The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort attacked Palestinians in Hebron, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian celebrations of the ceasefire (see below) in Hebron and Bethlehem, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets and live ammunition; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Huwwara, injuring 2 with live ammunition; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Bani Na‘im, Abu Njeim, and Jaba‘. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians at the Haram al-Sharif compound after the Friday noon prayer, confiscating Palestinian flags, arresting 17, and injuring 23 worshipers with rubber-coated bullets. During the raid, 1 Agence France-Presse journalist was also beaten by Israeli forces. Israeli forces also closed down Shaykh Jarrah to all Palestinians, including those living in the area. In Gaza, 17 Palestinians, including 2 children, were found dead in rubble from Israeli air strikes, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 236 to 253, including 67 children and 3 pregnant women. 1 toddler was found dead in rubble from an air strike on Gaza City 5/11; 1 child was found in rubble from an Israeli air strike on a house in al-Shati refugee camp on 5/15; and 15 Palestinians were also found dead in rubble from Israeli air strikes in a tunnel hit by Israeli missiles. In Israel, before the ceasefire took effect (see below), 1 Israeli was injured by rocket shrapnel and 1 house in Kibbutz Be’eri was damaged by a rocket from Gaza. (HA 5/20; AJ, AJ, AX, HA, MEE, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/21; HA 5/25; PCHR 5/27)

A ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, brokered by Egypt, took effect at 2 a.m. 263 Palestinians were killed in Gaza, including 68 children, and 12 people were killed in Israel, including 1 soldier, 2 Thai citizens, 1 Indian citizen, and 2 Palestinian citizens of Israel. Around 2,000 Palestinians and 345 Israelis were wounded over the 11 days. Israel partially reopened the Kerem Shalom crossing after the ceasefire, allowing some humanitarian aid and goods into Gaza. U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken said he would meet with Israeli and Palestinian officials during a trip in the coming days. The Gaza housing ministry said that 16,800 housing units had been damaged by Israeli missiles, including 1,800 that had become unfit for living. Some 90,000 Palestinians in Gaza were reported to be internally displaced due to the Israeli attacks, including more than 66,000 seeking shelter at UNRWA facilities. It also reported that Palestinians in Gaza were getting between 3-4 hours of electricity a day, while they previously received 12 hours a day before the escalation started on 5/10. Israel said that some 4,350 rockets had been fired from Gaza toward Israel and that the Iron Dome had intercepted approximately 90% of them. Both Israel and Hamas declared victory. Egyptian officials also arrived in Gaza to discuss with Hamas officials about maintaining the ceasefire. Islamic Jihad in Palestine said that 19 of its fighters were among the 263 Palestinians killed by Israel in Gaza during the latest escalation. Hamas later said that 80 members of its militia had been killed. (AJ, HA, HA, REU 5/20; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, ALM, ALM, ALM, ALM, AP, AP, AP, AX, AX, AX, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, JP, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/21; AX, HA, WAFA 5/22; HA, WAFA 5/23; NYT 5/25; AP 5/26; HA 5/27)

13 trucks carrying food, COVID-19 vaccines, and other aid crossed into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing. (AJ, WAFA 5/21)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas discussed the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and the need for humanitarian aid with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken. In a phone call between President Abbas and Saudi king Salman, the latter condemned Israeli aggression in Jerusalem and Gaza. (AJ, WAFA 5/21)

The owner of 1 of the high-rise buildings in Gaza bombed by Israel said he is filing a formal complaint to the ICC about the attack on his building, calling it a war crime. His building, al-Jala Tower, housed AP and Al Jazeera offices in Gaza as well as many residential units. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh also pledged to refer the Israeli attacks on Gaza to the ICC. (AJ, WAFA 5/21)

Digital rights group 7amleh said Israel and the companies TikTok and Facebook, including its subsidiary Instagram, are cooperating in order to silence Palestinian voices and content on the social media platforms. Posts and hashtags have been deleted from the platforms and users, banned. 7amleh said it was especially concerned related to Gaza and Shaykh Jarrah, which had been censored. Sada Social also sent a formal complaint to Facebook, condemning the censorship. (AJ, WAFA 5/21)

Lebanese president Michel Aoun wrote a letter to the parliament, saying that prime minister-designate Saad Hariri is incapable of forming a cabinet. (HA, REU 5/21; MEMO 5/22)

The U.S. state department circumvented a potential obstacle from Congress by granting Boeing an export license for $735 million’s worth of weapons to Israel. U.S. senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) said on 5/20 that he wanted the Senate to review the sale. (JC 5/25; ALM 5/27)

A bomb killed 7 people at a Palestinian solidarity rally in Chaman City, Pakistan. The bomb was said to have targeted a political leader who had organized the event. Pakistan’s foreign minister had declared the day a “day of solidarity” with Palestinians. (AJ 5/20; HA, MEMO 5/21)

