The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up structures in the settlement outpost Shadmot Mehola and near Khirbat al-Farisiyah. 1 Israeli settler also opened fire on a school in Tuqu‘ after a bus full of settlers stopped near the school; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire and fired tear gas on Palestinian bird hunters east of Dayr al-Balah, Khan Yunis, and al-Qarara; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/13; MEMO 3/14; PCHR 3/17; UNOCHA 3/25)

The PA said that all Palestinian nationals seeking to leave Ukraine due to the Russian invasion had been evacuated. (WAFA 3/13)

Iran said it had temporarily suspended its talks with Saudi Arabia to mend the 2 countries’ ties. The announcement came 1 day after Saudi Arabia executed 81 people on the same day, including 3 dozen Shia Muslims. Iranian and Saudi Arabian officials were scheduled to meet on 3/16. (AJ, AP, HA, MEMO, REU 3/13; MEMO 3/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up tents and a mobile home on Palestinian-owned land in Battir. Israeli forces assaulted and arrested 1 Palestinian in Hebron. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian with a rubber-coated bullet and others suffered tear-gas related injuries during a raid in Abu Dis; 7 were arrested. 25 other Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids ‘Azzun, Silat al-Harithiya, Nur Shams refugee camp, Nablus, Beitunia, al-Bireh, Dayr Abu Mash‘al, al-Khader, Hebron, and Dura. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man who allegedly had stabbed 2 Israeli soldiers in the Old City; the man was shot by Israeli forces while he was lying on the ground. Israeli police removed 10 checkpoints in Sheikh Jarrah after Adalah petitioned the Israeli supreme court to have the checkpoints removed. The checkpoints were erected to help protect Israeli settlers that have been harassing Palestinians threatened by eviction in the neighborhood. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Bayt Hanina, displacing 5. 1 other Palestinian was arrested in Kafr ‘Aqab. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire east of Khuza‘a and Maghazi, damaging a vehicle; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/7; AJ, AP 3/8; PCHR 3/9 MEE, PCHR 3/10; UNOCHA 3/11; PCN 3/14)

Israel charged 4 Palestinians from Sheikh Jarrah with throwing a Molotov cocktail at the home of 1 Israeli settler family’s residence in the neighborhood, causing a fire that destroyed the house and a vehicle in January. (HA 3/7)

In Syria, Israeli fighter jets, flying from Lebanese air space, fired missiles at the Damascus area, killing 2 and causing damage. Iran later said that the 2 killed were members of the Revolutionary Guard Corps. (AJ, HA, JP, MEMO, TOI 3/7; HA 3/8; AP, MEMO, REU 3/9; MEMO 3/10)

Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid met with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken in Latvia, briefing him on Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett’s efforts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine. (HA 3/7)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler was injured in a stabbing incident near Hizma; Israeli forces later arrested 1 Palestinian man for the stabbing and for a similar stabbing against an Israeli settler on 3/2. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting a raid in Nablus, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 agricultural structure in Kardala. 21 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Kobar, Ramallah, Nablus, Bayt Dajan, Jenin, Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, Harmala, Hebron, and Yatta. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 3/3; PCHR 3/10; UNOCHA 3/11)

The Jerusalem district court froze registration of ownership of the Alexander Nevsky Church in the Old City of Jerusalem, saying that the decision of ownership of the church was for the Israeli government to decide. The Russian government has tried to register the ownership of the church for itself rather than the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society. The Israeli justice ministry said in January 2020 that the church would be registered as owned by the state of Russia as part of a deal between Israel and Russia over the release of an Israeli citizen who was arrested in Moscow for drug trafficking. (HA 3/3)

The Saudi Arabian state news agency SPA reported that Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman said Israel could become an ally of Saudi Arabia if Israel “solve[s] its problems with the Palestinians.” Crown Prince bin Salman also said Saudi Arabia will continue talks with Iran to solve the 2 countries’ conflict. (HA, MEMO, REU, TOI 3/3)

The Israeli company American Quality Products (AQP), which is licensed to manufacture and distribute Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in Israel, filed a lawsuit against Ben & Jerry’s and its parent company Unilever in a U.S. court. The lawsuit claims that Ben & Jerry’s decision to end its licensing agreement as part of a disengagement from Israeli settlements is unlawful. AQP is using U.S. state and federal anti-BDS laws as its premise for suing Ben & Jerry’s. (CNN, HA, JP, MEMO, REU, TOI, WSJ 3/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort raided Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians protesting the incursion; no injuries were reported. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian farmers with pepper spray east of Hebron. Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 1 mosque, 3 houses, and 1 commercial structure in Marda. Israeli forces also forced Palestinian business owners to close their shops in Huwwara, claiming that stones had been thrown at Israeli settlers near the shops. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 4 water wells in Khallet al-Dabe. Israeli forces also demolished 1 commercial structure in ‘Anata. Israeli military said that shots were fired from a car at Israeli soldiers near Nablus; no injuries were reported. 13 Palestinians were arrested, including 10 during late-night raids in Dahariya, Za‘atra, Silwad, and Zeita; 3 were arrested at checkpoints near Bethlehem and Nablus. (TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/2; MEMO, MEMO, PCHR 2/3)

Haaretz reported that Israeli attorney general Avichai Mendelblit authorized establishing an Israeli settlement on the evacuated Evyatar settlement outpost near Beita. Attorney General Mendelblit is leaving office this week. Palestinians have held weekly protests at the site since the outpost was erected in May 2021. The outpost was evacuated in June 2021, but the houses erected remained as the settlers struck a deal with the Israeli government that they could move back if Israel deemed that the land is state-owned. Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz will have to declare the area state-owned, after which there will be a 45-day period to file objections. Several Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the past year while protesting the outpost. In a letter from Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid to Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett, Lapid warned that if the Israeli government legalized the Evyatar settlement outpost, it “could have serious diplomatic consequences and damage foreign relations, first and foremost from the United States,” saying that the U.S. has already made this clear to him. Labor and Meretz publicly opposed legalizing the settlement outpost. (AP, HA, IN 2/2; HA, JP, MEE, TOI, TOI, TOI 2/3; HA, HA, HA 2/4; UNOCHA 2/11)

The Shin Bet admitted to having threatened random Palestinians in Israel that it would “settle the score” if they had participated in protests related to the May 2021 uprising in Israel that coincided with Israeli attacks on Gaza and eviction threats against Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah. (HA, MEE 2/3)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Amnesty International’s secretary-general Agnès Callamard in Ramallah, discussing the report Amnesty released on 2/1 that charged Israel with the crime of apartheid. (WAFA 2/2)

Defense Minister Benny Gantz said, at a conference in Tel Aviv, that the Israeli military on 4 occasions had offered assistance to Lebanon. According to Gantz, the offers were made to strengthen the Lebanese army in facing “the strengthening of Hezbollah under Iran’s support.” Israeli military sources later denied that Israel had made such offers and that Israel had only offered humanitarian aid following the explosion in the Beirut port. (HA 2/2; MEMO 2/3)

Israel, Oman, and Saudi Arabia all took part in the International Maritime Exercise 2022, led by the U.S. and with the participation of nearly 60 countries. It was the 1st time that Saudi Arabia and Oman partook in a naval exercise with Israel, which they have no formal relations with. (AJ, ALM 2/2)

The FBI confirmed reporting from the New York Times published on 1/28 that the agency had bought the NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware, but claimed to never have used it. The FBI further stated that it had bought the spyware for “product testing and evaluation.” (ALM, AP, HA, REU 2/2; MEMO 2/3)

