Palestinian farmer nr. Nablus, shoot and injure 1 resident during clashes in al-Fara’a r.c. nr. Tubas, and shoot and injure 2 residents during clashes nr. Ramallah. IDF troops also shoot and injure 7 Palestinians during a demonstration at Qalandia checkpoint. The IDF conducts house searches, arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night; patrols in 3 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Salfit in the afternoon. Meanwhile, armed Palestinians open fire on IDF troops at a checkpoint nr. Ramallah, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces raid Haram al-Sharif and assault worshippers protesting a visit by rightwing Jewish activists. Israeli forces also detain approximately 36 Palestinians. Meanwhile, police charge 3 Jewish Israelis with the murder of Abu Khdeir. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/17; AJ, PCHR 7/18)

UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Serry requests a 5-hour humanitarian cease-fire and it is observed. An unnamed Israeli defense official tells the media that the cease-fire is for Palestinians in Gaza to see the damage wrought by Israel thus far. (AFP, AP, HA, REU 7/17)

Hours before the ground invasion starts, the U.S. Senate agrees to a nonbinding res. condemning the rocket fire against Israel and reiterating Israel’s right to defend itself. The res. has 78 cosponsors and the support of many U.S.-based, pro-Israel groups, including AIPAC. (AFP, AP, JP 7/17; AJ 7/18)

IDF strikes in the Gaza Strip continue, except in the hours following the govt.’s acceptance of the Egyptian cease-fire, killing 13 Palestinians. The IDF warns 100,000 residents of the al-Zaytun and al-Shuja‘iya neighborhoods to evacuate before morning on 7/16. Palestinians fire more than 120 rockets into Israel, including dozens directed at Tel Aviv, in a barrage claimed jointly by al-Qassam Brigades and al-Quds Brigades. Nr. the Erez crossing, 1 Israeli civilian is killed by a mortar shell while distributing food supplies to IDF soldiers. Nine rockets are intercepted by Iron Dome, and the rest caused no damage or injuries. (AFP, AP, HA, MNA, REU, WAFA 7/15)

Israel’s security cabinet votes 6–2 in favor of accepting the Egyptian cease-fire proposal from the previous day, and the IDF stops all strikes for several hours. PM Netanyahu says that if Hamas rejects the initiative, Israel will have “legitimacy” to take further action “to restore quiet.” PA Pres. Abbas, in Cairo for talks with Egyptian pres. al-Sisi, calls for the acceptance of the proposal. However, Hamas rejects the text, describing it as “an initiative of kneeling and submission,” and both the armed Palestinian groups and the IDF continue hostilities. Hamas spokesperson Abu Zuhri says that the group was ignored by Egyptian mediators, with Islamic Jihad official Khalid al-Batsh commenting that “initiatives shouldn’t be proposed through media outlets, but rather through the obvious channels, which are resistance factions and their leaders.” An unnamed senior PLO official says that “the Egyptians coordinated the initiative with Abbas and ignored Gaza,” and thus “Hamas leaders felt humiliated by the fact that the proposal was released without them being consulted about its contents ahead of time.” (AFP, AP, HA, MNA, REU, WAFA 7/15; PCHR 7/16)

After Hamas rejects the deal, Netanyahu vows to “significantly expand our offensive,” saying that the group “will pay for its decision.” Meanwhile, Dep. DM Danny Danon describes the Israeli govt.’s response to the Gaza crisis as a “failure” and Netanyahu fires him. (AFP, AP, HA, REU 7/15)

Suspected Salafi jihadists fire 3 rockets from the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, into Israel, wounding 4 civilians in Eilat. (REU 7/15)

In Vienna, reps. of Iran and the P5+1 powers continue their negotiations leading up to the 7/20 deadline for a comprehensive agreement on Iran’s disputed nuclear program. U.S. Secy. of State Kerry says they “have made progress . . . but there’s still more work to do.” Iranian FM Zarif says that Iran wants to “arrive at a solution everyone can be happy about.” The key issues remaining are Iran’s centrifuges and its uranium enrichment capacity over the next 10 years. (ALM, NYT 7/15)