China said it would send aid to Gaza to help treat the injured and house the homeless. (AJ 5/20)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF continues its assault with attacks on 41 targets, killing 11 Palestinians and injuring dozens. Israeli fighter jets and drones strike targets in n. Gaza, as well as nr. Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah, while IDF troops fire smoke bombs and live ammunition across the Israel-Gaza border in 1 location and Israeli artillery shelling hits 2 others. The armed Palestinian groups fire over 100 projectiles into Israel; of which, 3 land in urban areas, 73 land in open areas, and 17 are intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. Meanwhile, Hamas executes 4 alleged collaborators with Israel in the courtyard of a mosque in Jabaliya r.c. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts patrols in Hebron and 2 nearby villages, as well as 1 village nr. Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with a group of Palestinian youth outside a checkpoint nr. Shu‘fat, and 1 Palestinian is wounded when the soldiers open fire with tear gas and rubbercoated metal bullets. (AFP, AP, HA, MNA 8/23; PCHR 8/28)

Following talks between Hamas leader Mishal and PA Pres. Abbas in Doha on 8/21 and 8/22, Hamas publicly agrees to support Abbas’s application to join the ICC. According to PLO chief negotiator Erakat, only Islamic Jihad has not yet approved the document Abbas is asking all Palestinian factions to sign before he moves forward. (AFP, AP, MNA 8/23)

On the diplomatic front, Abbas travels to Cairo for talks with Egyptian pres. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. After their meeting, Abbas says “my main goal is for the truce talks to resume in Egypt as soon as possible.” In an interview on Egyptian television, Abbas says that he is planning a major diplomatic initiative and that he will present the plan to U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry, who is scheduled to visit the region in the coming days. The plan reportedly includes asking the UN to set a timetable for the Israeli occupation and signing the Rome Statue on behalf of the PA, which would give the ICC jurisdiction over cases relating to the occupation. For its part, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry releases a statement after the Abbas/al-Sisi meeting inviting the Israelis and Palestinians to return to Cairo for further cease-fire negotiations. (AJ, HA, WSJ 8/23)

Israeli PM Netanyahu holds talks with UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon. Netanyahu compares Hamas to ISIS, in reference to the group’s 8/22 execution of collaborators, and blames the group for the latest escalation in violence. (AJ, HA, REU 8/23)

In the evening, 2 rockets are fired from Lebanon into n. Israel. No group claims responsibility for the attack, though Lebanese military officials suspect a small, local Palestinian group. Late at night, 5 rockets are fired from Syria into the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israeli military officials say that a Palestinian group, not Syrian govt. forces, is responsible. Between the 2 sets of rocket attacks, 8 Israelis are lightly injured. (DS, JP, REU 8/23; AFP, HA, YA 8/24)

In the Gaza Strip, health officials say that the death toll is rising as dozens of Palestinians die from injuries sustained during the Israeli assault and more bodies are recovered from the rubble of homes. (66 Palestinians die during the 5-day cease-fire, succumbing to injuries sustained in earlier attacks.) In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure 8 Palestinians with rubbercoated metal bullets in n. Bethlehem during clashes outside Rachel’s Tomb. In the afternoon, the IDF enters Qalqilya, where a group of Palestinian children throw stones at them. The soldiers detain 2 children. The IDF conducts 5 patrols in various areas of the West Bank during the day. After the Friday afternoon prayer, hundreds of Palestinians attend protests nr. Bayt Furik and Qalandia against the Israeli assault on Gaza. Clashes break out with IDF troops in both places and 9 Palestinians are wounded (6 nr. Bayt Furik and 3 at Qalandia). In the evening, more clashes break out during demonstrations in Silwad village and at Ofer Prison. Two Palestinians are wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets at each demonstration. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/15; PCHR 8/21)

Israeli authorities release 3 Palestinian men that IDF troops captured during the ground invasion of Gaza. (MNA 8/16)

The Egyptian press reports that mediators in Cairo have offered a “final proposal” for a longterm agreement to extend the 5-day cease-fire. The agreement will reportedly end Israel’s military offensive, ease the siege, expand the fishing zone, and increase imports into Gaza. In addition, subsequent talks will deal with other issues such as prisoner swaps and establishing an airport and seaport for Gaza. Islamic Jihad spokesperson Yousef al-Hasayneh says that a truce agreement will be signed with Israel once the 5-day cease-fire ends. Israel’s security cabinet meets in Tel Aviv to discuss the ceasefire agreement and ongoing negotiations, their 2d such meeting in 24 hours. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/15)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF and armed Palestinian groups largely hold to the new 5-day cease-fire, though Palestinians fire 8 rockets into Israel and IDF troops conduct a number of air strikes. Meanwhile, 3 Palestinians die of injuries sustained earlier in the Israeli assault. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem during an arrest raid. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Salfit at night; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron and al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas during the day. A Jewish settler runs over a Palestinian nr. Salfit and kills him. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces arrest dozens of Palestinians in Silwan, Shu‘fat, and the Old City, taking the number of those detained since the murder of Abu Khdeir to more than 600. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/14; PCHR 8/15)

Upon his arrival in Gaza from Cairo, Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya says that there is “still a real chance to clinch an agreement” for a longer-term deal. An unnamed Egyptian official tells Haaretz that “the emerging agreement will be the most detailed that has been signed between Israel and the Palestinians since the Oslo accords” and that, if successful, it “would set up a new framework of relations between Israel and a Palestinian govt., because without it there will be no way to implement the agreement’s clauses.” Islamic Jihad official Ziad al-Nahla, in Cairo for the talks, says that the long-term cease-fire is a “done deal.” (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/14)

In Tel Aviv, approximately 10,000 Israelis gather in Rabin Square to demonstrate support for the assault on Gaza and call on the govt. to stop rocket attacks. (AFP, AP 8/15)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF and armed Palestinian groups maintain the new 72-hour cease-fire. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Jenin, and 1 village each nr. Jericho and Salfit at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Jenin during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces conduct widespread raids in the Old City, Silwan, Issawiyya, al-Tur, Suwana, and Shu‘fat, detaining 57 Palestinians. There are clashes in al-Tur and Issawiyya, and Israeli security forces injure 26 Palestinians with rubbercoated metal bullets.

