The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli American man was shot and killed by an unidentified assailant near the Dead Sea. Israeli forces then instituted a blockade on Jericho which lasted until a Palestinian suspect was arrested on 3/1. Israeli settlers raided Huwwara for the second day in a row, intimidating Palestinians in the aftermath of the large-scale settler attack on the town on 2/27. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles and houses in Sinjil, Jaba’, Mukhmas, al-Mughayyir, and Umm Safa, causing damage. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers also threw stones and attempted to ram Israeli soldiers near Huwwara. Israeli settlers also uprooted 80 olive trees near Sinjil. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Arroub refugee camp and Beita, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian herder near al-Muarajat. (ALM, HA, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/27; AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, WAFA 2/28; HA 3/1; AJ, PCHR 3/2; UNOCHA 3/4)

Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s party Otzma Yehudit boycotted a Knesset session to hold a party meeting in the Evyatar settlement outpost to complain about the Israeli government being too lenient on Palestinians. Ben-Gvir said of the Israeli settler attacks in Huwwara on 2/26 that “this is not the way. Our enemies need to be crushed by the Israeli government.” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also said he will work to have the Evyater settlement outpost legalized. (HA, HA 2/27; MEE 2/28)

The U.S. State Department released its 2021 Country Reports on Terrorism, which stated that “Israeli security personnel often did not prevent settler attacks and rarely detained or charged perpetrators of settler violence.” The report also noted that settler attacks in 2021 had “expanded in severity and scale.” (AX, HA 2/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Turmus ‘Ayya. Israeli settlers also set fire to 2 Palestinian-owned cars and wrote racist graffiti in Sinjil. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint in Hebron. Israeli forces also issued 6 stop-work notices for houses in Deir Balut and a demolition notice for 1 residential structure in Bayt Jala. Representatives from a dozen of countries visited Palestinians threatened by forced displacement in Khan al-Ahmar. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli municipal workers demolished a commercial structure and leveled land in Jabel Mukaber and demolished a wall in Silwan. (AJ, AP, GDN, HA, MEE, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/30; WAFA 1/31; MEE 2/1; PCHR 2/2; UNOCHA 2/3)

A bill that will see residency permits and citizenship revoked for Palestinians who receive money from the PA after being accused of attacking Israelis passed the first reading in the Knesset with 89 votes in favor and 8 against. (HA 1/31; MEE 2/7)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel. The U.S. State Department said that the 2 spoke about Israeli-Palestinian relations and the need for a diplomatic solution. Secretary Blinken met with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi earlier in the day in Cairo. According to Yediot Ahronot, the U.S. offered Netanyahu help with normalizing ties with Saudi Arabia and curbing Iran’s nuclear program if Netanyahu reigns in his far-right coalition partners, ends his plans to weaken the judiciary, and maintain the status quo at the Haram al-Sharif compound. (AJ, HA, MEE 1/29; AJ, ALM, ALM, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, MDW, REU 1/30; HA, HA, HA, NYT 1/31; AJ, HA, MEE 2/3)

Adalah filed an objection to the U.S. plans to build a new embassy to Israel on land in Jerusalem that was seized from Palestinian landowners. The objection was accompanied by letters to U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides and U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken. (MEE, WAFA 1/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted some 50 olive tree saplings in Sinjil. During a raid in Nablus, Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians with live ammunition, including 1 medic, as well as 1 with a baton round, 6 with shrapnel, and 1 with a tear gas canister; 25 others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 1 was arrested. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 7 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in ‘Usarin, injuring 1 with a baton round and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beit Dajan, Rummana, and al-Jalama, causing tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces closed a checkpoint in Huwwara. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/30; PCHR 1/5; UNOCHA 1/16)

The UN General Assembly voted to request an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on the Israeli occupation the West Bank and whether it considers the occupation temporary or permanent. 87 countries voted in favor, with 23 against and 53 abstentions. (AP, REU 12/30; AJ, AX, F24, HA, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, PCHR, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/31; MEMO, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/1; HA, HA, HA, JP, MEMO 1/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Haris, causing damage. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian homes in Hebron. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian and injured 1 other during a raid in Sinjil. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Bireh, injuring 1 with a baton round and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces closed roads leading to Jinba and al-Markaz in the Masafer Yatta area. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 6 during late-night raids in Deir Nidham and Hebron, 1 was arrested and his car was seized at al-Hamra checkpoint. (AP, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/5; PCHR, WAFA 11/6; MDW 11/7; PCHR 11/10; UNOCHA 11/13)

1 Palestinian held in administrative detention suspended his 19-day hunger strike after Israel said it would release him within days. (WAFA 11/5)

Mohammed Barakeh, chairperson of the higher Arab monitoring committee said that leaders of the Palestinian community in Israel are considering seeking international protection if their situation deteriorates due to the inclusion of the Otzma Yehudit party in the next Israeli government. (HA 11/6)

