The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid al-‘Awja, injuring 1 man with stones, damaging 6 vehicles, and stealing 10 sheep. Israeli settlers also raid Farasin, causing extensive damage to Palestinian property. Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian with live ammunition during a raid in Kafr Jamal. Israeli forces also raid Ya’bad, assaulting 2 Palestinians and seizing 2 vehicles. In East Jerusalem, 2 Israeli settlers spit at a Christian abbot from Germany, the 2 are later placed under house arrest. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, and Gaza City, killing at least 107 people. The Israeli bombs hit a fuel tank at the European Hospital, causing damage to the hospital. An Israeli soldier is killed in combat. In Lebanon, Hezbollah fires a missile at Israeli soldiers on al-Kubra hills and targets an Israeli base in Khirbet Maar. Israeli forces bomb homes in Yaroun. In Syria and Iraq, U.S. forces use 125 bombs to attack 3 sites in Iraq and 4 in Syria, killing 16 people in Iraq and 23 people in Syria. In Yemen, U.S. and UK forces, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Denmark, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Canada, attack 36 targets in 13 different places across the country. (AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT 2/2; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AX, AX, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/3; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT, UNOCHA, WAFA 2/4)

More than 27,283 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 11,500 children and 7,200 women, and around 66,452 have been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 374 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 94 children. More than 4,408 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 223 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,296 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. (UNOCHA 2/4)

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh meets with Turkey’s National Intelligence Agency director Ibrahim Kalin in Doha. AP reports that Hamas has started distributing salaries to government employees and Hamas employed police officers are patrolling parts of Gaza City.  (AJ, HA, HA 2/3)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh says 5 countries that announced suspension of funding to UNRWA informed him on 2/1 that they would resume funding within weeks. (AJ 2/3)

Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari says Israel has attacked Syria 50 times and Lebanon 200 times since 10/7/2023. (AJ, REU 2/3)

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry summons the U.S. charge d’affaires in Baghdad David Burger after U.S. and UK attacks in Iraq. U.S. secretary of defense Lloyd Austin says the attack on Syria and Iraq are “the start of our response” to the killing of 3 U.S. soldiers in Jordan earlier this week. (AJ, REU 2/3)

German foreign minister Anna Baerbock says Israeli plans to move its ground forces to Rafah “would simply not be justifiable.” (AJ 2/3)

The U.S. House of Representatives’ appropriations panel recommends a bill providing $17.6 billion in funding for the Israeli military, including $4.4 billion in weapons supplies, $4 billion for missile defense, $3.5 billion for financing of advanced weapons systems, $1.2 billion for the development of the Iron Beam laser missile defense, and $1 billion to improve artillery and munitions production. Speaker Mike Johnson says the House could vote on the bill next week. The House Freedom Caucus later indicates that its members will not support the bill, instead proposing that the U.S. pays for the aid to Israel by cutting funding to the UN and scrapping the IRS expansion. (AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU 2/3; HA 2/4; HA 2/5)

Portugal announces a $1.08 million donation to UNRWA. The UAE donates $5 million to UNRWA earmarked for relief efforts in Gaza. Slovenian foreign minister Tanja Fajon says her country will not stop funding UNRWA during a meeting of EU foreign ministers. (AJ 2/3)

Israeli Channel 13 reports that Israel is considering closing the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt due to tensions with Egypt. (AJ 2/3)

The New York Times reports that it was UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini who informed the U.S. on 1/24 about the Israeli allegations against 12 UNRWA staffers after a meeting with an Israeli diplomat in Tel Aviv on 1/18 where the Israeli allegations were shared with him. Lazzarini also met with UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres before sharing the information with the U.S., where they decided to fire 9 out of the 10 staffers who are still alive. (HA, NYT 2/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces assault 4 Palestinians, including a medic, during a raid in Fahma. Israeli forces deliver demolition notices for 11 residential and agricultural structures in the Abu Nawar Bedouin community near ‘Anata. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces prevent Palestinians from reaching the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, Khan Yunis, Jabalia refugee camp, Beit Lahiya, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 183 people. Israeli forces also open fire at Palestinians fleeing from Khan Yunis to Rafah and fire tank shells at al-Amal Hospital. The Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis suffers a complete electricity blackout as it is besieged by Israeli forces for the fifth day in a row. In Lebanon, Israeli forces strike Bayt Lif and Deir Aames, killing 2 people and injuring 4 in Bayt Lif. Hezbollah says it attacked 2 Israeli bases near the Blue Line. In the Red Sea, the Houthi movement says its forces attacked a UK-owned oil tanker.  (AJ, AP, AP, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/26)