During negotiations between reps. of Israel and the Palestinian delegation in Cairo, Israeli officials brief the media that there are large gaps remaining between the sides. These include disagreements over the opening of Gaza’s border crossings, including Rafah, and how the crossings will be supervised. According to a Palestinian source, Hamas insists on a total end to the blockade, rather than an “easing,” and objects to limitations on the entry of construction materials like cement and steel. Anonymous Egyptian sources express optimism about the possibility of reaching an agreement before the end of the cease-fire at midnight. Hamas official Ihab al-Ghossein says he is optimistic as “this time at least it is a real negotiation.” Islamic Jihad official Hassan Abdu says there have been “positive developments.” (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/12; 8/13)

In the Gaza Strip, the 72-hour cease-fire ends at 8:00 A.M. local time and hostilities resume. The IDF continues its assault with aerial and naval bombardment, killing 5 Palestinians. The IAF strikes around 50 targets across Gaza. Armed Palestinian groups fire dozens of rockets into Israel, attacks claimed by Islamic Jihad and the PRC, injuring 3. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian during clashes nr. Psagot settlement close to Ramallah. IDF troops also shoot a Palestinian in clashes nr. Hebron, who later dies of his injuries. In the clashes, 25 are injured with live ammunition and 15 with rubber-coated metal bullets. There are further clashes in Safa village nr. Ramallah, where IDF troops shoot and injure 7 Palestinians, as well as outside Ofer prison, where IDF troops injure 6 Palestinians. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries, except in Kafr Qaddum, where 4 are injured by live ammunition. The IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah and 2 villages nr. Jericho during the day. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/8; PCHR 8/9)

Egyptian officials call for a resumption of the cease-fire, saying that only a few points remain to be agreed, but Israeli officials say that they are unprepared to negotiate under fire. Israeli officials accuse Hamas of firing a few rockets before the cease-fire even ended. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/8)

In the Gaza Strip, a 72-hour cease-fire begins at 8:00 A.M. local time. The IDF withdraws grounds forces, which are, according to the IDF, “redeployed in defensive positions outside the Gaza Strip.” Shortly before the cease-fire begins, al-Qassam Brigades fires a salvo of rockets, with 1 hitting a house in Bayt Sahur nr. Bethlehem, causing damage but no injuries. During the day, the cease-fire holds. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin r.c. in the morning. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/5; PCHR 8/6)

Additional Islamic Jihad and Hamas reps. join the Palestinian delegation in Cairo. Israel sends officials to join the discussions. Israel’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ofer Gendelman says that Israel is willing to agree to the rebuilding of the Gaza Strip in exchange for the disarmament of the armed groups. Meanwhile, Palestinian FM al-Maliki visits the ICC in The Hague to meet with prosecutors concerning evidence of war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza. Al-Maliki tells reporters that he had discussed a timeline with prosecutors for the PA to sign the Rome Statute. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/5)

The IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip by air, land, and sea, killing 64 Palestinians with strikes on approximately 100 targets. Attacks occur before and after a humanitarian cease-fire running from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. local time. The cease-fire is not observed in areas of Rafah where IDF ground troops are targeting and destroying tunnels. Armed Palestinian groups fire rockets over Ashdod and Ashqelon, causing no injuries. Other rockets land nr. the Gaza border, also causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian nr. Tulkarm. The IDF patrols during the day in 2 villages nr. Jericho and al-Bireh. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian man kills an Israeli when he drives an excavator into pedestrians on the sidewalk. Israeli police shoot and kill the driver on the spot and later describe the incident as a “terrorist attack.” In a separate incident, armed Palestinians open fire on an Israeli soldier nr. Hebrew University, injuring him. In Issawiyya, dozens of Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces, causing no serious injuries. At Haram al-Sharif, Israeli security forces enter to escort right-wing Jewish activists out of the area. Clashes break out with Palestinian worshippers, 10 of whom are injured by rubber-coated metal bullets and stun grenades. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/4; PCHR 8/5)

In Cairo, reps. of Israel and Hamas agree to a 72-hour humanitarian cease-fire to begin on 8/5 at 8:00 A.M. local time, with Egyptian officials urging reps. of all sides to attend further talks to negotiate a longer term cease-fire. Reps. of Hamas and Islamic Jihad meet with Egyptian intelligence officials to discuss a plan to end the violence. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, REU 8/4)

U.S. Pres. Obama signs into law a joint res. appropriating $225 m. in supplemental funding for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. The Senate and House previously passed this res. on 8/1 in 2 of the final actions taken before the 2 chambers adjourned for a 1-mo. recess in 8/2014. (AP 8/4; REU 8/5)

The IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip by land, sea, and air, killing 92 Palestinians. In one strike, 10 mbrs. of one Palestinian family in the Rafah area are killed. In another incident, an Israeli air strike on a UN-run school in the s. Gaza Strip kills 10 and wounds 30. Armed Palestinian groups continue firing projectiles into Israel, with al-Qassam Brigades firing 119 rockets and mortar rounds, causing no serious injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian child during clashes nr. Hebron. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Salfit, and al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah at night. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 8/3; PCHR 8/4)

UN Secy.-Gen. Ban denounces the Israeli attack that damages the UN school as a “moral outrage and a criminal act.” State Dept. spokesperson Psaki says in a statement that the U.S. is “appalled by today’s disgraceful shelling” and urges Israel to do more to prevent civilian casualties. The IDF says the strike was targeting Islamic Jihad operatives in the vicinity of the school. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, REU, YA 8/3)

Meanwhile, the IDF confirms that in the incident on 8/1 that led to the breakdown of the cease-fire, the soldier was killed in action rather than kidnapped, as was originally reported, and says that it is preparing for the final stage of the destruction of Hamas’s tunnels. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, REU 8/3)

A delegation of reps. from Hamas and Islamic Jihad arrives in Cairo to prepare for indirect cease-fire talks with Israeli officials, to be mediated by Egyptian and U.S. officials. Israel does not send envoys as scheduled. The Palestinian delegation, joining officials from the PA, presents joint demands for a cease-fire. (HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/3)

The IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip by land, air, and sea, killing 79 Palestinians. In the most deadly incident of the day, an Israeli air strike hits a family home in Nussayrat r.c., killing 11 Palestinians. Armed Palestinian groups fire over 90 projectiles into Israel, with Iron Dome batteries intercepting 17 projectiles. The rocket fire injures 2 Israeli civilians. In the West Bank, armed Palestinians open fire on Israeli settlement Shavei Shomron nr. Nablus, causing no casualties. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin and in Tubas at night. Jewish settlers shoot and injure a Palestinian nr. al-Khadir in the Bethlehem region. (AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/31; PCHR 8/1)

During the day, White House spokesperson Josh Earnest says the shelling of a UN school the previous day is “totally indefensible” and that “it does not appear there is a lot of doubt about whose artillery was involved in this incident.” (AFP, AP, MNA, 7/31)

 In Cairo, a Palestinian delegation including Hamas and Islamic Jihad reps. discuss a ceasefire agreement with Fatah reps. and Egyptian authorities. (AP, HA, JP, MNA, 7/31)

In the evening, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry and UN Secy.-Gen. Ban release a joint statement announcing a 72-hour cease-fire agreed to by all parties, to begin 8/1 at 8:00 A.M. local time. During that time, negotiators from all sides will discuss a longer-term agreement in Cairo. The IDF intends to continue searching for and destroying tunnels during the truce. Also, they call up a further 16,000 reservists. (AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/31)

The IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip by air, land, and sea, killing 132 Palestinians. In one attack, Israeli artillery fire hits an UNRWA school serving as a shelter for the displaced, killing at least 16. Following the attack on the power plant on 7/29, electricity in Gaza City is only available for 2 hours a day and large areas of c. Gaza have no electricity at all. In the West Bank, an armed Palestinian opens fire at IDF troops during a raid in Qublan village nr. Nablus, causing 1 injury. The IDF conducts raids during the day in Hebron and 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nearby, and 1 village nr. Salfit. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/30; PCHR 7/31)

In response to the attack on the UNRWA school, White House dep. press secy. Eric Schultz says that the Obama administration expects “a full, prompt and thorough investigation” into the shelling, but does not mention Israeli strikes in the area. UN Secy.- Gen. Ban condemns the Israeli attack on the UNRWA school “in the strongest possible terms” as “outrageous” and “unjustifiable.” PA Pres. Abbas says in a letter to Ban that Gaza has become a “humanitarian disaster area” and urges the UN to use “all tools available” to “provide relief and help to the Palestinian people.” (AFP, AP, HA, REU, YA 7/30)

Abbas continues talks with officials from Egypt, the U.S., and others, along with Hamas and Islamic Jihad, to work toward a cease-fire. Two Israeli officials visit Cairo for a few hours to discuss proposals for a truce with Egyptian officials. (JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/30)

