The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man, claiming he tried to attack soldiers near the Beit Furik checkpoint. Israeli forces also demolish a home, issue demolition notices for 6 others in al-Nuweimah, and demolish a retaining wall in Bani Na’im. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces demolish part of a Palestinian home in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, Jabalia refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Khan Yunis, and Gaza City, killing at least 107 people, including the director of the Palestinian Information Center in the Gaza Strip Rizq al-Gharabli. In Lebanon, Israeli forces attack Jabel Blat and Khula. Hezbollah says it hit “spy equipment” in Shuba Hills. Anti-tank fire injures 2 Israeli soldiers near Mitzpe Adi. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Homs, killing and injuring several people. In the Red Sea, Houthi forces say they attacked a UK and a U.S. ship with naval missiles. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/6; AJ, AP, AP, HA 2/7)

More than 27,585 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 11,500 children and 7,200 women, and around 66,835 have been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 376 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 95 children. More than 4,417 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 224 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,304 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 103 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah crossing. Israelis block the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, preventing the entry of 132 trucks. UNOCHA says the Israeli evacuation order in Gaza now covers 66% of the area. (AJ, AP, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 2/6; AJ 2/7; UNOCHA 2/8)

Israel’s public defender’s office issues a report based on visits to the Carmel, Damon, and Eshel prisons and the Russian Compound, saying conditions for all prisoners are deteriorating and noting that half of all prisoners have less than 29.5 square feet of space while around 3,400 prisoners are sleeping on mattresses on the floor. The report says that prisoners are experiencing “[i]ntolerable overcrowding; poor sanitary conditions; hygiene problems and infestations; poor ventilations; a lack of basic equipment.” (HA 2/7)

Hamas responds to the Israeli, U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian ceasefire proposal. Hamas official Ghazi Hamad says Hamas is seeking to have as many Palestinian prisoners released as possible.   Hamas also says its response was delayed due to many issues in the proposal being “unclear and ambiguous.” Qatar calls the response “mostly positive.” Israel says it is “thoroughly” evaluating the response. U.S. president Joe Biden calls the Hamas response “a little over the top.” (AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU 2/6; AJ 2/7)

The PA says it will pay civil servants 60% of their December salaries this week as Israel continues to withhold the PA’s tax revenue. (HA, REU 2/6)

The Israeli military opens an investigation into allegation its forces killed Israelis on 10/7/2023. The military also says that it believes that 32 additional captives out of the 136 remaining captives held in Gaza have been killed. Haaretz reports that the Israeli military has begun investigating dozens of incidents in Gaza that are suspected to have violated international law, including killings of civilians and targeting of hospitals, schools, and government institutions. The New York Times releases an investigation showing Israeli soldiers posting videos on social media of themselves gleefully destroying civilian property. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU 2/6; NYT 2/7)

Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz meets with the UN envoy for humanitarian aid to Gaza Sigrid Kaag, saying the UN must find a way to bypass UNRWA in delivering aid. (AJ 2/6)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken meets with Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha, Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo, and later travels to Israel. At a press conference with Al Thani, Blinken says the U.S. will be promoting steps toward a Palestinian state and Israeli normalization deals after the war in Gaza. He also calls the notion that Hezbollah and the Houthi Movement are acting in solidarity with Palestinians “absolutely wrong,” saying their actions are “fundamentally about Iran’s quest for power.” Al Thani says suspending UNRWA funding would “have catastrophic consequences.” (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU 2/6; AJ, NYT 2/7)

The U.S. House of Representatives rejects a standalone bill for $17.6 billion in assistance to Israel, unlike the Senate bill which includes Ukraine, Taiwan, and border funding. President Joe Biden previously said he would veto the House bill. Congressperson Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) calls Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “genocidal maniac.” (HA, NYT, REU 2/6; AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, NYT 2/7)

The ICJ elects Ugandan judge Julia Sebutinde as its vice president for a 3-year period. Sebutinde was the only judge on the 17-member panel to vote against all provisional measures in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel in January. Lebanese judge Nawaf Salam is elected president of the ICJ. (AJ 2/7)