More than 26,083 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 10,600 children and 7,200 women, and around 64,110 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 365 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 92 children. More than 4,354 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 219 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,269 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 68 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah crossing. Israelis block the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing for the third day in a row, forcing aid trucks to reroute to Egypt. The UN says the assessment mission to northern Gaza, announced by U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken on 1/9, has not been carried out. (AJ, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 1/26; AJ 1/27)

Israel orders Palestinians in several neighborhoods of Khan Yunis to flee to al-Mawasi. (AJ 1/26)

The ICJ rules that there is a basis to further investigate the South African genocide case against Israel and that the ICJ has jurisdiction to hear the case. The court issues 6 provisional measures: 1) Israel must take all possible measures to prevent acts as outlined in Article 2 of the Genocide Convention, including not killing members of a particular group [Palestinians], not causing physical or psychological harm to members of that group, not inflicting living conditions which are calculated to bring about the end of the existence of a people, and not carrying out acts to precent the births within the group. 2) Israel must ensure its military does not carry out any of the actions outlined in measure 1. 3) Israel must prevent and punish incitement to commit genocide. 4) Israel must ensure the delivery of basic services and essential humanitarian aid. 5) Israel must prevent the destruction of evidence of war crimes and allow fact-finding missions access. 6) Israel must submit a report on all steps taken to abide by the measures within 1 month. 4 of the orders are approved by 15 of the 17 judges, while 2 of the measures are approved by 16 of the 17 judges. The only judge to vote against all measures is Judge Julia Sebutinde of Uganda. Aharon Barak, the judge representing Israel, votes for measures 3 and 4. The measures issued by the court fall short of South Africa’s demand for a ceasefire. Hamas welcomes the ICJ orders and calls on the international community to force Israel to implement the decisions. PA ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour calls the measures against Israel “historic.” South Africa calls the ruling a “decisive victory.” Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructs his ministers not to comment on the ICJ decision and calls the ruling “outrageous.” The U.S. State Department says the ICJ did not “make a finding about genocide” despite the court specifically saying that it is continuing its trial of Israel on charges of genocide. Saudi Arabia, Iran, Malaysia, Qatar, Spain, Ireland, Scotland, Belgium, and the AU welcome the ICJ ruling. Turkey and Egypt express disappointment that the court did not call for a ceasefire. (AP, NYT 1/25; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/26; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/27; AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA 1/28; HA 1/29)

PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh calls on the international community and the UN Security Council to stop Israeli efforts to create a new buffer zone in Israel, saying Israel is razing homes and agricultural lands in 20% of Gaza. (AJ, WAFA 1/26)

Israel alleges that 12 UNRWA employees took part in or aided the attack on 10/7/2023 based on Shin Bet interrogations of Palestinian detainees and phone tracking. UNRWA announces an investigation and says it has terminated the contracts of the 9 of the staffers, with further investigations into 2 other staffers. 1 staff has been killed. The U.S., Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, Finland, Australia, Italy, and the UK say they have paused additional funding to UNRWA while they are reviewing the allegations and UN’s steps to address them. The PA calls on the countries that suspended funding to reverse their decisions. Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf calls the suspension of funding for UNRWA collective punishment. UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini calls the aid suspensions “shocking,” saying they are based on the “alleged behavior of a few individuals.” Ireland and Norway express support for UNRWA. (AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, NYT 1/26; AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA 1/27; HA, HA, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/28; AP, REU, REU, REU 1/29)

Hamas releases a video of 3 captives who call on the Israeli government to stop the war on Gaza and secure their release, saying other captives held with them have been killed in Israeli airstrikes. (AJ, HA, HA 1/26)

