The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian, using live ammunition, during a late-night raid in Tubas. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian as Israeli settlers toured Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces confiscated 30,000 NIS ($9,126) from a family in Dura during a house raid. 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Bayt Umar, Yatta, and Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces prevented a Palestinian family from celebrating the release of a family member who had spent 11 years in Israeli prison and arrested the former detainee’s brother. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 4/1; PCHR 4/8)

A Palestinian man arrested last year by Hamas for participating in a Zoom meeting with Israeli peace activists told AP that he had been tortured and forced to divorce his wife, the daughter of an exiled Hamas official. The man was released in October of 2020, after 6 months in prison. (AP 4/1)

The possible kingmaker in the Israeli elections, Ra’am (United Arab List) chairman Mansour Abbas held a press conference, where he told Jewish-Israelis and Palestinian-Israelis to find common ground rather than focusing on the 2 groups’ differences. Benjamin Netanyahu ally and chairman of the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party Itamar Ben-Gvir said Abbas was trying to portray himself as a “cute bear,” but that he sanctifies infant killers. Abbas did not say who he intends to support in forming a government. (HA, REU 4/1; ALM, TOI 4/2)

Jordan sent a letter of complaint to the Israeli foreign ministry condemning the Israeli violation of the status quo of the Jerusalem holy sites. Jordan particularly pointed out that Israel continues to allow Jewish worshipers on the Haram al-Sharif compound, which violates the status quo agreement. It was reported that 1,200 Jewish worshipers visited the compound during the recent Israeli Passover holiday. (TOI, WAFA 4/1; JP 4/3)

Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said during an interview that “the normalization of Israel’s status within the region would bring tremendous benefits to the region as a whole,” but that Saudi normalization of Israel depends on the creation of a Palestinian state. (AJ 4/2)

France, Germany, and the World Bank signed financing agreements, worth $52 million, to help local municipalities in the West Bank respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. (WAFA 4/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers opened fire at 2 Palestinian children near Yatta; no injuries were reported. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Dura, Bayt Ula, Sa‘ir, and Dheisheh refugee camp; during the raid in Dheisheh refugee camp, Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians with live ammunition. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Johor al-Dik; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 3/11; PCHR 3/18)

PA health minister Mai al-Kaila said that the PA will receive a donation of 100,000 doses of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine from China. Health Minister al-Kaila also said she had urged COVAX to stand by its initial promise of providing vaccines for Palestinians. According to al-Kaila, COVAX had originally promised vaccines to arrive in mid-February but now they are scheduled for May, and the number of vaccines earmarked for the PA is reduced to 168,000 down from 240,000. A shipment of 40,000 Sputnik V vaccine doses arrived in Gaza donated by the UAE. The former Fatah politician Mohammad Dahlan claimed responsibility for the shipment as he is a close advisor to the UAE crown prince Mohammed bin Zayed. (HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 3/11)

Israeli authorities banned PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith from communicating with 50 Palestinians in the West Bank, including PA president Mahmoud Abbas and all members of the Fatah Central Committee. (WAFA 3/11)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas, in his capacity as leader of Fatah, ejected Nasser al-Kidwa from the Fatah party because al-Kidwa had announced he would run on his own electoral list in the upcoming Palestinian elections. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, YNET, WAFA 3/11)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly canceled a trip to the UAE, where he was to meet with UAE crown prince Mohammed bin Zayed, because his wife Sara Netanyahu was hospitalized with appendicitis. Other reports suggested that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s trip was canceled due to a political conflict with Jordan over the cancelation of the Jordanian crown prince Hussein bin Abdullah’s visit to the Haram al-Sharif compound on 3/10, which was canceled because Israel and Jordan could not agree on security arrangement. In turn, Jordan is said not to have allowed Netanyahu to use Jordanian air space to get to the UAE. It was later reported that Netanyahu had ordered Israeli air space closed to Jordan in retaliation, but that the Israeli transportation ministry had stalled the order, which was eventually canceled. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, HA, HA, JP, REU, REU, REU 3/11; WAFA 3/12; HA 3/14)