The PA blocked the Palestinian Popular Conference – 14 Million, from holding a meeting in Ramallah to discuss the inclusion of the Palestinian diaspora in the Palestinian electoral process. A virtual meeting was held instead. (HA 11/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives near Qaffin, assaulting 1 and stealing olive harvest. Israeli forces fired tear gas at a home in the Masafer Yatta area, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian farmers in Sinjil, causing tear-gas related injuries. 15 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Bireh, Abu Dis, Nabi Samwil, al-Ram, Dheisheh refugee camp, Bani Na‘im, Hebron, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers stole olive harvest in Wadi al-Juz. 3 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/18; PCHR 10/20; UNOCHA 11/1)

Palestinians in several cities and villages in the West Bank marched in solidarity with the relatives of members of the militant group the Lion’s Den who have had their travel permits revoked as collective punishment. (HA 10/18)

Haaretz reported that the U.S. department of homeland security informed U.S. congress in September that Israel does not meet the criteria for the Visa Waiver program. Congressperson Don Beyer (D-VA) circulated a letter telling his colleagues that Israel still does not meet the criteria as it does not extend visa-free travel to “all U.S. citizens and nationals.” (HA 10/18; WAFA 10/19)

UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese published a report calling for the UN to update its list of companies doing business in Israeli settlements and proposing an international protective presence to protect Palestinians against Israeli violence. (MEE 10/18; HA 10/20)

Singapore opened a representative office to Palestine in Ramallah. (WAFA 10/18)

The Australian foreign ministry announced that the country had reversed the former government’s recognition of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, saying that the Australian embassy will remain in Tel Aviv and that Jerusalem is a final status matter. Israel said that it is considering retaliatory measures against Australia for its reversal. (AJ, HA, MEE, REU 10/17; AJ, AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/18; BBC, WAFA, WAFA 10/19; ABC, JP, MEMO, MEMO 10/20)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler was injured by glass from his vehicle window after shots were fired at his car near Huwwara. For the 2d day in a row, Israeli settlers escorted by Israeli forces shot and injured Palestinians in Sinjil, including 2 with live ammunition and others with baton rounds and assault; 6 vehicles were damaged. Israeli settlers also vandalized 1 Palestinian-owned vehicle near Ya‘bad. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Jib, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 4 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 2 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, causing tear-gas related injuries. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwad, Husan, Dheisheh refugee camp, and al-Azza refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own agricultural structure. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinians herding cattle east of Abasan. 2 Palestinians were arrested while attempting to enter Israel east of Khan Yunis. In Israel, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel near the separation wall at Baqa al-Gharbiyye, claiming he was helping Palestinians in the West Bank enter Israel through the wall. (HA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/9; WAFA 9/10; HA 9/11; PCHR 9/15; UNOCHA 9/16)

In the West Bank, a group of 20 Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians planting olive tree saplings in Sinjil, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 5 others by physical assault; the settlers also vandalized 5 vehicles nearby. Israeli settlers also assaulted 4 Palestinians with pepper spray and damaged Palestinian-owned property near Burin. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers erected a settlement outpost on a tract of land outside of Birin. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor after the minor allegedly lightly injured an Israeli soldier with a hammer at a checkpoint in Beitin. Israeli forces also raided Balata refugee camp, firing tear gas from drones and injuring 4 with baton rounds. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jenin refugee camp, Nablus, Qalandia refugee camp, Biddu, and Surif. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Silwan. Israeli forces violently arrested 1 Palestinian man walking to the Haram al-Sharif compound in the Old City, beating him and kneeling on his neck; the man’s nose was broken and needed 4 stiches to his forehead after the attack. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled farmland east of Juhor ad-Dik. (ABC, AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEMO, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/8; MEMO 9/9; ABC, AP, HA 9/11; PCHR 9/15; UNOCHA 9/16)

Israel police said it had arrested a 19-year-old Palestinian man in possession of an assault rifle in Jaffa and that he allegedly admitted to wanting to commit an attack. The man did not resist the arrest. (HA, JP 9/8)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas sent his condolences to King Charles III after his mother Queen Elizabeth II of the UK passed away at the age of 96. (WAFA, WAFA 9/8; WAFA 9/10)

Israel signed a free trade agreement with Guatemala, including for industry, food, and agricultural goods. (REU 9/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces razed 8 dunams (2 acres) of Palestinian land in Sinjil. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Silwan. In Israel, Palestinian citizens of Israel protested Israeli police’s inaction against gun violence in Palestinian communities by organizing a convoy of vehicles driving from Kafr Qara to Baqa al-Ghariyye. (WAFA, WAFA 9/3; WAFA 9/4; PCHR 9/8; UNOCHA 9/16)

