The Palestine Chronology

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF conducts 2 brief incursions nr. Khan Yunis, in both cases levelling land before withdrawing. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron, one village each nr. Salfit, Qalqilya, and Jerusalem and in Tulkarm and Jenin at night; patrols in 3 villages nr. Jenin in the morning, 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and 2 villages nr. Jericho at night. (PCHR 5/30)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry reveals a $4 billion plan to boost the Palestinian economy, speaking at the World Economic Forum at the Dead Sea in Jordan (see document D1 in JPS 169 for more). Kerry also urges Israelis and Palestinians to reach a political agreement, saying that a failure to do so would mean living with “a permanent intifada.” Israeli pres. Shimon Peres and PA Pres. Mahmoud Abbas both address the gathering, with Abbas using his speech to refuse any solution involving “temporary borders.” (HA, JP, REU 5/26)

There are reports of rockets fired from s. Lebanon into n. Israel, yet this is subsequently denied by the IDF, whose soldiers also fail to find any impact site or evidence of a projectile landing in Israeli territory. Meanwhile, 2 rockets are fired into a Shi‘i district of Beirut, in an apparent response to Hizballah chief Hassan Nasrallah’s promise to keep fighting in Syria alongside Asad. Arab League chief Nabil al-‘Arabi urges Hizballah to withdraw from its role in Syria, saying that to continue would threaten Lebanon’s internal unity. (AP, HA, REU 5/26; ToI 5/27; JP 5/28)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry holds separate talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, on his 4th visit to the region in 4 mos. Kerry meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, and separately with Pres. Shimon Peres in Jerusalem, and then with Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah. Kerry praises Netanyahu for his “seriousness” in looking for ways to return to direct negotiations and expresses optimism but no concrete strategy for moving things forward. Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secy. Chuck Hagel appoints retired Gen. John Allen as special envoy on security issues in talks between Israel and the PA. Allen’s final post before retirement from the military was as commander of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. (AP, HA, JP, REU 5/23)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF conducts an incursion nr. Khan Yunis, moving 300 meters past the border fence and raising land with bulldozers, a common occurrence justified by the military on security grounds. Israeli naval vessels also open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Salfit in the morning, 1 village nr. Salfit in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Jenin, 1 village nr. Jericho and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night. In East Jerusalem, 5 cars are vandalized with “price-tag” graffiti. (YA 5/23; PCHR 5/30)

Five are killed and more than 50 wounded in clashes in Tripoli between Lebanese gunmen from Sunni and Alawite communities. The death toll since the latest bout of fighting in the city began on 5/19 is now at least 18, with more than 170 wounded. The violence is linked to a Syrian govt. offensive that is being supported by Hizballah fighters. (AP, REU 5/23)

In the West Bank, IDF forces demolish 10 commercial properties nr. Jenin. The IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Jenin and nr. Qalqilya in the morning, in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 4 villages nr. Jenin and 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night. Also at night, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya. (MNA 5/9; PCHR 5/10)

Palestinian amb. to Egypt Barakat al-Farra says that Palestine has called an emergency meeting of Arab League representatives to discuss recent clashes in al-Aqsa Mosque compound (see 3/8). (MNA 5/9) 

Hamas says that PA security forces arrest 9 of its members in Hebron, Nablus, Qalqilya, and Ramallah. (MNA 5/9)

Hizballah leader Hasan Nasrallah says that Syria will supply the organization with ‘‘game-changing’’ weapons, following recent Israeli air strikes, and that Hizballah would help other groups looking to liberate the Syrian Golan Heights from Israeli occupation. Meanwhile, deputy Syrian FM Faisal Miqdad says that his country will ‘‘respond immediately’’ to any further Israeli attack in its territory. (AFP 5/9; DS 5/10)

The Israeli Air Force makes an airstrike in Syria. U.S. officials say that the target was weapons, rather than a building or installation. An anonymous Israeli official subsequently says that the target was a shipment of missiles intended for Hizballah, believed to include a Syrianproduced surface-to-surface guided weapon. Meanwhile, Lebanese sources report several sorties by Israeli air force planes in Lebanese airspace, breaches of sovereignty which are condemned by Pres. Michel Suleiman. (HA 5/3; AP, REU 5/4)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF forces open fire on Palestinians picnicking close to the border fence nr. Jabaliya, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 2 villages nr. Hebron in the afternoon (injuring 4 Palestinians in clashes), and in 1 village each nr. Hebron, nr. Jenin, nr. Qalqilya, nr. Ramallah and 3 villages nr. Salfit at night. Also at night, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon and 1 village nr. Salfit. IDF soldiers violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals taking part in weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the Israeli occupation and in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners. Demonstrations are held in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Budrus, Bil‘in, al-Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), 2 villages nr. Bethlehem (al-Khader, al-Ma’sara), and al-Shakara area nr. Ramallah. There are no serious injuries, except 1 in in Budrus and 2 in al-Nabi Salih. (PCHR 5/9)