Prime minister of the Czech Republic Andrej Babiš and prime minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán visited Israel to discuss cooperation in vaccine research and development with Prime Minister Netanyahu. During the trip, Prime Minister Babiš also opened a diplomatic office in Jerusalem. The Czech Republic received a donation of COVID-19 vaccines from Israel earlier this month. The PA and the Arab League condemned the Czech Republic’s decision to open the office in Jerusalem. (REU 3/9; HA, HA 3/11; ALM 3/12; AJ, HA, WAFA 3/13; HA, WAFA 3/14)

The Israeli state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries and the UAE state-owned weapons maker EDGE announced that they would develop an advanced drone defense system together. (ALM, REU 3/11; HA 3/12; JP 3/13)

Israel said it had concluded a military drill with Greece, Cyprus, and France in the Mediterranean Sea. (AJ, ALM, AP 3/12)

The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel has attacked at least 12 Iranian ships carrying oil and other goods en route to Syria since 2019, according to U.S. sources. 1 of the U.S. sources said that the Trump administration had tacitly supported the attacks. (HA, WSJ 3/11; ALM 3/15; HA 3/20)

Representatives from the UN, EU, Egypt, Jordan, Germany, and France met to discuss reviving talks between Israel and Palestine after the 2 countries’ elections this year. (AP 3/11)

A Los Angeles judge ruled to deny pro-Israeli lawyer David Abrams’s request to publicize the list of 64 presenters at a 2018 conference sponsored by Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA). Abrams, who works for the Zionist Advocacy Center, claimed he was looking for information related to “anti-Israel terrorists” but was ultimately not allowed to dox the pro-Palestinian activists. The UCLA police had concluded that none of the speakers were “terrorists.” (PalLegal 3/11; LAT 3/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort raided Luban al-Sharqiyya, during which 1 Israeli settler pushed 1 Palestinian off a 4-meter wall, causing him to be hospitalized. Israeli settlers also uprooted some 50 olive trees near al-Twana. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers and military escort raided Kafr Ni‘ma, leading to confrontations; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian man trying to enter Israel for work at the separation barrier near Barta‘a. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians during a raid in Tuqu‘, injuring 1 child who was hit by a tear gas canister, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Kaubar, Dura, Hebron, Dheisheh refugee camp, and al-Khadir; during the raid in Dheisheh refugee camp, 1 Palestinian was injured by Israeli forces using live ammunition and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in Shaykh Jarrah. Palestinians protested the pending eviction of 4 Palestinian families in Shaykh Jarrah whose homes are expected to be taken over by Israeli settlers. Israeli authorities also banned the Old City’s caretaker of Islamic cemeteries from entering the city for 15 days. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in al-Tur and 1 at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles west of Gaza City, causing damage to 3 boats. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled farmland north of Bayt Lahiya. In Israel, 1 Palestinian from the West Bank was arrested at his workplace in Umm al-Fahm. (WAFA, WAFA 2/8; WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/9; PCHR 2/11)

Egypt announced that it would open the Rafah crossing “indefinitely.” It was reported that the decision was tied to the Fatah and Hamas reconciliation efforts and Palestinian plans to hold elections. (ALM, REU, WAFA 2/9; AJ 2/10)

14 Palestinian factions, including Fatah and Hamas, released a joint statement following 2 days of meetings in Cairo confirming the Palestinian elections to be held in May, July, and August. Islamic Jihad said the group would not run in the elections but that they would not interfere with them. (AJ, AP, HA, WAFA 2/9; HA, AP 2/10)

German foreign minister Heiko Maas tweeted that Germany does not agree with the ICC on the issue of the ICC’s territorial jurisdiction in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, saying that the State of Palestine is not recognized in international law. Foreign Minister Maas’s tweet came 1 day after he spoke with Israeli foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi, who has been reaching out to allies to have them publicly side with Israel in the matter of the ICC investigation. Unlike the U.S. and Israel, Germany is part of the ICC. The EU has said it supports the independence of the ICC. Canada and Australia, also members of the ICC, have also expressed dismay about the territorial jurisdiction ruling. The PA foreign ministry said it regretted that Israel had been successful in convincing Germany, Canada, Australia, Austria, Brazil, and others in opposing the ICC investigation. (HA, HA 2/9; WAFA 2/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint near Bethlehem, alleging that he tried to stab Israeli soldiers; no Israeli soldier was injured. Israeli forces also forced 5 Palestinian families to leave their homes during Israeli military drills in Masafer Yatta. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Bayt Umar, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home near Dura to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. 6 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Qabatiya, Nablus, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the house of the Silwan football club chairman and the club’s training ground, seizing files and arresting the chairman. Israeli forces also raided a school in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, HA, MEMO, MEE, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/31; PCHR 2/4)