1 40-year-old Palestinian who was arrested for entering Jerusalem for work 2 months ago died while in Israeli custody. The Palestinian Prisoners Club said that he died due to “deliberate medical neglect” by the Israeli authorities. (MEE, PCHR, WAFA 9/3; WAFA 9/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers allowed their sheep to graze on Palestinian farmland planted with olive tree saplings and chickpeas in al-Khader. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Burqa. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized 40 olive tree saplings in Sinjil. Israeli settlers also erected structures on Palestinian-owned land in Jalud. Meanwhile, armed Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian man and set up a canopy near al-Khader. 2 Palestinian minors were arrested near the Aida refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians at the Haram al-Sharif compound to clear the area for Israeli settlers; 15 Palestinians were injured by baton rounds and tear gas, and some 60 were arrested. Nearly 1,000 Israeli settlers toured the compound, waving Israeli flags. The PA and Jordan condemned the dispersal of Palestinians at the compound and the settler visit. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian was arrested near the Gaza fence east of Khan Yunis. In Israel, unknown assailants killed 3 people and wounded 4 others during a knife and axe attack in the Ultra-Orthodox city of Elad. Israel said they had identified 2 suspects from Jenin. PA president Mahmoud Abbas condemned the attack. Thousands of Palestinians commemorated the Nakba by marching to the depopulated village of Mi‘ar in the Galilee. (AA, AJ, AN, AP, F24, HA, HA, HA, JP, MEE, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, NBC, NPR, NYT, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/5; AJ, AP, AP, CNN, HA, JP, REU, WAFA 5/6; PCHR 5/12; UNOCHA 5/13)

Israel extended the closure of all crossings between Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel to 5/8, citing the attack in Elad (see above). The crossings were scheduled to be reopened at midnight on 5/5. (HA 5/1; HA 5/5; AJ 5/6)

Israel published a declaration signed on 4/12, which seizes 22,000 dunams (5,445 acres) of land south of Jericho for an Israeli nature reserve named Nachal Og in the West Bank. About 6,000 dunams (1,483 acres) are privately owned by Palestinians. Palestinians will be forbidden from grazing their livestock and planting on the 22,000 dunams once the declaration takes effect, 60 days after its publishing. (WAFA 5/5; PCN 5/24; HA 5/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided Palestinian farmlands south of Hebron, leading to a confrontation between Israeli activists assisting Palestinians in protecting their lands and Israeli forces. 1 Israeli activist was headbutted by an Israeli soldier. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near the Za‘atra checkpoint. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers blocked the Nablus-Ramallah road near Sinjil. Israeli settlers also unleashed dogs on Palestinians in Wadadi, causing injuries to 2 Palestinians. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man during a late-night raid in ‘Azzun. Israeli forces later violently dispersed the funeral procession for the Palestinian killed earlier in the day, injuring 2 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also took measurements for punitive home demolitions in Qarawat Bani Hassan of the family homes of 2 Palestinians accused of killing 1 Israeli settlement guard at the Ariel settlement on 4/29. 3 Palestinians were arrested in Qarawat Bani Hassan and 10 were arrested at the Qalqilya checkpoint after returning to the West Bank from East Jerusalem. In Israel, Israeli police arrested the imam at the Great Mosque in Lydda, Sheikh Yusuf Albaz, claiming he had incited violence. (HA, MEE 4/29; AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/30; HA, HA, HA, MEE, WAFA 5/1; PCHR 5/12; UNOCHA 5/13)

Israel claimed that the Mossad had prevented an attack on an Israeli employee at an Israeli consulate in Turkey. (HA 4/30; HA 5/1)

Israel prevented the director of Addameer Sahar Francis from boarding a plane at the Ben-Gurion Airport. Director Francis, who is an Israeli citizen, was travelling to participate in the World Social Forum in Mexico via the U.S. Addameer was declared a terrorist organization by Israel in 10/2021. (HA 5/4; MEE 5/5)

Police in Berlin banned all pro-Palestinian protests until 5/2, saying that anti-Semitic statements were made by some protesters at demonstrations on 4/22 and 4/23. (MEE, MEMO 4/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians working their land near Sinjil. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinian shepherds near Kisan. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers blocked a road between Nablus and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting an incursion by Israeli settlers at the Haram al-Sharif compound; 30 were injured by baton rounds and tear gas. In Gaza, 5 rockets were fired at Israel; 4 of them were intercepted and 1 caused damage to a house in Sderot. Israel subsequently conducted air strikes, causing damage to several homes in al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Nusseirat refugee camp. (HA 4/20; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, CNN, HA, IN, JP, NPR, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/21; PCHR 4/28; UNOCHA 5/13)

Israel closed all crossings from the West Bank and Gaza to East Jerusalem and Israel at 5 P.M. for the Jewish holiday of Passover. The closure will remain in effect until an unspecified time on 4/23. (HA 4/21)

U.S. acting assistant secretary of state for Near East affairs Yael Lempert and deputy assistant secretary for Israeli and Palestinian affairs Hady Amr met with PA president Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid in separate meetings in an effort to calm the situation surrounding the Haram al-Sharif compound, where Israeli forces have attacked Palestinian worshippers for a week, including in al-Aqsa Mosque. (HA 4/21; WAFA 4/22)