U.S. president Joe Biden speaks with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani about another temporary ceasefire in Gaza. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby says the White House is doing “everything we can to facilitate another hostage deal,” and that National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk returns to the U.S. after discussions with Qatar and Egypt. Axios reports that on 1/19 Biden said in a call with Prime Minister Netanyahu that he wants Israel to end its war on Gaza soon. A Biden advisor tells Axios that the White House is concerned about losing young voters who are opposed to Biden’s policy on the war. (AJ, AX, HA 1/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed 15 dunams of land, uprooting grape vines and almond trees near al-Khader. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians during raids in Qiffin and Tell. Israeli forces also shot and injured 2 people with live ammunition and 3 with baton rounds during a raid in Ramallah. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 14 residential and agricultural sheds and tents in Aqraba. 25 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Tulkarm, Nablus, and Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided Shu’fat refugee camp, firing tear gas at Palestinians, causing tear-gas related injuries. In Gaza, telecommunications were partially restored in central and southern Gaza at the end of the day. Israeli forces bombed Rafah, Nuseirat refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Jabalia refugee camp, and Gaza City, killing dozens of people. Israel’s bombardment targeted Gaza Ministry of Health director-general Munis al-Bursh, killing several members of his family in an airstrike on a residential building in Jabalia refugee camp. Israeli forces also raided a Palestinian Red Crescent Society ambulance center in Jabalia refugee camp, arresting and humiliating Palestinians. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and killed a medical worker in al-Awda Hospital and killed Karem Abu Salem crossing director Bassam Ghaben in an airstrike. Israel also bombed and completely destroyed a large part of the Rimal neighborhood in Gaza City. 2 Israeli soldiers were killed in combat. Several rockets were launched at Tel Aviv. In Lebanon, Hezbollah said it had attacked several buildings in Metula and Ramot Naftali. 3 people were injured in attacks on Avivim and 2 in Dovev. Israel said it shelled several Hezbollah-linked sites. A Lebanese civilian was killed and her husband injured in an airstrike on Maroun al-Ras. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/21; AJ, HA, HA, NYT 12/22)

More than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 8,000 children and 6,200 women, and around 54,000 have been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 296 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 75 children. More than 3,387 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured since 10/7. 138 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 771 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 12/3, at least 52,000 housing units had been destroyed and 253,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 60% of all housing units. 78 trucks and 5 ambulances entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing, while 22 trucks entered via the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing. 23 UN and nongovernmental agencies released a joint report saying the entire population of Gaza was suffering a food crisis and 576,600 were experiencing catastrophic and starvation levels of food insecurity. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA 12/21; AP, HA 12/22)

Haaretz reported that 19 Israeli prison guards were under investigation in relation to the killing of a Palestinian prisoner, Tair Abu Asab, who died on 11/17 in the Ketziot Prison. Abu Asab’s body showed signs of beatings, but the official autopsy did not determine a cause of death. (AP, HA, WAFA 12/21)

The Israeli military claimed it has killed 2,000 members of Hamas since the beginning of the ground invasion of Gaza and 8,000 since 10/7. War cabinet member Benny Gantz said he expected reduced military activity in Gaza, but that Israel had no intention of stopping its assault. Hamas said 3 Israeli captives had been killed in Israeli bombings in Gaza, releasing a picture of the men holding papers showing their names and ID numbers. (AJ, HA 12/21)

PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh met with UAE foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi, discussing the situation in Gaza. (HA, REU, WAFA 12/21)

The UN Security Council discussed a resolution on Gaza for the fourth day in a row without calling a vote. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT 12/21)

Canada announced that it will provide temporary visas to Palestinians with relatives in Canada starting from 1/9. If granted, the visas will be valid for 3 years. Separately, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Canadian TV that he and other Israeli allies are worried that “the short-term actions being taken by Israel are actually putting at risk the long-term safety [of] and even support for a Jewish state into the future.” (AJ, HA 12/21)

Iraq sent 2.6 million gallons of fuel to Egypt intended for dispersal as aid in Gaza. (AJ 12/21)

The New York Times reported that Israel had used 2,000-pound bombs in Gaza 208 times and that the bombs had been dropped on areas Israel had declared safe zones. (NYT, NYT 12/21; AJ, HA, HA 12/22)

A Washington Post analysis of Israeli claims that al-Shifa Hospital was a Hamas base before Israel attacked and besieged it said the Israeli claims were unsubstantiated. The Post said it had found that the rooms connected to the tunnel network Israel had shown in video material did not show “immediate evidence of military use by Hamas,” that the 5 buildings Israel said were involved with Hamas did not appear to be connected to the tunnel network, and that there was no evidence that the tunnels could be accessed directly from the hospital. (AJ 12/21; HA 12/22)