In the West Bank, IDF soldiers demolish 2 structures in Oz Zion, a Jewish settlement outpost nr. Ramallah. The IDF also patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron and 2 villages nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. IDF soldiers violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals taking part in nonviolent demonstrations against the Israeli occupation and in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners. The demonstrations are held in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, al-Nabi Salih, Budrus), 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma’sara), 1 village nr. Hebron (Bayt Ummar), al-Haraiek area nr. Hebron, al-Shakara area nr. Ramallah, and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum); 1 Palestinian is seriously injured in Kafr Qaddum by a tear gas canister to the head. IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Jabaliya r.c. shoot and wound 1 Palestinian in the Gaza Strip. Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the north Gaza coast and also off the south Gaza coast off Khan Yunis: no damage or injuries reported. (AFP, MNA 4/26; PCHR 5/2)

The European Union missions in Ramallah and Jerusalem express serious concern over Israel’s demolition of 22 structures across 8 locations in the West Bank and East Jerusalem earlier in the week that displaced 28 Palestinians. The EU statement notes that some of the destroyed structures were funded by member states. (JP 4/27)

U.S. Pres. Barack Obama hosts Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House, with discussions to include the Syrian crisis, as well as Jordan’s political and economic developments. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office before the meeting, Pres. Obama says he would respond ‘‘prudently’’ and ‘‘deliberately’’ to solid evidence Syria has used chemical weapons, a development he describes as a ‘‘game changer’’ for Washington (see 4/23). (AFP, AP, REU, NYT 4/26)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 3 villages each nr. Jenin, and nr. Ramallah, 1 village each nr. Jericho, and nr. Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in Nablus, 2 villages nr. Nablus and 1 nr. Bethlehem at night. During nonviolent demonstrations against the Israeli occupation and in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners, Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals are violently dispersed by IDF soldiers in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, al-Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin, Silwad), 2 villages nr. Bethlehem (al-Khader, al-Ma’sara), and in al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah. There are no serious injuries, except in Silwad (3) and al-Jalazun (3). (PCHR 4/25)

Newly re-elected Hamas leader Khalid Mishal convenes senior Hamas officials in Qatar to discuss, among other issues, prospects for forming a national unity government in the wake of PA PM Salam Fayyad’s 4/13 resignation, and ways of pressuring Israel to free Palestinian prisoners. Meanwhile, Pres. Mahmud Abbas says he will launch talks in the near future on forming a new cabinet. (AFP, MNA 4/19)

Israeli naval vessels twice open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the n. Gaza coast, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Palestinians clash with IDF forces in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, with demonstrators throwing Molotov cocktails at a military watchtower in the separation wall. In al-Khader nr. Bethlehem, IDF forces shoot and injure 3 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets in clashes. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in Qalqilya, 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Nablus, Salfit, and Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem in the morning, 1 village nr. Bethlehem in the afternoon, and in Hebron and nearby al-‘Arub.r.c. in Jenin r.c., in Jenin, and in Tulkarm at night. (MNA 4/14; PCHR 4/18)

Israel’s Military Advocate General announces that there will be no criminal investigation of Israel’s 11/18/12 airstrike on Gaza during Operation Pillar of Defense that killed 12 Palestinian civilians—including 10 members of the same family. (REU 4/14)

Lebanese pres. Michel Suleiman criticizes Israel’s continued routine violations of his country’s airspace (see 3/19) and urges the international community to end these breaches of United Nations Resolution 1701. (DS 4/14)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in in al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron, and in 1 village nr. Jericho in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Jenin and 1 nr. Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 1 nr. Ramallah at night. IDF soldiers violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals taking part in nonviolent demonstrations against both the Israeli occupation as well as in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners. Demonstrations are held in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, al-Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin, Abud), al-Haraiek nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), 2 villages nr. Bethlehem (al-Khader, al-Ma’sara), and in Hebron. There are no serious injuries, except 2 in Bil‘in (hit by tear gas canisters) and 1 in al-Khader (rubber-coated metal bullet). (PCHR 4/18)

The IDF fires artillery into Syria after shots were fired at Israeli troops in the occupied Golan Heights causing no damage or injuries. According to the Israeli military, the return fire scored a ‘‘direct hit.’’ (REU 4/12)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry meets with Israeli pres. Shimon Peres to discuss efforts to restart the peace process. Meanwhile, Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas arrives in Doha for a meeting organized by the Arab League and chaired by senior Qatari officials to plan a delegation to the UN in New York to revive negotiations. (HA, MNA 4/8)

Israel closes the Kerem Shalom goods crossing into Gaza in response to the 4/7 rocket fire. Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF forces shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian photographer during clashes in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, and also shoot and injure a Palestinian construction worker in Madama village nr. Nablus. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, in Qalqilya and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in Qalqilya and 1 nearby village, and 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Jenin at night. IDF forces also conduct house searches and arrest raids in and around Jenin and Tulkarm, nr. Hebron, in Dahaysha r.c. in Bethlehem, and nr. Qalqilya and Salfit. (JP, MNA 4/8; PCHR 4/11)

UNRWA announces that it is reopening its Gaza Strip-based food distribution centers after last week’s suspension (4/4). (REU 4/8)

