The Palestine Chronology

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of al-Bureij r.c. fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers approaching the border fence, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night raids in Hebron and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Jenin, arresting 5 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 3; patrol during the day in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 nr. Jericho, and 1 nr. Jenin. They also violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli and international activists at a demonstration against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, injuring 2 Palestinians. Israeli settlers fill an agricultural well with stones and earth nr. Salfit. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activists assault a Palestinian child outside Haram al-Sharif. A group of Palestinians intervenes and the activists flee the scene. (MNA, WAFA 7/25; MNA 7/26; PCHR 7/30)

Israel’s Justice Min. Ayelet Shaked says that the proposed release of Israeli spy Pollard from U.S. prison in 11/2015 is not connected to Israel’s complaints about the nuclear deal announced by Iran and the P5+1 on 7/14. Meanwhile, U.S. atty. gen. Loretta Lynch says that the Justice Dept. “will not interfere” in Pollard’s case, meaning that she will not seek to accelerate or delay his release beyond the standard parole procedures. (HA, MNA 7/26; TOI 7/27)

Off Gaza’s coast nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage to 1 boat. IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of al-Bureij r.c. open fire on nearby agricultural land. In the West Bank, IDF troops confiscate and damage property on late-night raids and house searches in a village nr. Ramallah, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activist Glick leads a protest in the Old City against the closure of Haram al-Sharif to non-Muslims during the final 10 days of Ramadan. (MNA, WAFA 7/14; PCHR 7/30)

The Israeli NGO Peace Now reports that Israel’s Civil Admin. recently allocated 300 dunams (around 75 acres) of land for the expansion of a settlement s. of Bethlehem. Meanwhile, 3 Palestinians who work in an Israeli industrial zone nr. Tulkarm file a complaint with the Israeli National Labor Court to recognize their right to share equal working conditions. The court will deny their request on 7/19. Currently Palestinians working in Israeli-controlled areas are subject to 1967 Jordanian law while their Israeli counterparts are subject to different labor laws. (MNA 7/14; JP 7/15)

Israeli PM Netanyahu reportedly says, “We cannot develop the settlements further, but rather need to preserve what we have,” in comments to a settler organization called the West Bank Regional Council (WBRC). The Yesha Council, a settler umbrella group including the WBRC, responds, saying “a govt. that does not build in Judea and Samaria loses its right to exist.” The Likud Party then denies that Netanyahu made any statement of policy regarding a settlement freeze. (TOI, YA 7/14)

In Vienna, the P5+1 and Iran reach a final, comprehensive agreement to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. U.S. pres. Obama calls Netanyahu to discuss the agreement, and he reportedly offers to hold talks on increasing military aid to Israel. Netanyahu refuses “at this juncture.” (AP, HA, JP, JTA, MNA, NYT, REU, TOI 7/14; HA, NYT 7/15)

IDF troops stationed on the Gaza border arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel e. of al-Bureij r.c. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids n. of the city and in al-‘Izzariya, arresting 1 Palestinian and issuing an arrest summons to another. (EI, MNA, NYT 7/13; HA, MNA 7/14; PCHR 7/15)

The Knesset Ethics Comm. reprimands MK Ghattas (Joint List) for his participation in the Freedom Flotilla III, rejecting his freedom-ofspeech–based argument. The comm. does not punish him in any other way because this is his 1st ethics offense. (JP 7/16)

In Jordan, envoys of the Middle East Quartet meet with Jordanian FM Nasser Judeh and National Security Authority Abdullah Wreikat to discuss “how to preserve the 2-state solution, and how to create conditions that will enable the parties to return to meaningful negotiations,” according to a joint statement. They will meet again on 7/14. (JP 7/16)

Israel’s Military Police begins questioning Lt.-Col. Neria Yeshurun who ordered his IDF battalion to fire at a Shuja‘iya hospital on 7/23/2014. It is the 1st Israeli criminal investigation into alleged war crimes committed during OPE. (JP, YA 7/12; TOI 7/13; HA 7/14)

Off the coast of Gaza nr. Jabaliya and Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. Hamas authorities arrest a shaykh in al-Bureij r.c. for alleged support of ISIS. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in and around Hebron, 2 villages nr. Jenin, and 1 nr. Qalqilya, arresting 5 Palestinians; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Qalqilya and Jericho, and 1 each nr. Ramallah, Hebron, and Tulkarm. An Israeli soldier assaults a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Bethlehem. Israeli authorities close al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron to all Muslim worshippers, allowing Jewish Israelis to enter in celebration of Passover through 4/6. In Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, Palestinian women gather to protest the PASF crackdown in the camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces confiscate a number of solar energy cells in a bedouin village. Also, a group of Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian youth at a gate to the Old City. (AFP, MNA, WAFA 4/5; AFP 4/6; MNA 4/7; PCHR 4/9)