Qatar announced it will give Gaza a $360 million grant to be “used to pay employee salaries, provide financial aid to families in need and operate power stations” during 2021. (AP, HA 1/31)

The Israeli government extended the national lockdown until 7 a.m. on 2/5 and said Ben-Gurion airport will remain closed until 2/8. (HA, REU 1/31; JP 2/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with dogs attacked Palestinian herders and their sheep near Kisan, injuring 1 Palestinian and several sheep. Israeli settlers also uprooted olive saplings near Hebron. Israeli forces demolished parts of a house under construction in Luban al-Sharqiyya, 1 house in al-Walaja, and 1 house in Anabta; during the demolition in al-Walaja, clashes broke out between Israeli forces and Palestinians, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also delivered a demolition order for 14 structures, including a health clinic in Zanouta near Hebron and 1 apartment building and 2 houses near Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Iraq Burin and Sanur, leading to clashes; tear-gas related injuries were reported. 10 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Beitunia, Birzeit, Kafr Ni‘ma, Bayt Rima, Dheisheh refugee camp, Hebron, and Dura. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested in al-Tur and Shu‘fat refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen 3-6 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian who was accompanying his wife to East Jerusalem for her brain surgery through the Erez crossing; she was forced to wait 12 hours before being allowed to travel to East Jerusalem with her mother instead of her husband. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/25; PCHR, WAFA 1/26; PCHR 1/28)

The Biden administration froze a ban on transactions involving the Houthi rebel group in Yemen after the Trump administration designated the group a foreign terrorist organization, stoking fears that the already dire humanitarian situation in Yemen would worsen. The freeze is in effect until 1/26. The Biden administration later said it is reviewing the designation of the Houthi group as a foreign terrorist organization. (AJ, AP, REU, REU 1/25; REU 1/26; REU 1/27)

In the West Bank, around 20 Israeli settlers attacked Kisan, throwing stones at Palestinian-owned homes, causing damage. Israeli forces razed Palestinian-owned agricultural lands near Hebron and uprooted olive trees near Dura. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians during raids in Nablus and al-Bireh; 1 Palestinian was shot with live ammunition in Nablus and tear-gas related injuries were reported in both cities. 8 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Hizma, Bethlehem, al-‘Arub refugee camp, Ramallah, and Birzeit. In East Jerusalem, 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/15; WAFA 12/16; PCHR 12/17)

The Israel Land Authority published tenders for 290 new settler housing units in the Gilo settlement near Bayt Jala. (Ir Amim 12/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted and pepper-sprayed 2 Palestinians near Jinsafut. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters headed to Khirbet Humsa, where Israeli forces demolished 18 residential tents on 11/3; 4 Palestinians were hit by tear-gas canisters and needed medical attention. A video shows how Israeli forces tried to extract 1 wounded Palestinian from a Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance but were repelled by the medics. Israeli forces also delivered a stop-work notification for 1 house under construction in al-Walaja. Elsewhere, Israeli forces sealed off the eastern entrance to ‘Ayn Yabrud. Israeli forces also razed land in Ras Kaskar. Israeli forces also forced 10 Palestinian families to leave their land in the Jordan Valley so the Israeli military could conduct drills on the land. 11 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, Jericho, Jenin, Bayt Furik, al-‘Arub refugee camp, and Dura. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/24; AJ, WAFA 11/25; PCHR 11/26)

The Rafah crossing was open in both directions. (WAFA 11/21)

The World Bank said in a report that it expects that the Palestinian economy will contract by 8 percent in 2020. The report also said that the unemployment rate in Palestine is at 27.5 percent: 18.2 in the West Bank and 48.5 in Gaza. (HA, WAFA 11/24)

