The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles parked near Kifl Haris, causing damage. Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians, including 1 minor, and injured 3 others during a demolition raid in Kafr Dan. 2 homes belonging to families of Palestinians accused of killing an Israeli soldier on 9/14/2022 were punitively demolished during the raid. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor during a raid in Dheisheh refugee camp, 1 other Palestinian was injured by live ammunition. Elsewhere, Israeli forces issued stop-work orders for 8 houses, 1 agricultural structure, and 1 events hall in Deir Balut and 1 house under construction in Maeen in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also shot and injured 7 Palestinians with live ammunition during a raid in Bayt Rima. Meanwhile, Israeli forces fired tear gas at a funeral procession in Beit Umar, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also seized 1 excavator in at-Tuwani in the Masafer Yatta area. 24 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Bayt Rima, Ein ad-Duyuk al-Foqa, Hebron, Bethlehem, Za‘atra, Aida refugee camp, al-Am‘ari refugee camp, Turmus ‘Ayya, Nablus, Salfit, Iskaka, and ‘Azzun. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the homes of PA Jerusalem governor Adnan Ghaith and al-Aqsa imam Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, extending Governor Ghaith’s ban from entering the West Bank and meeting PA officials and banning Sheikh Sabri from entering the Haram al-Sharif compound and leaving East Jerusalem. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of Khan Yunis. (AJ, AN, AP, HA, MDW, MEE, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/2; AJ, HA, MDW, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA 1/3; PCHR 1/4; PCHR 1/5; HA 1/14; UNOCHA 2/16)

Israel informed the PA that about 1,000 Palestinians living in the Masafer Yatta area will receive eviction notices in the coming days and that they will be forcibly transferred to a different location. In May 2022, the Israeli Supreme Court ruled that Israel can forcefully transfer Palestinians living in Firing Zone 918 in the Masafer Yatta area. (BTselem 1/2; MEMO 1/3; AJ 1/4; WAFA 1/5)

Israel Hayom reported that the Israeli police officer charged with the killing of autistic Palestinian man Eyad al-Hallaq in East Jerusalem in May 2020 had signed up for 6 months of service in the police force after finishing his compulsory service. The trial against the police officer is still ongoing. (HA 1/2; HA, MEE 1/3)

The Syrian military said that Israeli airstrikes had killed 2 Syrian soldiers and forced the country to temporarily suspend flights to and from Damascus International Airport. (AJ, AP, DT, F24, HA, MEE, REU 1/2)

Israel’s foreign minister Eli Cohen said that the new Israeli government would “speak less publicly” about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and that he would speak with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on 1/3. (HA, TOI 1/2 HA, MEE, MEMO 1/3; AX 1/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 2 Palestinians in Kafr ad-Dik, causing hospitalization. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Huwwara. Israeli forces handed temporary eviction notices to 2 Palestinian families, ordering them to leave their land for 3 days from 11/1 and for 10 hours on 11/9 while Israeli forces conducted military drills in Khirbet Humsa. Israeli forces also handed punitive demolition notices in Kafr Dan to 2 families who are relatives of 2 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces on 9/14. 37 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Tulkarm, Abud, ‘Anata, Biddu, Dheisheh refugee camp, Beit Umar, Surif, Iraq al-Tayeh, Nablus, al-Yamun, Jenin, al-Jiftlik, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in al-Tur, demanding the release of the body of a Palestinian killed by Israeli forces on 9/22. 3 Palestinians were arrested in Bayt Hanina and Jabel Mukaber. (MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/27; MEMO 10/28; PCHR 11/3; UNOCHA 11/13)

Israel said it had eased the collective punishment restrictions imposed on Nablus and that it will remove some of the checkpoints that were set up 2 weeks ago. (HA 10/28)

Lebanon and Israel officially signed their maritime border demarcation agreement. Lebanese president Michel Aoun and Hezbollah secretary general Hassan Nasrallah both praised the agreement, saying that it does not signify a move towards normalization with Israel. The agreement provides Lebanon with the vast majority of potential profits from the Qana gas field and Israel all the profits from the Karish gas field. Energean, the company licensed to operate the Karish gas field, said it began production at Karish on 10/26. (AJ, HA, REU 10/26; AJ, ALM, AP, AX, BBC, HA, MEMO, MEMO, REU, REU, REU, REU 10/27)

Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz met with Türkiye president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and defense minister Hulusi Akar in Ankara. Defense Minister Gantz said that the 2 sides had decided to resume defense cooperation. (AJ, ALM, AP, AX, HA, REU 10/27)

20 Democratic members of the U.S. house of representatives signed a letter, circulated by representative Don Beyer (D-VA), to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken saying that Israel should not be included in the U.S. visa waiver program due to its ethic discrimination and racial profiling. (HA 10/28; MEE 10/31)

In the West Bank, dozens of Israeli settlers escorted by Israeli forces stormed Huwwara, attacking Palestinians, stores, and vehicles; 53 Palestinians were injured and 6 were arrested. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian vendors selling produce in Bardala, damaging their products. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Dura, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian man during a raid in Aqabat Jabr refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a funeral procession for a Palestinian minor killed on 10/12 in al-Arroub refugee camp, causing tear gas related injuries. Israeli forces also shot and injured 2 Palestinians with baton rounds during a raid in Kafr Dan, tear-gas related injuries were also reported. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in ‘Anata, Dheisheh refugee camp, Bethlehem, Hebron, Qalandia refugee camp, and Kafr Dan. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers stormed the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians; 20 Palestinians and 2 settlers were injured. Dozens of Palestinian-owned vehicles were vandalized and 5 Palestinians were arrested. MK Itamar Ben-Gvir joined the settlers brandishing guns and threatening to shoot Palestinians. Israeli settlers also toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Sur Baher, displacing 3. 13 Palestinians were arrested in Isawiya and al-Thuri. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired tear gas at al-Bureij refugee camp near a school, causing tear-gas related injuries among students and staff. (ABC, AP, HA, HA, MEE, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WP 10/13; AJ, JP, MDW, MEE, MEMO, WAFA 10/14; MEE 10/15; UNOCHA 10/16; PCHR 10/20; UNOCHA 11/1)

Israeli deputy mayor of Jerusalem Aryeh King called on Jewish settlers to volunteer to “protect” East Jerusalem neighborhoods during ongoing Palestinian protests in East Jerusalem over Israel’s continued siege of ‘Anata and Shu‘fat. (HA 10/12)

Israeli public security minister Omer Bar-Lev instructed Israeli police to ease the checkpoint restrictions around Shu‘fat, in what was described as an effort to ease tensions in East Jerusalem after days of protests against the siege of Shu‘fat and ‘Anata, which started on 10/8. (HA 10/13)