PA Pres. Abbas announces that the Israeli govt. transferred NIS 1.37 b. (around $350 m.) of the NIS 1.8 b. ($460 m.) in previously frozen tax revenues, but that the Palestinians rejected the money in protest of unilateral deductions Israel made to pay the Palestinians’ debts to Israeli utility providers. (AFP, AP, JP, REU 4/5)

The PLO announces that it will send a delegation to Syria to meet with govt. and rebel leaders to find a resolution for the residents of Yarmouk r.c. (AFP, AJ, WAFA, YA 4/5; AFP, AJ, JP 4/6)

In separate incidents, IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of al-Bureij r.c. and e. of Khuza‘a fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers approaching the border fence, causing damage but no injuries. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion across the border fence e. of Gaza City. Separately, IDF troops dismantle an explosive planted nr. the border fence in n. Gaza. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a number of structures in the n. Jordan Valley; cut down 150 olive trees nr. Hebron and 300 in a village nr. Nablus. Activists try to rebuild the “Gate of Jerusalem” protest tent camp in Abu Dis, but IDF troops raid the site, confiscate their tents, and violently disperse the activists; 6 Palestinians and 1 Israeli are detained. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian activists demonstrating against the occupation in Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, injuring 4 with live ammunition and 5 with rubber-coated metal bullets. (One of the injured Palestinians will die from his wounds on 3/25.) The IDF conducts house searches and raids in 3 villages nr. Hebron, 1 nr. Ramallah, and Jenin r.c., arresting 11 Palestinians; patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm, and 1 each nr. Qalqilya and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers with the support of Israeli forces, move into a Palestinian-owned building and 2 plots of land in Silwan, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the neighborhood. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 3/18; MNA, PCHR, TOI 3/19; HA 3/20; PCHR 3/26)

U.S. Energy Secy. Ernest Moniz and Iranian atomic energy chief Salehi meet in Lausanne, Switzerland, for a 3d day of bilateral negotiations on technical details relating to Iran’s nuclear program. (TOI 3/18)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops e. of Khan Yunis shoot live ammunition and smoke bombs at Palestinians protesting the Israeli occupation and blockade nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. Late at night, IDF troops e. of al-Bureij arrest 3 Palestinians approaching the border fence to attempt to cross into Israel. In 3 separate incidents off the coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in c. Hebron and nr. Bethlehem; patrols nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. IDF troops arrest a Palestinian in c. Hebron on the suspicion that he was going to enter al-Ibrahimi Mosque with a knife. In 2 separate incidents nearby, Israeli settlers hit a Palestinian and an Israeli photographer for the human rights organization B’Tselem with their cars, injuring both. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to Palestinians constructing 2 homes in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron and confiscate a tractor being used for the project; demolish 2 farmhouses, a well, 800 dunams of crops, and 500 m of stone walls in a village s. of Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian man at Haram al-Sharif and another on a raid in the Old City. An Israeli settler shoots and injures a Palestinian youth as he tends to a herd of sheep in Silwan. (MNA, WAFA 2/1; PCHR 2/5)

PM Hamdallah says that the PA will be paying its employees a portion of their salaries “soon,” but that the Israeli govt. may be freezing transfers of tax revenues for the 2d mo. in a row. (MNA, WAFA 2/1; JP 2/2)

MK Masud Ghnaim (United Arab List) says that the newly united list of non-Zionist parties will not join a coalition formed by PM Netanyahu or his chief rivals, MKs Herzog and Livni, but that it would support a center-left bloc, confirming the stance presented by MK Ahmad Tibi on 1/17. (TOI 2/1)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops e. of al-Bureij arrest 3 Palestinians as they attempt to cross the border fence into Israel. Late at night, Israeli soldiers stationed nr. Jabaliya open fire on a group of stone-throwing Palestinians, injuring 5. Off the n. coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces open fire on several Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage but no injuries. Meanwhile, the union of hospital sanitation workers suspends its strike after PA ministers agree to pay the salaries of 750 mbrs. who had not received full wages since 6/2. Overnight, 1 Palestinian is killed and 4 are injured in an explosion at a Hamas military facility in s. Gaza. In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with around 30 stonethrowing Palestinians nr. Nablus, lightly injuring 1 with rubber-coated metal bullets. Israeli soldiers also assault and arrest 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Jenin. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Jenin and Hebron; patrols nr. Hebron and Tubas. Dozens of Israeli settlers clash with Palestinians nr. Burin village, s. of Nablus, after the settlers cut down an electricity line that leads to a Palestinian home. In East Jerusalem, municipal officials accompanied by security forces deliver 11 demolition orders to residences in Silwan. Elsewhere, 140 right-wing Jewish activists enter Haram al-Sharif, sparking verbal confrontations with Palestinian worshippers. Israeli forces detain 3 Palestinian photographers during the incident. (HA, MNA, WAFA 12/18; PCHR 12/25)