IDF soldiers shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian teenager during a protest at al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah. IDF forces shoot and injure 5 Palestinians during clashes in Hebron, with another 15 injured in confrontations in the wider Hebron area as demonstrations continue following the death of a Palestinian prisoner in Israeli custody, and the IDF also shoots and injures 1 Palestinian in protests in al-Khader nr. Bethlehem. IDF soldiers violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals taking part in nonviolent demonstrations in multiple villages against the Israeli occupation in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners. Demonstrations are held in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bayt Laqiya, Bil‘in, al-Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin), al-Haraiek nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), 2 villages nr. Bethlehem (al-Khader, al-Ma‘sara), and at Hawara checkpoint nr. Nablus. There are no serious injuries. The IDF also patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Salfit in the afternoon; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho, and 1 each nr. Jenin, Ramallah, and nr. Salfit at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem at night. (MNA 4/5; PCHR 4/11)

IDF forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during clashes in Anata nr. Jerusalem. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Hebron, in al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. IDF soldiers violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals taking part in nonviolent demonstrations in multiple villages against the Israeli occupation and in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners. Protesters are dispersed in 5 villages nr. Ramallah (Abud, Bayt Laqiya, Bil‘in, alNabi Salih, Ni‘lin), al-Haraiek nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), and at Ofer prison nr. Ramallah. There are no serious injuries, except in Abud (2 wounded) and in al-Haraiek (1 wounded). (MNA 3/22; PCHR 3/28)

U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Victoria Nuland says that the Obama admin. has unblocked almost $500 million in aid—including $200 million in direct budget support—to the PA, previously frozen by Congress in October 2011 as a response to the UN statehood bid (see QU 162). According to Nuland, the White House also notified Congress in late 2/2013 that it seeks a further $200 million to fund USAID projects for the Palestinians. In response, Palestinian Labor Minister Ahmad Majdalani says that the PA’s financial crisis is not over. (AFP 3/22; MNA 3/23)

Hamas authorities complain to Egypt about Israel’s 3/21 decision to restrict Palestinian fishermen off the coast of Gaza. The government in Gaza also reportedly arrests 2 members of the Mujahidin Shura Council, which claimed responsibility for the 3/21 rocket attack on Israel. (ToI 3/22)

Under pressure from Pres. Obama to restore normal ties with Turkey, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu phones Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan to apologize for ‘‘mistakes made’’ during the IDF’s attack on a Gaza-bound flotilla in 2010, when 9 Turks (including one U.S. dual national) were killed aboard the Mavi Marmara (see QU 157). They agree to dispatch envoys to each other’s countries. After coordinating this diplomatic breakthrough, Pres. Obama leaves for Jordan. (NYT 3/23)

U.S. Pres. Barack Obama meets with Jordan’s King Abdullah II in Amman for talks primarily on the Syrian civil war and the refugee crisis. Pres. Obama pledges to work to supply Jordanian authorities with $200 million extra assistance to care for the estimated 460,000 Syrian refugees who have crossed the border seeking refuge. (REU 3/22)

Lebanese PM Najib Mikati resigns due to divisions within the government about elections later in the year and to protest the cabinet’s refusal to extend the tenure of the national police chief, a figure perceived by the Sunni community as sympathetic to their interests. (AP 3/22)

There are violent clashes between IDF soldiers and Palestinian demonstrators across the West Bank. After the funeral of a man killed by the IDF in Abud village nr. Ramallah, demonstrators clash with IDF soldiers, who fire tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets, causing no serious injuries.

In Jerusalem, Israeli police and Palestinians clash after Friday prayers at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, with no serious injuries.

In Hebron, IDF soldiers clash with stone-throwing youths, and seriously injure 3 civilians. In al-Mazra’a al-Qibliya village nr. Ramallah, an IDF patrol fires on stone-throwing youths with live ammunition, wounding 3. Meanwhile, Jewish settlers attack a Palestinian shepherd close to alMughayyir village nr. Ramallah, killing 5 of his sheep. In ensuing clashes, IDF soldiers injure 4 Palestinian civilians. Also, Jewish settlers uproot around 100 olive trees south of Nablus and leave ‘‘price tag’’ graffiti in Issawiyya village. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in al- ‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jenin, 1 village nr. Jericho and 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night. IDF soldiers conduct house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night. IDF soldiers violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists taking part in weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the Israeli occupation and land confiscations held in 2 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin), 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma’sara), al-Haraiek area nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Jayyous). There are no serious injuries except in Bil‘in, where 3 Palestinians are injured by rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters. IDF soldiers also clash with protesters at various locations who are demonstrating in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners, including in Bayt Ummar nr. Hebron, Bayt Laqiya nr. Ramallah, al-Khader and Taqq’a nr. Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; no serious injuries are reported. Israeli naval vessels off the Gaza coast open fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. Rafah, causing no damage or casualties. IDF forces open fire on Palestinians picnicking close to the Gaza border fence nr. Jabaliya, seriously wounding 1. (MNA, REU 3/8; PCHR 3/14)