On the 5th day of OPE, the IDF strikes multiple targets across the Gaza Strip, killing approximately 48 Palestinians, including 21 in a single strike on the home of a senior police commander in Gaza City. Air strikes also hit a center for the disabled, killing 2. The IDF warns Palestinians in the n. Gaza Strip to “leave their homes for their own safety,” adding that “it’s unsafe to be nr. Hamas.” Israel’s targets expand to include civilian institutions with suspected Hamas ties. Israeli naval forces raid the beach at al-Sudaniyya in the n. Gaza Strip, and clash with al-Qassam Brigades fighters. Palestinians fire some 70 rockets into Israel, and at least 6 are intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. In the evening, al-Qassam Brigades launches 10 rockets toward Tel Aviv, but they cause no damage or casualties. Overall, 2 Israelis are injured nr. Beersheba in the day’s barrage. In addition to s. and c. areas, rockets also land nr. Efrat settlement in the West Bank, causing no damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces clash with Palestinian youth in Issawiyya, al-Tur, and Qalandia. (AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/12; PCHR 7/13)

Addressing the crisis in Gaza, the UNSC issues a presidential statement calling for a “de-escalation of the situation, restoration of calm, and reinstitution of the 11/2012 ceasefire.” It also expresses “serious concern regarding the crisis related to Gaza and the protection and welfare of civilians on both sides” and calls for “respect for international humanitarian law.” Media reports suggest that a cease-fire proposal is being drawn up at the initiative of the Palestinians with the involvement of Egypt and Qatar, but Islamic Jihad dep. head Ziad al-Nakhleh dismisses this as a rumor. (AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/12)

Unknown persons fire 3 rockets from inside Lebanon that land into n. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF responds with artillery fire toward “the source of fire.” (AP, REU 7/12)

IDF air strikes and shelling of the Gaza Strip continues for a 4th day, killing 16 Palestinians as 230 targets are hit. The attacks cause widespread damage to houses, infrastructure, and public buildings. There are fatal strikes in al-Shuja‘iya, elsewhere in Gaza City, Jabaliya, and Rafah, among others. Palestinians fire 90 rockets into Israel, causing damage and injuring 10 in Beersheba and Ashdod, including 1 seriously. Iron Dome batteries intercept 25 of the rockets. Two IDF soldiers are lightly injured by an antitank missile nr. the Gaza border, damaging their jeep. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure 9 Palestinians with live fire and rubber-coated metal bullets during clashes nr. Rachel’s Tomb in n. Bethlehem. In Kafr Qaddum, Israeli soldiers shoot and injure 5 Palestinians with live ammunition during clashes, and there are less intense confrontations after Friday prayers in Hebron and nearby al-Fawar r.c. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities prevent Palestinian men under 50 years old from entering Haram al-Sharif, and 20 Palestinians are injured by stun grenades and rubber-coated metal bullets during clashes in Issawiyya. (AP, HA, MNA, REU, YA 7/11; PCHR 7/12)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that “no amount of international pressure will prevent Israel from continuing its operation in the Gaza Strip,” and that he has held phone calls with leaders of the U.S., Germany, Britain, France, Canada, and Russia. Israeli DM Ya’alon speaks with U.S. Defense Secy. Hagel, with the latter expressing concern about the risk of further escalation. The U.S. House of Reps. agrees to a nonbinding res. in support of Israel’s right to defend itself against rocket fire from the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities close the Rafah crossing after opening it briefly to allow 11 wounded Palestinians to leave for treatment. (AP, HA, MNA, REU, YA 7/11)

Unknown persons fire 2 rockets into n. Israel from Lebanon, causing no damage or injuries. IDF troops respond with artillery fire, also causing no reported casualties. (REU 7/11)