The Arab league slammed Israel for interfering with Muslims’ rights to worship at the Haram al-Sharif compound and criticized the Israeli government for continuing to allow Jewish people to worship at the Holy site. The statement was released after a meeting of Arab League foreign ministers in Jordan from the UAE, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, and the PA. (AJ, REU, WAFA 4/21)

Iran said it had arrested 3 people suspected of being Mossad agents. (HA 4/20; AP 4/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole 5 sheep in Sinjil. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 5 with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 11 with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 4 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jalazun refugee camp and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City and Jabel Mukaber. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/25; PCHR 3/31; UNOCHA 4/10)

Morocco and Israel signed a memorandum of understanding for military cooperation, including for military drills, intelligence sharing, and military training. (MEMO 3/26)

The Houthi group in Yemen launched an attack on a Saudi Arabian oil depot in Jeddah, causing a large fire. Saudi Arabia subsequently attacked Sanaa and Hodeida on 3/26, killing at least 7 people. (AJ 3/25; AJ, AP, AP, HA, REU, REU 3/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles and attempted to break into a house in Sinjil. Israeli settlers also blocked a main road in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting against settler violence in al-Lubban al-Sharqiya, assaulting 4 protesters and causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also delivered demolition orders for 3 homes, an agricultural structure, and a retaining wall in al-Walaja. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces delivered demolition orders for 3 commercial structures in Jabel Mukaber. 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Bayt Hanina, displacing 7. 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 at the Damascus Gate plaza and 2 at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Israel, Israeli prison forces assaulted Palestinian prisoners in their cells in 2 sections of Rimon Prison. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at a landfill east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/27; MEMO, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 2/28; PCHR 3/3; UNOCHA 3/11)

The World Zionist Organization said it plans to make 1,000 portable structures available for Ukrainian immigrants in the West Bank, the Golan Heights, and Israel. Israel is expecting a large wave of immigration of Ukrainians with Jewish heritage as Russia attacked Ukraine on 2/24. The Israeli government will have to approve the placement of the portable structures for the Ukrainian immigrants. (AJ 3/4)

Israeli officials told Axios that U.S. president Joe Biden was disappointed that Israel refused to co-sponsor a UN security council resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 2/27. Israel, however, did vote in favor of a resolution at the UN general assembly condemning Russia’s invasion on 3/2. Israel is said to have asked the U.S. to understand its vague position regarding Russia’s invasion, given Israel’s cooperation with Russia on matters relating to Syria. The PA expressed “concern” about the situation but did not condemn Russia’s invasion. (HA 2/24; ALM 2/25; HA 2/26; AX, HA, NYT, TOI 2/27; HA 2/28; HA 3/1; HA, HA, HA 3/2; HA 3/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Nabi Salih, killing 1 Palestinian using live ammunition. Israeli forces also raided al-Quds University campus in Abu Dis, firing tear gas; 17 Palestinians suffered from tear gas inhalation. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished a car repair shop in al-Lubban al-Sharqiya and 2 agricultural structures in Khirbat al-Fakhit. Israeli forces also demolished 1 house and 1 water tank and assaulted and arrested 1 elderly Palestinian man protesting the demolition. 18 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Am‘ari refugee camp, ‘Arura, Sinjil, al-Eizariya, ‘Anata, Beit Sahour, Husan, Beit Fajjar, Hebron, Beit Umar, Jenin, ‘Askar refugee camp, and Kafr Qaddum; 1 Palestinian was injured during the raid in Hebron as Israeli forces fired stun grenades at Palestinians protesting the raid. In Jerusalem, Palestinians protested outside of the municipality building against home demolitions in East Jerusalem. (AJ, AP, HA, MDW, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, TOI 2/15; PCHR 2/16; PCHR 2/17; UNOCHA 2/28)

The PA foreign ministry summoned Hungarian representative to Palestine Csaba Rada in order to complain that the Hungarian city of Hévíz has made a twinning agreement with the Samaria Regional Settlement Council, representing several settlements in the West Bank. (WAFA 2/15; MEMO 2/16)

Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett met with Bahrain’s king Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and prime minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, building on the 2 countries’ normalization deal. (AJ, AP, HA, MEMO, NYT, REU 2/14; AJ, ALM, AP, HA, REU 2/15; HA, HA 2/16)

The police in the Philippines said it had uncovered an attempt by Hamas to recruit local militants to commit attacks on Israelis in the country. The police claimed that a man named Fares al-Shikli had offered financial support in exchange for attacks on Israelis. (HA, JP 2/15; ALM 2/19)