14 Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, signed an agreement in Algeria to hold Palestinian elections. The agreement comes after 2 days of meetings mediated by Algerian officials. At the meetings were Hamas chairman of the political bureau Ismail Haniyeh, Fatah member Azzam al-Ahmad, and PFLP secretary general Talal Naji. The agreement recognized the PLO as the sole representative for the Palestinian people and called for elections within 1 year. According to leader of the DFLP Tayseer Khalid, Hamas and Fatah rejected a clause in the agreement to form a unity government. (AJ, CNN, F24, HA, JP, MEMO, NA, REU 10/13; MEMO, NAT 10/14; MEMO 10/15)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Kazakhstan. During the meeting, President Abbas said he does not trust the U.S. as a mediator for peace, instead voicing support of mediation efforts by the Quartet. Abbas also met with the leaders of Qatar, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan. A U.S. spokesperson criticized Abbas’s comments, calling President Putin “a far cry from the type of international partner needed to constructively address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” (AP, HA, MEMO, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/13; ALM, AX, TOI 10/15 HA, JP 10/16)

Lebanese president Michel Aoun officially said that Lebanon had accepted the maritime boundaries agreement with Israel, emphasizing that the agreement “does not signify any type of normalization.” Knesset members will vote on the agreement in 2 weeks. (AP, HA, MEMO, REU 10/13)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian high school student who was shot by Israeli forces on 4/9 using live ammunition on her way home from school in Deir Ghazaleh succumbed to her injures. Israeli forces shot and seriously wounded 2 Palestinians during a raid in al-Yamun; 1 would later succumb to his injuries on 4/22. Israeli forces also shot and injured 3 Palestinians during a raid in Qarawat Bani Zeid. Elsewhere, Israeli forces placed dirt mounds on rural roads in the Masafer Yatta area and seized 1 school vehicle in al-Fakhit. 15 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Husan, al-Yamun, Ramallah, and Fasayil. In East Jerusalem, 561 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid. In Gaza, 1 rocket was launched at Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Israel subsequently fired a missile at Khan Yunis, causing damage. Hamas said it had fired an anti-aircraft missile at the jet conducting the air strike but that the missile had failed to hit the jet. Israeli forces also opened fire at Palestinian agricultural lands east of Abasan and Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, F24, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, MEMO, NPR, REU, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/18; HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA 4/19; MEMO 4/20; PCHR 4/21; HA, WAFA 4/22; UNOCHA 4/23)

Israeli authorities closed al-Ibrahimi Mosque for Palestinian visitors on 4/18 and 4/19 to facilitate a concert for Israeli settlers. (MEMO, MEMO 4/19)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with King Abdullah II of Jordan, discussing the latest Israeli violations on the Haram al-Sharif compound during the weekend. President Abbas also spoke with Russian president Vladimir Putin, who condemned Israel’s attacks on Palestinian worshippers at the compound. (HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 4/18)

Jordan summoned the Israeli charge d’affaires for questioning about the Israeli-led violence on the Haram al-Sharif compound on 4/15 and 4/17. Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi also said that Jordan will host an emergency meeting of the Arab League on 4/21 to discuss the violence. (HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 4/18)

An investigation by The New Yorker revealed that Spain had used the Israeli company NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware to hack the phones of 60 Catalonian leaders and activists. The investigation also revealed that Pegasus spyware was used against employees of UK prime minister Boris Johnson’s office. Citizen Lab, which cooperated with The New Yorker for the story, suspected that the UAE was behind the hack. The piece also cited NSO Group CEO Shalev Hulio, saying that “almost all governments in Europe are using our [NSO Group’s] tools.” (AP, HA, New Yorker 4/18; MEMO 4/19; HA 4/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided al-Quds University campus in Abu Dis, firing stun grenades and tear gas; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 minors with rubber-coated bullets. (WAFA 3/5; PCHR 3/10; UNOCHA 3/11)

In an apparent effort to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett met with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Moscow, followed by phone calls with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German chancellor Olaf Scholz, and French president Emmanuel Macron. (HA, HA, REU 3/5; AP, HA, HA, REU, REU 3/6; HA 3/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 46 olive trees in Burin. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Bizariya, damaging 1. Israeli forces detained 25 Palestinians for 8 hours during the night in Hizma. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Deir Sammit and Silat al-Harithiya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians using live ammunition during a late-night raid in Kafr ‘Aqab; 2 were arrested. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting an arrest raid in Silwan with tear gas and skunk water; 2 were arrested. Elsewhere, Israeli forces summoned 10 members of Fatah for questioning at the Oz and Moscovia interrogation centers. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported, In Israel, Palestinians in Umm al-Fahm demonstrated against Israeli settler attacks in Burqa, in the West Bank. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/30; PCHR 1/6)

Haaretz reported that Israel’s religious services minister Matan Kahana had allocated millions of dollars for building 7 synagogues in West Bank settlements and settlement outposts. (HA 12/30)

The PA health ministry said that the PA had received a shipment of 453,600 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX program. 302,400 doses would be administered to Palestinians in the West Bank and 151,200 to Palestinians in Gaza. (WAFA 12/30)

1 Palestinian man from Jenin was sentenced to 21 years in prison for allegedly stabbing 1 Israeli man in Rosh Ha’ayin on 8/15/2020. (HA 12/30)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke to Russian president Vladimir Putin in a phone conversation. (MEMO, WAFA 12/30)

The U.S. announced it is donating $99 million to UNRWA to support the organization’s general programming. (HA 12/30; MEMO, WAFA 12/31)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers started building structures on Palestinian land near ‘Ayn al-Auja. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles driving in Turmus ‘Ayya, injuring 1 minor. Israeli forces demolished 1 house under construction in Khirbet Ma‘in, displacing 8, including 6 minors. Israeli forces also seized 3 agricultural tents in Ras al-Tin, 1 bulldozer in Deir Balut, and 1 residential structure in ‘Ayn Samia, displacing 8, including 6 minors. Elsewhere, Israeli forces razed 500 meters of newly paved road and placed 7 dirt mounds on the road near ‘Asirah al-Shamaliyah. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Beitunia, al-Mughayyir, al-Bireh, Biddu, Bethlehem, Jaba‘, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 3 buildings, displacing 6 Palestinians in Wadi Hummus. 1 Palestinian was arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of Gaza City. In West Jerusalem, 5 Israelis attacked 1 Palestinian man after hearing him speaking Arabic at the site of the Mamilla Cemetery, which now serves as a park; the man suffered multiple fractures and was treated at Hadassah Hospital for his injuries. (MEMO, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/23; BTselem, WAFA 11/24; HA, PCHR 11/25)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi, Russia. Members of Fatah said that President Abbas was seeking more Russian involvement in the peace process as part of his push to move from U.S. mediation to international conferences. (MEMO, WAFA 11/23; ALM 11/24)