The IDF strikes targets across the Gaza Strip on the 2d day of OPE, killing 39 Palestinians. Fatal strikes take place in al-Maghazi r.c., Bayt Hanun, Gaza City, Nussayrat r.c. and Bayt Lahiya. Among the dead is an Islamic Jihad commander, killed in a strike on his home in Bayt Hanun along with 5 civilians. Palestinians fire 82 rockets and mortar shells into Israel, with 48 rockets striking Israel and 21 intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. There are no injuries directly caused by projectile fire, but there is some damage to property. Rockets land in and around Dimona, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem. M-75 rockets are fired at Tel Aviv, as well as Nevatim military airport, 44 mi. away from Gaza City. Al-Qassam Brigades, al-Quds Brigades, and Ali Abu Mustafa Brigades (PFLP) all claim responsibility for rocket and mortar fire. Al-Qassam Brigades fighters attempt an attack via the sea, emerging close to Kibbutz Zikim for the 2d day in a row. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, YA, WAFA 7/9; PCHR 7/10)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that “we have decided to further intensify the attacks on Hamas and the terror organizations in Gaza” and that “Hamas will pay a heavy price for the firing of rockets at Israeli civilians.” Hamas leader Khalid Mish‘al, in a press conference in Doha, Qatar, says that calm can be achieved through “an immediate halt to the aggression and bombings.” He also reiterates that he does not know who carried out the killing of the 3 Israeli settler teenagers in the West Bank. Meanwhile, PA Pres. Abbas accuses Israel of a “genocide” in Gaza and “a war against the Palestinian people as a whole.” He also describes diplomatic efforts at avoiding further hostilities, saying that Palestinian officials are talking to Egypt’s Pres. al-Sisi and UN Secy.-Gen. Ban. Egyptian foreign ministry spokesperson Badr Abdelatty says that “there is no mediation, in the common sense of the word,” but that Cairo is making “diplomatic efforts” aimed “at immediately stopping Israeli aggression and ending all mutual violence.” (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, YA, WAFA 7/9)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire an estimated 40 projectiles into s. Israel, causing no casualties, but rockets strike 2 houses in Sderot and cause damage. IDF troops launch air strikes against 3 al-Qassam Brigades training facilities, injuring 15. In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with Palestinian residents in Qalandia r.c., injuring 5. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah and in Salfit in the morning, in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in Hebron and 5 nearby villages, 3 villages nr. Ramallah, and 2 villages nr. Jericho at night. A Jewish settler opens fire on a Palestinian nr. Hebron, injuring him. In East Jerusalem, Israeli troops clash with Palestinian protesters in al-Ram, Shu‘fat, Silwan, and Issawiyya. The troops deploy stun grenades and rubber-coated metal bullets, injuring 6 in al-Ram and 13 in Shu‘fat. (HA, MNA, REU, ToI 7/3; PCHR 7/10)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that if rocket fire from Gaza halts, then the IDF will also stop its attacks on Gaza. Specifically, the Israeli govt. issues Hamas a 48-hour period to either halt the projectile fire or face a significant Israeli strike. A spokesperson for al-Qassam Brigades says that an Israeli escalation will lead to an “hour of vengeance.” (HA, REU, ToI 7/3)

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

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

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 2 rockets into s. Israel, causing light damage but no injuries. Subsequently, the IDF launches 5 air strikes, targeting military sites used by PRC and al-Qassam Brigades, in which 1 man is injured. In addition, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion to level land alongside the border fence nr. Khan Yunis, while separately, the IDF says that an explosive device is uncovered nr. the border fence. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and wound 1 Palestinian in ‘Askar r.c. nr. Nablus during a raid. Separately, IDF troops shoot and wound 1 nr. Nablus during a raid. Meanwhile, IDF troops demolish 7 houses across the s. West Bank: 3 in al-Khadir nr. Bethlehem and 4 nr. Hebron, leaving 7 families homeless. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 8 nearby villages, Nablus and nearby ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c. and 5 villages, 3 villages nr. Ramallah, and Jenin r.c. at night. (HA, MNA, YA 6/18; PCHR 6/19)

Israeli PM Netanyahu praises the security forces for the arrest of 53 former prisoners, who were released in the Shalit exchange deal in 2011 and recaptured as a part of OBK. An estimated 240 Palestinians have now been detained since the start of the operation, 180 of them affiliated with Hamas, according to Israeli media reports. Pres. Abbas condemns those behind the kidnapping, comments denounced by Hamas spokesperson Abu Zuhri. U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Psaki praises Abbas’s remarks, saying the administration is calling on Israelis and Palestinians to “show restraint during this difficult period.”

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF launches 6 air strikes, destroying a blacksmith workshop and causing damage to vacant training sites belong to various armed groups. There are no injuries. In the West Bank, OBK continues. IDF troops open fire on Palestinians in Haris village nr. Salfit during a raid, wounding 1. During separate raids, Israeli soldiers shoot at residents in al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas, wounding 2, and shoot 1 in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus. IDF troops also demolish a house nr. Hebron because it was built without a permit. Also, IDF troops raid and confiscate property from 5 Hamas-linked charities. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron in the afternoon, and in Hebron and 8 nearby villages, Jenin and 6 nearby villages, Tulkarm and 4 nearby villages, Nablus and 8 villages, ‘Askar r.c. and Balata r.c. nearby, Salfit and 1 nearby village, 1 village nr. Qalqilya, al-Bireh, Tubas, at night; patrols in Hebron at night. (MNA, WAFA 6/17; PCHR 6/19)

Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with Quartet Rep. Blair in Tel Aviv and tells him that the 6/12 kidnapping “exposes the real face of Hamas.” Blair says that Hamas “cannot choose the political path on one hand and violence on the other.” Meanwhile, reps. from a number of factions, including Fatah and Hamas, hold a press conference in Gaza City. No group claims responsibility for the kidnapping of the teenage settlers. The reps. say they are prepared to confront any Israeli “aggression.” EU foreign affairs chief Ashton issues a statement condemning the abduction and urges “close cooperation between the Israeli and Palestinian security services.” (HA, JP, MNA 6/17)