Reps. of the major Palestinian political parties meet in Gaza and discuss a 5-point initiative jointly presented by the PFLP and Islamic Jihad to kick-start the national reconciliation process. Meanwhile, 1,000s of supporters of Mohammad Dahlan, the exiled former PA and Fatah official, gather in a Hamas-approved demonstration as a corruption trial against him opens in the West Bank. Pres. Abbas orders several Fatah officials to be fired from the PA for helping organize the demonstration. (AHR, AP, MEMO, MNA 12/18; FT 2/4)

The U.S. announces that it will oppose the proposed UNSC res. submitted by the Palestinians on 12/17. Meanwhile, a senior Palestinian official says that the Palestinian res. lacks the support of 9 mbrs. of the UNSC, which would be required for the res. to pass, and is vulnerable to a veto by a permanent mbr. state. (AP, HA, MDW 12/18; AFP 12/19)

In the Gaza Strip, a bomb explodes outside a Fatah-affiliated charity, lightly injuring 2 bystanders. Shipments of domestic-use gas into Gaza resume after a dispute between local officials and the PA unity govt. is resolved on 12/10. All public institutions, ministries, and charities go on strike in protest of the PA unity govt.’s failure to pay civil servants. Several civil society organizations coordinate cleaning campaigns in Gaza’s hospitals, as the sanitation workers’ strike continues for a 10th day. IDF troops stationed along the border e. of al-Bureij arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel. In the West Bank, 1,000s of Palestinians attend the funeral of Ziad Abu Ein in Ramallah. Palestinians gathered for the funeral clash with IDF troops in al-Bireh; 19 are injured from rubber-coated metal bullets. Meanwhile, over 100 Palestinians gather in c. Hebron to protest Abu Ein’s death, leading to 2 separate clashes with IDF soldiers. There are also demonstrations in Turmus ‘Ayya. During the day, Israeli soldiers arrest Palestinians at a checkpoints nr. Ramallah and Hebron. The IDF conducts arrest raids nr. Jenin and Hebron; patrols in Tulkarm and n. of Jenin. Late at night, unidentified assailants open fire on the home of an imprisoned Hamas MP in Hebron, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse 100s of Palestinians gathered to protest Abu Ein’s death in Shu‘fat r.c., Issawiyya, al-‘Izzariya, and Silwan. They conduct late-night arrest raids and house searches in Jabal Mukabir, Wadi al-Juz, Ras al-Amud, and Issawiyya. Meanwhile, 75 new security guards are added to the security detail at Haram al-Sharif in response to King Abdullah of Jordan’s request. (MNA 12/10; HA, JP, MNA, NYT 12/11; IMEMC, MNA 12/12; TOI 12/13; PCHR 12/18)

UN Special Coordinator Serry holds talks with senior Hamas official Abu Marzuq at the UN building in Gaza City. Serry calls on the PA unity govt. to take on its responsibilities stipulated in the cease-fire agreements, specifically staffing the border crossings. Outside the UN building, dozens of Palestinians gather for a sit-in protest in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike. (MNA, TOI 12/11)

Egyptian pres. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi travels to Jordan to hold talks with Jordan’s King Abdullah. They discuss the draft UNSC res. that Jordan plans to introduce on behalf of the Palestinians before 12/25. Meanwhile, Jordan’s House of Deps. votes to cancel its 9/2014 gas agreement with U.S. company Noble Energy. The MPs oppose increasing Jordan’s economic ties with Israel, despite Jordan’s ongoing energy crisis. (JT, MNA 12/11; JP 12/12; NYT 12/14)

The French Senate passes a nonbinding res. inviting the govt. to recognize Palestinian statehood. The French parliament previously passed a similar res. on 12/2. Meanwhile, the Swiss govt. invites all states party to the Fourth Geneva Convention, which includes every UN mbr. and Palestine, to attend a summit on 12/17 to discuss the situation in the oPt. (AFP, AP, HA 12/11; WAFA 12/13)

In the Gaza Strip, the Union of Civil Servants announces that all govt. employees will go on strike on 12/11, and that school workers will strike on 12/14, in protest of the PA unity govt.’s failure to pay civil servants in Gaza who were hired after Hamas came to power in 2007. An IDF tank stationed along the border e. of al-Bureij r.c. fires on agricultural land, causing damage. Hours later, 4 IDF tanks and 3 armored bulldozers cross the border fence in e. Gaza, leveling land and firing live ammunition toward Palestinian property. In the West Bank, IDF troops detain 2 Palestinians as they approach the Tekoa settlement nr. Bethlehem. Israeli forces confiscate 3 Palestinian-owned tractors while patrolling in a bedouin village in the n. Jordan Valley. They also stop work on a UN Development Program project nr. Salfit, detain 2 Palestinian workers, and confiscate 1 tractor. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Ramallah, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Jenin. Israeli settlers cut the wires to 4 electricity poles and chop down several olive trees nr. Burin village s. of Nablus, clearing the area for the expansion of 2 nearby settlements. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police raid the Silwan home of Ahmad al-Ghoul, head of the Fatah Youth Movement in Jerusalem, and arrest him. He was recently attacked by Israeli settlers on 11/21. Israeli authorities deliver demolition notices to several residences and commercial buildings in Silwan, al-Tur, Issawiyya, and Jabal Mukabir. Israeli police detain 2 Palestinian women at Haram al-Sharif. They also conduct arrest raids around East Jerusalem; deliver demolition notices in Silwan, al-Tur, Issawiyya, and Jabal Mukabir. (IMEMC, JP, MNA, WAFA 12/9; PCHR 12/10)