The Jerusalem Media and Communications Center released a survey conducted in October with 715 participants from the West Bank and East Jerusalem and 485 from Gaza. The survey found that support for a 2-state solution had dropped from 39% in April to 29% and support for a 1-state solution had increased from 21.5% to 26%. A large discreptency was found between the West Bank and Gaza. In the West Bank, 30% supported a 1-state solution—more than the support of a 2-state solution—while in Gaza, 20% supported a 1-state solution and 38%, a 2-state solution. The survey also found 70% of respondents wanted a new date for general elections and 42% said that they did not plan to participate. 34% would vote for Fatah at PLC elections (highest among Palestinians in Gaza), 10% for Hamas, and some 34% said that they would not vote. Support for PA president Abbas was down to 35% from 50% in April. (JMCC 11/23; JP 11/25; MEMO 11/26)

Israel’s president Isaac Herzog met with UK prime minister Boris Johnson in London. During their meeting, Prime Minister Johnson said that the UK’s decision to designate all of Hamas as a terrorist organization “was a difficult and controversial decision,” but right. (HA 11/23)

The tech company Apple said it had filed a lawsuit against NSO Group and its parent company OSY Technologies for its hacking of Apple users’ phones with the Pegasus software. It was reported on 11/22 that NSO Group is at risk of defaulting on $500,000,000 worth of debt. (AP, HA, HA, NYT 11/23; MEMO, MEMO 11/24)

The German Development Bank signed an agreement worth $11.2 to support infrastructure projects in the West Bank. (WAFA 11/23)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in al-Shuyukh; the man had been released after serving a 16-year sentence on 8/11. 10 others were arrested during late-night raids in and around Umm al-Rihan, Tubas, Beita, ‘Askar refugee camp, Bethlehem, and Fawwar. In East Jerusalem, 5 Palestinian families demolished the building they lived in in Bayt Hanina. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/12; PCHR 8/19)

The PA called on the U.S. to intervene over Israeli plans to expand Israeli settlements with more than 2,000 housing units in the West Bank. The PA said the new construction contradicts U.S. president Joe Biden’s stance against settlement construction. (HA 8/12)

The PA said it had received 150,000 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The health ministry further stated that it had received 1 million doses from Pfizer so far this year and that another 3 million would be delivered by the end of 2021. The PA also said it had sent 100,000 vaccine doses to Gaza, including 50,000 Pfizer and 50,000 of the Russian Sputnik vaccines. (AA, WAFA 8/12)

The Israeli high court of justice overturned former education minister Yoav Gallant’s decision to withhold the Israel Prize in mathematics and computer science from Oded Goldreich. Gallant had decided to withhold the prize given to Goldreich over claims that Goldreich is supporting a boycott of Israeli institutions in Israeli settlements. (HA 8/12)

Sudan said it would hand over its former president Omar al-Bashir to the ICC but did not provide a timeframe for doing so. Al-Bashir is wanted by the ICC for charges of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. (AJ 8/12)

AIPAC launched an ad campaign on Facebook implying that U.S. house representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) stands with terrorists against the U.S. and Israel. The ad drew criticism from several pro-Israel organizations and Jewish Americans including J Street and Ilhan Omar’s staff, which claimed AIPAC ads were Islamophobic and putting Omar’s life at risk. Among other AIPAC targets in its ad campaign were Palestinian American Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and Cori Bush (D-MO). (AJ, HA 8/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinians in Ma’in, causing light injuries. Israeli settlers also set fire to a Palestinian-owned vehicle in Rujeib. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling between Jenin and Nablus. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinians in Burin, demolished parts of a house, and set fields on fire. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian child during a late-night raid in Tubas and injured 1 other by running him over. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in al-Fawar refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint near Huwwara, claiming he had tried to attack 2 Israeli soldiers. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 2, including 1 with live ammunition. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Yatta, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 2 with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Umar, injuring 1 minor with live ammunition and 3 others with rubber-coated bullets. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Bethlehem, Harmala, al-Khadir, and Dayr Sharif, resulting in tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 3 using rubber-coated bullets. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Tulkarm, injuring 3 with live ammunition. 40 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, al-Fawar refugee camp, Nablus, Tulkarm, Tubas, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 2 Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian with a sharp tool, slicing her face as she was leaving the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Tur, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet; others suffered tear-gas related injuries and 2 were arrested. 6 other Palestinians were arrested during house raids in the Old City, Jabal Mukabir, Silwan, and Shu‘fat. In Gaza, 34 Palestinians were killed, including 6 children, and dozens injured, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 30 to 64, including 16 children. The casualties included: 4 in a drone strike on a car east of Bayt Lahiya; 8, including 3 children, in 3 air strikes on apartment buildings in Gaza City; 1 child in an air strike on a butcher in Gaza City; 6 in a drone strike on a car in Gaza city, including 3 inside the car and 3 passersby; 1, and 1 wounded, in another air strike on a vehicle in Gaza City; 1 in an air strike in Khan Yunis; 1 in an air strike on agricultural lands near Khuza‘a; 4, and 2 injured, in a drone strike on Nuseirat refugee camp; 2, and 1 child injured, in an air strike on a liquefied petroleum gas distribution vehicle in Khan Yunis; 2, and 3 wounded, including 1 child, in an air strike on a house in Khan Yunis; 2, and 2 wounded, all children, after a helicopter fired missiles at a gas station in al-Fukhari; and the body of 1 Palestinian was found in rubble near Bayt Hanun, it was assessed that he was killed in an air strike on 5/10; the body of 1 Palestinian was found near a mosque in Rafah, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights said it was unclear if he had been killed by debris from an intercepted rocket or in an Israeli air strike. Hamas reported that the interior ministry and the passport office along with other government buildings had been hit by Israeli air strikes. Israeli air strikes also demolished 2 high-rise buildings, the 10-story al-Jawhara building, and the 14-story al-Shorouq building, which housed news outlets and other offices, and the headquarters of the interior ministry and UNRWA schools. In Israel, 1 Israeli soldier was killed and 2 injured from an anti-tank missile fired from Gaza and 1 child succumbed to injuries sustained in Sderot, raising the Israeli death toll to 7. Dozens of rockets were also fired at Israel from Gaza, most of them intercepted. A mob of Jewish-Israelis pulled 1 Palestinian-Israeli out of his car and beat him while tv cameras were rolling in Bat Yam; the man was said to be in serious condition. A mob of Jewish-Israelis also raided a number of Palestinian-owned businesses in Tel Aviv, causing severe damage. 1 Jewish-Israeli man was attacked by 5 Palestinian-Israelis in ‘Akka; he was said to be in serious condition. Jewish-Israelis also attacked a tent set up to mourn the death of 1 Palestinian-Israeli who was shot by a Jewish-Israeli on 5/10 in Lydda, throwing stones at the mourners. Elsewhere in Lydda, 1 Jewish-Israeli was shot and injured and 2 more were injured in stabbings, 21 Palestinian-Israelis were injured, including 1 by gunshot. Israeli police announced a nighttime curfew in Lydda from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. 1 Palestinian-Israeli man was injured when rammed by a car­ and beaten near Or Akiva. 1 Palestinian-Israeli was lightly injured by a mob of Jewish-Israelis while driving in Tiberias. 1 Jewish-Israeli was injured in a stabbing incident in Tamra. A mob of Jewish-Israelis also attacked 1 Palestinian-Israeli in Haifa. (AJ, NYT 5/11; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AP, BBC, CNN, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, PCHR, REU, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/12; AP, CNN, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 5/13; PCHR 5/14; TOI 5/16; HA 5/18; WAFA 5/19; PCHR 5/20; MEE 5/21; HA, NYT 5/26; HA 5/27)