Talks between reps. of Iran and the P5+1 powers on the disputed Iranian nuclear program continue in Vienna. Discussions last an hour and a half and cover “elements of the text that could be part of an agreement,” according to Michael Mann, an EU spokesperson. (AA, REU 6/17)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill 1 Palestinian in al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, in clashes with residents during an arrest raid. IDF troops also shoot and wound 1 Palestinian during a raid in Jenin, and wound 3 with rubbercoated metal bullets during clashes with Bayt Umar residents nr. Hebron. At Qalandia checkpoint, Israeli troops violently disperse demonstrators, wounding 6, including 1 critically, with live ammunition. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 3 nearby villages, Balata r.c. and 1 village nr. Nablus, and 2 villages nr. Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jenin at night; patrols in Hebron in the afternoon, and in 4 villages nr. Ramallah, 3 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Qalqilya, and Salfit, and al-Bireh at night. Israeli settlers open fire on a Palestinian car nr. Ramallah, causing no injuries. In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire from the border fence nr. Jabaliya, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli authorities briefly open the Kerem Shalom crossing, which was closed on 6/12. (MNA, WAFA 6/16; PCHR 6/19)

Israeli PM Netanyahu delivers a televised statement and says that the military is “in the middle of a complex operation” in the search for the missing teens. Netanyahu also calls PA Pres. Abbas and tells him he expects help in ensuring the safe return of the youth, their 1st telephone conversation in almost a year. Subsequently, Abbas releases a statement condemning the kidnapping as well as the Israeli crackdown that has followed. Meanwhile, Hamas releases a statement condemning the Israeli operation in the West Bank, and also calls on the PA to stop security coordination with Israel. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA 6/16)

Talks between reps. of Iran and the P5+1 powers on the disputed Iranian nuclear program resume in Vienna, with discussions scheduled to last until 6/20. The 2 sides aim to resolve final differences, including the number of centrifuges Iran will operate, and begin drafting a final deal. (REU 6/17; AA 6/17)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse protesters at numerous demonstrations marking the 1967 war and the beginning of military occupation. Hundreds of Palestinians attend protests at Hebron, Qalandia checkpoint nr. Ramallah, where 4 are injured by rubbercoated metal bullets, and other locations around the West Bank. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Jenin, Ramallah, and Salfit. (MNA 6/5; PCHR 6/12)

Israeli PM Netanyahu unfreezes plans for 1,800 settlement housing units and Housing Minister Uri Ariel publishes tenders for a separate 1,500 housing units in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Ariel describes the move as an “appropriate Zionist response to the Palestinian terror govt.” Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat warns of Israeli efforts to annex areas of the West Bank and calls on the international community to boycott settlement products and hold Israel accountable. PLO official Ashrawi says the Palestinians will address the latest settlement expansion at the UNSC. State Dept. dep. spokesperson Harf says that the U.S. is “deeply disappointed” by Israel’s announcement and says “it is hard to see how these settlements contribute to peace.” The EU expresses “deep disappointment” about the moves, and calls on the Israeli authorities “to reverse this decision.” (AFP, AP, HA, MNA, REU, ToI 6/5)

Two mortar shells fired from within Syria land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF says the fire is likely inadvertent. (ToI 6/5)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis close to the border fence, wounding 1 child collecting grass. Meanwhile, Israeli soldiers open fire on a Palestinian fisherman on the beach nr. al-Sudaniyya, wounding him. In the West Bank, a Palestinian man dies of a heart attack following a raid of his home in Hebron by Israeli soldiers. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Aida r.c., 3 villages nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Jenin at night. Also, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jericho in the morning, 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Jenin, ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. nr. Jericho, and 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Salfit at night. (MNA 5/17; PCHR 5/22)

Israeli FM Avigdor Lieberman says that PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas is not a partner for peace, and also that the U.S. administration is “wrong about the settlements,” in comments to Israeli television reporters. Lieberman frames the latter dispute as a fallout between “good friends,” but says that the Israeli govt. must present an “alternative” to the current framework for talks. (HA, ToI 5/17)

Senior Hamas official Musa Abu Marzuq announces that Hamas and Fatah have reached an agreement on the ministers who will make up the PA’s new unity govt. Abu Marzuq says that Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmad is expected to return to the Gaza Strip within days for further discussions. Separately, Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum urges Abbas not to give in to Israeli pressure with regard to the unity govt. (JP 5/17)