Norway contributed $7.5 million for various PA projects. (WAFA 11/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 car wash in Anata. Israeli forces also razed Palestinian-owned land near Hebron. 13 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ya‘bad, Jenin, Nablus, Beitunia, Halhul, and Dura. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during raids in Issawiyya; clashes erupted during the raids. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level farmland east of Dayr al-Balah. Israeli forces also opened fire at agricultural lands east of Qarara; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/10; PCHR 11/12)

The secretary-general of the PLO Saeb Erakat succumbed to the COVID-19 virus after battling the infection since 10/8. Secretary-General Erakat was moved to a hospital in West Jerusalem on 10/18 and reported to be in critical condition on 10/19. PA president Mahmoud Abbas declared a 3-day mourning period. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, LAT, MEE, NBC, NPR, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WP 11/10)

1 Palestinian prisoner, 46 years old and suffering from throat cancer, died at an Israeli hospital. According to the Palestinian Human Rights Centre, medical neglect and a COVID-19 illness contributed to his early death. (PCHR 11/12; PCHR 11/11)

The Israeli Knesset approved the Bahrain normalization deal 62-14. All 14 nay votes were cast by members of the Joint Arab List. (HA 11/10)

Israeli claimed to have shot down a drone belonging to Hezbollah over Israeli airspace. (HA 11/10)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced that he had authorized the sale of 50 F-35 fighter jets, 18 Reaper drones, and air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions to the UAE, citing the normalization deal the country made with Israel. (AP, HA 11/10; DT 11/11)

In the West Bank, stone-throwing Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian family in al-Zawiya near Nablus; 1 Palestinian was hospitalized for his injuries. Israeli settlers also stole dozens of saplings from a nursery in al-Zawiya. Israeli forces punitively demolished the home of an alleged Palestinian attacker in Rujib near Nablus, and clashes erupted during the demolition; 1 Palestinian was shot by a rubber-coated bullet, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah and Dura. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during raids in the Old City and Wadi al-Juz. (WAFA, WAFA 11/1; HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 11/2; PCHR 11/5)

The PA health ministry released data on the impact of COVID-19 since the outbreak started in January. In Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, there had been 65,802 confirmed cases among Palestinians and 561 deaths. 47,730 confirmed cases and 455 deaths were in the West Bank, 11,742 cases and 72 deaths in East Jerusalem, and 6,730 cases and 34 deaths in Gaza. (HA 11/2)

The EU contributed $11.64 million to the PA to help pay for salaries and pensions for civil servants. (WAFA 11/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces attacked Palestinian worshippers in al-Ibrahimi Mosque during morning prayers at the advent of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Bayt Sahour, and Dura. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 2 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 10/29; PCHR 11/5)

The PA requested help from the UN to get a baptismal font back that was seized by Israel near Bethlehem on 7/20 this year. The baptismal font dates back to the 5th century. (WAFA 10/29)

A large Israeli military drill in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights caused massive damage with some 1,500 dunams (400 acres) burned by fires sparked from the drill. (TOI 10/29; HA 10/30)

U.S. secretary of defense Mark Esper visited Israel, meeting with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz. Haaretz reported on 10/27 that Israel has requested F-22 fighter jets from the U.S., which are currently only used by the U.S. military. Meanwhile, the White House notified Congress of its intent to sell 50 F-35 fighter jets to the UAE as part of the normalization deal between Israel and the UAE. (AJ, HA, HA 10/29; LT 10/30)

The CEO of Golan Heights Winery in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights said in a statement that his wines will be sold in the UAE starting this week. The UAE does not recognize Israeli sovereignty in the occupied Golan Heights. (HA, REU 10/29)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced that U.S. citizens born in Jerusalem will be able to list Israel as the place of birth. The spokesperson for PA president Mahmoud Abbas condemned the U.S. decision. (HA 10/28; HA, REU, WAFA 10/29; AJ, IN, REU 10/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized some 100 Palestinian-owned olive trees in al-Mughayyir. Israeli forces uprooted 60 olive trees and razed land in Salfit. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work orders for 3 houses in al-Khadir. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 house in Taybeh. 12 Palestinians were arrested in and around Sabastiyya, Dura, Bethlehem, Jenin, Jericho, Ramallah, and Huwwara. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Bayt Hanina. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya; during the raid, clashes erupted, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 2 miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/26; HA 10/27; PCHR 10/29)