1 Palestinian prisoner suspended a 56-day-long hunger strike as Israel promised not to renew his administrative detention after 7/17. (WAFA 5/12)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas discussed the current situation with EU high representative Josep Borrell, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Iraqi president Barham Salih. A White House statement also said that U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke with President Abbas and they discussed “the violence in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, and the Secretary expressed his condolences for the lives lost as a result. The Secretary condemned the rocket attacks and emphasized the need to de-escalate tensions and bring the current violence to an end.” (HA, WAFA 5/12)

At a security cabinet meeting, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other ministers decided not to accept a potential ceasefire and continue its attack on Gaza for the time being. (HA 5/13)

Israeli president Reuven Rivlin condemned what he called a “pogrom” by “an Arab mob” on 5/11, despite the majority of the violence in Israel being perpetrated against Palestinian-Israelis. (HA 5/12)

Turkey said that its president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Russia’s president Vladimir Putin had discussed the situation in Jerusalem and Gaza, and that Turkey had called for international action against Israel. (AJ, AP, REU 5/12)

U.S. president Joe Biden said, during a press conference, that he believes that “Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying in your territory,” and that his “hope is that we’ll see this coming to conclusions sooner than later.” President Biden also spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu, where he gave his “unwavering support for Israel’s security and for Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself and its people, while protecting civilians,” according to the readout. The Biden administration also dispatched deputy assistant secretary of state for Israel and Palestine Hady Amr to Israel for talks with Palestinian and Israeli officials. The White House said that senior officials have had more than 25 calls with officials from Israel, the PA, Qatar, Tunisia, Jordan, and Egypt about the situation. (HA 5/12; NYT 5/13)

25 house democrats signed a letter circulated by Marie Newman (D-IL) and Mark Pocan (D-WI) urging secretary of state Antony Blinken to condemn the planned evictions of Palestinian families from Shaykh Jarrah. (HA 5/13)

ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said that she was following the situation in Gaza and Jerusalem with concern. (MEE, REU, WAFA 5/12)

The UN security council held a 2d meeting in 3 days to discuss the escalation of the conflict between Palestine and Israel. (TOI 5/12)

In the West Bank, an Israeli settler rammed a Palestinian car at a checkpoint near Birzeit and was subsequently shot at by Israeli forces, believing the Israeli settler was trying to attack Israeli forces manning the checkpoint; no injuries occurred from the incident as the Israeli forces held fire when the settler identified himself as Jewish. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles driving near Awarta, Bayt ‘Aynun, and Tuqu‘, damaging several. Elsewhere, it was reported that 1 Israeli settler tried to run over 3 Palestinian children near Hebron; no injuries were reported. Israeli settlers also set up a caravan on Palestinian-owned land near Jenin. Israeli forces demolished 1 garage in al-‘Izzariya and notified the family of 1 Palestinian minor who was killed in East Jerusalem on 12/21 that their house would be punitively demolished. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Dhariyya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 car repair shop in Jabal Mukabir. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Jabaliya refugee camp; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/22; WAFA 12/23; PCHR 12/24)

The Israeli military said that it would increase its presence in the West Bank because it believes that tensions will rise as 1 Israeli settler was found dead, believed to have been killed over the weekend. Israeli officials said they had recorded 13 attacks on Palestinians and Palestinian property since the settler was found dead on 12/20. (HA 12/22)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas discussed the prospect of an internationally-held peace process conference with Russian president Vladimir Putin via phone. The 2 also discussed the PA’s purchase of the Russian made COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V. (ALM, Kremlin, WAFA 12/22)

The Israeli Knesset was dissolved as the governing coalition could not agree to a 2020 state budget, resulting in a 4th round of Israeli elections in less than 2 years on 23 March 2021. (AJ, AP, BBC, HA, HA, 12/22; AJ, HA, HA, LT 12/23)

Special advisor to U.S. president Donald Trump Jared Kushner led a delegation of U.S. and Israeli officials to Morocco to discuss the details in the Moroccan-Israeli normalization deal. The U.S.-Israeli delegation met with Moroccan king Mohammed VI in Rabat. Haaretz reported that Morocco does not want a signing ceremony like Bahrain and the UAE have had with Israel, as it considers the normalization deal a resumption of past diplomatic relations. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU 12/22)

The EU contributed $5.6 million to the UNRWA. (WAFA 12/22)

Palestinians in Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank protested against the UAE’s decision to normalize its ties with Israel. In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets and 1 with a tear gas canister to his head. Israeli forces and Palestinians also clashed west of Ramallah with young Palestinians throwing stones and Israeli forces firing live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, and tear gas; 2 Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm, al-‘Amari refugee camp, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home under construction in Silwan. In Gaza, Israel fired missiles and shells at Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah, causing extensive damage to 7 houses and minor injuries to 4 Palestinians; incendiary balloons were launched from Gaza toward Israel. It was reported that Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz had decided not to allow Qatari aid to enter Gaza as collective punishment for the incendiary balloons landing in Israel. Gantz has also ordered a halt of fuel transfers to Gaza and halved the fishing zone. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet. In Israel, Israeli police violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Jaffa demonstrating against the impending demolition of an 18th century Muslim cemetery. (HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/14; AJ 8/15; PCHR 8/19)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas and chairman of the Hamas politburo Ismail Haniyeh spoke via phone. According to WAFA, Haniyeh expressed Hamas’s support for a collective Palestinian movement. (WAFA 8/13)

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that Turkey is considering suspending its diplomatic ties with the UAE in light of the UAE’s decision to establish ties with Israel. Oman called the UAE’s decision “historic.” (HA, REU, WAFA 8/14; AJ 8/15)

U.S. congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) introduced a bill co-sponsored by 6 other members of the house which seeks to prohibit U.S. funding for areas annexed by Israel. (WAFA 8/17)