In the West Bank, an Israeli settler stabbed and injured a Palestinian and rammed his livestock with a car, killing 2 goats in Khirbet al-Farisiyya. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Rawabi. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinians with pepper spray at the Ibrahimi Mosque. Israeli forces shot and killed 4 Palestinians, including 2 children, during a raid in al-Fara’a refugee camp. Israeli forces also shot and injured 3, including a journalist near Jaffna and 2 others in Tell. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished a home under construction in Majdal Bani Fadel and electricity networks connecting Majdal Bani Fadel and Aqraba. An Israeli settler was shot and injured near the Ateret settlement. 35 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Jericho, Ramallah, Hebron, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem. In Gaza, Israeli forces bombed Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Jabalia refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, and Rafah; it was unclear how many casualties there were. Israeli forces also raided al-Ahli Arab Hospital, causing injuries and arresting dozens. 2 Israeli soldiers were killed in combat. In Lebanon, Hezbollah fired missiles at Kiryat Shmona and Israeli forces attacked a funeral in Aita al-Shaab. In Syria, Israeli forces fired tank shells at a Syrian army position, saying missiles had been launched at Israel. In the Red Sea, Houthi forces attacked 2 ships with drones, saying they failed to respond to calls. (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/18; AJ, UNOCHA 12/19)

As of 12/17 more than 19,453 Palestinians had been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 7,729 children and 5,153 women, and around 54,000 had been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 294 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 74 children. More than 3,387 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured since 10/7. 132 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 719 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 12/3, at least 52,000 housing units had been destroyed and 253,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 60% of all housing units. 60 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing and 64 entered via the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing. 55 injured people, accompanied by 56 others, and 548 dual nationals were evacuated to Egypt. (AJ, UNOCHA 12/18; UNOCHA 12/19)

Human Rights Watch issued a report saying Israel was using starvation as a weapon of war by deliberately denying civilians access to food and water. The report pointed out that 3 Israeli ministers have made statements confirming the policy. (AJ, HA, HRW, WAFA 12/18)

Hamas released a video of 3 elderly Israeli captives. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU 12/18)

U.S. secretary of defense Lloyd Austin arrived in Israel for meetings with Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During the meetings, Austin said the U.S. support for Israel was unshakeable but that the U.S. urged Israel to protect civilians and increase the flow of aid. Israeli and U.S. sources told Axios that Gallant and Netanyahu told Austin they want Hezbollah to move its forces 6 miles north of the Blue Line. CIA director William Burns met with Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Mossad director David Barnea in Warsaw. (AJ, AJ, AX, AX, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU 12/18; REU 12/19; AJ 12/20)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas congratulated Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on his re-election. Egypt’s National Election Authority said el-Sisi won with 89.6% of the vote and the voter turnout was 66.8%. (AP, NYT, WAFA 12/18; HA 12/19)

The U.S. launched a new patrol mission in the Red Sea to counter Yemeni attacks on commercial ships. The UK, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the Seychelles, and Spain joined the U.S.-led mission. A Houthi spokesperson called the mission unnecessary, saying waters around Yemen are safe, except for Israel-linked ships or vessels traveling to Israel. The Taiwanese shipping company Evergreen said it has stopped accepting Israeli cargo. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU 12/18; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU 12/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Bruqin. Armed Israeli settlers also threatened Palestinian shepherds in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces attempted to assassinate 3 Palestinians traveling in a vehicle near Balata refugee camp, firing a missile at their car; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also shot and injured 4 Palestinians, including 2 children, during raids in Tuqu’, al-‘Ayn, and Shuweika. Elsewhere, Israeli forces assaulted a Palestinian in Hebron. Israeli forces also punitively demolished the family homes of 2 Palestinians prisoners in ‘Urif. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces severely assaulted a journalist, hospitalizing him in Wadi al-Juz. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians heading to the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, telecommunications remained cut off for the second day in a row, obfuscating reporting on the number of casualties. Israeli forces bombed Khan Yunis, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City, Jabalia refugee camp, Beit Lahiya, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 100 Palestinians, including Al Jazeera journalist Samer Abudaqa and Palestinian New Press journalist Ramy Budair and 3 civil defense workers during an airstrike that also wounded Al Jazeera Gaza bureau chief Wael al-Dahdouh in Khan Yunis. Abudaqa was reportedly left to bleed out for 5 and half hours while rescue teams tried to secure safe passage during Israeli shelling of the area. Several members of al-Dahdouh’s immediate family were killed in an Israeli air strike on 10/25. Israeli forces also shot and killed 3 Israeli captives that had either been freed or escaped captivity in the Shuja‘iya neighborhood of Gaza City, mistaking them for Palestinians. The 3 were shirtless and holding up a white flag. The Israeli military called the incident “a tragic error.” Separately, 2 Israeli soldiers were killed in combat. Rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage near Jerusalem. In Lebanon, Israeli forces attacked Ramiya, Beit Lif, and near Alma al-Chaab, saying shots were fired toward Israel. Israel also dropped leaflets in Kfar Shuba, threatening residents to stop Hezbollah from operating in the area for their own safety. In the Red Sea, projectiles fired from Yemen hit 2 cargo ships. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/15; AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU 12/16; AP, REU 12/17; AP, NYT 12/18)