After threatening a mass action on 12/6, 70 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons launch a hunger strike in protest of Israel’s treatment of a fellow prisoner and its use of solitary confinement. (MNA 12/9; WAFA 12/10)

The Knesset Finance Comm. approves a series of public funds transfers, including PM Netanyahu’s 12/8 request for around $20 m. to support the West Bank settlements. (AFP, TOI, YA 12/9)

The Lower House of the Irish Parliament unanimously passes a nonbinding res. calling on the Irish govt. to recognize Palestinian statehood, similar to the 1 passed by the Upper House on 10/23. (REU 12/9; HA 12/11)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops e. of al-Bureij r.c. arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross the fence into Israel after firing warning shots. Off the coast nr. al-Sudaniyya, Israeli naval forces detain 12 Palestinian fishermen and confiscate 5 of their boats. Around 20 Palestinian youth volunteer to help clean up the European Hospital in Khan Yunis as the hospital sanitation workers continue their strike for a 4th day. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes in Hebron while Israeli soldiers stand by. At the al-Karama crossing into Jordan, the IDF arrests a Palestinian Al-Quds University prof. The IDF conducts arrest raids and house searches nr. Hebron, Ramallah, and Bethlehem; patrols in Hebron and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, 5 Israeli settlers board an Egged bus and assault its Palestinian driver, causing him moderate injuries before Israeli police intervene. (MNA, WAFA 12/6; MNA 12/7; IMEMC 12/9; PCHR 12/10)

Palestinian prisoners threaten to go on a hunger strike if the Israeli Prison Service does not meet demands of a fellow prisoner, Nahar al-Sa‘adi, who has been on hunger strike since 11/20 in protest of a lack of family visits and his year-long solitary confinement; 70 of them begin a strike on 12/9. (MNA 12/6, 12/9)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 25 rockets into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Attacks are claimed by 4 groups: the PRC, al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and al-Mujahidin Brigades. The IDF strikes 9 targets across the Gaza Strip throughout the day. A strike in al-Bureij r.c. kills 2 mbrs. of Islamic Jihad’s al-Quds Brigades. Later, during the night, the IDF strikes 14 more targets, killing 9 fighters from al-Qassam Brigades and wounding 4. Six of the fighters are killed in a tunnel collapse, which the IDF says is unrelated to air strikes. One Israeli air strike in Bayt Hanun wounds 5 civilians, including a child. Separately, IDF troops open fire from the border nr. Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with Palestinians in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, injuring 15 residents with rubber-coated metal bullets. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, 1 village nr. Salfit and Jenin at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian cars nr. Bethlehem, damaging 1. In a separate incident, settlers assault a priest nr. Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, around 100 Palestinian youths clash with Israeli security forces, and there are similar clashes in Abu Tur and Hizma. Israeli police detain 6 Jewish men in connection with the murder of Palestinian teenager Abu Khdeir on 7/2. In Israel, meanwhile, a group of bedouin in Tel Sheva nr. Beersheba throw Molotov cocktails and stones at passing cars nr. the Jewish town of Omer, causing damage. There are further violent protests in Shafa ‘Amr, in the Galilee, as well as in Nazareth and nearby town Iksal. Some 200 protesters try to block Route 70 at Yavor Junction in the n. (AP, HA, MNA, REU, YA 7/6; PCHR 7/10)

In the weekly Israeli cabinet meeting, PM Netanyahu and FM Lieberman disagree about how to deal with the escalating situation in Gaza and s. Israel. Netanyahu criticizes Lieberman and Economy Minister Bennett for their repeated public calls for a full ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, and urges ministers to be “level-headed and responsible.” Meanwhile, Israeli authorities decide to reduce the fishing zone open for Gaza fishermen from 6 naut. mi. to 3. (HA, JP, MNA 7/6)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 5 rockets into s. Israel. No damage or injuries are caused, except nr. Sderot, where a rocket hits a factory and injures 2 workers. The IDF conducts an air strike on a site nr. al-Bureij r.c., causing damage but no injuries. IDF troops also open fire on agricultural lands close to the border fence nr. Khan Yunis, injuring 2 civilians. Off the coast nr. Khan Yunis, IDF naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages each nr. Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Ramallah, and in Hebron and 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nearby; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah, and 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 6/28; PCHR 7/3)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian close to the border fence nr. al-Bureij r.c. as he is collecting gravel. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure 1 Palestinian nr. Hebron while arresting him. Meanwhile, an elderly Palestinian dies of a heart attack during an IDF raid of her home in al-‘Arub r.c. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jericho, and Nablus at night. (MNA 6/26; PCHR 7/3)