The IDF launches dozens of air strikes across the Gaza Strip, killing 28 Palestinians and wounding approximately 550. There are fatal strikes in Gaza City, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, Jabaliya, Khan Yunis, and Bayt Lahiya, among others. Palestinians fire dozens of projectiles into Israel, with 1 rocket hitting a house in Ashdod, causing damage. Other targeted towns include Beersheba, Ashqelon, and Sdot Negev in the s., and Rehovot, Yavne, Lod, Ramle, and Gadera in the c. Iron Dome batteries intercept 2 rockets fired at the Jerusalem area and 2 others fall in open areas. A mortar shell injures 2 Israeli soldiers close to the border. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/10; PCHR 7/11)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that attacks will continue to “expand and continue until the fire on our communities is over and the quiet returns.” The PM also tells mbrs. of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Comms. that a cease-fire with Hamas is not on the agenda. Islamic Jihad spokesperson Abu Ahmad says the “factions in Gaza are not going to surrender.” At an emergency meeting of the UNSC in New York, UN Secy.-Gen. Ban says that “it is now more urgent than ever to try to find common ground for a return to calm and a cease-fire understanding,” and that he has been in contact with Israel, the PA, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, the Arab League, the U.S., and the EU. Palestinian UN amb. Riyad Mansour tells the meeting that the international community is obliged to ensure protection of Palestinian civilians, and accuses Israel of violating its responsibility as an occupying power. Israeli UN amb. Ron Prosor says Hamas is “committing a double war crime: targeting Israeli civilians while hiding behind Palestinian civilians.” Pres. Obama telephones PM Netanyahu and tells him that the U.S. is willing to help negotiate a cease-fire. State Dept. spokesperson Psaki says that Kerry has been “reaching out to countries in the region” including Qatar and Egypt, which “can play a role in bringing an end to the rocket fire from Hamas.” (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/10)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 18 rockets into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries except where 2 houses are hit by shrapnel. Two of the rockets are intercepted by Iron Dome missile defense batteries. According to Israeli officials, Hamas activists were involved in this barrage, making it the 1st time the organization has participated in rocket fire since the 11/2012 cease-fire. IDF troops conduct air strikes on 34 targets across the Gaza Strip, hitting training sites of al-Qassam Brigades, Islamic Jihad, and the PRC, and agricultural areas, killing 1, injuring 4, and causing damage. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces shell an open area on the coast, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 1 nearby village at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Israeli settlers attack a Palestinian in Hebron, wounding him. Separately, settlers vandalize 12 olive trees nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces shoot and wound 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets during clashes nr. Haram al-Sharif. The confrontations begin after restrictions are placed on worshippers’ access to the area while right-wing Jewish activists are allowed to enter. (AP, HA, IMEMC, JP, MNA 6/30; PCHR 7/3)

Israeli security forces locate the bodies of the 3 Israeli settler teenagers nr. Hebron, not far from where they were kidnapped (on 6/12) and killed. PM Netanyahu and DM Ya’alon propose that the response to the killing of the teens should include a wave of settlement construction. Netanyahu also addresses the increased tensions in Gaza and s. Israel, saying “either Hamas will stop the rocket fire or we will.” Hamas spokesperson Abu Zuhri says that if Israel attacks Hamas in Gaza, “they will open the gates of hell on themselves,” adding that Hamas does not “want any military confrontation with Israel, but if it will be forced on us it will look like in previous rounds.” Meanwhile, U.S. Pres. Barack Obama issues a statement expressing his condolences to the families of the murdered Israeli youth, calls on Israel and the PA to cooperate to bring the guilty parties to justice, and urges all sides to exercise restraint to prevent further destabilization. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 6/30)

In the Gaza Strip, an Egyptian-brokered truce between Israel and Islamic Jihad is secured. A leader of the Palestinian group, Khaled al-Batsh, writes on Facebook that “intensive Egyptian contacts and efforts” mean a restoration of “the agreement for calm . . . in accordance with understandings reached [on 11/21/12] in Cairo,” a reference to the end of Operation Pillar of Defense. Hamas Dep. FM Ghazi Hamad says that Egypt deliberately ignored the govt. in Gaza and communicated directly with Islamic Jihad, a claim corroborated by an anonymous Egyptian security official. Following the cease-fire, the Popular Resistance Cmte. (PRC) fires 8 rockets into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In response, the Israeli air force conducts air strikes against 4 sites in Rafah and Jabaliya, targeting a PRC training camp and Izzeddin alQassam Brigades sites, causing damage but no injuries, except in Rafah, where 3 civilians are injured. In the West Bank, IDF troops wound 2 Palestinians during a clash with mourners at a funeral in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon; patrols in 3 villages, al-‘Arub r.c. and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron at night. (AFP, HA, MNA, REU, WAFA 13/3; PCHR 3/20)

Israeli science minister Yaakov Peri says that unless Palestinians agree to an extension of peace talks, it would be difficult for Israel to go ahead with a scheduled 4th prisoner release. Israeli FM Lieberman says that “negotiations should be extended to the end of the year at least.” Separately, Israeli authorities approve construction permits for 387 housing units in Ramat Shlomo settlement in East Jerusalem, part of the 1,500 unit-plan approved in 2/2012 by the Jerusalem municipality. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry tells the House Foreign Relations Cmte. that PM Netanyahu’s insistence on a public statement of recognition from the Palestinians of Israel as a Jewish state is “a mistake.” (AIC, AFP 3/13; JP 3/14)

The Israeli cabinet rejects the 12/30 French proposal for a 48-hr. humanitarian truce, complaining that it lacked a mechanism to guarantee enforcement. Damascusbased Hamas leader Khalid Mishal says Hamas will consider any cease-fire proposal that includes a lifting of Israel’s embargo, but in Gaza, Haniyeh states that Hamas would not consider any proposals until Israel halts its attacks and opens Gaza’s border crossings, including Rafah.

In a briefing to Olmert’s security cabinet, Shin Bet head Yuval Diskin states that Hamas’s weapons development facilities have been “completely wiped out” and “Hamas’s ability to govern Gaza has been significantly impaired.” Senior Israeli military sources speaking anonymously state that no major hardened targets remain standing but that Hamas’s military wing, the Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades (IQB), “has to a large extent survived the initial onslaught.”