More than 18,897 Palestinians had been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 7,729 children and 5,153 women, and around 51,000 had been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 280 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 72 children. More than 3,387 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured since 10/7. 119 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 648 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 12/3, at least 52,000 housing units had been destroyed and 253,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 60% of all housing units. 115 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing. (UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 12/15)

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs released a report, saying 476 Palestinians, including 112 children, have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in 2023. Of the 476, 276 have been killed since 10/7. 12,566 have been injured, including 1,841 children. Israeli forces have also demolished 1,010 structures since 1/1, displacing 1,884 people while settler violence has displaced 1,442. (UNOCHA 12/15)

Israel said it found the bodies of 3 Israeli captives in Gaza, including 2 soldiers and a civilian. The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society said 4,420 Palestinians have been arrested in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7. (HA, NYT, REU 12/15)

The Israeli security cabinet approved the reopening of the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing for humanitarian aid after U.S. pressure. Haaretz reported that the Israeli military, with approval from Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich and Otzma Yehudit leader  Itamar Ben-Gvir, had allowed 10,000 Palestinians from the West Bank to work in Israeli settlements upon request from settlement leaders. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, UNOCHA 12/15; HA 12/16)

The Foreign Press Association and Al Jazeera condemned the Israeli killing of Al Jazeera journalist Samer Abudaqa. Al Jazeera said it would refer the killing of Abudaqa to the ICC. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby called Abudaqa’s death a “heavy loss” but said there was no indication that Israel deliberately targets journalists.  (AJ, AJ, HA 12/15; AJ, AJ 12/16; HA 12/17)

Israelis demonstrated in several places over the military’s killing of 3 Israeli captives in Gaza City. (HA 12/15; HA 12/16)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan met with PA president Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the 2 discussed “governance possibilities” for after Israel’s war. Abbas told Sullivan that the U.S. must intervene to prevent the forceful displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank and to stop the bombing of Gaza. (AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 12/15)

Israeli heritage minister Amichai Eliyahu said Gaza must be “fully occupied.” (AJ, HA 12/15)

National Security Advisor Sullivan also met with Israeli officials for the second day in a row, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Mossad director David Barnea. Sullivan told the press that the U.S. expects the Israeli war to transition to a phase that is “focused on targeting the [Hamas] leadership, on intelligence operations.” The U.S. also criticized Israel for attacking the Lebanese army 34 times since 10/7. (AJ, AJ, AP, NYT, NYT 12/15)

The UK, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the EU, Australia, and Canada issued a joint statement calling on Israel to take steps to end settler violence in the West Bank, calling the violence against Palestinians unacceptable. The statement said that settler impunity had led to unprecedented levels of violence. (WAFA 12/14; AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU 12/15)

A court in the Netherlands rejected a petition by human rights organizations to halt transfers of F-35 parts to Israel. (AJ, AJ, AP, REU 12/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers a with military escort shot and injured a Palestinian during a raid in Sarra. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinians traveling near Tuqu’, causing damage. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized 200 olive, grape, and almond trees, water pumps, irrigation pipes, and a water tank in Ein al-Beida. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinians during a raid in Susiya. Israeli forces shot and killed 4 Palestinians during raids in Jenin and Qalqilya; during the raid in Jenin, Israeli forces vandalized the memorial of Shireen Abu Akleh and used bulldozers to destroy infrastructure. Israeli forces also shot and injured 19 Palestinians, including at least 1 child, during raids in Jenin, Hebron, Deir Abu Masha’al, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, al-Bireh, and Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian Red Crescent medics in Tubas. 45 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in as-Samu, Dahariya, Dura, Beit Umar, Ni’lin, Kafr Ni’ma, Hizma, Jericho, Aida refugee camp, Dheisheh refugee camp, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces blocked entrance to the Haram al-Sharif compound and assaulted worshippers. In Gaza, Israeli attacks killed 298 Palestinians, including 125 children. Israeli forces made incursions and fired tank shells at Palestinian infrastructure near Gaza City. At night, all telecommunications were cut off in Gaza; several humanitarian organizations and media outlets said they were unable to reach their people on the ground. The communications blackout started prior to Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza. Hamas said its military wing had repelled Israeli attacks on Beit Hanun and al-Bureij and from a beach in Rafah. Israel said it assassinated Hamas member Madhat Mubashe. Rockets were fired at Israel; no injuries were reported. In Egypt, explosives hit a medical facility in Taba and an electric plant near Nuweiba, lightly injuring 6 people; it was later reported that the explosives came from the south of the Red Sea. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/27; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, REU 10/28)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said at least 7,326 Palestinians have been killed, including at least 4,000 women and children, and 18,967 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. It is estimated that 1,700 people, including 940 children, were trapped in rubble. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 108 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 30 children. More than 1,967 have been injured. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals; 5,431 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1.4 million Palestinians, more than half the population in Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. As of 10/23, at least 27,781 housing units had been destroyed and 150,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. At least 45% of all housing units have been either destroyed or damaged in Israeli airstrikes. UNRWA said 14 of its staff members have been killed in the last 24 hours, raising the total number of UNRWA staff killed in Israeli attacks to 53. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said the monitoring regime for the aid trucks that pass into Gaza via the Rafah crossing was too slow. At least 10 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 10/27)