Israeli media reports that PM Benjamin Netanyahu may adopt a package of ‘‘goodwill gestures’’ ahead of U.S. Pres. Obama’s upcoming visit, including transferring responsibility for 2 West Bank roads to the PA, releasing Fatah prisoners, and approving building plans for Palestinian villages in Area C currently considered illegal. Netanyahu’s office denies the reports and says that any practical steps would only be taken if the Palestinian leadership returns to talks without conditions. (MNA, ToI 3/5)

In the West Bank, Jewish settlers uproot around 100 olive trees in Nahalin village nr. Bethlehem. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in Nablus, 1 village nr. Bethlehem, Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, 3 villages nr. Hebron and 2 villages nr. Jenin at night. (AP 3/5; PCHR 3/6)

Israeli security service Shin Bet publishes statistics indicating a 70% increase in violent attacks by Palestinians in the occupied territories during 2/2013 (138 incidents) compared to 1/2013 (83 incidents), most of which were the throwing of Molotov cocktails. (HA 3/5; XIN 8/6)

Hamas reports that PA security forces arrested 66 of the movement’s supporters in the West Bank during 2/2013, and summoned another 38 for interrogation. A senior Hamas official in the Gaza Strip says that PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas had ‘‘sold the reconciliation in return for an American smile.’’ (JP 3/5)

A week after assuming office, U.S. Defense Secy. Chuck Hagel hosts Israeli DM Ehud Barak at the Pentagon for talks on Iran and Syria, among other topics. Hagel assures Barak that there would be no interruption of funding for Israeli defense systems like Iron Dome, Arrow and David’s Sling, even as the looming sequester looks set to cost Israel around $155 million in defense assistance. (HA, JTA 3/5)

Israeli pres. Shimon Peres gives PM Benjamin Netanyahu 2 more weeks to form a new government, after the initial 28-day period passes without a successful coalition agreement being reached. (HA, REU 3/2)

Israel’s Transportation Ministry announces that new Palestinian-only bus lines will soon operate between locations in the West Bank and central Israel. Israel presents the plan as a gesture to ease travel arrangements for Palestinian day laborers, but critics denounce the plan as de facto ‘‘segregation,’’ noting that Jewish settlers have voiced complaints about sharing buses with Palestinian workers. (YA 3/2; HA 3/3)

In the West Bank, Jewish settlers from Havat Maon attack Palestinian farmers nr. Yatta south of Hebron. When Israeli soldiers arrive, they declare the area a closed military zone and arrest 1 Palestinian teenager. The IDF patrols in al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, provoking clashes that cause no serious injuries. At night, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Tulkarm; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 nearby villages and in 1 each village nr. Jenin and. Nablus. (PCHR 3/7)

An Israeli diplomatic source reveals that Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Jordan’s King Abdullah II met in Jordan last week to discuss the peace process. No further details are revealed. (AFP 3/2)

Several mortars fired from inside Syria land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no injuries or damage. Israel says that it assumes the mortars were misfired, but nonetheless files a complaint with the UN. (HA 3/2)

IDF soldiers shoot and wound 2 Palestinian teenagers, 1 seriously, in clashes between the army and protesters nr. Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem. Palestinians throwing stones at Israeli cars on a road nr. Beitar Illit settlement lightly injure an Israeli child. Hundreds of Palestinian protesters demonstrating in solidarity with hunger-striking prisoners march to Ofer prison nr. Ramallah and clash with Israeli forces, who wound 11 with rubber-coated metal bullets. IDF soldiers shoot and wound 1 Palestinian at demonstrations in Tulkarm, and IDF soldiers open fire and wound 2 at demonstrations in Taqou’ village nr. Bethlehem. Israeli soldiers arrest 19 Palestinian schoolchildren in Til village nr. Nablus and take them to Hawara detention facility, releasing them after around 5 hours. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Hebron, al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, and in 1 village nr. Nablus in the afternoon (clashes in all three, no serious injuries), in 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels opens fire on Palestinian fishermen off the north Gaza coast, causing no injuries or damage. (MNA, 2/25; HA 2/26; PCHR 2/28)

PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas meets with his security chiefs and orders them to enforce calm in the West Bank. Meanwhile, in a press briefing U.S. deputy State Dept. spokesperson Patrick Ventrell calls on Israelis and Palestinians to ‘‘exercise maximum restraint’’ and ‘‘refrain from provocative actions that could destabilize conditions on the ground.’’ (AFP 2/25; HA 2/26)

Israel carries out a successful test of its upgraded Arrow III missile interceptor in, a joint project with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. (HA 2/25)