The U.S. lost a bid at the UN Security Council to extend an arms embargo on Iran. 11 members abstained, Iran and China opposed, and the U.S. and the Dominican Republic were the only members voting in favor. Russia called for a world summit to avoid further “confrontation and escalation.” (AJ, HA 8/14; AJ, HA 8/15; AJ 8/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces gave evacuation notices for land seizure to several Palestinians in Bittir near Bethlehem and Halhul and Bayt Umar near Hebron. Israeli forces also gave notice to Palestinians in 7 villages in the Nablus area that 406 dunams (100 acres) will be seized by Israel for a settler-only road and 384 dunams (94 acres) for a military road in the northern Jordan Valley. In Hebron, several Palestinian students, a teacher, and a janitor suffered from tear gas inhalation when Israeli forces fired tear gas into the school yard. The teacher and janitor were taken to a hospital for treatment. Israeli forces also halted construction of a road west of Yatta near Hebron. South of Bethlehem, a Palestinian was hospitalized after an Israeli settler rammed his car. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were injured and 3 arrested by Israeli police after a confrontation with Israeli settlers. Israeli settlers also sealed the door to the Shaykh Makki Mosque in the Old City for a 3d time (2 previous sealings happened in March). An Israeli court released 5 Palestinians who had been detained since March but banned them from returning to their homes in Silwan for 30 days. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces fired at Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles offshore from al-Sudaniyya. Israeli forces also razed farmland and fired at Palestinians near Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/8)

After the postponement of the Palestinian prisoners’ hunger strike reported on 4/7, Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails started an open-ended hunger strike to protest their treatment by the Israelis. (HA, WAFA 4/8)

A French employee at the French consulate in Jerusalem was sentenced to 7 years in prison by an Israeli court for smuggling arms from Gaza to the West Bank. He confessed to having smuggled 30 guns, receiving $7,200 for his services. (HA 4/8; MEMO 4/9)

Russian president Vladimir Putin said weeks after U.S. president Donald Trump’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty of the Golan Heights that the U.S. change of policy is “a violation of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions.” (MNA 4/9)

In response to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comment on 4/6 that he would extend Israeli sovereignty to the West Bank, the Arab League’s assistant secretary-general Saeed Abu Ali said that such actions would lead to “dangerous repercussions” and called for an “immediate official investigation” by the International Criminal Court of “the ongoing settlement crimes in the Palestinian territories.” (MEMO 4/9)

In a White House statement, President Trump announced that the U.S had decided to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a foreign terrorist organization. Prime Minister Netanyahu later tweeted on his Hebrew language account, “Thank you for the answer to another important request that serves the interests of our country and the region,” implying that the terror designation was made upon request by Netanyahu. On Netanyahu’s English language Twitter account, the word “request” was omitted. (NPR 4/8; HILL 4/9; HA 4/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up a mobile home on Palestinian land east of Nablus. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tubas, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish the foundation of a building under construction in Shu‘fat refugee camp. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Bayt Hanina and al-Tur. (WAFA 12/5; PCHR 12/7)

After days of speculation and rumors, U.S. pres. Trump calls PA pres. Abbas to tell him that he plans to move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and to invite the Palestinian leader for a meeting at the White House before the end of the month. According to a PA spokesperson, Abbas warns Trump of the “dangerous repercussions.” Trump also calls Israeli PM Netanyahu, Saudi king Salman bin Abdulaziz, Jordanian king Abdullah, Russian pres. Vladimir Putin, and Egyptian pres. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to inform them of his decision. (AP, HA, MNA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA 12/5)

In response to Pres. Trump’s plan to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and to move the U.S. embassy there, several Palestinian factions and Islamist groups jointly declare 3 “days of rage” to begin on 12/6. Later, the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem issues a travel warning calling on U.S. citizens to avoid the West Bank and the Old City of Jerusalem. (HA, TOI 12/5)

Lebanese PM Saad Hariri formally rescinds his resignation, which threw Lebanon and much of the Middle East into turmoil when he announced it on Saudi television on 11/4 (see JPS 47 [2]). (AA, REU, TOI 12/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raze Palestinian land near Hebron to make space for the expansion of a nearby settlement. The IDF arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid near Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in the Old City. Approximately 300 Israeli settlers, accompanied by several members of Knesset (MKs), establish a synagogue in Silwan, while Israeli forces cordon off the area, restricting Palestinian movement. (MNA, WAFA 8/24; PCHR 9/1)

U.S. pres. Donald Trump’s senior advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner meets with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in the morning in Tel Aviv. He says that Trump is “committed to finding a solution that will bring prosperity and peace” to the region. Netanyahu’s office later says that the meeting was “effective and significant.” No further details are made public. Kushner later discusses the Trump administration’s peace efforts with Palestinian Authority (PA) pres. Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah. He reportedly says that the Trump administration is planning to present a peace plan to the Palestinians and Israelis within 3–4 months, and asks Abbas to refrain from unilateral moves in international fora in the meantime. After the meeting, the PA releases a statement: “The PA and the U.S. delegation had a productive meeting focused on how to begin substantive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. Both sides agreed to continue with the U.S.-led conversations as the best way to reach a comprehensive peace deal.” (HA, REU, TOI, WAFA 8/24; MNA, NYT 8/25)

Two Palestinians die in a tunnel accident late at night nr. Gaza City. Hamas claims the 2 men were mbrs. of its group. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian car washes n. of Jerusalem. IDF troops arrest 12 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Hebron, Jenin, and Tulkarm, and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. In and around East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Hizma village and Qalandia r.c. Late at night, they conduct raids in Shu‘fat r.c., sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; there are no serious injuries. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish 2 homes in a bedouin village nr. Beersheba. An Israeli driver rams a Palestinian worker from Tulkarm while he is walking along a street in Tel Aviv, causing moderate injuries. (MNA, WAFA, YA 12/7; MNA, PCHR 12/8; PCHR 12/15)

A Jerusalem Municipality planning comm. approves the construction of 770 settler residences in the Gilo settlement in East Jerusalem. City officials say that the plans, initially approved in 2013, were “undergoing routine processes of allocation regarding roads and public spaces.” (MNA 12/9)

Israel’s Knesset passes a 1st reading of the new draft of the so-called regulations bill, which passed a preliminary reading on 12/5 and would retroactively authorize illegal settlement outposts in the West Bank. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 12/7; MNA 12/8)

A senior Israeli official says that Israeli PM Netanyahu has rejected French pres. François Hollande’s invitation to a mediated meeting with PA pres. Abbas after the next French-organized peace summit, which is set for 12/21. Later, Netanyahu calls Hollande personally to discuss the invitation. He tells the French pres. that he would be happy to meet with Abbas, but only if the conference is canceled. (HA, JP, YA 12/7)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Qusra village nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 4 Palestinians are injured. Israeli forces reseal the entrance to a junction nr. Hebron 1 day after reopening it. An Israeli military bus driver rams and injures 2 Palestinian youths nr. Hebron, according to Palestinian witnesses of the incident. Late at night, 2 Israeli soldiers mistakenly drive into Tulkarm using the GPS navigation app Waze. Residents throw stones at the 2 soldiers, lightly injuring both. The IDF and PASF coordinate their exit from the city. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians for throwing stones and paint cans at an Israeli settler bus in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. (MNA, YA 9/12; MNA 9/13; PCHR 9/22)