In the West Bank, 25 Israeli settlers posing as soldiers attacked a Palestinian couple in their home in Qaryut, leading to the hospitalization of both Palestinian victims; the settlers also caused significant damage to the interior of their home, their car, and their tractor; Israeli forces did not arrive to investigate the scene until 7 hours after it was reported. Israeli settlers also threw stones at 6 Palestinian homes and set a barn on fire in Burqa; Israeli forces subsequently violently dispersed Palestinians trying to repel the settlers. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers erected a settlement outpost named after the settler killed on 12/16, Nefei Yehuda, near the Kiryat Arba settlement; the Nahala movement financially supported the settlement outpost, as it had the Evyatar settlement outpost in May. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians in Hebron, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 5 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 5 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces seized 1 tractor in Masafer Yatta. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Arrabah, Silat ad-Dhahr, Jenin, and Burqa; Israeli forces seized 1 car during the raid in Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Sheikh Jarrah, injuring several journalists covering the event by physical assault, including 1 AP journalist; AP condemned the Israeli forces’ attack on its employee. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a, Dayr al-Balah, and al-Qarara; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, JP, MEE, MEE, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/17; MEMO 12/18; JP, WAFA 12/19; PCHR 12/23)

PA foreign ministry called on the UN to establish a protective system to ensure the safety of Palestinians as Israeli settler violence continues to increase. (WAFA, WAFA 12/17; MEMO 12/18)

Haaretz reported that the Israeli company Candiru’s spyware had been purchased by Saudi Arabia, Spain, Israel (for the Shin Bet), Singapore, the UAE, and Germany, and had been used to target people in Catalonia, Lebanon, Yemen, the occupied Palestinian territories, Singapore, Iran, Armenia, and Turkey. It was also reported by the Guardian that NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware was found on jailed Indian dissident activist Rona Wilson’s phone. (AP, GDN, HA, HA 12/17)

The UN general assembly voted 156 for, 7 against, and 15 abstaining on a draft resolution confirming the rights of Palestinians over their natural resources in the occupied territories and the rights of the native population of their resources in the occupied Golan Heights. The resolution also called on Israel to stop exploiting the resources of the territories it occupies. The 7 countries voting against the resolution were Israel, Canada, the U.S., the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, and Palau. (WAFA, WAFA 12/17; WAFA 12/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured 3 others during a late-night raid in Nablus, Israel claimed that explosives had been thrown at the Israeli forces as they raided the city; no Israeli was injured during the raid; the PA condemned the killing. 23 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 at the Allenby Bridge and 22 during raids in Beitunia, Bayt Liqya, Ramallah, al-Bireh, al-Eizariya, Hebron, al-Arroub refugee camp, Qarawat Bani Hassan, Bidya, Ras al-Ain, Jamma‘in, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli municipality began razing land seized from 4 Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah, which served as a parking lot and car wash in preparation for construction of a settler park. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Beit Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land in the northern part of Gaza near the Gaza fence. Israeli forces also opened fire at Palestinian farmers working their lands east of Maghazi and Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, MDW, MEE, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/13; PCHR 12/16)

Haaretz reported that the Custodian General’s unit in the Israeli Justice Ministry is exploring plans to build 5 Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem: 1 in Sheikh Jarrah, 1 near the Damascus Gate, 1 in Sur Baher, 1 in Bayt Hanina, and 2 in Bayt Safafa. The Custodian General manages private property claimed by Israel to have unknown owners. Most of the properties managed by the Custodian General are in East Jerusalem. (HA, MEE 12/13)

The patriarchs and heads of local churches of Jerusalem released a statement warning that Israeli government is failing to protect the Christian community in Jerusalem from physical attacks by “radical groups” and groups trying to displace the Christian community from Jerusalem by acquiring “strategic property . . . using underhanded dealings and intimidation tactics to evict residents from their homes.” (TOI 12/19; BBC, HA, MEE 12/21)

Israel released the former leader of the northern branch Islamic Movement in Israel Sheikh Raed Salah after 17 months in prison for “incitement.” (MEMO 12/8; AJ, MEE, MEMO 12/13; MEMO 12/14)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with U.S. state department undersecretary for political affairs Victoria Nuland in Ramallah. (WAFA 12/13)

Israel’s prime minister Naftali Bennett met with UAE crown prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. The 2 were said to have discussed Iran and building on the 2 countries’ normalization agreement. A joint statement later announced that the 2 countries had plans to establish a joint research and development fund. (AP, CNN, HA, MEMO, NYT, REU, REU 12/13; ALM, MEMO 12/14)

Israel’s public security minister Omer Bar-Lev told Undersecretary Victoria Nuland that he views settler violence “severely” and is taking action against it. Public Security Minister Bar-Lev’s comments drew the ire of Israeli politicians in his coalition and further right, who said that there is no issue with Israeli settler violence toward Palestinians. (HA 12/13; HA 12/16; ALM 12/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles driving on Route 60 near the Yitzhar settlement, causing damage. Israeli settlers also started construction on a pool near a water spring in Khirbet al-Farisiya. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, killing 1 Palestinian man with a shot to his head; 68 others were injured, including 4 with rubber-coated bullets. The PA foreign ministry called in the ICC to take action against Israel’s killing of Palestinian protesters. The man was the 9th victim of Israeli gunfire related to the weekly anti-settlement protest in Beita since May. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 6 with rubber-coated bullets, including 2 minors. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Beitunia and al-Bireh. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested in Isawiya and Jabel Mukaber. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 2 Palestinian fishermen and confiscated their boat. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian bird hunters near the Gaza fence; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/10; MEMO, PCHR 12/11; WAFA 12/12; HA, MDW 12/13; PCHR 12/16; HA 12/24)

In Lebanon, an explosion killed 1 and injured 4 others in the Burj el-Shamali refugee camp. Sources in the camp said the explosion happened in a Hamas weapons depot; however, Hamas denied the claim, saying the explosion was due to an electrical fault in a warehouse storing oxygen and gas cylinders for COVID-19 patients. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 12/10; AP, MEMO 12/12)

The New York Times reported that Israel consulted with the Biden administration before it struck 2 targets in Iran in June and September this year. (NYT 12/10; HA 12/11)

In promotional material for the upcoming book Trump’s Peace: The Abraham Accords and the Reshaping of the Middle East by Israeli journalist Barak Ravid, it was revealed that former U.S. president and likely candidate for the Republican presidential ticket in 2024, Donald Trump, made significant U.S. policy changes to help former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu win elections in Israel. Former President Trump told Ravid that he recognized the Golan Heights as part of Israel and, separately, announced plans to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem to help Netanyahu, who was struggling in the Israeli elections. Trump also told Ravid that he left the Iran Nuclear deal because of Israel and dismissed the idea that it was due to Israeli intelligence, mocking the idea that Israel had presented anything new at the time. Ravid further reports in his book that Trump believes that Netanyahu never had any interest in making peace with the Palestinians. Trump explained to Ravid that PA president Mahmoud Abbas “was almost like a father” and that he thought Abbas wanted to make peace more than Netanyahu. Trump acknowledged to Ravid that his strategy of pressuring the Palestinian leadership back to negotiations after recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel had failed, saying “[t]hese are hardened people.” Netanyahu and Trump had a significant personal fallout due to Israel’s push to annex most of the West Bank, outside of the framework of the Trump administration’s plan for a peace deal. It was also revealed that Trump now holds a grudge against Netanyahu because Netanyahu congratulated U.S. president Joe Biden on his election win in 2020, which Trump has falsely claimed to be fraudulent and has never officially conceded. Trump said he had not talked to Netanyahu since losing the election and said to Ravid during the interview, “fuck him [Netanyahu].” (AP, AX, AX, HA 12/10; FWD, HA, HA 12/12; AX, HA, IN, MEE, MEMO 12/13; TOI 12/14; GDN 12/20)