Palestinians respond to the 2/23 death of prisoner Arafat Jaradat with demonstrations across the West Bank and Gaza Strip, while around 4,000 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails launch hunger-strikes in protest. At a press conference in Ramallah, Palestinian officials claim that Jaradat died from torture, based on evidence presented by PA chief pathologist Saber Aloul, who attended the autopsy. At the protests by Ofer detention center nr. Ramallah, Israeli soldiers wound 26 Palestinian protesters with rubbercoated metal bullets and live ammunition. At least 2 other Palestinians are wounded by live fire in Aida r.c. (nr. Bethlehem) and al-‘Arub r.c. (nr. Hebron). Meanwhile, Jewish settlers uproot more than 50 olive trees in Bayt Awwa village nr. Hebron. Jewish settlers from Esh Kodesh attack a house nr. Qusra village, prompting clashes with villagers; the IDF intervenes to violently disperse the Palestinians. At night, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah; and conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-Bireh, Hebron, 1 village each nr. Jenin, Hebron, and Jenin. Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the north Gaza coast nr. al-Waha on 2 separate occasions, causing no serious injuries or damage. (HA, MNA 2/24; PCHR 2/28)

To ease tensions in the West Bank over the 2/23 Jaradat killing, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu authorizes the transfer to the PA of its tax revenues for 1/2013. He also sends a message to the Palestinian Authority through negotiations liaison official Yitzhak Molcho reportedly (JP 2/24)

stating that the PA now (in light of the tax transfer) has no ‘‘excuse not to enforce calm on the ground.’’ (JP 2/24; MNA 2/25)

Palestinians protest in Bethlehem, Hebron and Ramallah in solidarity with hunger-striking prisoners in Israeli jails. In al-Khader village nr. Bethlehem, Palestinians demonstrate by Route 60, until they are violently dispersed by Israeli soldiers. The IDF also clashes with Palestinians nr. al-‘Arub r.c. north of Hebron, shooting 1 Palestinian in the leg; 1 IDF soldier is moderately injured. Palestinians throw stones in Hebron and on Highway 446 nr. Ramallah; no one is injured in these clashes. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in Bethlehem and 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the coast of northern Gaza, wounding 2. (HA, MNA 2/18; PCHR 2/21)

The PA’s director of custom taxes and VAT Ahmad al-Hilou says that Israel is still withholding tax revenues from the PA, a step taken in 11/2012 as a response to the successful UN bid (see JPS 167). A meeting between PA and Israeli officials to discuss transferring 1/2013 tax revenues is set for 2/28. (MNA 2/18)

Egyptian security officials say that a delegation from Cairo will visit Israel for talks on the Gaza cease-fire and border restrictions, and will present a demand for Israel to allow commercial goods to enter Gaza via the Rafah crossing. The visit comes a day after an Israeli delegation visited Cairo. (MNA 2/18)

The Turkish media report that Israel has supplied electronic warfare systems to the Turkish military, the first such exchange since the deadly attack on the Mavi Marama in 5/2010. An Israeli defense source says that the deal came about after American pressure and due to an Israeli desire to improve relations with Turkey. (HA 2/18)

European Union foreign ministers announce that the sanctions regime against Syria will remain the same, with the addition of an amendment allowing for the supply of ‘‘non-lethal support and technical assistance for the protection of civilians’’—wording intended to further aid rebels, but stopping short of a push by Britain and France to make support for the rebels more explicit. (AP 2/18)

Australian television channel ABC broadcasts claims that dual IsraeliAustralian citizen Ben Zygier committed suicide in a high-security Israeli jail in 2010 after being held for months in great secrecy and known only as ‘‘Prisoner X.’’ ABC says that the man had been recruited by Mossad. The Israeli government refuses to comment and immediately forces Israeli publications to remove reference to the story from online and print editions. However, a number of MKs refer to the story in the Knesset. (HP, REU 2/12)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm in the morning, and in 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Jenin, Jerusalem, Nablus, and Ramallah at night. (PCHR 2/14)

International NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) concludes that at least 18 Israeli air strikes in Operation Pillar of Defense in November 2012 were in violation of the laws of war, highlighting specific attacks that killed at least 43 Palestinian civilians, including 12 children. (HRW 2/12)

Palestinian Ministry of Finance spokesperson Rami Mahdawi says that Israel is still withholding Palestinian tax revenue in breach of the 1994 Paris Protocol. (MNA 2/12)

The Senate Armed Services Comm. votes (14–11) along party lines to approve Pres. Obama’s nomination of Chuck Hagel to be the nation’s defense secretary, allowing his nomination to advance to the full Senate. Hagel’s nomination continues to be fiercely opposed by groups and senators known to have a pro-Israel line. (AP 2/12)

British newspaper the Sunday Times reports that U.S. pres. Obama plans during his visit to the region in 3/2013 to offer to increase U.S. pressure on Iran in exchange for Israeli PM Netanyahu making concessions to the Palestinians. (ToI 2/10)

Palestinian demonstrators—including Israeli Palestinian MK Ahmad Tibi— set up tents in Bayt Safafa, East Jerusalem, to protest Israel’s construction of a new highway intended to give Jewish settlers quicker access to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli navy arrests 4 Palestinian fishermen working 3 naut. mi. offshore nr. Gaza City. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and in Nablus, Hebron’s Old City and 1 village nr. Hebron, Jenin and 1 nearby village, and Silwan in East Jerusalem at night. (MNA 2/10; PCHR 2/14)