According to Israel’s Channel 12 and the news outlet Globes, Morocco had signed an order to buy the Israel Aerospace Industries’ Barak MX Integrated Air and Defense system for more than $500 million. (HA 2/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Israeli activists from Rabbis for Human Rights working with Palestinians in Burin to plant trees; 7 were injured by the settlers with clubs and other improvised weapons and 1 car was set on fire. Rabbis for Human rights posted a video of the incident on Twitter. Israeli settlers also fenced off 4 dunams (1 acre) of Palestinian land in Kafr ad-Dik and planted it with trees. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized some 300 olive tree saplings in Deir Sharaf. Israeli settlers also vandalized 90 olive trees and olive saplings in Yasuf and Bidya. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian man and attempted to set his car on fire in Deir Istiya. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, inuring 6 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 9 with rubber-coated bullets and 52 with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 17 with tear gas. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian man in Sinjil, detaining him before allowing Palestinians to take him to a hospital in Ramallah. Meanwhile, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet and others with tear gas. 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during late-night raids in Sinjil and Jannatah and 4 during a house raid in Zeita. PA forces arrested 3 members of Islamic Jihad during a raid in Beita, including Abdul Raouf al-Jaghoub, a local Islamic Jihad leader. Hamas and Islamic Jihad slammed the PA for the arrests. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers led by deputy mayor of Jerusalem Aryeh King assaulted 1 Palestinian and set up barbed wire around a plot of land belonging to the Salem family, who are threatened by eviction in Sheikh Jarrah; Israeli forces also confiscated Palestinian flags from protesters. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire and fired tear gas at Palestinian farmers east of Dayr al-Balah, Abasan, and al-Qarara; no injuries were reported. (HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/21; MEMO 1/22; ALM 1/25; PCHR 1/27)

Israel’s public security minister Omer Bar-Lev called the incident where activists from Rabbis for Human Rights were attacked by Israeli settlers near Burin “actions of a terror organization.” Public Security Minister Bar-Lev further stated that it is difficult to apprehend the attackers. No arrests were made as of 1/22. (HA, MEMO 1/23)

The Qatari foreign ministry said it had signed a deal to cover the cost of supplying Gaza’s power plant with gas through an escrow account. (HA 1/21; ALM, MEMO 1/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort blocked a road leading to Sinjil. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian with a rubber-coated bullet to his chest during a raid in Kafr Qaddum. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters near al-Mughayyir and Sahal al-Baqai’a, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces blocked all traffic in and out of Hizma. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Qalqilya, Aqabah, Tuqu‘, and Dayr Jarir. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith’s home. Israeli forces also raided the home of deputy director-general of the Islamic Waqf, Sheikh Najeh Bakirat, in Jabel Mukaber, handing him a summon for interrogation. 6 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Silwan and at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 2 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 1 Palestinian woman was killed and 2 others injured in a car bombing in Ramle; Israeli authorities suspected an assassination. The killing marked the 123d Palestinian killed in Israel in 2021. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/26; MEMO 12/27; PCHR 12/30)

The 1st case of the highly infectious Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus was detected in Gaza. The Omicron variant has become dominant in many countries and is capable at infecting vaccinated people, especially those who have not received a booster shot. In Gaza, about 25,000 out of 2 million people have received a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. (HA, MEMO, REU 12/26)

The Palestinian Prisoners’ Society said that Israel is denying 1 Palestinian prisoner access to the cancer treatment he needs. The Palestinian man has been detained since 10/25. (WAFA 12/26)

Qatar’s envoy to Palestine Mohammad al-Emadi said in a statement that Qatar, the PA, and Gaza’s electrical company have agreed to a project that will see Qatar invest $60 million in a gas pipeline from Israel to Gaza. The project will change the fuel input at Gaza’s power plant from diesel fuel to natural gas. (MEMO, TOI 12/27)

PA civil affairs minister Hussein al-Sheikh called on the international community to take action against Israeli settler violence. (WAFA 12/26)

The Israeli government approved a plan to double the settler population in the occupied Golan Heights. The $317-million plan will see Israel construct settler housing units and new infrastructure, including 3,300 new settlement units in Katzrin, 4,065 in Golan Regional Council, and 4,000 in 2 new settlements. Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett said the government investment in settlements in the Golan Heights was linked to the U.S. Trump administration decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the area in 2019 and the current Biden administration’s indication that it will not roll back the decision. (AJ, AP, DW, HA, MEE, REU, TOI 12/26; AJ, ALM, AP, MEMO, REU, TOI 12/27; CNN, MDW, TOI 12/28)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler rammed a car into 1 63-year-old Palestinian woman walking to a cancer treatment facility near Sinjil, killing her. Israeli settlers also kidnapped a Palestinian man, beating him before releasing him 2 hours later near Azmut. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near the Homesh settlement outpost, causing damage. Israeli settlers also attacked 3 Palestinians having a picnic near Deir Istiya, causing injuries. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters during a raid in ‘Azzun, injuring 1 with live ammunition and arresting 3. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, causing tear-gas related injuries. 2 Palestinians were arrested during a late-night raid in Ya‘bad. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian and Israeli protesters in Sheikh Jarrah, protesting against the pending eviction of the Salem family; 3 were arrested. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of Beit Lahiya. (HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/24; MEMO 12/25; PCHR 12/30)

Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor said that 38 settler attacks against Palestinians had been recorded since the killing of 1 Israeli settler on 12/16. (WAFA 12/25)