At the UN security council, PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki called for an international peace conference to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. (WAFA 10/26)

The head of the sovereign council in Sudan, General Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan, said that Sudan had normalized ties with Israel because the country would have to wait until August or September of 2021 to be removed from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. General al-Burhan also stated that Sudan still supports a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders and urged Israel to engage the Arab Peace Initiative. (HA 10/26)

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the West Bank, Israeli forces injured several Palestinian prisoners during raids in Ofer prison. Elsewhere, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians during a raid in al-‘Arub refugee camp, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also prevented Palestinian construction workers from working on a road in ‘Araqa connecting it to Ya‘bad. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Dura. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a house raid in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israel naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis and Abasan; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 9/13; PCHR 9/17)

The Israeli government approved plans for 980 new settlement units in the Efrat settlement near Bethlehem. (WAFA 9/13)

The Israeli government said it would impose a 3-week lockdown from 9/18 to curb the spread of COVID-19 as cases continue to rise. People in Israel will be restricted to stay within 0.3 miles of their homes. (REU 9/13; AJ, CNN, HA 9/14)

According to Times of Israel, the U.S. administration promised the UAE, as part of the normalization deal with Israel, that the U.S. would not approve of Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank until 2024. (TOI 9/13)

In the West Bank, Palestinians in Kafr Malik forced Israeli settlers to leave their property after they set up caravans on their land; as the confrontation ensued, Israeli forces intervened on behalf of the settlers, injuring 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at construction workers in Burqa. Israeli forces razed Palestinian-owned land in Haris. 12 Palestinians in the Ofer prison tested positive for COVID-19, raising the number of Palestinian prisoners testing positive for the virus to 29. 43 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Dura, Hebron, Yatta, Bani Na‘im, al-‘Arub refugee camp, Bayt Umar, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family started demolishing 2 floors of their home in the Old City. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/8; PCHR 9/10)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized for the killing of a Palestinian-Israeli man who Israeli police shot during the demolition of the Bedouin village of Umm al-Hiran in the Negev in January 2017. Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israeli police, after the shooting, falsely had claimed the man was a terrorist. Chairman of the Joint List Ayman Odeh accused Netanyahu of having created the idea that the Palestinian-Israeli man was a terrorist when he was killed in 2017. Netanyahu’s comments fell after Haaretz reported on an internal document from the Shin Bet saying there was no evidence or indication of a terror attack. (HA 9/8; HA 9/9; TOI 9/10)

The son of Chadian president Idriss Déby, Abdelkarim Déby, represented his country during a visit to Israel and meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, the 2 discussed possibly exchanging embassies, including a Chadian embassy in Jerusalem. The Chadian foreign ministry “categorically” denied having any intentions to open an embassy in Jerusalem. (HA 9/8; WAFA 9/9)

The EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah expressed concern over Israel’s demolitions of Palestinian structures in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. (WAFA 9/8)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian was injured by Israeli forces ramming him with a vehicle during a raid in Tubas. Another Palestinian was injured by Israeli forces shooting him in the head near Nablus; Israeli authorities later said it was a mistake and that the Israeli forces thought the man to be someone else. Israeli forces uprooted and seized some 100 palm trees in Jiftlik. Israeli forces also razed land in Dura. 19 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Tubas, Ramallah, Jalazun refugee camp, Bethlehem, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 3 Palestinian-owned homes and 1 store in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands on 3 separate occasions east of al-Maghazi and Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/5; HA 8/7; PCHR 8/13)

In Lebanon, the Lebanese government declared a 2-week state of emergency in Beirut in the wake of the deadly blast on 8/4, which killed more than 135 people and wounded more than 5,000. The president of Lebanon Michel Aoun said the government would initiate a transparent investigation into what could have happened. PA president Mahmoud Abbas called President Aoun to express his condolences and to offer assistance. (AJ, REU, WAFA 8/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided Dayr Istya, opening fire on Palestinian residents; no injuries were reported. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Dura and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested near the Haram al-Sharif compound. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians were arrested at the Erez crossing. (WAFA 7/26; PCHR 7/29)