In Ravid’s book Trump’s Peace, new details about the normalization agreement between Israel and the UAE are also revealed. According to Ravid, Avi Berkowitz, aide to senior advisor to the president Jared Kushner, suggested to Netanyahu on 6/30/2020 that he normalize relations with the UAE instead of moving ahead with annexation of parts of the West Bank. The UAE ambassador to the U.S. Yousef Otaiba had been in talks with the U.S. about normalization since March 2019 and had been pushing normalization with Israel. Ravid also writes in his book that UK ambassador to the UN Karen Elizabeth Pierce warned Berkowitz and U.S. special envoy to Iran Brian Hook that the UK and other countries would recognize the State of Palestine if Israel moved forward with annexing parts of the West Bank. (FWD 12/12; AX, HA 12/13; MEMO 1/4)

Germany contributed with $23.75 million to the UNRWA. (WAFA 12/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided Khallet al-Dabe in Masafer Yatta, vandalizing 70 olive trees and releasing Palestinian-owned sheep on the land, destroying crops as they grazed. 24 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Bethlehem, Dheisheh refugee camp, al-Arroub refugee camp, Balata refugee camp, Tell, Tulkarm, and Deir al-Ghusun. In East Jerusalem, a group of Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian man in Sheikh Jarrah and vandalized 5 Palestinian-owned vehicles. The settlers sprayed pepper spray at the man and threw stones at vehicles; 2 of the settlers were arrested by Israeli police on 12/10 in relation to the attack. 13 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Ras al-Amud and Isawiya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Beit Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces arrested 2 Palestinians near the Gaza fence east of Khan Yunis. Israeli forces also opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of al-Maghazi; no injuries were reported. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/9; HA, WAFA 12/10; PCHR 12/16)

The Israeli ministry of justice closed a probe into the killing of 1 Palestinian who was lying on the ground after allegedly stabbing 1 Israeli man near the Damascus Gate plaza on 12/4. The ministry accepted the Israeli soldiers’ claim that they were acting in self-defense when they executed the man on the ground, several feet away from the soldiers. (AJ, HA, MEE, WAFA 12/9)

Haaretz reported that complaints of beatings of 10 Palestinian prisoners by Israeli prison guards had been given to Israeli police. The beatings allegedly unfolded in the aftermath of the prisoner escape on 9/6 as Palestinian prisoners subsequently were transferred from Gilboa prison to Shata prison. (HA 12/5; HA 12/9)

The British war monitoring NGO Airwars released a report focused on Israeli air strikes in Gaza and Syria. Airwars found that during the 11-day attack on Gaza in May, Israel killed between 151 and 192 Palestinian civilians in 128 “locally reported civilian harm events.” Airwars also found that between 15 and 20 civilians were killed in Gaza due to Palestinian rocket misfires. In a comparative study between Israeli attacks on Syria and Gaza, Airwars found that Israel killed many times more civilians during its 11-day attack on Gaza then it had done in Syria since 2013. Airwars attributed this discrepancy to willingness to attack densely populated areas of Gaza, while showing hesitancy to do so in Syria. (AA, Airwars 12/9)

Haaretz released an investigative report based on previously classified Israeli ministerial documents about the Nakba. The report revealed that Israeli cabinet ministers were aware of the massacres on Palestinians by the Israeli military. (HA 12/9; HA, MEE 12/10; WAFA 12/12)

Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid met with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo to discuss Iran, normalization deals, and the reconstruction of Gaza. Foreign Minister Lapid presented President al-Sisi with his “economy for security” plan for Gaza. (AJ, ALM, HA, MEMO 12/9; ALM, MEMO 12/10)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz met with senior U.S. officials in Washington, including Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Defense Minister Gantz is said to be trying to convince the U.S. officials to expand sanctions on Iran. (AX 12/8; AJ, HA, REU 12/9; ALM, NYT 12/10)

NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware was detected on 4 activists’ phones in Kazakhstan. The 4 activists are critics of the Kazakh government. (HA 12/9)

Sweden pledged $5.7 million to UNRWA and UN’s development program, earmarked to help Palestinians in Gaza rebuild after Israel’s attacks in May. (WAFA 12/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor after he allegedly rammed a car into the Jabara checkpoint near Tulkarm; 1 Israeli soldier was moderately injured. Israeli forces temporarily evicted Palestinian families from their homes in Ibziq for 10 days, saying the Israeli military will carry out drills in the area. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned house east of Yatta, displacing 5, and started installing a concrete structure near the entrance of Fawwar refugee camp. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwad, Burqa, and Dura. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own apartment in Silwan, displacing 6. 4 Palestinians were arrested during a late-night raid in Isawiya, including 1 minor. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/6; MDW 12/7; PCHR 12/16)

The Israeli-run Jerusalem municipality announced that construction of an Israeli settlement in the Qalandia (Atarot) airport area was postponed on environmental grounds. The decision follows pressure from U.S. officials for Israel to drop the plans, which would create 9,000 new settlement units in East Jerusalem. The environmental survey is expected to take 1 year to complete. Regional cooperation minister Issawi Frej spoke at the committee meeting discussing the plan, arguing for reestablishing the airport for joint Israeli and Palestinian usage, but his suggestion was rejected. (AJ, ALM, ALM, HA, MEE, REU 12/6; MEMO, WAFA 12/7)

The PA said it would cut wages by 25% as it continues to financially struggle. The PA blamed the wage cuts on Israel’s continued deduction of PA tax revenue, which Israel says amounts to what the PA pays in stipends to Palestinian prisoners and their families. (HA, REU 12/6)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Algerian president Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Algiers. President Tebboune announced that Algeria will grant the PA $100 million in financial aid and that Algeria will host a meeting between Palestinian factions. (WAFA 12/5; HA, MEMO, WAFA 12/6)

Israel formally joined the EU research and development program 2021-2027 Horizon Europe, which has a $108 billion budget. Israel will not be allowed to use EU-granted funds in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights. (ALM 12/8)

The national security advisors of Iran and the UAE met in Tehran, discussing ways to overcome the 2 countries’ differences. (HA, MEMO 12/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian property in Jalud, vandalizing 1 car and trees, and stealing a generator and construction material. Israeli forces demolished 4 residential structures, 1 agricultural structure, and 1 stone oven in al-Fakhit and al-Markaz, displacing 10. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Nablus, Jenin, Abu Dis, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished parts of a Palestinian-owned house in al-Walaja. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp and Isawiya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/2; PCHR 12/16)

B’Tselem and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights published a joint report saying that Israel did not investigate its own deadly response to the Great March of Return protests, despite Israel’s claims to the contrary. The report found that Israel only investigated “exceptional” cases and that only 1 soldier was convicted for wrongdoing and received a suspended sentence and demotion. The 2 human rights groups said in the report that Israel failed to review its own open-fire regulation, which led to more than 200 protesters killed and some 8,000 wounded by live ammunition. (PCHR 12/1; AP, HA, MEE, MEMO, TOI, WAFA 12/2; WAFA 12/3)

Israel indicted 2 Palestinians from Lydda for allegedly opening fire at Jewish Israelis during the May violence in Israel, connected to the Israeli assault on Gaza. Israel alleged that 1 person was injured by the 2 when they opened fire. (HA 12/2)