Israel indicted 5 Israeli citizens on charges of inciting terrorism or identifying with Hamas. A total of 24 have been indicated on similar charges since 10/7. (HA 10/27)

The Israeli military released a video illustration claiming al-Shifa Hospital has a vast network of underground facilities. The head of the Government Media Office in Gaza, Salama Marouf, called the illustration “false fabricated allegations.” (AJ, AJ, REU 10/27)

Reuters reported that Israel had told the news agency and Agence France-Presse that as Israel ramps up its attacks on Gaza, it cannot guarantee the safety of the 2 agencies’ journalists. 29 journalists have been killed since 10/7, including 25 Palestinians and 1 Lebanese. (AJ, REU 10/27)

UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini defended the data from the Gaza Ministry of Health, saying it has been reliable in the past “5, 6 cycles of conflict in the Gaza Strip.” U.S. president Joe Biden said on 10/25 that he did not have confidence in the data. (AJ, AJ, REU, WAFA 10/27)

Israeli soldiers were filmed singing “Ahmad Tibi is dead,” referring to the Palestinian member of Knesset for the Ta’al party. (HA 10/27)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen, discussing the situation in Gaza. (WAFA 10/27)

The UN General Assembly voted to adopt a non-binding resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian truce between Israel and Hamas and demanding humanitarian aid access in Gaza. 120 countries voted in favor, 45 abstained, and 14 voted against. Tunisia and Iraq explained their abstentions, saying the resolution did not support Palestine strongly enough. Israel’s UN ambassador said the passage of the resolution was “a dark day for the UN and for mankind.” An amendment introduced by Canada and co-sponsored by the U.S., condemning Hamas for “the taking of hostages,” failed as it did not get the 2/3s majority support needed to pass.  (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/27; AJ, AP, WAFA 10/28)

The Council of the European Union accepted a Spanish proposal for the country to host a peace conference on Middle East peace within 6 months. (AJ, AP 10/27)

French president Emmanuel Macron said France and several other European countries will make a “humanitarian coalition” for Gaza. (AJ 10/27)

The Washington Post reported that the Biden administration was pushing Israel not to undertake a full ground invasion of Gaza. ABC News reported that the U.S. State Department was not aware that Israel would “expand its ground invasion.” U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. supports humanitarian pauses if captives held by Hamas were released. A U.S. official told Reuters that Qatar is open to reconsidering allowing Hamas to have a presence in the country. (AJ, HA, REU, REU 10/27; AJ 10/28)

New York City police arrested more than 200 people at a mass sit-in at Grand Central Station arranged by Jewish Voice for Peace, which temporarily closed the station. The protesters called for an immediate ceasefire. (HA, WAFA 10/27; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, NYT 10/28)