In a joint press conference with Luxembourg’s PM Xavier Bettel, Israeli PM Netanyahu says that the proposed meeting between himself and PA pres. Abbas, which was 1st planned for Cairo and then Moscow in recent weeks, may now happen in Luxembourg: “[Bettel] has invited me to Luxembourg, and he said the Palestinians might also come there; therefore, it’s either Moscow or Luxembourg.” (JP 9/12)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian youth allegedly carrying a knife and planning a stabbing attack in Shu‘fat r.c., and arrest another Palestinian on a late-night raid in Ras al-Amud. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids nr. Nablus, Ramallah, and Jenin; and patrol in 2 villages nr. Nablus, and 3 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. Around 12,000 Palestinians attend a funeral for the Palestinian killed by PASF troops in Nablus on 8/23. After the funeral, hundreds of mourners break off from the procession, chant anti-Palestinian Authority (PA) slogans, and clash with PASF troops (there are no serious injuries). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (JP, MNA, TOI 8/28; PCHR 9/1)

Palestinian officials announce the beginning of preliminary discussions about a possible summit meeting in Moscow between PM Netanyahu and Pres. Abbas, to be mediated by Russian pres. Putin. Separately, a senior PLO official says that the Palestinians recently rejected a U.S. offer for a trilateral peace summit with Israel, and that the Palestinians instead insisted on 2 central preconditions for any meetings: release of the 4th tranche of prisoners that were set to go free in connection with the last round of talks in 3–4/2014 and a settlement freeze. (HA, JP, TOI 8/28)

As the Palestinian school year begins, the PA Education Ministry accuses Israel of withholding the delivery of around 300,000 textbooks to schools in Gaza. Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) says the books must be examined and approved before being released. (HA 8/28)

Palestinian fighters in Gaza launch a rocket into Israel, which lands in Sderot, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF then launches dozens of air strikes on “key Hamas strategic assets,” according to IDF sources on 8/23. The IDF also targets Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and other factions’ sites in and around Bayt Hanun, injuring at least 7 Palestinians (3 of whom are Hamas mbrs.). Also, an Israeli tank fires 6 shells at a Gazan water storage facility along the border nearby, causing damage. Initial reports say that the PFLP’s armed wing is responsible for the rocket launch; later, a Salafi group affiliated with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) claims responsibility. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries; 2 fishermen are arrested. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids and house searches in and around Hebron, as well as in Bethlehem and nr. Salfit, arresting 8 Palestinians; and patrol nr. Nablus, Salfit, Ramallah, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces issue arrest summons for 6 Palestinians during raids in Jabal Mukabir. (AP, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/21; HA 8/22; TOI 8/24; PCHR 8/25)

An Israeli delegation meets with their Egyptian diplomatic counterparts in Cairo to discuss Pres. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s efforts to revive the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. After the meetings, al-Sisi says he recently spoke with Russian pres. Vladimir Putin about hosting a round of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks in Moscow, and indicated that Putin would be willing to do so. (TOI 8/21; JP, TOI 8/22)

In East Jerusalem, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian teenager during an arrest raid in Qalandia r.c. Later, thousands of Palestinians march in a funeral procession for the teenager in Qalandia; Israeli forces stationed in the area clash with a number of stone-throwing mourners; 14 Palestinians and 3 Israeli troops are injured. Israeli forces also arrest 11 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya; arrest and assault a Palestinian in the Old City. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian bus driver with pepper spray in Shaykh Jarrah. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts raids and house searches in 2 villages nr. Hebron, 3 nr. Ramallah, 1 each nr. Jenin, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm, as well as Bethlehem and a nearby area, arresting 16 Palestinians, issuing an arrest summons to 1, and confiscating a tractor; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron, and Salfit and a nearby village. Meanwhile, hundreds of Israeli settlers set up a tent camp in and around the Beit El settlement to protest the Israeli High Court’s 7/26 injunction against building in the settlement and its order for 2 residential buildings to be demolished by 7/30. Minor clashes break out when Israeli forces attempt to disperse the settlers; around 50 settlers are arrested. (DPA, HA, MNA, NYT, WAFA, YA 7/27; HA, MNA, YA 7/28; EI 7/29; PCHR 7/30)

ICC prosecutor Bensouda files an appeal challenging the 7/16 ruling issued by a special panel ordering her to reconsider her 11/2014 decision not to investigate Israel’s deadly raid on the Mavi Marmara in 5/2010. (HA 7/27)

Cypriot pres. Anastasiades discusses a new Israeli-Palestinian peace initiative with PA pres. Abbas, according to PA sources, which reportedly includes invitations for Abbas and Israeli PM Netanyahu to address EU leaders at a future summit in Brussels. They say it is not intended to replace the French initiative. The Cypriot pres. will discuss the initiative with Netanyahu on 7/28. (JP, MNA, REU, TOI 7/28)

In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and in Tulkarm; conduct late-night house searches and raids in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 nr. Hebron, arresting 5 Palestinians and assaulting 1. On raids in n. Israel, Israeli police arrest 9 Druze allegedly responsible for the 6/22 attacks on ambulances in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. (HA, MNA, TOI 6/24; PCHR 6/25; PCHR 7/2)

In response to the rocket fire on 6/23, Israel’s COGAT office announces that Palestinians will be barred from exiting Gaza on 6/25 to pray at Haram al-Sharif. (HA, JTA, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA, YA 6/24)

Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with several leaders of the Druze community in Israel in an effort to ease tensions surrounding the 6/22 Druze attack on IDF ambulances carrying Syrian fighters to hospital. (HA 6/25)

Cypriot pres. Anastasiades meets with EU pres. Donald Tusk to discuss his idea of inviting Netanyahu and PA pres. Abbas to separately address upcoming EU meetings in Brussels. Tusk reportedly agrees to the deal in advance. (HA 6/29)

In Gaza, Egyptian authorities close the Rafah border crossing after keeping it open since 6/13. IDF troops on the border e. of Khan Yunis open fire on 3 Palestinians nr. the border fence, injuring 1. In the West Bank, a Palestinian man shoots and wounds 2 Israelis from Lydda who are traveling nr. an Israeli settlement outside Ramallah; 1 of the Israelis succumbs to his injuries later in the day. (The IDF will arrest 5 Palestinians allegedly responsible for the shooting attack on 7/15, including 3 mbrs. of Fatah’s military wing.) Later, the IDF conducts a violent raid in a village nr. Ramallah, destroying personal property, detaining several Palestinians, and confiscating recording equipment. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 3 Palestinians are injured. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin and 2 each nr. Ramallah and Jericho. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles nr. the Beit El settlement, breaking 1 windshield. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT 6/19; MNA, NYT 6/20; PCHR 6/25; NYT 7/15)