1 Palestinian Israeli woman was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison by an Israeli court for taking 12 photos of restricted areas and allegedly sending them to a Hezbollah contact. (HA 12/2)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke to Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett in a phone call. The official readout provided by the Department of State said the 2 spoke about COVID-19, Iran, and U.S. opposition to Israeli settlement activity. According to sources speaking to Haaretz, the call was primarily aimed at getting Israel to drop plans to build a new settlement at the Qalandia Airport, called Atarot airport by Israel. A source familiar with the call told the Times of Israel that the call was “intense.” (DoS, HA 12/2; JP, TOI, TOI 12/3)

German development bank KFW signed a financing agreement worth $10 million with the PA to improve the water supply in Gaza City and Jabalia refugee camp. (WAFA 12/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 22 structures and 1 demolition order for an agricultural shed in Qusra and demolished 1 water well in Ni‘lin. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting a late-night raid in Bethlehem, causing tear-gas related injuries. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in ‘Anata, Abu Dis, al-Ubeidiya, Jenin, Burqa, and Sabastia. In East Jerusalem, Israeli municipality workers demolished a construction material shop in ‘Anata. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a house raid in the Old City. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian merchant was arrested while entering Israel via the Erez crossing. (WAFA 11/29; MEMO 11/30; PCHR 12/2)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Lebanon’s president Michel Aoun in Doha. (WAFA 11/29)

Israel approved using $2.4 billion of its U.S. military aid to purchase 10-15 Lockheed Martin CH-53k helicopters. (ALM, HA 11/29; MEMO 12/3)

Israel and the UK signed a 10-year agreement on cybersecurity, technology, trade, and defense. (HA, MEE, MEMO 11/29)

The new U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides arrived in Jerusalem. Ambassador Nides will not be living in the for U.S. consulate to Palestinians on Agron Street, as former Ambassador David Friedman had partly done, but will be accommodated elsewhere in Jerusalem in a rented property. Former Ambassador Friedman initiated the sale of a U.S.-owned property used as housing for the U.S. ambassador to Israel south of Tel Aviv. (JP 11/29; NYT 12/1; HA 12/2)

Officials from Iran, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the UK met in Vienna for the 1st day of new talks to find an agreement between Iran and the U.S. after the U.S. left it during the Trump administration. This was the 1st meeting since Iran’s new president Ebrahim Raisi was inaugurated in August. (AJ, AP 11/29)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man during a late-night raid in Tubas; Islamic Jihad said the man was a member of the organization, and PCHR said the man was throwing stones at Israeli forces but posed no imminent threat to them when they shot him from a distance of 33 yards; 2 Palestinians were arrested during the raid. Israeli forces also demolished 1 grocery store, 1 vegetable store, and 1 gas station near Qalandia and demolished 1 residential structure and 5 agricultural structures in Tarqumiyah, displacing 4. Elsewhere, Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinian pupils heading to a school in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, injuring 1 with a tear gas canister to his arm and some 70 with tear gas. 11 Palestinians were arrested, including 8 during late-night raids in Ya‘bad, Bayt Dajan, and Zababdeh; 3 were arrested while driving near Beita. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Ras al-Amud In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian agricultural lands east of Maghazi; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/16; ALM, MEMO 11/17; PCHR 11/18)

It was reported in Israeli media that PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with new director of the Shin Bet Ronen Bar in the last week. The 2 were said to have discussed security coordination and efforts to reach a long-term ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Director Bar had also in recent days held meetings with head of Egyptian intelligence Abbas Kamel and Jordanian officials. (HA, JP, MEMO 11/16)

An Israeli military court refuted claims by defense and foreign ministers Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid that a Spanish woman working for Health Work Committees had any links to the 6 Palestinian rights organizations that Israel last month deemed terrorist. The 2 ministers had tried to justify the designation by using the conviction of the Spanish woman as evidence, which the military court then rejected. The Spanish woman was also sentenced by the military court to 13 months in prison and a fine of $16,000 after entering a plea deal. (HA 11/16; AP, TOI 11/17)

The cybersecurity firm ESET published a report saying that the Israeli spyware company Candiru’s spyware was used to hack 20 websites in the UK, Yemen, South Africa, Italy, Iran, and Syria, including Middle East Eye. The hackers were able to use the websites to gain access to computers of website visitors. (GDN, VICE 11/16; HA, MEMO 11/17)

U.S. ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield met with Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz in Israel. According to the readout from the meeting, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield urged Gantz to curb settlement activity. (HA 11/16; MEMO 11/17)

Palestine Legal submitted a civil rights complaint against the George Washington University (GWU) to the DC office for human rights for discriminating against Palestinians. High-level GWU administrators had forced its employees to cancel a session for Palestinian students experiencing trauma related to the Israeli assault on Gaza in May. In addition, organizers of the event at GWU were forced to apologize for the language used in advertising the event. (JC 11/16; MEE, WAFA 11/17)

UNRWA said that 8 countries had pledged $614 million during a donor conference hosted by Jordan and Sweden. (WAFA, WAFA 11/16; MEMO, WAFA 11/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters near Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Biddu, injuring 1 Palestinian when a tear gas canister hit his back. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Sheikh Jarrah, physically assaulting 2. Israeli forces assaulted several Palestinians during a house raid in Jabal Mukaber; 4 were arrested. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli navel forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza; no injuries were reported. (PCHR 10/28)

Islamic Jihad said its members had ended a mass hunger strike against Israeli collective punitive measures put in place in the wake of 6 Palestinians fleeing Gilboa prison on 9/6. An Islamic Jihad official said Israel had lifted the measures against the Islamic Jihad prisoners that first prompted the prisoners to start the hunger strike on 10/12. An Israeli security official told the Times of Israel that the Israel Prison service had not made any concessions to the hunger-striking prisoners. (ALM 10/22)

Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz signed an order declaring 6 Palestinian rights groups terrorist organizations: Addameer, al-Haq, the Union of Agricultural Work Committees, the Bisan Centre for Research and Development, the Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees, and Defense for Children International – Palestine. Defense Minister Gantz alleged that the 6 groups are “part of a network of organizations operating under cover in the international arena” on behalf of the political party the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which Israel considers a terrorist organization. Israel’s evidence for the allegations was classified and Israel did not state any plans to prosecute individual members. The general director of al-Haq Shawan Jabarin called the accusations “nonsense” and said Israel’s “occupation has no limits to its injustice and insanity.” The PA called the designation “a strategic assault on Palestinian civil society.” The U.S. did not officially criticize the move but said it was not informed of it prior to the announcement and said it would like to review the evidence. Israel claimed that the U.S. had been informed. Several U.S. congresspeople condemned the Israeli government for its attack on the Palestinian organizations, including Betty McCollum (D-MN), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and Mark Pocan (D-WI). Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch released a joint statement calling the designation “appalling and unjust” and said that the international community must respond. Later, on 10/24, Israeli officials said members of the Shin Bet and the Israeli military would travel to Washington to present evidence of the 6 organizations’ links to the PFLP. (AJ, AP, CNN, HA, HA, HRW, MDW, MEE, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/22; AJ, AP, HA, MEE, NPR, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/23; AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, JP, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/24; AHQ, ALM, MEE, MEMO, WAFA 10/25; AP 10/26; WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/27; AJ 10/28; AHQ 11/1)

Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett met with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Sochi, Russia. The 2 were said to talk about Iran, Syria, and economic relations. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, MEMO 10/22; HA, HA 10/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian olive trees and threw stones at Palestinian property near Burin. Israeli settlers with military escort also prevented Palestinians from reaching their olive trees to harvest near Yatta. Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinians harvesting olives near Zabbuba. Israeli forces also delivered demolition orders for 3 structures under construction in al-Meniya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished parts of their own home in Silwan. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians gathered at the Damascus Gate plaza, firing sound bombs and spraying skunk water at protesters and property; 3 minors were arrested. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian agricultural lands east of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (HA 10/15; WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/16; PCHR 10/21)