In the West Bank, PA forces arrested, for the 3d day in a row, Palestinian activists critical of the PA; at least 3 were rounded up. Israeli settlers set up 2 mobile homes in Deir Istiya. Israeli settlers also set fire to dozens of olive trees near Burin. Israeli forces razed a tract of land near Qalqilya to expand a settler-only road and sealed the entrances to Sinjil. Israeli forces arrested 5 Palestinians in and around Birzeit, Tulkarm, Kafr Qaddum, and Hebron. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired missiles at structures in Khan Yunis, Jabalia refugee camp, and Shuja‘iya, causing damage but no injuries. Israel said it was responding to incendiary balloons sent to Israel from Gaza. 2 Palestinians were arrested at the Erez crossing after receiving calls to come to the crossing for their trader permit applications. (HA, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/23; AJ, AP, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, REU, WAFA 8/24; HA 8/25; PCHR 8/26)

Egypt said it had closed the Rafah crossing until further notice. Egyptian officials said the closure was connected to Egypt’s efforts to broker a long-term ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. (MEE, REU 8/22; AJ, ALM, AP, HA, MEMO 8/23; HA 8/24)

1 Palestinian on administrative detention ended his hunger strike after reassurances from Israel that it would not extend his detention. The man was placed on administrative detention after being arrested on 2/22/2020 and had been hunger striking for 43 days. (WAFA 8/23)

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said that Israel’s targeting of 4 high-rise residential buildings in Gaza during Operation Guardians of the Wall violated international law. HRW also called on Israel to produce the evidence it says it has in claiming malicious activity was carried out in the high-rises. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, MEE, MEMO 8/23; MEMO 8/25)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian teen was severely injured by an unexploded ordinance left behind by Israeli forces in the Masafer Yatta area near Yatta. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in the Masafer Yatta area; 1 Palestinian was run over by an Israeli military vehicle and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters during the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 Palestinians who were hit by tear gas canisters. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan and Dayr Jarir, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians in Kafr Malik; 1 Palestinian was shot and injured by a rubber-coated bullet and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians in Bayt Umar and east of al-Bireh, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also confiscated a Palestinian-owned tractor in Sinjil and a tractor and bulldozer in Bayt Dajan. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Jenin refugee camp, Halhul, and Dayr Jarir; clashes broke out during the raids in Jenin refugee camp, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assaulted Palestinian minors and their older relatives, claiming that the minors had thrown stones at them in the Old City. 1 Palestinian family demolished part of their house in Ras al-Amud to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Tur. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Juhur al-Dik and al-Bureij refugee camp; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian who had entered Israel through the Gaza fence. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/8; PCHR 1/14)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler was injured when her car was hit with stones; Israeli forces subsequently arrested 20 Palestinians in nearby Dayr Nidham, claiming they were connected to the stone-throwing, and closed all exits and entrances to the city. Israeli settlers raided the Nahalin area, attempting to uproot trees before they were stopped by Palestinians protecting their land. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Luban al-Sharqiyya, causing damage. Israeli forces pushed and injured 1 Palestinian child in Sinjil. 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Jaba‘ and Ya‘bad. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces handed 1 Palestinian family an eviction order in Silwan and told them to pay $2,200 in legal fees. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 2 nautical miles of Bayt Lahiya and al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA 1/3; WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/4; PCHR 1/7)

The Israeli high planning committee approved the land seizure of dozens of dunams of Palestinian-owned land near Artas and al-Khadir for Israeli settlement expansion. (WAFA 1/3; MEMO 1/4; PCHR 1/7)

The Palestinian Prisoner's Society said in a statement that 30 new cases of the COVID-19 virus had been registered among Palestinian prisoners at the Ktzi’ot prison in Israel. These bring the total COVID cases among Palestinian prisoners to 171 since the start of the pandemic. (WAFA, WAFA 1/3)

Israeli prosecutors said that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had requested that the news site Walla, in 315 incidents, cover Netanyahu and his family positively and his political opponents negatively. The allegations are part of the corruption cases against Netanyahu, who in 1 of the cases is accused of promoting regulations favorable to the owner of Bezeq telecom company in exchange for positive coverage on the Walla news site. (ABC, HA, TOI 1/3; AJ 1/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian vehicles traveling near Sinjil. Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in Kafr Qaddum, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians in Jaba‘, causing tear-gas related injuries. PA forces arrested a number of attendants at a party held in the Nabi Musa mosque near Jericho; it was later revealed that the PA had approved the party as part of a promotional video intended to increase tourism. However, several attendees, including famous Palestinian DJ Sama Abdulhadi, were still detained days later. 1 Palestinian was arrested at a checkpoint near Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers clashed with Israeli police and attacked Palestinian passersby during a demonstration against the police because of the death of an Israeli settler during a police pursuit on 12/21; chants of “Death to Arabs” were filmed during the protest. In Gaza, 3 Palestinians, including a minor, were wounded by Israeli forces during air attacks in Gaza City and substantial damage was reported in al-Bureij refugee camp and Dayr al-Balah, including to a mosque, a children’s hospital, a sports club, and a warehouse; Israel said it had intercepted 1 missile from Gaza prior to its attack. Israeli forces also opened fire at agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah and al-Bureij refugee camp; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 2 Christmas trees belonging to Catholic and Orthodox churches in Sakhnin were set on fire. (AJ, GDN, HA, HA, HA, MEMO, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/26; PCHR, WAFA 12/27; HA 12/28; ALM 12/30; PCHR 12/31)