Cypriot pres. Anastasiades calls PA pres. Abbas to discuss the possibility of Abbas addressing an upcoming EU meeting in Brussels in an effort to restart the peace negotiations with Israel. Anastasiades discussed a similar possibility with Israeli PM Netanyahu on 6/15. (HA 6/29)

In the West Bank, IDF troops raid Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah and arrest 1 Palestinian, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths. The IDF also conducts late-night raids and house searches in Balata r.c. and 1 village nr. Nablus, Jenin, and 2 villages nr. Bethlehem, arresting 9 Palestinians, including 1 journalist; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers throw stones and set fire to a Palestinian home in c. Hebron, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Ras al-Amud and al-Tur, arresting 5 Palestinians. (WAFA 5/31; PCHR 6/4)

In a Washington Post interview, PA PM Hamdallah says the Palestinians have “received assurances” from the U.S. that it will “resume negotiations” between Israel and the Palestinians once the P5+1 and Iran reach a final nuclear agreement. He adds that the Palestinians are interested in a “new framework” for negotiations, including talks sponsored by the U.S., EU, and UN. (WP 5/31; JP, TOI 6/1)

The Knesset’s Ministerial Comm. for Legislation unanimously approves an amendment to the penal code allowing convicted stone-throwers to be sentenced to 10–20 years in prison and reducing the govt.’s burden of proof for obtaining such convictions (the Knesset will pass it into law on 7/20). (HA 5/31; MNA 6/1)

German FM Frank-Walter Steinmeier meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu, Pres. Reuven Rivlin, and other officials in Israel. Israeli Dep. FM Tzipi Hotovely tells Steinmeier that Israel expects Germany to lead the fight against labeling of settlement produce in the EU. (TOI 5/29; JP 5/31)

In Gaza, unknown assailants open fire on trucks at the Kerem Shalom border crossing, causing light damage to 1. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Ramallah, Tulkarm r.c. and 1 village nr. Tulkarm, as well as al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron, arresting 18 Palestinians; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin, 1 each nr. Qalqilya and Hebron, and ‘Aqabat Jabir r.c. nr. Jericho. Meanwhile, a group of armed men from the Balata r.c. shut down a main road in Nablus in protest of the PASF crackdown on the camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces confiscate the contents of a store in Hizma and demolish a residential building under construction in Wadi al-Juz. They also conduct raids in Silwan, assaulting 2 Palestinians and arresting 3. Meanwhile, the Jordan-funded Islamic Waqf begins renovations at Haram al-Sharif, and Israeli minister Uri Ariel calls for the project to be halted. In the Galilee, Palestinians in Kafr Kanna conduct a general strike in protest of the demolition in the village on 4/12. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 4/13; MNA 4/14; PCHR, WAFA 4/16)

PA Pres. Abbas meets with Russian pres. Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss Russian-Palestinian relations, the Middle East peace negotiations, and other issues. (AFP 4/9; AFP, HA, TOI 4/13; REU 4/14)

U.S. Pres. Obama meets with several U.S. Jewish groups to discuss the “key parameters” announced on 4/2 by the P5+1 and Iran, and their concerns about Israel’s security. The groups include the AJC, ADL, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the Jewish Federations of N. America, AIPAC, and J Street. (HA 4/13; HA, TOI 4/14; JP 4/23)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire on a group of Palestinians approaching the border fence, causing 3 to suffer from tear gas inhalation. Separately, IDF troops stationed e. of Rafah open fire on agricultural lands nr. the border fence, causing damage. In 2 incidents off the coast nr. Jabaliya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at demonstrations to commemorate Land Day, upcoming on 3/30, and protest Israel’s occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, outside Ofer Prison, and Jalazun r.c.), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 10 Palestinians are moderately injured. The Israeli soldiers also cut off a main waterline into Kafr Qaddum, denying the village water for several hours. IDF troops also violently disperse Palestinian and international activists gathering in Abu Dis at the site of the “Gate of Jerusalem” protest tent camp. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in and around Hebron, arresting 1 Palestinian; conducts patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 each nr. Jenin and Jericho. (MNA 3/27; PCHR 4/2)

The Israeli PM’s office announces that it is unfreezing tax revenue transfers to the PA that it has held as a punitive response to the Palestinian accession to the ICC since 1/2015. A statement announcing the move says that the total will be reduced by an undisclosed amount to pay portions of the PA’s debts to Israeli utility providers, such as the IEC. The PA FM criticizes the announced deductions, saying in a statement that they are “an unjustified and illegal procedure that could cause complications.” (AP, HA, JP, NYT, TOI 3/27; AFP, WAFA 3/28; JP 3/29)

French FM Fabius announces that, now that the 3/17 Israeli election has passed, he plans to explore the prospect of introducing another United Nations Security Council (UNSC) res. laying out parameters for a new round of Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. Meanwhile, an EU spokesperson announces that Hamas will remain a designated terrorist organization pending a decision on an appeal of the General Court’s 12/17/2014 removal of Hamas from the list. Similarly, the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, which the U.S. claims funneled money to Hamas, has been removed from the list since it was last published in 7/2014. (AFP, AP, HA, REU, TOI 3/27; AFP 3/28)

The PA unity govt. delegation led by PM Hamdallah meets with Fatah and Hamas officials in the Gaza Strip, concluding its 3-day trip. (MNA 3/26) The Egyptian attorney, Samir Sabri, who filed the original motion to designate Hamas a terrorist organization in Egypt withdraws his case, saying he hopes to remove “obstacles which Egypt’s political leadership might face in serving its role in the Palestinian reconciliation.” The Court of Urgent Matters, which designated Hamas a terrorist organization 2/28, is expected to reconsider its initial ruling, though it was only in part based on Sabri’s motion. (AHR, MNA 3/27)

The 28th regular session of the UNHRC concludes today after a mo. of meetings, with the council having agreed on 3 res. on the Palestinians. They reaffirm the Palestinians’ right to self-determination, confirm Palestinian rights to sovereignty over their natural resources, and condemn ongoing settlement growth in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. (TOI 3/27; MNA 3/28)

PA Pres. Abbas arrives in Sharm al-Shaykh, Egypt, to participate in an Arab League summit on 3/28 and 3/29. Ahead of the summit, the Arab League agrees to send a delegation to Washington to lobby the U.S. Congress and promote the Arab Peace Initiative. (WAFA 2/25; MNA 3/27; HA 3/28)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion along the border fence nr. Khan Yunis to level land. In the West Bank, over 10,000 people attend a funeral procession in Ramallah for the Palestinian killed by Israeli soldiers on 12/15, and a general strike is held in the surrounding villages. IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinians during a raid of a village w. of Jenin, and several Palestinians suffer from tear gas inhalation. Israeli soldiers later detain a Palestinian at a mobile checkpoint nr. Jenin. Separately, Israeli forces deliver stopwork orders to 4 homes under construction nr. Bethlehem and patrol nr. Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians in Silwan during raids and house searches, as well as 2 Palestinian youths on their way home from school. After the 12/15 killing of a Palestinian in Qalandia, right-wing Jewish activists enter Haram al-Sharif early in the morning. Also, clashes break out in various neighborhoods around East Jerusalem and 3 Palestinians are arrested. (MNA, WAFA 12/16; IMEMC 12/17; PCHR 12/18)