In Syria, Syrian state media said an Israeli sniper, shooting from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, had assassinated a former Syrian lawmaker, Madhat Saleh, in Ein el-Tinneh. Israeli media had reported that Saleh was an agent operating for Iran. Saleh, who was from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, was imprisoned by Israel for 12 years until he was released in 1997. Saleh’s relatives denied he had any connection to Iran. (HA, WAFA 10/16; AJ, MEMO 10/17)

In the West Bank, Palestinians prevented Israeli settlers with military escort from entering Nablus at the Joseph’s Tomb site; 2 Israeli soldiers were reported injured by stone-throwers. Israeli settlers chased Palestinian herders off their own land in Masafer Yatta. Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest at an Israeli checkpoint near al-Bireh, injuring 1 journalist with a rubber-coated bullet and others with tear gas. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Biddu and Deir Nidham. In East Jerusalem, more than 770 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound, waving Israeli flags. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Isawiya, al-Tur, and the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian agricultural lands east of Gaza City; no injuries were reported. (MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/27; MEE 9/28; PCHR 9/30)

The trial against 14 PA security officers charged with beating PA critic Nizar Banat to death on 6/24 began in Ramallah. Banat’s brother Ghassan Banat said that the PA was using the 14 officers as scapegoats and that the trial was incomplete without prosecution of the head of the Preventive Security Services and the interior minister. All 14 officers pledged not guilty to charges of battery, abuse of power, and violation of military instructions. According to a cousin of Banat, 1 of his other cousins was arrested before the hearing. The arrested cousin is said to be 1 of the key witnesses to the killing of Banat. (HA, REU 9/27; MEMO 9/28)

An unidentified aircraft hit an alleged Iran-backed militia base in Mayadeen, Syria, causing damage. (HA 9/28)

At the UN general assembly, Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett did not overtly mention Palestine or Israel’s occupation, but did say that “Israelis don’t wake up in the morning thinking about the conflict.” Prime Minister Bennett dedicated a portion of his speech to Iran, saying that its alleged nuclear weapons program had “hit a watershed moment, and so has our patience.” (HA, HA, MEMO, REU 9/27; AJ, ALM, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA 9/28; JP, JP 9/29)

The UN Conference on Trade and Development issued a report, saying that 2020 was the worst year for the PA economy since its establishment in 1994. The report stated that the COVID-19 pandemic and the Israeli occupation were the main factors behind the economic decline. (MEMO, WAFA 9/28)

At a UK Labour conference in Bristol, members of the party voted for a motion that called for sanctions against Israel for its violations of international law, stopping arms trades with Israel, and ending trade with Israeli settlements. The motion noted that Israel is guilty of the crime of apartheid. The motion is non-binding. PA president Mahmoud Abbas thanked the Labour party for passing the motion. (MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 9/27; JP, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA 9/28)

In the West Bank, 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Qalqilya and 2 in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Palestinian citizens of Israel protested outside of Gilboa prison in support of the Palestinian prisoners. 3 Palestinians were arrested after crossing into Israel from Gaza by the Gaza fence. (WAFA, WAFA 9/18; PCHR 9/23)

The New York Times reported that Israel used a 1-ton “killer robot” placed in the bed of a Zamyad pickup truck to assassinate Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh on 11/27/2020 in Absard, Iran. According to the reporting, the “killer robot” had been smuggled into Iran over in several stages and was controlled by an Israeli sniper using a computer program to control a modified FN MAG machine gun. The “killer robot” was detonated by its operator after the assassination, destroying the evidence. (HA, NYT 9/18; AA, JP 9/19; MEMO 9/20)

Lebanon called on the UN to intervene to prevent Israel from starting to drill for natural gas in a gas field within the maritime area disputed between Lebanon and Israel. (REU, JP 9/19; MEMO 9/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and critically wounded 1 Palestinian man at the Gush Etzion junction near Bethlehem, claiming that the man had tried to stab an Israeli soldier with a screwdriver; a video showed how Israeli soldiers prevented a medic from treating the Palestinian man. Israeli forces also demolished 1 parking lot near the separation barrier west of Deir al-Ghusun. 10 Palestinians were arrested during house raids, including 3 close relatives of 1 of the Palestinian prisoners who escaped the Gilboa prison on 9/6 in and around Abu Njeim, Aida refugee camp, Dheisheh refugee camp, al-Yamun, Kafr Dan, Qalqilya, Ni‘lin, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Tur and Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land near Beit Lahiya. In West Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and severely injured 1 Palestinian man from the West Bank after he stabbed 2 Jewish people near the Jerusalem central bus station; both stabbing victims were said to be in stable condition. (HA, HA, MEE, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/13; PCHR 9/16)

The Palestinian prisoner leadership said that 1,380 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails would go on hunger strike on 9/17 to protest the collective punitive measures introduced by Israel after 6 Palestinians escaped Gilboa prison on 9/6 (see 9/8). (HA, WAFA, WAFA 9/13; AJ, JP, PCHR 9/14)

After rumors that tips from Palestinians in Israel had led to the capture of 4 of the 6 Palestinians who escaped from Gilboa prison on 9/6, PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh called for national unity. Prime Minister Shtayyeh said that “[t]he occupation authorities are trying to divide us from our brothers, and we need to strengthen the connection.” Shtayyeh also called on the UN to ensure that the prisoners are not tortured as rumors were circulating that at least 1 of the prisoners had been subjected to severe torture, leading to hospitalization. (HA 9/13)

The PA instructed the Central Elections Committee to prepare for local council elections on 12/11. Political fractions in Gaza later rejected the elections after a meeting on the subject, saying that national election must precede local elections. (WAFA 9/14; MEMO 9/17; MEMO 9/21)

Israel’s prime minister Naftali Bennett and Egypt’s president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met in Sharm al-Shaykh. The 2 discussed a long-term Hamas-Israel ceasefire, Iran, Turkey, and Egypt’s crisis with Ethiopia. (AJ, HA, MEMO, REU 9/13; AJ, AP, AX, MEMO, MEMO 9/14 HA 9/15)

The New York Times detailed that a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency suggests that Iran is within 1 month of having enough material to build 1 nuclear warhead. It was also reported that manufacturing the warhead would take much longer. The reporting suggested that Iran was enriching the nuclear material to weapons grade to pressure the U.S. in the renewed Iran deal negotiations. (NYT 9/13; HA 9/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces blocked a road between Hebron and Qalqas. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Jabel Mukaber, displacing 7 people. In Gaza, Israeli forces attacked 2 targets near Jabalia refugee camp, claiming it was responding to incendiary balloons sent from Gaza to Israel. Israeli forces also later violently dispersed Palestinian protesters near the Gaza fence, injuring 1 with live ammunition; 17 others were also injured by rubber-coated bullets and tear gas. (AA, AJ, AP, HA, HILL, JP, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 8/29; MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 8/30; PCHR 9/2)