The governor of Jenin announced that Ya‘bad would be on lockdown for 48 hours due to a spike in COVID-19 cases in the city. (WAFA 7/26)

Israel denied 2 Palestinian women access to Jordan via the Allenby Bridge because their infants had not been registered with Israel. The 2 women and their babies are residents of the West Bank. (WAFA 7/27)

The PA announced that civil servants only will be paid half their June salaries, citing refusing to receive the tax revenue payments collected by Israel because it would include coordination between the PA and Israel. Employees making $510 or less will be paid in full. (WAFA 7/26)

In Lebanon, 1 Israeli drone crashed; it is unclear why the drone crashed. (AJ, REU 7/26; HA 7/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned house in Dura. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in Jabal Mukabir. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles off shore; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Juhur al-Dik; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/15; PCHR 7/16)

In Iran, 7 ships at the Bushehr port were burned, no casualties were reported and it is unclear how the fires started. A number of suspicious explosions and fires have broken out in Iran in the last 25 days. (HA 7/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers injured 2 Palestinians while throwing stones at a Palestinian-owned house in Yatma. Separately, Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian-owned agricultural lands east of Tulkarm, damaging olive and almond trees. Israeli forces also confiscated 1 residential caravan in Bayt Dajan. 26 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bayt Umar, Dura, Hebron, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Ya‘bad, Jenin, Nablus, and Qalqilya. During a raid near Ramallah, 1 Palestinian was injured by a rubber-coated bullet; 1 other Palestinian was injured by gunfire in Qalqilya, and clashes erupted during a raid in Ya‘bad; no injuries were reported there. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were injured in 2 separate attacks by unidentified perpetrators; 1 4-year-old girl was hit in the head by a bullet in Issawiyya and 1 man and his child were shot while working in a store in Shu‘fat. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Issawiyya. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 5/21; PCHR 5/28)

The PA formally informed Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories and the CIA that it was no longer participating in security coordination and intelligence sharing. PA forces also left Area B which, like Area C, is under Israeli military control. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh also said that the PA would not accept COVID-19-related aid sent from UAE on a direct plane to Israel landing on 5/20, noting that the PA had not been informed about the shipment before it took off. All the COVID-19 material will instead go to Gaza, which witnessed 29 new confirmed COVID-19 cases today. (AJ, HA, HA, REU 5/21)

18 Democratic senators signed a letter addressed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, warning that annexation of parts of the West Bank “would betray our shared democratic values by denying Palestinians’ right to self-determination in a viable, sovereign, independent and contiguous state.” It further stated that annexation would likely erode the American people’s support for the U.S.-Israeli special relationship. (HA 5/21; WAFA 5/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers leveled land near Dura. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian shepherds in Burqa, stealing 20 sheep; 1 Palestinian was in serious condition after the attack. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Taqqua. In Gaza, Israeli warplanes struck 3 places in and around Gaza City with rockets after alleging that 1 rocket was fired at Israel from Gaza; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen using live ammunition and water hoses 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; 1 boat was damaged. In Israel, Palestinian citizens of Israel were striking in many places, for the 2d day in a row, to protest the disproportionately low compensation that business owners in Palestinian-majority neighborhoods have received of the COVID-19 aid, about 1.7 percent. (HA 5/5; JP, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/6; HA, PCHR 5/7)

Israeli defense minister Naftali Bennett announced plans for around 7,000 new settlement units in the Efrat settlement. The plans expand the settlement by seizing 1,100 dunams (271.8 acres) of Palestinian land. (AJ, HA, INN, REU, WAFA 5/6)

The Israeli high court of justice dismissed a petition against allowing Benjamin Netanyahu to form a government because he is criminally indicted, and petitions against the coalition agreement between Netanyahu and Benny Gantz. (REU 5/6; HA 5/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 agricultural structure east of Tubas. Israeli forces arrested 10 Palestinians in and around Dura, Qiffin, Nablus, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians during a raid in Kafr ‘Aqab, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also arrested 2 Palestinians in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 5/4; PCHR 5/7)