Israeli protesters demonstrated against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the 27th Saturday in a row in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The protesters are demanding that Prime Minister Netanyahu resign due to his COVID-19 response, the Israeli economy, and the corruption cases against him. (HA 12/26; WAFA 12/27)

According to reports in Le Monde, UAE and Israeli officials are working to eliminate the UNRWA and have been working toward that goal since the 2 countries’ normalization agreement in August. (JP, MEE, YNET 12/27)

In the West Bank, clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces erupted in Halhul and Hebron during protests against the Bahrain workshop scheduled to start on 6/25. Protests against the workshop were also held in Ramallah, Tulkarm, Yatta, Nablus, Jenin, and Bethlehem. Israeli setters slashed tires and sprayed racist graffiti on 10 Palestinian-owned vehicles and on homes in Sinjil. Israel forces arrested 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Jenin, Ramallah, and Bethlehem. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/24; WAFA 6/25)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli firefighters put out 5 fires allegedly sparked by incendiary kites or balloons flown from Gaza. Separately, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands along the border fence near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Jenin, and Hebron. One raid in Dahaysha refugee camp sparks minor clashes; there are no reported injuries. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian home near Nablus, causing minor damage; puncture the tires of 15 Palestinian vehicles and leave racist graffiti in Sinjil village near Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces uproot a number of trees on Palestinian land in Shaykh Jarrah. They are reportedly clearing the area for the construction of a new settler residence. (MNA 8/28; PCHR 8/30)

The Israeli authorities re-open the Erez border crossing for the first time since 8/19. Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman reportedly cited sufficient calm in Gaza in recent days as the reason for the re-opening. (HA, MNA, TOI, TOI, YA 8/27)

Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists gather across the West Bank to mark a “Day Of Rage” in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners who have been on hunger strike since 4/16. IDF troops violently disperse protests outside Ofer Prison nr. Nablus, at the Qalandia checkpoint, and in and around Hebron; tens of Palestinians are injured. Unidentified assailants throw stones at Israeli settlers’ vehicles outside Sinjil village nr. Ramallah, causing minor damage. The IDF then detains a number of Palestinians and confiscates 12 vehicles in the village. IDF troops patrol nr. Qalqilya, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 3 Palestinians on late-night raids nr. Tulkarm, and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/28; PCHR 5/4)

Israel’s Construction Minister Yoav Galant says that plans to build 25,000 new homes in Jerusalem, including 15,000 outside the pre1967 armistice lines, are back on the table. The plans were suspended while Obama was U.S. pres., and some Israeli officials say that a formal announcement may coincide with U.S. pres. Trump’s proposed visit to Israel in late 5/2017. (JP, TOI 4/28)

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency announces that the State Dept. has approved a “possible foreign military sale” of 13 76mm naval guns and a variety of naval maintenance tools to Israel for an estimated price of $440 m. “This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic regional partner that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East,” the press release reads. (JP 4/29)

In the Gaza Strip, employees of the ministries of public works, labor, justice, and women’s affairs—those led by Gaza-based ministers of the PA unity govt.—go on strike, protesting unpaid salaries since 6/2. In the West Bank, Palestinians throw stones at Israeli settlers’ vehicles nr. Sinjil, injuring 2 women. Israeli police arrest a settler in connection with the shooting of a Palestinian nr. Hebron on 1/10. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Jenin, Hebron, and Bethlehem; patrols nr. Jericho, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Hebron, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians. (MNA 1/12; OCHA, PCHR 1/15)

Following up on the 1/11 meeting between political factions in Gaza, a Hamas spokesperson says that the group will make a political decision to quit the PA unity govt. if the crisis facing civil employees is not resolved. (MEMO 1/12; JP 1/13)

Egyptian authorities announce that they will not open the Rafah border crossing this week, reversing their 1/11 announcement. The decision comes after the Sinai Province of the Islamic State captures an Egyptian security officer nr. Shaykh Zuwayd. (MNA 1/12)