Egypt reopened the Rafah crossing in both directions. (MEMO 8/29)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz in Ramallah. According to the Israeli defense ministry, the 2 talked about security policy, civilian and economic issues, and measures Israel will take to strengthen the PA economy. According to Gantz’s office, among the agreements made were granting residency rights to Palestinians living in the West Bank without legal status and Israel’s providing the PA with an advance of its tax income of $155 million. Gantz also said after the meeting, “the stronger the Palestinian Authority is, the weaker Hamas will be.” Sources close to Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett said that there was no diplomatic process between Israel and the PA and that there would not be 1 during his time as prime minister. A Palestinian official said that Abbas asked Israel to stop conducting operations in Area A and allow family reunifications as part of efforts to improve the PA-Israel relations. Later at a PLO executive committee meeting, President Abbas said that he had told Defense Minister Gantz that the PA position on peace is based on the Arab peace initiative, and that PA wants Israel to release long-term Palestinian prisoners, return the bodies of Palestinians killed by Israel, end settlement construction, and curb settler attacks. Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri called the meeting dangerous and disrespectful. Islamic Jihad also condemned the meeting. The meeting was the 1st between President Abbas and an Israeli government official since 2010. (MEE, REU 8/29; AJ, ALM, AP, F24, HA, HA, HA, JP, NBC, REU, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 8/30; ALM, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO 8/31; MEMO 9/1; ALM, HA 9/2)

Axios reported that former U.S. ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro had joined the U.S. state department as a liaison between U.S. envoy on Iran Robert Malley and Israel. (AX 8/29; JP 8/30; ALM, MEMO 8/31)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian family of 5 working their land near Ras Karkar; Israeli forces intervened on behalf of the Palestinians, ordering the settlers to leave. Israeli forces opened fire and chased 1 Palestinian vehicle near Beit Fajjar, causing the driver to lose control of the car, injuring him and 2 passengers. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 6 with rubber-coated bullets. 1 Palestinian minor was arrested during a late-night raid in Deir Nidham and 7 Palestinian journalists were arrested and physically assaulted while covering a peaceful protest in the South Hebron Hills. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Silwan. (WAFA, WAFA 8/27; AA 8/28; HA 8/31; PCHR 9/2)

It was reported in Israeli media that Israel will grant the PA a loan of $800 million to help with its financial crisis. At the same time, Israel continues to deduct millions of dollars from the tax revenue it collects on behalf of the PA, claiming it is deducting the amount that the PA pays in stipends to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and their families. (MEMO 8/28)

Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett met with U.S. president Joe Biden 1 day late, after their meeting was postponed due to an attack on U.S. soldiers and Afghans in Kabul on 8/26. During the meeting, President Biden said that the U.S. will ensure that “Iran never develops a nuclear weapon” and that “if diplomacy fails, we are ready to turn to other options.” Biden also said that “ways to advance peace and security and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians” was on the agenda. Axios later reported that President Biden pressed Bennett on Biden’s campaign promise to reopen the U.S. consulates to Palestinians in Jerusalem, an issue that Bennett and much of his governing coalition is firmly against. (AJ, AP, AX, MEE 8/27; AX, HA, JP, MEMO, TOI 8/28; HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA 8/29; AX 9/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers blocked a road near Sabastia and attacked several vehicles, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian started demolishing his own home in al-Tur. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Jabalia refugee camp; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 1 Palestinian Israeli former MK candidate for the right-wing New Hope party Saher Ismail was shot and killed by unknown assailants in Ramah, marking the 74th killing of a Palestinian Israeli in Israel this year. Ismail was an advisor to Israeli education minister Yifat Shasha-Biton. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 8/15; MEMO 8/16; ALM 8/17; PCHR 8/19)

The PA health ministry said that Palestine had entered its 4th wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with a rise in new infections. The health ministry further said that 70% of the active cases were of the Delta variant, which is more transmissible than previous variants. The PA registered 225 new cases today, the highest since April. (WAFA 8/15)

The Israeli high court of justice denied a petition by Palestinian landowners to void the deal made on 7/1 between the Israeli government and the Israeli settlers who made the Evyatar settlement outpost. The court said that ownership of the land still had to be thoroughly examined, but that the Israeli government should investigate how the “illegal trespassing” by the Israeli settlers was possible when the settlers built the outpost in early May. (HA 8/15; AA, MEMO 8/16)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Jordanian king Abdullah II in Amman. (JT 8/15; ALM 8/19)

Hamas military spokesperson Hazem Qassem told the Lebanese newspaper al-Akhbar that Hamas will respond to Israel’s refusal to allow Qatari cash and construction materials into Gaza within a few days if Israel does not change course. Hamas and other political and militant factions are expected to meet on 8/16 to discuss a response. Hamas agreed to Israeli and U.S. demands to allow the 2 countries to examine a list of people who will receive the Qatari cash payments on 8/6 and Hamas suspects that the 2 countries are deliberately delaying the process. (HA 8/6; HA 8/15)

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said his organization will begin receiving gas and diesel from Iran to alleviate the fuel shortages experienced by Lebanon amidst the country’s financial crisis. (HA 8/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian woman in Hebron, causing injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assaulted 1 Palestinian in the Old City. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Silwan, displacing 7. 1 Palestinian family also demolished their own home in Jabel Mukaber, displacing 5. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Jabalia refugee camp; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 8/14; PCHR 8/19)

Israel recalled its ambassador to Poland in response to the Polish president Andrzej Duda approving a law that will restrict restitution claims by Jewish people who had property stolen during World War II. (MEMO 8/12; MEMO 8/13; AJ, HA, HA 8/14; AP, HA, HA 8/15; AP, ALM, BBC, HA, MEMO, MEMO 8/16; MEMO 8/17)

The International Atomic Energy Agency said Iran had produced 200 grams of uranium metals enriched to 20%, drawing criticism from the UK, France, Germany, and the U.S. (MEMO, REU 8/16; AJ, AP, MEMO 8/17; AP, REU 8/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 6 Palestinians during a late-night raid in Jenin. Israeli forces also shot and injured 4 Palestinians during a raid in Beita. 2 Palestinians were arrested during a late-night raid in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Ras al-Amud and Silwan. (AA, MEE, WAFA 8/3; PCHR 8/5)

An Israeli military court convicted 1 Palestinian American for the murder of 1 Israeli settler on 5/2; the Palestinian man’s home was demolished by Israeli forces on 7/8. (HA 8/3)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan met with the new Israeli national security advisor Eyal Hulata. (HA 8/3)

The Iranian news agency Nour News said Iran had dropped plans for a prisoner swap with the U.S., citing Biden administration breaches of agreements. (HA 8/7)

7 members of the U.S. House of Representatives wrote a letter to treasury secretary Janet Yellen demanding an investigation into tax-exempt U.S. charities that support Israeli settlements. The 7 representatives were Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Andre Carson (D-IN), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), and Cori Bush (D-MO). (WAFA 8/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed a funeral procession for a Palestinian child killed by Israeli forces on 7/28 near Beit Umar, killing 1 Palestinian man and injuring 5 others with rubber-coated bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the Evyatar settlement outpost in Beita, injuring 8 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Israeli forces later returned to disperse Palestinians protesting in Beita, injuring 10 with rubber-coated bullets and causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided the offices of Defense for Children International in al-Bireh, confiscating computers and client files. Israeli forces also raided the Bisan Center for Research and Development in Ramallah, seizing computers and posting a notice to shut the offices down for 6 months. Meanwhile, Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 4 residential structures belonging to 4 families in ‘Ain al-Hilweh and seized 1 tractor in Khirbet ar-Ras al-Ahmar. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Bayt Jala, Dura, and Tell. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians demolished their own homes in al-Tur. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 2 Palestinian fishermen and confiscated their boat within 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya. (AA, AJ, HA, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/29; ALM, MEE, MEE, WAFA 7/30; PCHR 8/5; WAFA 8/14)