Syrian state media said the Syrian government had intercepted Israeli missiles targeting a research center and a military base in the Aleppo province. Separately, the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Israel had attacked positions in Dayr al-Zor near the Iraqi border, killing 14 Iranian and Iraqi nationals. (REU 5/4; AJ, HA, HA 5/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian house in Burqa, causing damage to the house; and raided Madama, leading to a confrontation with local Palestinians; no injuries or damage were reported. Separately, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians protecting their land northwest of Ramallah; at least 2 sustained injuries. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor west of Ramallah, alleging that he had thrown stones at Israeli settler-owned vehicles. Elsewhere, Israeli forces closed metal gates to the Hebron area villages of al-Fawar, Yatta, and Dura; and razed Palestinian-owned land near Jalud. 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during a raid in ‘Ayn al-Hilwa and 2 at a checkpoint near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Khuza‘a. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/24; PCHR 3/27)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in Jerusalem to request that the ICRC work to protect Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons from the COVID-19 virus. Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons started returning their food portions in response to Israel’s lack of help in protecting them from the virus. Prime Minister Shtayyeh also called on all Palestinians from the West Bank working in Israel to return to the West Bank, citing Israel’s reckless response to Palestinians showing signs of the COVID-19 virus (see 3/23). (WAFA, WAFA 3/24; WAFA 3/25)

The EU donated $88 million to UNRWA projects. (WAFA 2/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Awarta, Beita, Qalqilya, Dura, and Ramallah. During a raid near Ramallah, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians; no injuries were reported. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 3/17; PCHR 3/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers fenced off a 12-dunam (3 acres) plot of Palestinian-owned land in Bayt Umar. Israeli forces razed 5 dunams (1.2 acres) of Palestinian-owned land west of Bethlehem. 3 Palestinian families were issued stop-work orders for construction on their homes near Qalqilya. Some 50 Israeli settlers with Israeli force escort toured an archeological site in Sabastiyya. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Awarta, Dura, Ramallah, Madama, and Jalazun refugee camp. During a raid in Salfit, Israeli forces confiscated 50,800 NIS ($14,000) from 3 different families. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished part of a Palestinian-owned home in Jabal Mukabir. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 2 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/4; PCHR 3/5)

In the West Bank, 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in and around al-‘Arub refugee camp and Dura, and 4 at checkpoints near Jenin and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot a Palestinian 9-year-old boy in the head with a rubber-coated bullet in Issawiyya, causing serious injuries. According to the Israeli officer who fired the bullet, he shot at a wall to calibrate his weapon. Israeli forces also arrested 2 Palestinians during house raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces conducted air strikes in Gaza, causing damage but no injuries, and 2 rockets were fired toward Israel; there were no reports of damage or injuries. Israeli authorities decreased the Gazan fishing zone to 10 nautical miles in the south and 6 nautical miles in the north. (WAFA 2/15; HA, WAFA 2/16; PCHR 2/17; PCHR 2/20; HA 2/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces prevented some 200 Israeli activists from helping Palestinians plant trees in Yasuf village. 2 Israeli organizations, Rabbis for Human Rights and Zazim, had planned to help the Palestinians who had many trees vandalized during the harvesting season. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the U.S. administration’s peace plan in and around Qalqilya, Kafr Qaddum, Qiffin, ‘Azun, and Ramallah; 2 Palestinians were injured by live ammunition, 1 was hit by a tear gas canister to the head and other suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians during raids in Dura and Bayt Umar, causing tear-gas related injuries. 4 Palestinians were arrested at checkpoints near Nablus and al-‘Arub refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces injured 1 Palestinian in Issawiyya during a raid. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural land east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (HA 2/14; PCHR 2/20)