The IDF continues to mass troops and tanks on the Gaza border, stating explicitly for the 1st time that a ground invasion is likely once wet weather clears. The security cabinet increases the number of reservists activated to more than 9,000.

Israeli actions: The IDF carries out some 60 air strikes, and the Israeli navy shells Gaza from the sea. Among the 66 sites hit by the IDF are Haniyeh’s office, the Tal al-Hawa Mosque in Gaza City (Israel claims it was used as a weapons depot), a major Islamic Jihad weapons depot in Khan Yunis (killing senior Islamic Jihad military cmdr. Amar Abu Ghalula, 3 other Islamic Jihad mbrs.), more tunnels on the Rafah border, at least 8 homes, 1 medical clinic, Hamas posts (including money exchanges). Target areas include Abasan, Bayt Hanun, Gaza City, Jabaliya r.c., Khan Yunis, Nussayrat r.c., Rafah. The estimated Palestinian toll reaches 393 dead, more than 1,900 wounded.

The IDF claims to have destroyed 200 smuggling tunnels since 12/27; a Palestinian source in Rafah says the Israelis seem to know which tunnels are commercial and which are used by Hamas, and have been selectively targeting Hamas tunnels.

Palestinian actions: Palestinians fire 49 rockets, 15 mortars into Israel, causing no serious injuries; 4 longer-range rockets land in Beersheba, 25 mi. n. of the Gaza border, 1 of which hits an empty school, causing significant damage to 1 room.

Humanitarian notes: Israel allows 93 truckloads of food, medicine into Gaza. UNRWA issues a $34-m. emergency appeal for additional food, medical, and reconstruction aid for Gaza in the wake of OCL; the appeal is in addition to a $275-m. emergency appeal for the West Bank and Gaza for 2009 issued earlier in the month. UNRWA Commissioner-Gen. Karen AbuZayd, warning of the dire conditions in Gaza (where she currently is based), states that for the first time in her 8 yrs. with UNRWA she has begun to see Palestinians begging on the streets of Gaza.

Of note: Residents in Egyptian Rafah report a heavy military, border police, and plain-clothed intelligence presence on the Egyptian side of the border, which Egypt has declared a closed military zone, preventing demonstrations, keeping journalists away, and preventing breeches of the Rafah border from either direction. (AFP, AP, BBC, Canadian Broadcasting Center, FT, IDF, IFM, JP, REU, UNIS, UNOSAT, XIN 12/31; IDF, JP, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 1/1; WT 1/2; IDF, Sabah 1/3; WP 1/4; IFM, PCHR 1/8; NYT 1/11)

In the West Bank, observers report that Palestinian sympathy for Hamas is growing, even though overall public reaction to OCL has been muted, largely because PA security forces have been breaking up explicitly pro-Hamas demonstrations. The IDF conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around Hebron, nr. Nablus. (PCHR, WP 1/1)

Overnight, the IDF demolishes the Palestinian home nr. Dayr al-Balah that it says was hiding a tunnel, arresting 4 female residents, bulldozing an additional 2.5 d. of land. Retaliating for IDF attacks on 11/4–5, Hamas and Islamic Jihad mbrs. fire about 35 rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries; the IDF strikes 1 rocketlaunching site in Jabaliya r.c. in n. Gaza, killing 1 Islamic Jihad mbr. and wounding 2 others (including senior cmdr. Issam Ba‘lusha) and 2 bystanders. Hamas officials state that they are in contact with Egypt to restore calm and would observe the ceasefire if Israel halted attacks; Israel says it intends to uphold the truce, but cuts off fuel shipments to Gaza and seals all crossings into the Strip indefinitely as punishment for the rocket fire. In the West Bank, the IDF makes a daytime arrest raid, searches a shop in al-Khadir nr. Bethlehem; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Hebron and nr. Bethlehem, Ramallah. The IDF also demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Silwan in East Jerusalem (displacing 9 Palestinians)— the 1st of 88 Palestinian homes slated for demolition to make way for a “national archeological park”—sparking clashes with local residents that leave 8 injured, 20 under arrest; also demolishes 1 Palestinian home in Shu’fat (displacing 11 Palestinians), a wedding hall in Bayt Hanina. (AFP, HA, XIN 11/5; NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 11/6; HA 11/8; OCHA 11/12; PCHR 11/13; NYT 12/7)

The IDF imposes a closure on Palestinian sections of Hebron and surrounding areas (still in place as of 7/6), conducts arrest raids, house searches targeting Islamic Jihad; also conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Ramallah. Palestinian gunmen fire on a group of Jewish settlers at a hitchhiking post outside Beit Haggai settlement nr. Hebron, killing 1 Jewish settler, wounding 3. Despite the PA’s attempt to ban the gatherings, 100s ofIslamic Jihad mbrs. rally in Ramallah and nearly 1,000 rally in n. Gaza, protesting the IDF’s recent crackdown on its mbrs. and stating that it has no intention of abandoning the unofficial cease-fire. In Gaza, Islamic Jihad fires mortars at several Jewish settlements, causing damage but no injuries. (AFP, IMEMC, JTA 6/24; NYT, WP 6/25; HA, XIN 6/26; PRCS 6/27; JP 6/27 in WNC 6/28; OCHA, PR 6/29; PHRC 6/30)