Haaretz reported that Israel had allocated 8,500 dunams (2,100 acres) of Palestinian land to 6 Israeli settlement farms and 1 grazing outpost in the southern Hebron Hills. (AA, HA, WAFA 7/29; MEMO 7/30)

1 Japanese-owned vessel managed by an Israeli-run company was attacked off the coast of Oman, resulting in the death of 1 Romanian and 1 British national. The U.S., Israel, and the UK blamed Iran for the attack, saying it was carried out by a drone. Iran denied the accusation. (AJ, ALM, HA, REU 7/30; MEMO 7/31; AJ, AX, MEMO, REU, REU 8/1; AJ, ALM, AX, HA, MEMO, REU, REU, REU 8/2; ALM, MEMO, MEMO, REU 8/3; HA, MEMO 8/4; MEMO 8/5; AX 8/6; REU 8/7; HA 8/10)

An investigative report based on declassified documents revealed that Israel built 2 detention camps in the Sinai Peninsula in 1971 for Palestinian prisoners from Gaza. The 2 detention camps, Abu Zenima and Nekhel, were closed 1 year later. The investigation showed that many of the Palestinians sent to the detention camps were not suspected of any crimes. (HA 7/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort toured Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus; 5 Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets and others by tear gas as Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the incursion. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 41-year-old Palestinian plumber who was returning home from work near Beita; the Israeli military said it would investigate why the man was killed as Israeli forces initially reported that he was advancing toward Israeli soldiers with an iron bar. Israeli forces subsequently injured 1 with live ammunition, 19 with rubber-coated bullets, and 72 with tear gas as they violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the killing of the man. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in ‘Ain al-Hilweh against the creation of a settlement outpost, injuring 4 with pepper spray, and 1 was arrested. 3 others were arrested during late-night raids in Beit Fajjar and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian started demolishing part of his house in al-Tur. 3 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City and Sheikh Jarrah. (REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/27; AJ, ALM, AP, HA, MEE, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 7/28; PCHR 7/29; HA 8/6)

The AP reported that PA president Mahmoud Abbas had fired the director of Ramallah’s national library Ehab Bseiso on 6/27 because of Bseiso’s criticism of the killing of Nizar Banat by PA forces on 6/24. PA forces also shut the office of J-Media in Ramallah. The director of J-Media Alaa al-Rimawi was previously arrested by PA forces after he gave a sermon at Banat’s funeral. (HA 7/27; MEMO, MEMO 7/28)

The Jerusalem Post reported that the Israeli government will not evict Palestinians living in Sheikh Jarrah for the time being if the high court of justice rules the evictions permissible on 8/2. According to a government official, the government is concerned about the optics given the international campaign and general opposition to the forced expulsions of Palestinians from East Jerusalem and the potential for causing a situation akin to the escalation of tensions between Gaza and Israel in May. (JP 7/27; MEMO 7/28)

The Knesset approved an amendment to the Basic Law of Government allowing the 2 government leaders Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid to rotate the prime minister position amongst them during the government’s 4-year term. (HA 7/28)

Iranian officials claimed that Iran had arrested members of a Mossad cell and seized weapons it had stored to allegedly use against Iranian forces during protests over water shortages in Iran. (ALM, HA 7/27; MEMO 7/28)

The U.S. arms company Lockheed Martin and the Israeli Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced an agreement in principle to develop a laser air defense system to combat rockets. (JP 7/27; ALM 7/28)

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) released an investigation into Israel’s Operation Guardian of the Walls from May, in which the organization found that Israel committed war crimes. The investigation focused on 3 specific Israeli attacks against Palestinian civilians in which 62 were killed, the majority children. The HRW concluded that there were no military targets at or near the attacked areas, despite Israeli claims. HRW also concluded that Israel used U.S.-made munitions in at least 2 of the 3 attacks it investigated. HRW said it would release a report on potential war crimes committed by Palestinian militant groups in August. (AJ, AP, BBC, HA, HRW, MEE, WAFA 7/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up mobile homes outside of the Shvut Rachel settlement near Jalud to expand the settlement. Israeli forces demolished several structures in Khirbet Humsa after demolishing more than 30 structures on 7/7. Israeli forces also demolished 1 large Canaanite-era cemetery near al-Khader to expand a settlement road; the cemetery was dated around 2300 to 1550 B.C.E. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished a large water tank in Bayt Dajan. Palestinian students from Birzeit University held a sit-in protest at the university for the mass arrest of 33 students on 7/14 by Israeli forces in Turmus ‘Ayya, were the students were visiting the family who were victims of a punitive demolition on 7/8. All of the 33 students were released the same day. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around ‘Asira al-Qibliya, Marah Rabah, Deir Qaddis, Abu Dis, and ‘Anin. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a house raid in al-Tur. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/15; PCHR 7/29)

The Intercept and Local Call reported that Israeli settlers and soldiers had cooperated in the deliberately killing at least 4 Palestinians on 5/14, a day where Israeli soldiers and settlers ultimately killed 11 Palestinians across the West Bank. In videos obtained by B’Tselem, it is evident that Israeli settlers stand side by side with Israeli soldiers firing automatic rifles at Palestinians trying to protect themselves from a settler raid in ‘Urif. Similar joint attacks by settlers and soldiers led to killings of Palestinians in Iskaka, ‘Asira al-Qibliya, and al-Reihiya. (+972, INT 7/15; HA 7/16)

Haaretz said that documents they had examined revealed that the Israeli defense ministry had worked with a Jewish National Fund subsidiary, Himanuta, to purchase Palestinian-owned land in the West Bank and to prevent Palestinians from accessing the land in question. The deals between Himanuta and the defense ministry were made in 2018 and 2019. Among the purchases were a 1,000-dunam (250 acres) plot of land near the Hamra settlement, which Israel closed off to its Palestinian owners more than 50 years ago; a plot of land near Ramallah; the home of the Bakri family in Hebron; and a 218-dunam (54 acres) plot of land near the Argaman settlement. (HA 7/15)

Israel and Morocco signed a cybersecurity agreement in Rabat, further bolstering the 2 countries’ normalization deal. (MEMO 7/15)

The New York Times reported that Israel is refusing to extricate a Mexican former federal prosecutor, Tomas Zeron De Lucio, who is wanted for falsifying evidence, torture, and misuse of the NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware. According to NYT sources, Israel is refusing the extradition because of the country’s perception of Mexico as supportive of Palestine. Zeron De Lucio is said to have sought political asylum in Israel. (HA, MEMO, NYT 7/15; GDN, TOI 7/22; TOI 7/23)

The Canadian cybersecurity research group Citizen Lab said that spyware from the Israeli company Candiru was used to spy on more than 100 activists from several countries including Saudi Arabia, Israel, Hungary, Indonesia, the UK, Palestine, Iran, Lebanon, Yemen, Spain, Turkey, Armenia, and Singapore. Spyware was installed on the users’ computers using the Microsoft operating system Windows. Microsoft said it had updated its software to close the hole in its security. 1 of the ways the spyware infected users’ devices was when a user clicked on a URL set up by the attacker. Citizen Lab found that activists had been hacked through domain names from fake websites with domain names such as “amnesty reports,” “refugee international,” woman studies,” “euro news,” and “CNN 24-7.” (AJ, AP, GDN, MEE, REU 7/15; ALM 7/16; NYT 7/17)

Lebanese prime minister-designate Saad Hariri resigned 9 months after being picked to try to form a government. Hariri’s resignation followed a meeting with President Michel Aoun on 7/14, where he proposed a 24-minister cabinet. (AJ, HA, REU, REU 7/14; AJ, AP, AX, HA, MEMO, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU 7/15; AP 7/16)