The U.S. told its citizens in Lebanon that they should leave the country due to the “unpredictable security situation.”  (AJ 10/27; AJ, HA 10/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian family in their home in the Masafer Yatta area, causing bruises. Israeli settlers also opened fire at Palestinians harvesting olives in Kafr Ni’ma; no injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers opened fire at Palestinian homes in Hebron; no injuries were reported. Israeli settlers, reportedly disguised as soldiers, also attacked Palestinians west of Jericho with stones and clubs, causing injuries and damage. Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian during a funeral procession in Beit Umar, injured 1 other with live ammunition; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at al-Jalamah checkpoint, killing 2 and injuring 2 others. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, injuring 3 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bethlehem, injuring a minor with a baton round. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters near Far’un, injuring 1 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also shot and injured 3 Palestinians near the separation wall west of Attil. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Bireh, injuring 2 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also demolished 2 agricultural structures in Mughayyir al-Abeed in the Masafer Yatta area. Additionally, Israeli forces fired tear gas near a hospital in Dura, causing tear-gas related injuries. A rocket, either launched from Gaza or an Iron Dome interceptor, hit Baqa ash-Sharqiya, killing 1 Palestinian and injuring 6 others. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians in Silwan after they allegedly fired fireworks at Israeli forces. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians in Isawiya and Ras al-Amud. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrested 13 Palestinians on suspicion of incitement and supporting Hamas. In Gaza, Israeli naval forces fired shells at a port west of Gaza City and Khan Yunis, damaging the port and fishing boats. Israeli airstrikes also killed hundreds of Palestinians and caused damage, especially to the Rimal, al-Karama, and al-Furqan neighbourhoods and Jabaliya. Gaza economy minister Juad Abu Smallah was reportedly assassinated by Israel. It was reported that white phosphorus bombs were dropped on al-Karama. UNRWA said its headquarters in Gaza was hit by Israeli bombs. Hundreds of rockets were fired at Israel from Gaza. Near Gaza, Israel said it had killed 4 militants at a beach north of Gaza and 2 in Kibbutz Re’im. Militants were also reported to have attacked Mefalsim, causing casualties. In Lebanon, militants fired anti-tank missiles at an Israeli vehicle and Israeli forces attacked militants with a helicopter and artillery. Rockets were also fired toward Israel. In Syria, rockets were launched at the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Israel fired artillery and mortar shells at Syria. (AP 10/7; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/10; AJ, AP, AP, AP, HA, REU 10/11)

Israel claimed to have regained full control of the area around Gaza, saying the bodies of approximately 1,500 Palestinian militants were found in the area. The Gaza Ministry of Health said 830 Palestinians had been killed in Israeli airstrikes and 4,250 wounded since 10/7 as of 5.30 p.m. 22 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 4 children; 332 have been injured. Israeli media reported that as of 9 p.m. more than 1,000 Israelis and foreign nationals had been killed and 2,806 injured since 10/7. The UN said 263,934 Palestinians have been displaced, with 175,486 people sheltering at UN facilities. All but 1 mobile communications tower was destroyed in Israeli strikes. More than 610,000 people in Gaza were disconnected from the water supply due to Israeli actions. The Gaza Power Plant was reported to run out of fuel by noon on 10/11, with electricity currently limited to 3-4 hours per day. (AJ 10/9; AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, AP, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/10; AJ, AP, AP, REU 10/11)

The Gaza Ministry of Health called for the opening of a “safe corridor” to allow medical aid as hospitals are overwhelmed. 4 ambulances and 1 hospital in Beit Hanun were targeted by Israeli airstrikes, closing the hospital. PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh said Israel was refusing to allow aid from the West Bank to enter Gaza. (AJ, AJ 10/10; WAFA 10/11)

Israeli military spokesperson Richard Hecht said Israel may not use the same “level of fidelity” in warning civilians before striking homes and apartment buildings. It had been reported that Israel no longer used smaller munitions to “knock” on the roofs of apartment buildings or call building managers before demolishing them with larger bombs. Hecht also called the parliament and ministries in Gaza legitimate targets. Hecht further said Palestinians in Gaza should flee to Egypt via the Rafah crossing, first saying that it is open and later tweeting that he did not know if it was open. Israel bombed the crossing on 10/9 after which it was closed. Israel also hit the crossing today. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the Israeli military would release “all constraints” on its attacks on Gaza and is “transitioning to a full-scale offensive.” The Israeli military said it had dropped hundreds of tons of bombs on Gaza and is emphasizing “damage, not precision.” (AJ 10/9; AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU 10/10)

The Israeli military began sending planes to Europe to collect reservists that have been called up. More than 300,000 Israeli military reservists were called in to participate in the Israeli assault on Gaza. (REU 10/9; AJ, HA, REU 10/10)

Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said Israel would hand out 10,000 rifles to volunteers in Israeli border communities and in Israeli settlements. (AJ, REU 10/10)

A plane carrying U.S. ammunition arrived in Israel. The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier reached the eastern Mediterranean. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan criticized the U.S. for moving the carrier near Israel, warning of a massacre in Gaza. (AJ, HA, REU 10/10; AP 10/12)