In the Gaza Strip, 1 Palestinian dies and 2 are injured in an explosion nr. al-Bureij r.c., while 1 other Palestinian dies in another explosion in the same camp, a mbr. of Hamas’s Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades. Both are suspected to be “work accidents.” Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian protesters close to the border fence nr. al-Shuhada’ cemetery in the n. Gaza Strip, wounding 5. In the West Bank, the IDF evicts Palestinian activists at the ‘Ayn Hiljeh protest camp in the Jordan Valley, lightly wounding 35. Subsequently, activists establish a new protest village in al-Joula in the n. Jordan Valley. The IDF clashes with protesters in Jalazun r.c. and in Silwad nr. Ramallah, with 12 wounded by live ammunition in the former, and 10 wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets in the latter. The IDF patrols in Nablus and 1 nearby village, 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Nablus at night. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara). There are no serious injuries, except in Kafr Qaddum (2 struck by tear gas canisters and 2 with rubber-coated metal bullets) and Nabi Salih (3 struck by tear gas canisters and 1 with a rubbercoated metal bullet). In East Jerusalem, clashes between worshippers and Israeli forces at Haram al-Sharif leave 18 injured. (AFP, HA, MNA 2/7; PCHR 2/13)

UNRWA workers end a 2-mo. strike that began 12/3 over low pay and working conditions, news announced by UNRWA chief Filippo Grandi. (AFP 2/7)

Australia’s Woodside Petroleum Ltd. takes a 25% stake in Israel’s large Leviathan gas field in the e. Mediterranean, as Israel takes a step toward becoming a natural gas exporter. (REU 2/7)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troopsshoot and kill a Palestinian civilian, wounding another, from al-Bureij r.c. as they attempt to cross the border fence, according to his family, looking for work. IDF troops also open fire on open land nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin and Ramallah at night; patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. and 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. (AFP, HA 9/30; PCHR 10/3)

Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with U.S. pres. Obama in Washington, and urges him to step up sanctions targeting Iran at the same time as negotiations continue. Obama tells Netanyahu that the U.S. will not ease sanctions prematurely and stands ready to resort to military action if the need arises. (HA, REU 9/30)

Gunmen kill 3 policemen and a soldier in in the Sinai in 3 separate attacks in al-Arish and Ismailia. (REU 9/30)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops shoot and kill an unarmed Palestinian nr. al-Bureij r.c. as he attempted to cross the border fence. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Bethlehem in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. (PCHR 8/15)

Five suspected Islamic militants are killed in a drone strike nr. Rafah in Egypt, in what the group in question, Ansar Beit al-Maqdis, as well as anonymous Egyptian officials say was carried out by the Israeli military. Israel does not confirm or deny the report, and DM Moshe Ya’alon says that Israel “respects full Egyptian sovereignty.” The strike also destroyed a rocket launcher directed at Israel. (APF, AP, HA 10/8)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion nr. al-Bureij r.c. and level land alongside the border fence. Also, the IDF opens fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing damage and 2 injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron, in Nablus and 1 village nr. Nablus, in Jenin, and 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night. (WAFA 8/6; PCHR 8/15)

Iran’s Pres. Hassan Ruhani calls for serious negotiations to resolve his country’s conflict with the international community over its nuclear program, in remarks made during his 1st press conference after taking office. (NYT 8/6)

Gunmen open fire on Egyptian police officers in al-Arish in the Sinai, killing 1 and wounding 2. (MNA 8/6)

White House spokesperson Jay Carney says that the Obama administration is working to bring together Israeli and Palestinian officials in the coming weeks to discuss how to commence direct negotiations. Palestinian official Nabil Abu Rudeineh says that Israel is still blocking the path to formal talks, claiming that Pres. Abbas had agreed to send a delegation to Washington to continue lower-level preliminary discussions. Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers issue a statement welcoming Kerry’s announcement that an agreement had been reached (7/19) for establishing a basis for resuming direct negotiations. Palestinian pres. Abbas says that any future peace deal with the Israelis be put to a national referendum, while Israeli PM Netanyahu says that his govt. will pass a law requiring a referendum on any peace treaty. (AFP, JP, REU 7/22)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 1 rocket into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Separately, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion nr. al-Bureij r.c. to level land. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus, and 1 village each nr. Hebron and nr. Salfit at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 3 villages nr. Jenin, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 village each nr. Hebron, Salfit, and Tulkarm at night. (AFP 7/22; PCHR 7/25)

In Egypt, unidentified assailants kill 6 civilians and security officers in different attacks in Rafah and al-Arish in the Sinai. (AP, REU 7/22)