Palestinian factions end talks in Cairo without reaching an agreement on specific steps forward to achieve national reconciliation. Fatah delegation head Azzam al-Ahmad claims that there was consensus on most of the issues, but disagreement on several points regarding an election law for the PNC. (AFP, MNA 2/10)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians gathered close to the border fence nr. Bayt Lahiya and separately nr. Abu Safiya, causing no injuries in either case. In the West Bank, the IDF attacks Palestinian and international activists who built 3 tents on confiscated land e. of Yatta nr. Hebron, demolishing and confiscating the tents. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the morning; in 1 village nr. Jenin, 1 village nr. Tulkarm, and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon; in 3 villages each nr. Qaliqlya and Ramallah, and 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jericho at night. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Salfit at night. Israeli soldiers attack weekly nonviolent demonstrations held by Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, al-Nabi Salih, Budrus), 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). In all, 1 Palestinian in Budrus is seriously wounded by a rubber-coated bullet and 2 Palestinians in Kafr Qaddum are moderately injured by tear-gas canisters. (PCHR 2/14)

Hassan al-Ouri, legal adviser to Palestinian pres. Abbas, says that the president will pardon a man jailed on 2/6 for insulting the PA leadership. (MNA 2/8)

Palestinian pres. Abbas meets Islamic Jihad leader Ramadan ‘Abdallah Shalah as part national reconciliation talks in Cairo. (MNA 2/8)

Iran’s amb. to Bulgaria Gholamreza Bageri says that Iran had nothing to do with the 7/2012 bombing of a bus in Burgas, following accusations by Bulgarian authorities that Hizballah was behind the attack. (REU 2/8)

The Lebanese military say that Israeli jets conducted mock raids overnight in Lebanese airspace. Meanwhile, a report by Lebanon’s amb. to the UN, Nawaf Salam, is published, detailing 54 violations of UNSC Res. 1701 committed by Israel in 12/2012. (JP, ToI 2/8)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians close to the border fence nr. Jabalya, wounding 2. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah at night. In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers attack weekly nonviolent demonstrations held by Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, al-Nabi Salih), 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), causing no serious injuries. (PCHR 2/7)

Lebanon reports that Israeli war planes conduct ‘‘mock raids’’ in Lebanese airspace. (AP, JP 2/1)

Israeli pres. Shimon Peres meets with Jordanian King Abdallah II at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to discuss restarting peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. (JP 1/25)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians close to the border fence in 3 separate incidents nr. Jabalya (twice) and nr. Bayt Lahiya, wounding a total of 5. Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, Palestinian activists occupy the site of demolished protest village al-Karamah nr. Jerusalem to perform weekly prayers, re-erect tents, and plant olive trees. Activists also stage a demonstration in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails at the entrance to Elazar settlement nr. Bethlehem and are removed by IDF soldiers. The IDF also patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Hebron at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in Bethlehem and 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Israeli soldiers attack weekly nonviolent demonstrations held by Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, al-Nabi Salih, Budrus), 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). In total, 5 Palestinians are hit and injured by tear-gas canisters (4 in Bil‘in and 1 hit in the head in al-Nabi Salih). (MNA 1/25; PCHR 1/31)

White House spokesperson Jay Carney responds to a question about the consequences of the Israeli election for peace efforts by restating the administration’s call for a resumption of direct negotiations on final-status issues. Meanwhile, the UN’s special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, Robert Serry, tells a UNSC meeting that courageous steps by Israeli and Palestinian leaders are required to save the two-state solution. At the meeting, Palestinian FM Riyad al-Maliki sits behind a ‘‘State of Palestine’’ nameplate, drawing criticism from U.S. amb. Susan Rice, who says that the U.S. does not recognize the UNGA vote in 11/2012 (see Quarterly Update in JPS 166). After the meeting, Maliki says that the Palestinians’ decision about whether to go to the ICC over Israel’s settlement construction will depend on what the Israeli government does in the E1 area nr. Jerusalem. (AP, REU, UNNC 1/23)

Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. The IDF also makes a brief incursion into Gaza to a distance of 200 m from the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun to level land. In the West Bank, IDF soldiers open fire on Palestinians at the entrance to al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, killing 1 woman with a shot to the head. Eyewitnesses say the soldiers were traveling in a civilian car. Also, a Palestinian teenager shot by the IDF during clashes in Aida r.c. on 1/18 dies in the hospital. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin at night. (MNA, PCHR, WAFA 1/23)

Human rights NGO the Palestinian Center for Human Rights publishes a list of media workers in the Gaza Strip arrested by Hamas security services over the previous 48 hours. Meanwhile, dep. head of Hamas politburo Musa Abu Marzuq says that there is no disagreement within Hamas about Mahmud Abbas heading a unity government. (MNA 1/23)

PA fin. min. Nabil Qassis says that the government’s financial crisis is structural, requiring systematic changes in the budget and culture. He reveals that the deficit has now exceeded $1.4 b. (MNA 1/23)