In the West Bank, Palestinians protested the U.S. administration’s peace plan in several places throughout the West Bank, leading to clashes with Israeli forces, causing 41 injuries, including 3 Palestinians shot by live ammunition in Ramallah and others suffering injuries from rubber-coated bullets and tear gas. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in and around Bayt Umar and Dura; and 1 was arrested at a checkpoint near Qalandia. In East Jerusalem, the gates to the Haram al-Sharif compound were closed by Israel temporarily after 2 Palestinians were arrested at the compound. Another 4 Palestinians were arrested in the vicinity of the compound, including a Waqf guard. In Gaza, Palestinians observed a general strike in protest over the U.S. administration’s peace plan. Israeli forces struck targets in Dayr al-Balah and Khan Yunis, causing damage and minor injuries to 2 Palestinian minors. Israeli officials claimed that the attacks were in response to incendiary balloons sent toward Israel. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/29; PCHR, WAFA 1/30)

Israel’s Central Elections Committee voted to prevent the Palestinian-Israeli politician Heba Yazbak from the Joint List from running during the Israeli elections in March. The committee claimed that she had expressed support for terrorists. Yazbak called the campaign against her a plot of the right wing in “trying to hide the real injustice of the occupation and the blockade.” The Israeli high court of justice will issue a final ruling. (HA 1/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished a shack and razed 6 dunams (1.4 acres) of agricultural land in Bayt Umar. Palestinians in Hebron observed a general strike protesting Israel’s plans to make a new settlement and closed fruit and vegetable market in the city, announced on 12/1. During a protest march against the settlement, clashes broke out between protesters and Israeli forces, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 11 Palestinians were arrested during 9 late-night raids in and around Hebron, Dura, Ramallah, Jenin, and Tulkarm; and 2 at a flying checkpoint near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers damaged 160 Palestinian-owned cars by slashing tires and houses were defaced by racist graffiti like “Arabs = enemies” in Shu‘fat. A Palestinian family demolished a room in their house in Jabal Mukabir after receiving a demolition order on 12/6. 2 Palestinians were arrested during evening raids in the Old City and Issawiyya. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/9; PCHR 12/12)

Israel’s public security minister Gilad Erdan issued an order banning PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith from conducting any PA-related activity in East Jerusalem, including holding meetings, gatherings, and conferences. Governor Ghaith has been arrested by Israel 7 times since becoming governor in 2018. (HA 12/10)

Austria signed a $2.2 million agreement to fund UNRWA programming in Syria. (WAFA 12/10)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian man was killed by Israeli forces using live ammunition during clashes as Palestinians commemorated the 15th anniversary of the death of Yasir Arafat in al-‘Arub refugee camp. A video showed that the man, unarmed, slowly approached the Israeli soldiers with 1 hand on a towel and the other in the air before being shot. UN special coordinator for Middle East peace Nickolay Mladenov called the video of the incident shocking, calling for a probe. During other commemoration events in al-Fawar refugee camp, 1 Palestinian was injured by Israeli forces using live ammunition; in Dura, 1 Palestinian was injured by live ammunition; in Bayt Umar, several Palestinians suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolished 2 Palestinian-owned structures in al-Muntar. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Halhul, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Bayt Surik. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/11; PCHR 11/14; HA 11/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered notices to Palestinians informing them that Israel would be seizing 624 dunams (148 acres) of land: 500 near Hizma and 124 in Duma. Israeli forces forced Palestinians harvesting olives to leave their land between Burin and Huwwara. Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian family in Dura. In East Jerusalem, a school in Issawiyya declared a strike after Israeli forces broke into the school an arrest a 10th-grader in the school yard. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian during a protest in the Old City. In Gaza, Israel continued its bombing of targets which started on 11/1. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/2; PCHR 11/7)

Twitter suspended 4 verified accounts from the Palestinian news outlet Quds News Network (QNN). QNN said in a press release that they had not been informed why but suspected suppression of free speech on Palestine. (AJ 11/2; QNN 11/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 2 houses near Bethlehem and sheds and solar panels near Yatta. Israeli forces also handed demolition notices for 2 residential tents in al-Sawahara. 1 Palestinian was shot and injured while trying to enter Israel by Israeli forces using live ammunition west of Jenin. Israeli settlers seized a water spring in ‘Ayn al-Hilwa. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Dura, Jenin, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces entered the Haram al-Sharif compound and seized wooden separators in the Bab al-Rahma prayer area. 5 Palestinians were arrested during the raid on the compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/10; PCHR 10/17)