Chairman of the House of Representatives Intelligence Cmte. Mike Rogers says that the U.S. administration can move forward with plans to arm Syrian rebels, after some concerns were eased. Members of the Senate Intelligence Cmte. had previously voiced worries that arms could end up in the hands of radical Islamist groups, but according to a statement issued by Rogers the White House has since offered reassurances about the proposed supplying of rebels. (REU 7/22)

The EU designates the armed wing of Hizballah as a foreign terrorist organization, a decision welcomed by Israel but condemned by both the Lebanese group themselves, as well as Lebanese caretaker FM Adnan Mansour. The resulting sanctions will restrict Hizballah’s ability to use Europe as a financial conduit. (REU 7/22)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion nr. al-Bureij r.c. and level land close to the border fence. In the West Bank, the IDF demolish 2 homes and a sheep barn in Barta‘a, a village nr. Jenin. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 6 villages nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Nablus and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin at night. (MNA, PNN 6/12; PCHR 6/13)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says he is willing to launch direct peace talks with the Palestinians without preconditions, speaking at a press conference in Warsaw alongside Polish PM Donald Tusk. Meanwhile, the Israeli media report that plans are going ahead to build 675 new housing units in Itamar settlement. (HA, YA 6/12)

Israeli DM Moshe Ya’alon departs to Washington for talks with U.S. Defense Secy. Chuck Hagel, his 1st such visit since taking office in 3/2013. The 2 men are said to be focusing their discussion on military and intelligence cooperation with regard to Syria. Ya’alon will also meet with U.S. politicians and pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC. (AFP 6/12)

A Syrian army helicopter opens fire on a Lebanese border town in the e. Bekaa Valley, wounding 2. State news agency SANA says that the helicopter was chasing “terrorist groups.” In response, the Lebanese army says it will immediately respond to any further such cross-border attacks. (AFP, REU 6/12)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct 2 brief incursions nr. Khan Yunis and al-Bureij r.c., levelling land alongside the border fence. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 3 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Jenin at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm, 1 village nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Salfit at night. Jewish settlers vandalize Palestinian property in 2 villages in the Jordan Valley and nr. Ramallah, leaving “price-tag” graffiti. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian-owned homes in Bayt Hanina. (HA, MNA, WAFA 5/29; PCHR 5/30)

The UN Human Rights Council passes a resolution by a 36-1 vote (Venezuela was the sole opposing vote). It calls for an urgent investigation into alleged crimes by Syrian govt. forces and Hizballah fighters in Qusair, and also condemns the role of foreign fighters. The text was drafted by Qatar, Turkey, and the U.S. (AP 5/29)

The Israeli government issues tenders for 198 new settlement homes in Hebron and Efrata (Gush Etzion bloc). Meanwhile, the Jerusalem municipality approves the planned relocation of the National Defense College to the Mount of Olives. Also, Israeli NGO Peace Now says that approval for settlement plans jumped 300% in 2012, and that under Netanyahu’s premiership, 40% of construction starts in settlements were in settlements located outside of the so-called blocs that Israel intends to keep under a final-status agreement. (AP, JP, YA 1/16)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF fires warning shots at Palestinians scavenging for construction materials close to the border fence in the n. Gaza Strip, causing no injuries. In a separate incident, the IDF shells an open area 200 m from the border nr. Bureij, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, The IDF raids Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, opening fire on Palestinians with live ammunition, rubber-coated steel bullets, and tear-gas grenades, seriously wounding 1. The IDF says that Palestinian protesters threw stones and firebombs at the Separation Wall and Israeli forces. Palestinian news agencies report that the raid was in response to the Palestinians opening a hole in the bottom of the wall nr. Rachel’s Tomb. The IDF also demolishes sheep barns and sheds nr. Jericho; patrols in Tulkarm and 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Jericho at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Salfit at night. Meanwhile, an IDF investigation concludes that Israeli soldiers fired 80 bullets without justification when they mortally wounded a Palestinian man in al-Nabi Salih on 11/17 (he died on 11/19). Jewish settlers raze land nr. 2 separate settlements in the Jordan Valley and nr. Nablus in preparation for expansion. (MNA, WAFA 1/16; PCHR, PNN 1/17)

Israeli security forces dismantle Palestinian protest camp Bab al-Shams in the E1 zone nr. Jerusalem, after the Supreme Court authorizes the government to dismantle the site. Protesters were removed on 1/12, but the tents had remained. Separately, the High Court of Justice orders the state to refrain from evicting Palestinians from 8 villages in the s. Hebron Hills in an area the IDF has designated a firing zone for training. (REU 1/16; AFP, HA 1/17)

Dep. head of Hamas’s political bureau Musa Abu Marzuq says that the movement will not agree to dismantle the IQB as part of a prospective reconciliation deal with Fatah. He makes the comments in response to recent reports in al-Quds al-Arabi that Fatah is demanding Hamas dismantle its armed wing and integrate it into the PA security forces. (ToI 1/16)

The EU grants €100 m. to the PA and to UNRWA to provide essential services in the West Bank. Palestinian pres. Abbas announces that Saudi Arabia will give the struggling PA $100 m. to alleviate the PA’s financial crisis. (IMEMC, REU 1/16)