Jordan holds parliamentary elections, which are boycotted by the Muslim Brotherhood–affiliated Islamic Action Front. The boycott is based on claims that the electoral system is biased in favor of rural tribal areas where pro-regime sentiment is highest, in contrast to large, more densely populated urban areas, where pro-Brotherhood views are strong among poor Palestinians. In the election, 1,425 candidates compete for 150 seats, up from 120, in the lower house. King Abdallah has agreed to cede some powers to the new legislature, such as choosing the PM and running day-to-day affairs. There are numerous reports of vote-buying and small-scale clashes in Karak governorate and some districts of Amman. The results see pro-government candidates maintain their dominance of the parliament, though 37 Islamist and other government critics win seats in the legislature. (AKH, AP, NYT, REU 1/23; AP, REU 1/24)

The Lebanese army states that 12 Israeli warplanes violated Lebanese airspace overnight, claiming that the breach of Lebanon’s sovereignty is a violation of UN Res. 1701, which was accepted as the basis for the cease-fire that ended the Israeli-Lebanon war of 2006. (Daily Star 1/23)

Israeli DM Ehud Barak decides to close a gap in the separation fence between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim settlement, putting Ma’ale Adumim outside the Separation Wall and preventing Palestinians from reaching area E1. (HA 1/21)

IDF troops on the Gaza border open fire on Palestinians close to the border fence in 2 incidents nr. the Erez crossing (wounding 1) and Jabalya (no injuries). Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes agricultural sheds, tin-made homes, and a water well s. of Hebron; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin and 2 nearby villages, and 1 village each nr. Hebron and nr. Nablus at night. (MNA 1/21; PCHR 1/23)

Palestinian protesters in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus set fire to tires and demonstrate against the PA’s detention of Fatahaffiliated gunmen who gave themselves up on 1/17. Requests by Palestinian Council (PC) deputies to visit the detainees have been ignored. (MNA 1/21)

Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmad announces that Hamas and Fatah will form a tripartite comm. with Egypt to implement national reconciliation. Meanwhile, an Egyptian security official confirms that an Egyptian delegation will soon visit the Gaza Strip to push forward the reconciliation efforts. (MNA 1/21)

The EU announces that Denmark and Holland agree to jointly contribute around €7.2 m. to the payment of 12/2012 salaries and pensions for more than 80,000 Palestinian civil servants and pensioners in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. (WAFA 1/21)

In an effort to reopen the Ramallah– Jerusalem road in al-Amari r.c. nr. Ramallah, Palestinian security forces open fire on Palestinians demonstrating in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israel. Three Palestinian youths are wounded in the legs by live ammunition. (MNA 1/21)

Egyptian security forces seize 1 ton of explosives in the Sinai Peninsula allegedly bound for the Gaza Strip, the largest single such capture. Local media report that police have seized a total of 5 tons of explosives as well as disassembled rockets and automatic weapons in the last 3 mos.—all apparently headed for Gaza. Egyptian maj. gen. Sameeh Bashadi says that in the past 3 days, 10 Palestinians have been detained after entering Sinai illegally from the Gaza Strip and that a list of Palestinians entering Egypt through the tunnels has been distributed to the Egyptian security forces. (HA, MNA 1/20)

Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF storms the alKaramah protest tent village nr. Bayt Iksa, issues demolition and evacuation orders, and fires stun grenades and tear gas. The IDF also patrols in Jenin in the morning, in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Tubas and in 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Jenin at night. (MNA 1/20; PCHR 1/23)

Palestinian pres. Abbas arrives in Saudi Arabia to attend the 3d Arab Economic, Social and Developmental Summit, where he renews his call for urgent financial aid. Meanwhile, Palestinian union chief Bassam Zakarneh announces that PA civil servants will hold protests on 1/21 and strike on 1/23 to protest late payment of salaries. (JP 1/21; MNA 1/20)

Hamas official Ghazi Hammad announces that Tunisian pres. Moncef Marzouki will visit the Gaza Strip on 2/9, without giving further details. Meanwhile, Lebanon-based senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan arrives in the Gaza Strip for the 1st time on a visit of a few days. (AFP 1/20; JP 1/21)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF opens fire along the border fence nr. Wadi al-Salqa village in c. Gaza, wounding 1 Palestinian child. Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF for a 2d time in 48 hours destroys tents being used for shelter by shepherds in the n. Jordan Valley community of al-Maleh; the IDF also prevents a convoy of humanitarian aid from reaching the village. The IDF arrests Palestinians and Israelis who were part of a group of farmers and activists attempting to access Palestinian-owned land alongside the unauthorized settler outpost of Mitzpeh Hair nr. Hebron. The IDF also patrols in 2 villages nr. Salfit in the morning, in 3 villages nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Ramallah, and Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and Hebron at night. (972mag, WAFA, XIN 1/19; PCHR 1/23)

Speaking ahead of elections, Israeli PM Netanyahu says that the country’s enemies want a ‘‘weak Israel’’ and that his priority in a next term in office will be to stop Iran’s nuclear program. (REU 1/19)

The day before a major economic conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s envoy to the Arab League Ahmad Qattan says that the country will contribute $20 m. each mo. to the PA for as long as Israel continues to withhold Palestinian tax revenues. (MNA 1/19)