Thousands of Jordanians protested in Amman against the Israeli attacks on Gaza, demanding the Israeli embassy be closed and that Jordan end its peace treaty with Israel. (REU 10/11)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre about the Israeli attack on Gaza. PA envoy to the UN Riyad Mansour wrote a letter to the UN Security Council calling Israeli actions, including intentional starvation of Gaza, “genocidal.” (REU, WAFA 10/10)

The Likud Party said the leaders of the parties in the Israeli government coalition have agreed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can form an emergency unity government. Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman said on 10/8 that he will only join the unity government if the Israeli leadership commits to ending the policy of constraining Hamas and eliminates the organization. (HA, REU 10/10)

U.S. president Joe Biden gave a televised speech calling the Hamas operation on 10/7 “pure, unadulterated evil,” recounting unconfirmed Israeli narratives of militants committing rapes. Biden also compared Hamas to ISIS, attributed the operation to anti-Semitism, rather than resistance, and reiterated his stance in support of Israel, saying Israel has a “duty to respond,” despite the mass civilian casualties in Gaza. Biden further stated that the U.S. is sending ammunition and interceptors for the Iron dome to Israel. Lastly, Biden warned other countries and organizations against getting involved against Israel. Hamas called Biden’s speech deplorable and inflammatory, saying Hamas launched its operation to defend the Palestinian people and put an end to the occupation. Biden also spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu about U.S. assistance. 392 members of the U.S. House of Representatives co-sponsored a resolution in support of Israel, calling the Hamas operation “barbaric.” It is unknown if the resolution will pass, as it is unclear if the acting speaker of the House Patrick McHenry (R-NC) has the authority to bring the resolution to the floor. (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA 10/10; FWD, HA, REU, REU 10/11)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan said the U.S. was in talks with Egypt and Israel to create a humanitarian corridor for residents of Gaza. (HA, REU 10/10)

The U.S. State Department said Secretary of State Antony Blinken will arrive in Israel on 10/12 for meetings with Israeli leaders. Blinken will also travel to Jordan. UK foreign secretary James Cleverly is also scheduled to arrive in Israel on 10/11. (AJ, HA, REU 10/10; REU 10/11)

U.S. homeland security advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall said the U.S. is working on different options to ensure that all U.S. citizens can leave Israel by air, sea, and land. There are currently no direct flights from Israel to the U.S. Many other countries, including France, Germany, and Canada, said they are planning on offering their citizens flights out of Israel. (AJ, HA 10/10)

President Erdoğan spoke with Russian president Vladimir Putin about measures to halt the Hamas-Israel conflict and deliver humanitarian aid. Erdoğan also said he is having talks with regional leaders to negotiate a halt to the war. Egyptian president Abdel Fatah al-Sisi and Qatari emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani spoke about protecting civilians in Gaza. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU 10/10; AJ, AJ 10/11)

Houthi leader Abdel Malek al-Houthi said that if the U.S. intervened in the attack on Gaza it would respond with drones and missiles. (AJ, HA 10/10)

Berlin police banned pro-Palestinian demonstrations planned for 10/11, saying expressions of solidarity with Palestine pose a threat to public order. Australian police said a planned pro-Palestinian protest scheduled for 10/15 will be an unauthorized activity. (HA 10/10; REU 10/11)

UK home secretary Suella Braverman sent a letter to English and Welsh police, saying that waiving Palestinian flags may in some instances be illegal in cases where it is “intended to glorify acts of terrorism.” (AJ 10/10)

EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borell said he had invited PA and Israeli foreign ministers Riyad al-Maliki and Eli Cohen to an EU foreign ministers meeting to discuss the situation in Palestine and Israel. Borell also said that Israel must adhere to international law, saying Israel violates the law by imposing a total blockade on Gaza. Borell further said that the “overwhelming majority” of EU states are against cutting aid to Palestinians, as suggested by some EU officials. (AJ, HA, REU 10/10)

The UN high commissioner for human rights Volker Turk said the total siege of Gaza imposed by Israel was illegal under international law as it deprives civilians of goods essential to their survival. Turk also said Israeli airstrikes had struck residential and UN buildings as well as UN schools. (AJ, REU 10/10)

The UN Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel said that there was clear evidence that war crimes had been committed in Israel and Gaza. (AJ, UN, WAFA 10/10)

The office of the ICC prosecutor said the court mandate to investigate “the situation in the State of Palestine” extends to the current attacks. (REU 10/10) 

Sweden and Denmark suspended aid to Palestinians. (AJ, HA, REU 10/10)

The UAE donated $20 million in aid to Palestinians via UNRWA. (AJ 10/10)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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