Britain, Denmark, France, Spain, and Sweden summon the Israeli ambassadors to their countries to protest Israel’s settlement construction plans. An anonymous senior European diplomat tells the Israeli newspaper Ha’Aretz that Britain and France see E1 development as a ‘‘red line’’ and feel Israel is acting ungratefully after the support it received during Operation Pillar of Defense. Former U.S. amb. to Israel Dan Kurtzer tells Ha’Aretz that the Obama admin. is angry over an Israeli official’s suggestion in a recent briefing that Israel generated the E1 plan in anticipation that Obama would refuse to reaffirm Bush’s 2004 letter to Sharon (which Israel views as U.S. approval of Israeli settlement expansion in areas it intends to keep under final status; see the Quarterly Update in JPS 132), when he entered office in 1/2009, as indeed occurred. Meanwhile, a source in the Israeli PM’s Office says there will be no retraction of the E1 construction plan. (HA, NYT, YA 12/3)

The dep. mayor of Jerusalem reveals that the municipality is expected to give final approval to a new settlement in occupied East Jerusalem called Givat Hamatos, the 1st of its kind since Har Homa in 1997. Located between Talpiot and Bayt Safafa, the new settlement will be on the agenda of the planning comm. on 12/19. In addition, Jewish settlers occupy a 5-story building in the Har Homa/Jabal Mukabir neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem that had previously been sold to a settler organization. (HA, JP 12/3)

Twelve Fatah mbrs. return to the Gaza Strip after fleeing in the 2007 conflict with Hamas. Returning Fatah mbr. Mahmoud Musleh says that around 450 Fatah mbrs. who fled to countries across the region, as well as to the West Bank, will return once procedures are complete. (MNA 12/3)

PM Ismail Haniyeh appeals to Arab states to help pay for reconstruction of the Gaza Strip following damage inflicted during Operation Pillar of Defense, estimated at $250–545 m. (REU 12/3)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF shoots a Palestinian child nr. al-Bureij r.c. close to the border fence, causing minor injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF kills a Palestinian civilian when a military jeep hits a car traveling on the Nablus– Ramallah road. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in Jericho and 1 nearby village, 3 villages nr. Ramallah, and 2 villages nr. Jenin later in the day; conducts night-time house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Tulkarm, and in Nablus and Balata r.c. (MNA 12/3; PCHR 12/6)

UN secy.-gen. Ban Ki-moon accuses the Syrian government of serious violations of the 1974 agreement separating Israeli and Syrian forces in the Golan Heights. In a UNSC report, Ban expresses concern about recent incidents across the cease-fire line, and recommends a 6-mo. extension of the UN peacekeeping force in the Golan Heights. (AP 12/3)

Israel announces that it will build 3,000 new settlement housing units as a response to the successful Palestinian UN vote, as well as advance plans for thousands more units in occupied East Jerusalem and the area known as E1, between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim settlement. White House spokesperson Tommy Vietor says the Israeli decision is ‘‘counterproductive’’ and makes ‘‘it harder to resume direct negotiations or achieve a two-state solution.’’ Palestinian pres. Abbas says he has no immediate plans to take Israel before the ICC in The Hague, but suggests it could be a future option. (AFP, YA, HA, JP 11/30)

U.S. secy. of state Hillary Clinton praises the PA in a speech at Brookings Institutions’ Saban Forum 2012 in Washington, D.C., for ‘‘building a security force that works every single day with the IDF’’ and being ‘‘nationalistic—but largely secular.’’ (HA 12/1)

The Palestinian Ministry of Public Works in the Gaza Strip announces that the Hamas government will sign an agreement with Egypt next week to enable construction materials to enter the territory via the Rafah crossing. (MNA 12/1)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF fires on Palestinian civilians and farmers close to the border fence in separate incidents nr. Jabalya, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij r.c., and Bayt Hanun; a total of 10 Palestinian civilians are injured. The IDF also mortally wounds 1 Palestinian civilian nr. Rafah when Israeli forces open fire on dozens of Palestinians nr. the border fence; he dies on 12/1. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, 1 village each nr. Jericho and Hebron in the afternoon, and in Hebron and 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jericho, Ramallah, and Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah at night. Israeli soldiers violently disperse weekly nonviolent demonstrations held by Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, al-Nabi Salih) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara). There are no serious injuries, except in Bil‘in, where 1 Palestinian is shot in the hand with a rubber-coated metal bullet, and another Palestinian is wounded in the leg by a tear-gas canister. (PCHR 12/6)