In Nottingham, England, the Anglican Consultative Council, the global policymaking arm of the 77 million–mbr. Anglican Church, unanimously approves a statement urging the church’s 38 “provinces” to consider divestment fr. companies that bolster the Israeli occupation, as well as “investment strategies that support the infrastructure of a future Palestinian state.” (Religion News Service 6/24; NYT, WT 6/25; JP 6/26 in WNC 6/27; PR 6/29)

Israel announces that the IDF will resume targeting Islamic Jihad mbrs. for assassination. The PA warns that the move could rupture the unofficial cease-fire, but Israel argues that the targeting would still be in line with truce provisions, which it claims allow Israel to defend itself against imminent attack if the PA security forces fail to do so; the PA rejects this. Later, the IDF fires missiles at a group of Islamic Jihad mbrs. in Bayt Lahiya in an apparent assassination attempt. The IDF also conducts major arrest raids, house searches in Balata r.c. and Nablus, clashing with local gunmen, leaving no reported casualties; conducts other arrest raids, house searches in Hebron, nr. Jenin; demolishes 10 Palestinian homes in Jiftlik nr. Jericho; bulldozes 5 d. of land in, fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis; conducts patrols in Kafr Dik nr. Nablus, Tamun nr. Jenin. A Palestinian grabs the gun of an Israeli security guard at the Barkan industrial zone nr. Ariel settlement, shoots and wounds the guard, flees. Palestinian gunmen fire on an IDF outpost nr. Gush Katif, causing damage but no injuries. Palestinian gunmen fire on a building in Balata r.c. where Qurai‘ is giving a speech, detonate a roadside bomb as he and his convoy leave the area; no injuries are reported in either incident, no group claims responsibility. (AFP, HA, WP, WT, XIN 6/22; PCHR 6/23; VOP 6/23 in WNC 6/24; OCHA, PR 6/29; PHRC 6/30)

Overnight, the IDF arrests 52 Islamic Jihad mbrs. in the largest raids against the group in the West Bank since 3/05; half of the mbrs. are arrested in Hebron, others in Jenin, Qalqilya, Ramallah. Minutes before Sharon and Abbas hold their 1st mtg. since the 2/8 Sharm al-Shaykh summit to coordinate disengagement, IDF aircraft fires 2 missiles at a group of Islamic Jihad mbrs. in Bayt Lahiya in what Israeli officials say is a failed attempt to assassinate a wanted Islamic Jihad mbr. The Israel FMin. says that “the message was very clear—that Israel cannot accept the fact that Islamic Jihad, Hamas, and the alAqsa Brigades have weapons.” The PA urges Islamic Jihad, the AMB to abide by the cease-fire. Palestinians fire a mortar at a Jewish settlement in s. Gaza, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF also conducts arrest raids, house searches in Nablus, Qalqilya and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Tulkarm. (AFP, HA, JAZ 6/21; VOP 6/21 in WNC 6/21; Daily Star, HA, NYT, PR, WP, WT 6/22; PCHR, WP, WT 6/23; VOI 6/23 in WNC 6/24; QA 6/27 in WNC 6/28; Jordan Times 7/1)

The Knesset Interior Comm. discusses the civilian aspects of the Or Commission’s 9/1/03 report into the 10/00 riots during which 13 Israeli Palestinians were killed by police (see Peace Monitor in JPS 118; Chronology in JPS 130). Fmr. High Court Justice Theodore Or says that the government has done nothing to implement his comm.’s recommendations (particularly for achieving equal rights for Israeli Palestinians), address the issues raised in the report. (YA 6/21)

The IDF conducts arrest raids in al-Bireh, Ramallah. (PM 6/30; PCHR 7/3)

Fatah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad formally announce cease-fires against all Israelis everywhere for a minimum of 3 mos. The DFLP, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) say they will abide by the truce. Hrs. after the announcement, the IDF begins redeploying fr. Bayt Hanun. (AYM 6/29, AYM, al-Quds, SFR 6/30, AFP, MENA, QA, al-Ra’i 7/1, AYM, MENA, NHR, SFR 7/2, AYM, HA, SFR 7/3, MA 7/4 in WNC 7/10; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/30; PR 7/2; AYM 7/5 in WNC 7/11; MEI 7/11)

Overnight, IDF undercover units raid Yatta, assassinate wanted Hamas mbr. Muhammad Muhr. The IDF also fires tear gas into a girls primary school in Hebron, injuring 10s of children; demolishes a Palestinian home in Nablus, 2 buildings in Rafah refugee camp (r.c.); conducts arrest raids in Bethlehem, Jenin, Rafah (targeting Islamic Jihad). Late in the evening, the IDF sends 40 tanks, helicopters, troops into Gaza City on a mission to demolish 4 Palestinian buildings, 1 of them a home, allegedly containing Hamas metal workshops, leaving at least 11 Palestinians dead, 25 wounded: 3 are bystanders killed when the IDF blows up one building causing the wall of an adjacent structure to collapse on top of them; 3 are PA general intelligence officers killed when the IDF fires rockets at their post; 1 is a Hamas mbr. who detonates a suicide bomb nr. a tank, causing no injuries; 4 are gunmen attempting to hold back the incursion. The IDF also announces plans to build a walled corridor surrounding Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem, linking it to Jerusalem and encircling 10s of Palestinian homes, businesses. The PA begins deploying 10s of unarmed security personnel in Nablus, called the Palestinian Authority–Joint Forces to handle traffic, civilian complaints; the PA says it has not coordinated with Israel regarding the force. (AP, HA, LAW 2/18; HA, MM, NYT, PR, WP, WT 2/19; AFP, al-Quds 2/19 in WNC 2/20; LAW, MM, NYT, PCHR, WT 2/20; MM 2/24; MEI 3/7)