Israeli security forces shut down 3 Nazarethbased Muslim charities—Muslim Women for al-Aqsa, al-Fajr, and Ruad al-Aqsa—suspected of channeling funds to Hamas and inciting violence at Haram al-Sharif. (HA 1/12; AFP 1/13)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli soldiers shoot and injure 2 Palestinians close to the border fence nr. Jabaliya r.c. In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and injure 20 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets during clashes that break out in al-Ram, Sinjil nr. Ramallah, and Hebron. IDF troops confront 2 Palestinians nr. Hawara village, s. of Nablus, search their car, then injure 1 by beating him with the butt of a gun. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron; patrols in 3 villages nr. Jericho and 2 villages nr. Hebron. Also, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Nil‘in), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries, except in Bil‘in, where 1 person is struck by a tear gas canister. Israeli forces also violently disperse a demonstration against land confiscation in a village nr. Hebron, causing no serious injuries. Israeli settlers attack a village nr. Ramallah, shooting live ammunition and damaging property, but causing no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces in Silwan, injuring 1 border police officer. Israeli forces conduct house searches and arrest raids in Jabal Mukabir and al-Tur neighborhoods overnight. Palestinians conduct Friday prayers at Haram al-Sharif without Israeli-imposed age restrictions. Israeli forces shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian child nr. Shu‘fat r.c. (HA, MNA 11/14; PCHR 11/20)

In the West Bank, an Israeli settler hits a 5-year-old Palestinian girl with his car nr. Sinjil, and she later dies of her injuries at a nearby hospital. IDF troops shoot and wound 1 Palestinian during a patrol in Salfit. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Ramallah and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Hebron, Jericho and Ramallah, and in al-Bireh. (MNA 10/19; PCHR 10/23)

Israel’s DM Moshe Ya’alon departs for Washington for a 5-day visit. In a predeparture statement, Ya’alon says that no dispute should “cast a shadow” over the U.S.-Israel relationship, one “based on shared interests and values.” However, Ya’alon’s requests for meetings with VP Joe Biden, Secy. of State Kerry and National Security Adviser Susan Rice are denied. (AFP 10/19; JP 10/24)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces clash with residents in Nabi Salih village nr. Ramallah during a patrol, wounding 2 (1 with rubber-coated metal bullets, 1 struck by a tear gas canister). The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the morning, and in al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron, Qalqilya, Jenin, and Jalazun r.c. n. Ramallah at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 3 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers uproot around 1,200 olive and almond tree seedlings in Sinjil village nr. Ramallah. Meanwhile, activists establish a new protest encampment, named “al-Awda,” in the Jordan Valley 2 days after activists set up something similar at ‘Ayn Hiljeh. (MNA 2/2; PCHR 2/6)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry and Israeli PM Netanyahu talk on the phone about the ongoing negotiations, especially in light of controversy surrounding Kerry’s reference to boycotts at the Munich Security Conference on 2/1. Still in Munich, Kerry meets with Israel’s Justice Minister Livni and Special Envoy Molcho to discuss his framework deal. Meanwhile, PA Pres. Abbas calls for a U.S.-led NATO presence in a future Palestinian state to secure the borders. (HA, NYT 2/2)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry holds a meeting with Iranian FM Zarif on the sidelines of the Munich conference, a rare face-to-face encounter that focuses on the ongoing nuclear talks. No details are released about the contents of the discussions. (AFP, AP 2/2)

In the morning, Netanyahu tours Capitol Hill, where he is greeted warmly. He then meets for 2 hrs. at the White House with Pres. Obama, who reportedly makes tough demands of Israel to put the peace process back on track. After a 90-min. sidebar with his advisors, Netanyahu makes a counterproposal that is rejected by Obama. (NYT, WP, WT 3/24; NYT, WP 3/25; JPI, NYT 3/26)

Unidentified Palestinians fire a Qassam rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In retaliation, the IDF carries out an air strike on a suspected weapons depot nr. Jabaliya r.c., damaging a nearby home but causing no injuries. The IDF makes a brief incursion into the Erez industrial zone to level land and clear lines of sight. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Hebron. Jewish settlers fr. several settlements beat Palestinian farmers working their land in Sinjil village n. of Ramallah; the IDF intervenes, declaring the area a closed military zone and forcing settlers and Palestinians to leave. (JP, YA 3/23; JP 3/24; OCHA, PCHR 3/25)

In the West Bank, the IDF prevents Palestinian farmers and international activists fr. reaching agricultural lands nr. Bayt Umar n. of Hebron to cultivate olives, beating 1 Spanish and 1 Israeli activist, and forcing the farmers to leave the area. The IDF also conducts late-night raids, house searches in and around Jenin town and r.c., in ‘Aqabat Jabir r.c., nr Tulkarm and Jericho, arresting 4 Palestinians and summoning a number of others for questioning (violently beating the father of 1 suspect when he takes too long to open the door). Palestinian sources report that in the previous wk., at least 50 Jewish settlers fr. Ma’ale Levona attacked Palestinian farmers fr. Sinjil nr. Ramallah headed to their olive fields and were removed fr. the area by the IDF; Jewish settlers fr. the unauthorized settlement outpost of Adei Ad nr. Ramallah cut down 55 Palestinian olive trees in protest at the arrest of 2 other settlers for stealing Palestinian olives. (OCHA 10/22; PCHR 10/29; OCHA Humanitarian Monitor 10/09)