The IDF enters the c. Gaza Strip nr. al-Bureij r.c. with 6 bulldozers and 4 military vehicles; Israeli tank fire during the incursion injures 1 Palestinian man. In the West Bank, the IDF serves 40 families with eviction orders in Khirbat Tana village nr. Nablus, declaring that the area is earmarked for a military training zone; enters a village nr. Salfit to order residents out of 20 homes in preparation for demolition (clashing with locals, leaving 6 Palestinians injured, including 2 journalists); patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah and 2 villages nr. Hebron at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night. Suspected Jewish settlers cut down around 50 Palestinianowned olive trees in a village nr. Rehelim settlement and leave ‘‘price tag’’ graffiti. (MNA, ToI 11/7; PCHR 11/14)

Syrian security forces seal the Damascus office of Hamas chief Khalid Mishal, abandoned by the Hamas leadership earlier in 2012. (REU 11/7)

Fatah expresses opposition to a proposal presented to the PLO leadership the previous week by PM Salam Fayyad to form a more inclusive factional government, but says it would consider the plan after the UN bid. Meanwhile, Hamas says that the PA security agencies arrested 2 of its leaders and summoned 3 others for questioning. Islamic Jihad say that PA preventive security arrested 1 of its leaders from Qabatiya village. (MNA 3/11; PNN 11/2)

Suspected Jewish settlers vandalize property in a Palestinian village nr. Ramallah with ‘‘price tag’’–related slogans. (ToI 3/11)

The IDF shells an area nr. al-Bureij r.c. in the Gaza Strip in the morning, seriously wounding 1 Palestinian. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, in Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. (MNA 11/2; PCHR 11/8)

IQB members fire around 20 rockets from Gaza into Israel at night, causing no injuries. Also overnight, the IDF shells a house nr. al-Bureij r.c. in the Gaza Strip and carries out 2 air strikes on an IQB training site nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Yatta village nr. Hebron in the morning, attacking a Palestinian man and his daughter outside their home. (YA 10/29; PCHR 11/8)

President of the UNGA Vuk Jeremic says that the Palestinian bid for non-member state is likely to succeed, and that it would likely occur in the second half of 11/2012. (REU 10/19)

The EU issues an expression of regret over Israel’s decision (see 10/18) to approve 800 new houses in Gilo settlement, East Jerusalem. (MNA 10/19)

Armed Palestinians in the Gaza Strip detonate an improvised explosive device nr. the border fence with Israel, damaging an IDF jeep but causing no injuries. IDF troops on the Gaza border open fire on volunteers working on farmland nr. al-Bureij r.c., causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning. (YA 10/19; PCHR 10/24)

A bomb blast in Beirut kills Wissam al-Hassan, head of Lebanese domestic intelligence, as well as another 9 people and injuring more than 100. In the aftermath, opposition politicians, including Saad Hariri, blame the Syrian government, and there are demonstrations across the country by Sunni Muslims. Lebanese PM Najib Mikati says he suspects the killing was linked to al-Hassan’s role in uncovering Syrian involvement in the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese PM Rafiq Hariri. Iran condemns the blast the next day and hints that Israel is responsible. (Guardian, NYT, REU 10/19; BBC, REU 10/20)

Israeli newspaper Yedi’ot Ahronot reports that in 2010 Israeli PM Netanyahu engaged in mos. of secret, U.S.-brokered discussions with Syria about a negotiated peace treaty including Israeli withdrawal from the occupied Golan Heights. The U.S. State Dept. confirms that Netanyahu relayed a message to Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad, but Netanyahu denies the accuracy of the story. (HA, NYT, REU, YA 10/12)

Unidentified Palestinians fire a Grad rocket from the Gaza Strip into Israel, causing no injuries. IDF troops on the Gaza border fire a missile at an olive grove nr. al-Bureij r.c. at night, injuring 1 Palestinian child inside a nearby home, and fire 1 missile at an open area nr. Nussayrat r.c. at night, causing no injuries. Israeli naval vessels fire at Palestinian fishermen in the morning, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Ramallah and 2 villages nr. Jenin at night. The IDF also uses tear gas against Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals taking part in a nonviolent protest in Bil‘in village nr. Ramallah against the separation wall and settlements. (JP 10/12; IMEMC 10/13; PCHR 10/18)

An Israeli court hands former PM Ehud Olmert a suspended jail term and a $20,000 fine, sparing him a potential prison sentence for his conviction for cronyism in 7/2012. (REU 9/24)

Israel announces a general closure of the West Bank and Gaza Strip for 48 hrs. during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries, in the morning; the IDF levels ground nr. al-Bureij r.c., and live fire injures 1 Palestinian man. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Qalqilya, and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron at night. (MNA 9/24; PCHR 9/27)

The Israeli newspaper Ha’Aretz reports that the Israeli government is seeking court approval for the construction of settlement homes on privately owned Palestinian land, a development relevant to 44 settlements that were recently revealed to have been erected entirely or partially on private Palestinian land. (HA 9/14)

An Israeli court rules in favor of Jewish settlers laying claim to a Palestinian home in Hebron, saying it had been legally purchased. (HA 9/14)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF arrests a Palestinian child trying to cross the border fence nr. al-Bureij r.c. in the morning. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the morning. (PCHR 9/20)