Israeli, PA teams meet with Quartet reps. in London to discuss PA reforms, cease-fire talks, Palestinians’ humanitarian situation, next steps to adoption of the road map plan for resumption of negotiations. The Quartet’s International Task Force for Reform, the donors’ Ad Hoc Liaison Comm. meet on the sidelines. (WP 2/19; NYT 2/20; MEI 2/21; AYM 2/21 in WNC 2/27)

The IDF make arrest raids into several PA-controlled villages in the West Bank, Rafah. In response to the raids, an AMB suicide bomber detonates a device in West Jerusalem, killing 3 Israelis, wounding 40. Arafat immediately strongly condemns the bombing, vows to arrest those behind it, phones local Palestinian leaders and holds a mtg. with the heads of Palestinian factions to urge against such attacks. Sharon, hid inner cabinet discuss taking massive military actions but decide to delay retaliation during Zinni's mission; cancel trilateral security comm. mtgs. for 1 day instead. (AFP, AP, MM 3/21; AKH 3/21 in WNC 3/22; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/22; SA 3/24 in WNC 3/27; MM 3/25; PCHR 3/27)

In Ramallah, Arafat meets with senior PA officials, heads of the nationalist and Islamist groups to urge them to halt attacks targeting Israeli civilians. (Islamic Jihad does not attend.) Some groups (e.g., Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine [DFLP], Hamas) oppose declaring a formal cease-fire unless Israel agrees to take steps in return. (al-Quds 3/22 in WNC 3/25)

Overnight, international leaders press Israel, the PA to show restraint, deescalate tensions in light of the 6/1 suicide bombing. Powell phones Arafat to warn him to declare a cease-fire and immediately arrest Hamas and Islamic Jihad mbrs., or the U.S. would sever all relations with the PLO and would not intervene with Israel to prevent a massive retaliation. German FM Joschka Fischer, in Israel on other matters, races to Ramallah to meet with Arafat, whom he warns to make a statement in is own words calling for a halt to violence or lose all EU political and economic support to the PA. During a heated session, Fischer, UN special coordinator Terje Larsen work with Arafat to draft a statement condemning the bombing and ordering an immediate and unconditional cease-fire, which Arafat reads publicly this morning. (MENA 6/2, AFP, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, MENA 6/3 in WNC 6/4; NYT, WT 6/3; MM, NYT, WP 6/4; WP 6/5; XIN 6/5 in WNC 6/6; al-Ahram [Internet] 6/9; JP, MEI 6/15)

Meanwhile, Sharon holds a 7 hr. mtg. with his security cabinet to discuss how to respond to the 6/1 bombing. According to an anonymous U.S. admin. official, they draw up plans to "carry out a massive, full-force invasion" of PA-controlled territory lasting up to a wk. After Arafat reads his cease-fire call, the security cabinet places its strike plan in reserve but declares that the IDF will resume instigating actions against Palestinians (see 5/22). (NYT, WT 6/3; JT 6/3 in WNC 6/4; MM, NYT, WP 6/4; Interfax 6/4 in WNC 6/5; MM, WP 6/5; al-Ahram [Internet] 6/9; UPI 6/12 JP, MEI 6/15)

The U.S. ambs. to Egypt, Israel, Jordan send an urgent cable to Powell, appealing to him to come to the region to firmly urge against violence, in favor negotiations. Powell says the time is not right. (NYT 7/5)

Meanwhile, 2 Israelis injured in the 6/1 bombing die, bringing the Israeli toll to 18. Nr. the site of the bombing, 100s of Israeli Jews surround a mosque, chanting "Death to Arabs!" stoning the mosque, breaking windows, trapping some 20 worshipers inside, attacking journalists, setting fire to 2 cars outside. Although the situation builds for hrs., Israeli police look on but do not intervene, saying, "We don't have enough manpower, and we won't use tear gas against Jews." Israelis also gather at the disco where the bombing occurred, carrying signs saying, "Enough passivity. We want war." In Jaffa, a mob of Israeli Jews sets fire to a restaurant owned by Israeli Arabs. The IDF tightens internal closures on PA areas, reports only a handful of incidents of sniping at Jewish settlements. Hamas says it will not abide by Arafat's cease-fire. (HA, NYT, WT 6/3; AN 6/3 in WNC 6/4; NYT, WP 6/4; WP 6/5; HA 6/7; al-Ahram [Internet] 6/9; JP, MEI 6/15)

The EU dispatches up to 24 security experts to Bayt Jala, Rafah to monitor the PA's cease-fire compliance. The experts, coordinated by Alistair Crooke, security adviser to EU special envoy Miguel Moratinos. (MA 6/6 in WNC 6/7; NYT 6/8; AFP 6/8 in WNC 6/11; MA 6/11 in WNC 6/12)