Islamic Jihad military wing al-Quds Brigades warns that it will respond if Israel continues to violate the post-Operation Pillar of Defense cease-fire agreement. Spokesperson Abu Ahmad says that the group is giving Egypt a chance to maintain the terms of the truce. (MNA 1/18)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians close to the border fence nr. Jabalya, wounding 1, and in a similar incident, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians close to the border fence nr. Bayt Lahiya, injuring 1. The IDF also opens fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF fatally shoots a Palestinian teenager in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem during clashes in the camp. The IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Jericho and Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night. Israeli soldiers attack the weekly nonviolent demonstrations held by Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, al-Nabi Salih, Budrus), 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), and 1 village nr. Hebron (Susia). In total, 3 Palestinians in Budrus and 2 in Kafr Qaddum are wounded by rubber-coated steel bullets. In addition, Palestinian activists establish a new tent protest village nr. Bayt Iksa close to Jerusalem, calling it al-Karamah (‘‘Dignity’’). Around 400 Palestinians perform Friday prayers in the open area. (MNA 1/18; PCHR 1/23)

Around 500 members of the Israeli security forces forcibly evacuate some 100 Palestinians from the Bab al-Shams protest camp in the E1 area nr. Jerusalem (see 1/11). The Israeli Supreme Court had issued an injunction to prevent the removal for 6 days, and a police spokesperson claims that the court order allowed for the evacuation of protesters, if not the tents. Israeli newspaper Ha’Aretz reports that the tents were put up on private Palestinian land, according to the state’s own plan for development in E1. (HA, REU 1/13)

Also in the West Bank, the IDF fatally shoots an unarmed Palestinian man nr. Hebron as he attempts to cross into Israel without a permit for work. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron and 3 villages nr. Bethlehem at night. (MNA 1/12; PCHR 1/17)

Israeli vice premier Moshe Ya’alon of the ruling Likud party rules out the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state alongside Israel in a speech at a regional cultural event. (JP 1/12)

Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert claims that PM Netanyahu wasted around $3 b. preparing for a war on Iran that never took place. (Observer 1/13)

Hundreds of Palestinian activists set up a tent camp they name ‘‘Bab al-Shams’’ (‘‘Gate of the Sun’’) in the area of the West Bank nr. East Jerusalem known as E1, land Israel has earmarked for further settlement development. Elsewhere in the West Bank, the IDF patrols in and around Hebron and the nearby al-‘Arub r.c., in Jenin, and in 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Israeli soldiers attack weekly nonviolent demonstrations held by Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, al-Nabi Salih), 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries, except in al-Nabi Salih, where 1 Palestinian is wounded by a rubber-coated steel bullet. Jewish settlers from Esh Kodesh outpost destroy over 200 olive trees in Qusra village nr. Nablus. In the Gaza Strip, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians in the Israelideclared buffer zone long the border nr. Jabalya r.c., killing 1 man and wounding another. (MNA, REU 1/11; PCHR 1/17)

Hamas releases a report estimating that 885 Palestinians have been killed in Syria’s civil war, and around 20,000 Palestinians have fled to Lebanon. (Daily Star 1/11)

The Egyptian government announces that Fatah and Hamas have agreed to start implementing previous reconciliation agreements, following talks between PA pres. Abbas and Hamas leader Mishal in Cairo. Abbas spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudaineh says the 2 sides agreed on the formation of several joint committees, including ones dealing with presidential and parliamentary elections in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the formation of a Palestinian unity government, and the reconstruction of the PLO. (JP 1/10)

Gaza’s Minister of Public Works and Housing Yousef Subhi al-Ghariz says that the United Arab Emirates has donated $50 m. to build a housing project for Palestinians released from Israeli jails. (MNA 1/10)

IDF forces make a brief incursion into n. Gaza nr. Bayt Lahiya to level land 200 m inside the border fence. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night. Jewish settlers from Yitzhar settlement nr. Nablus attack Palestinians from ‘Urif village; the IDF intervenes and opens fire on the Palestinians, wounding 1 in the leg with live ammunition. Jewish settlers from the Esh Kodesh outpost nr. Nablus open fire on Palestinians from Qusra village, wounding 1. Palestinians throw rocks at Jewish settler vehicles in the West Bank, injuring 3 Israelis in 2 separate incidents. (JP, MNA 1/10; PCHR 1/17)

Masked gunmen claiming affiliation to Fatah parade through Balata r.c. in Nablus and hold a press conference urging the PA security forces to stop imprisoning their members. (MNA 1/10)

The IDF closes a section of the highway close to the Egyptian border to civilian traffic, citing security concerns related to unrest in the Sinai Peninsula. Meanwhile, Egyptian security forces arrest 4 men nr. the Libyan border on suspicion of arms smuggling to Sinai— the haul includes anti-aircraft gun rounds, explosives, and RPG launchers. (ToI 1/10)

PA pres. Abbas rejects a conditional Israeli offer to let Palestinian refugees fleeing the civil war in Syria resettle in the West Bank and Gaza, claiming it would compromise the right of return. (AP 1/10)