A day ahead of the Palestinians’ promised submission of their draft res. to the UNSC, various Palestinian, U.S., EU, Arab, and Israeli officials meet to discuss their options. PA FM al-Maliki meets with French FM Fabius, and he offers to back the French draft UNSC res. if a couple of critical amendments are made. Separately, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry flies to London to hold talks with senior PLO official Saeb Erakat and PA intelligence chief Majid Faraj, and later with an Arab League delegation. Kerry asks the Palestinians to delay submitting their draft so he can conduct further meetings with PA Pres. Abbas. Russian Dep. FM Mikhail Bogdanov reiterates Russia’s support for the Palestinian UNSC res. during a meeting with Palestine’s Amb. to Russia Fayed Mustafa in Moscow. (AFP, HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 12/16)

The Israeli Defense Ministry and the U.S. military conduct a 2d test of the Arrow-3 antiballistic missile system, designed to defend Israel from hypothetical Iranian nuclear weapons, but the test fails. (HA, TOI 12/16; AFP 12/17)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troopsstationed along the n. border open fire on a group of stonethrowing Palestinians, injuring 4. A Palestinian is injured in an explosion nr. the French Cultural Center in Gaza City. (A small armed group takes responsibility for the attack on 12/18.) In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation, as well as the recent death of a senior PA official on 12/10 nr. Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, and 1 village nearby (Bayt Umar), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). Two Palestinians are hit by tear gas canisters in Bil‘in and 7 are shot with rubbercoated metal bullets elsewhere. Meanwhile, a Palestinian man throws vinegar at a family of 5 Israeli settlers nr. Bethlehem, lightly injuring all of them. (The Israeli press 1st reported the story as an acid attack.) Another Israeli settler hits the Palestinian man with his car and shoots him in the leg, moderately injuring him. Shin Bet officers arrive soon after to detain the Palestinian man. The IDF then conducts a raid of his home. Separately, Palestinians throw stones at IDF troops on a patrol of Bayt Umar nr. Hebron, sparking clashes in which 3 Palestinians are injured with rubber-coated metal bullets. The IDF also patrols in the n. Jordan Valley, where they assault a Palestinian farmer and lightly injure him. IDF troops fire tear gas at dozens of Palestinians throwing stones at the soldiers; 1 Palestinian youth and 1 Israeli officer are injured. Israeli soldiers also conduct a raid s. of Bethlehem; patrol in Tulkarm. Following a march marking Hamas’s 27th anniversary, the IDF conducts late-night arrest raids nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli police increase their patrols and deploy additional officers around Haram al-Sharif. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WP, YA 12/12; MNA, TOI 12/13; IMEMC 12/14; AFP, PCHR 12/18; EI 12/22)

The Israel Prison Service threatens to move the 70 Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike since 12/9 to criminal sections of their prisons, which would decrease their quality of life, if they continue their strike. (MNA 12/12)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry phones Russian FM Sergey Lavrov and PA Pres. Abbas separately to discuss the French and Palestinian draft UNSC res. Kerry pressures Abbas not to end security coordination with Israel in response to the 12/10 death of senior PA official Ziad Abu Ein. Following the call, senior PLO and Fatah officials postpone their meeting to discuss a response until 12/14. (JP, MNA 12/13)

The Portuguese parliament adopts a recommendation calling on the govt. to recognize Palestinian statehood “in coordination with the EU.” (AFP, TOI 12/12; HA, IMEMC, WAFA 12/13)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF continues its assault, launching air strikes on approximately 47 targets, killing 38 Palestinians and injuring dozens. Among the 38 are 3 high-ranking commanders in al-Qassam Brigades, who are killed overnight by Israeli fighter jets in Rafah. Five Palestinian civilians are also killed in the strike and at least 40 are injured. The armed Palestinian groups fire 109 rockets and mortars into Israel, with 7 landing in built-up areas and 13 intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. One Israeli man is injured with mortar shrapnel nr. Eshkol. Meanwhile, Hamas executes 3 alleged collaborators with Israel, and arrests 7 others. In the West Bank, IDF troops level land nr. Salfit to clear space for an Israeli settlement to expand. Also, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in 4 villages nr. Hebron, Dayr Istya, ‘Askar r.c., al-Bireh, and Bayt Liqya, arresting 9 and issuing summons to 2. Clashes break out with Palestinians in Bayt Liqya, and the Israeli soldiers open fire with live ammunition, tear gas canisters, and sound bombs. Separately, the IDF conducts 4 separate incursions into Hebron and 3 villages n. of Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces and municipal officials enter Silwan to hand demolition notices to the owners of 2 apartment buildings where 19 Palestinians live. (MNA 8/21; HA 8/22; PCHR 8/28)

There is no major diplomatic progress as disagreements that led to the breakdown of talks on 8/19 remain between the Palestinian factions and the Israeli negotiators. Mishal says in an interview with Turkish Anadolu News Agency that Hamas will keep fighting until Israel meets its terms for a permanent truce, while Israel’s Maj. Gen. Yoav Mordechai says that Israel will not hold cease-fire negotiations as long as rocket fire from Gaza continues. PA Pres. Abbas travels again to Doha where he will meet with Qatari emir Bin Hamad al-Thani and Hamas leader Mishal to discuss the continued Israeli assault and possible future cease-fire negotiations. Also present are head of the Palestinian delegation in Cairo Azzam al-Ahmad, PLO chief negotiator Saeb Erakat, and PA intelligence chief Majid Faraj. (AA, HA 8/21; MEMO, MNA 8/22)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on armed Palestinians close to the border fence nr. Dayr al-Balah, injuring 1. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Nablus at night; patrols in al-‘Arub and 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Meanwhile, shots are fired toward a house in West Bank settlement Psagot, causing no injuries. In Israel, Jewish extremists leave “price tag” graffiti on a Druze-owned dentistry office in Yokneam. In East Jerusalem, a separate “price tag” attack targets Vaticanowned offices with graffiti. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA 5/7; PCHR 5/8)

U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice arrives in Jerusalem and holds a meeting with Israeli PM Netanyahu to discuss the Iranian nuclear issue. She also meets Pres. Shimon Peres, and Israel’s National Security Adviser Yossi Cohen. Rice travels with a team that includes U.S. Under Secy. of State Wendy Sherman. Her trip is unrelated to the breakdown in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. (HA 5/7)

Iranian technical experts and representatives of the P5+1 countries hold talks in New York City. An anonymous EU official describes them as “useful,” ahead of talks beginning 5/13 aimed at reaching a more comprehensive agreement. (AP, REU 5/7)