Facebook suspended the account of a Palestinian user who uploaded a letter from the Palestinian political prisoner in Israeli jail Khalida Jarrar to her recently deceased daughter. The account was initially suspended for 60 days but was unblocked by Facebook on 7/20. (HA 7/20; HA 7/21)

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said at a conference hosted by the Geneva Institute that China plans to increase its involvement in resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. At the virtual conference were also a member of the Knesset from the Meretz (Vigor) party and Ahmad Majdalani, the PA social development minister. (HA 7/15)

A football exhibition match between Beitar Jerusalem and the Spanish F.C. Barcelona was canceled after Barcelona demanded the game should not be held in Jerusalem, which the owner of Beitar Jerusalem refused. Barcelona’s demand came after weeks of pressure from Palestinians, including chairman of the Palestinian Football Association Jibril Rajoub and Joint List member of Knesset Sami Abu Shehadeh. (ALM 7/13; AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEMO 7/15; ALM 7/16; WAFA 7/17; MEMO 7/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stormed Halhul, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians; 6 Palestinians were shot and injured by Israeli forces using rubber-coated bullets as they were violently dispersing the crowd; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli settlers also toured Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, leading to a confrontation between the settlers’ military escort and Palestinians; Israeli forces shot at 1 Palestinian-owned vehicle, which subsequently overturned, leaving the driver injured. Israeli forces also uprooted 200 olive trees in Bayt Dajan in preparation for paving a settler road. Palestinians protested against the PA in Ramallah; 21 protesters were reported arrested by PA security forces. 7 Palestinians were arrested by Israeli forces during late-night raids in and around Zababdeh, Arrabah, Beita, al-Arroub refugee camp, and al-Twana. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City and Isawiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of Shuja’iya. (SAM, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/5; MEE, MEMO, PCHR, WAFA 7/6; PCHR 7/8; HA 7/9)

A Palestinian citizen of Israel appealed to the Israeli supreme court to be released from administrative detention. The man has been held without charge or trial since 5/17. 14 others are held in administrative detention in Israel, including 2 Palestinian citizens of Israel and 12 Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem. There are more than 500 Palestinians from the West Bank held in administrative detention by Israel. (HA 7/5)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Canadian foreign minister Marc Garneau in Ramallah. (JP, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/5; JP 7/6)

A fire broke out in a government-owned warehouse in Karaj City, Iran. It was unclear what caused the fire; however, Israel was linked to an attack on a centrifuge factory in Karaj City on 6/22. (HA, TOI 7/5)

Norway’s largest pension fund KLP divested from 16 companies linked to Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including Alsom and Motorola. In a statement, KLP said, “there is an unacceptable risk that the excluded companies are contributing to the abuse of human rights in situations of war and conflict through their links with the Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.” (AJ, HA, MEE, MEMO, REU, WAFA 7/5; AP 7/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian working on rehabilitating a road east of Yatta and damaged the excavator he was using. Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 20 residential structures in Rujeib, a house under construction, and an agricultural shack in Battir. Israeli forces also seized a mobile home in Khallet al-Nahleh, south of Bethlehem. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian who tried to enter Israel through a hole in the separation wall near ‘Anin before arresting him. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Jenin refugee camp, Rummana, Tulkarm, and Qarawat Bani Hassan. In East Jerusalem, 44 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli settlers led by Israeli MKs from HaTzionut HaDatit (The Religious Zionist) party Bezalel Smotrich and Orit Strock harassed Palestinian residents under eviction threat in Shaykh Jarrah. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Issawiyya. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya and al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/22; MEMO 6/23; PCHR 6/24)

After meeting in a Hamas office, various political and military factions in Gaza issued a warning to Israel to ease the blockade. The factions said that if Israel does not comply, they would allow the launching of incendiary balloons and protests by the Gaza fence. (AJ, MEMO 6/23)

Iran said it had foiled a drone attack on a building belonging to the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization in Karaj City, 25 miles west of Tehran. According to the New York Times, the building was on a list of potential targets Israel had presented to the U.S. and which the Trump administration had approved for targeting by Israel. Iran later said that Israel had attacked the building to undermine the nuclear deal negotiations. (AJ, NYT 6/23; HA 6/24; AJ, AP, REU 7/6)

The U.S. seized the domain name for the news site Palestine Today and more than 30 Iranian and Iranian-linked websites, including state-run news agencies. (HA, MEE, REU 6/22; AJ 6/23)

The EU provided the PA and Palestinian banks with a loan of $425 million to help keep the Palestinian economy going as it is facing an economic crisis due to the Israeli occupation and the COVID-19 pandemic. (HA 6/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers opened fire at Palestinian-owned shops near Dayr Sharaf; no injuries were reported. Israeli settlers also raided al-Twana, injuring 1 Palestinian by throwing stones. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers spray-painted insults at the Muslim Prophet Muhammad on a road between Jericho and the Dead Sea. Israeli forces raided Jaba‘, leading to confrontations with Palestinians; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli forces continued blocking the main road to ‘Azun for the 4th day in a row. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians at the Damascus Gate plaza, injuring 2 and arresting 3. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians in Shaykh Jarrah and Silwan, causing tear-gas related injuries. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinians gathered near the Gaza fence east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Israeli forces raided a wedding celebration in Dayr al-Asad after a celebratory gunshot was fired in the air; during the raid, clashes broke out, and 1 Palestinian Israeli was critically injured and 2 Israeli officers were moderately and lightly injured; 2 police cars were set on fire and 11 were arrested. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/19; HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 6/20; WAFA 6/21; PCHR 6/24)

In Iran, Ebrahim Raisi won the presidential elections after the lowest voter turnout in Iran’s history. President-elect Raisi is subject to U.S. sanctions for alleged human rights abuses of overseeing the executions of political prisoners in the 1980s. Raisi is said to be much more conservative than the current outgoing president Hassan Rouhani. (AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, HA 6/19; AJ, AP, HA, MEE, REU, REU 6/20; REU 6/21)

EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said, during a trip to Beirut, that EU aid to Lebanon is conditioned on political reforms in the country. (MEMO 6/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Silat al-Dahir. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets, while others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets, while others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the new Israeli settlement outpost Evyatar in Beita, injuring 5 with rubber-coated bullets, while others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also blocked the main road to al-Ram with cement blocks. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued blocking the main road to ‘Azun for the 3d day in a row. Israel forces also violently dispersed Palestinians in Silwad and Nabi Salih, causing tear-gas related injuries. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Salem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently suppressed Palestinian protesters at the Haram al-Sharif compound and Damascus Gate plaza, injuring 9, including 3 who were hospitalized and 1 journalist from Middle East Eye; 21 were arrested. Jordan condemned Israel’s aggression at the Haram al-Sharif compound. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, MEE, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/18; MEMO 6/19; WAFA 6/21; PCHR 6/24)

The PA said it had canceled an agreement made with Israel from 6/17 in which the PA would receive 1.2 million doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from Israel in exchange for giving Israel its shipment of Pfizer vaccines set to arrive in early 2022. The PA said that the initial batch of vaccines received from Israel did not “conform to the specifications contained in the agreement.” Photos circulating on social media showed that the vials received from Israel expired in June 2021. Israel said that the PA knew that the vaccines were soon to expire when the made the deal with Israel, which contradicts statements from the PA. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, WAFA 6/18; JP 6/19)

The U.S. said it would withdraw 8 Patriot anti-missile batteries and 1 THAAD system from the Middle East, as tensions with Iran have been easing. (AJ 6/18)