Lebanese foreign minister Abdallah Bou Habib says after a meeting with his French counterpart Stephane Sojourne that he was warned that Israel might launch a war on Lebanon. (AJ 2/6)

Newly elected far-right Argentinian president Javier Milei arrives in Israel, telling Foreign Minister Katz upon his arrival that his plan is to move the Argentinian embassy to East Jerusalem. Milei also meets with President Isaac Herzog. (AJ, AP, HA, HA 2/6; AJ, HA, NYT 2/7)

The regional government of Wallonia in Belgium suspends its 2 ammunition export licenses to Israel. (AJ 2/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort prevent Palestinian farmers from cultivating their land in Atuf. Israeli forces shoot and kill 4 Palestinians during a raid in ‘Azzun; 1 Israeli soldier is injured. Israel later says it has decided to keep the bodies of the Palestinians. Israeli forces also assault a Palestinian man at a checkpoint in Yanoun, seizing his car. Elsewhere, Israeli forces assault Palestinian farmers in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also raid Hebron, assaulting a disabled man. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently disperse a protest in al-Arroub refugee camp, causing tear-gas related injuries. Palestinians protest the killing of Saleh al-Arouri (see below) in Jenin, Hebron, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raze land, uprooting olive trees in Beit Safafa. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Maghazi, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, Nuseirat refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Gaza City, killing at least 207 people, including 5 in the Palestinian Red Crescent Society headquarters at al-Amal Hospital in Khan Yunis where 14,000 people are sheltering. Israeli forces also open fire at civilians at a market in Nuseirat refugee camp, killing a child. 1 Israeli soldier is injured in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces assassinate Hamas political bureau deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri in an airstrike on the Hamas offices in the Dahiyeh suburb of Beirut. 6 other members of Hamas are killed, including al-Qassem Brigades commanders Samir Findi and Azzam al-Aqraa and Hamas members Mahmoud Zaki Shahin, Mohammad Bashasha, Mohammad al-Rayes, and Mohammad Hamoud, and 11 are injured in the strike. In Syria, Israeli forces attack several places near Damascus, causing damage. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/2; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, UNOCHA 1/3; AJ, AJ, HA, HA 1/4)

More than 22,185 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 8,800 children and 6,300 women, and around 57,697 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 317 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 80 children. More than 3,812 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured since 10/7, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 171 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 983 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 12/23, at least 65,000 housing units had been destroyed and 290,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 143 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah and Karim Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossings. (AJ, AJ, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 1/2; AP 1/3)

Lebanese caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati says Israel is trying to pull Lebanon into its war on Gaza by assassinating Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut. Hezbollah says in a statement that it will retaliate. Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh calls the assassination an act of terrorism. Israeli cabinet secretary Yossi Fuchs instructs Israeli ministers not to comment on the assassination. Fatah announced a general strike in the West Bank in response to the assassination. U.S. officials tell Axios that Israel did not notify the Biden administration of the assassination in advance. (AJ, AX, HA 1/2)

The International Committee of the Red Cross condemns Israel’s continued targeting of Palestinian Red Crescent Society facilities in Gaza. (HA 1/2)

The PA calls on Israel to immediately hand over a Palestinian baby that was kidnapped from Gaza by Israeli forces and brought to Israel. An Israeli soldier, who has since been killed in Gaza, told Israeli army radio that he had taken a baby to Israel. A picture of the soldier with a baby in Gaza circulated online. (AJ, AJ 1/2)

Haaretz reports it has received testimonies from Palestinian prisoners in Gilboa Prison who say they have been assaulted, humiliated, and abused by Israeli guards since 10/7. Among other transgressions, Israeli guards have been beating and threatening prisoners who refuse to kiss the Israeli flag. Others said that guards would put 11 prisoners in a cell made to fit 3, and step on their food before allowing them to eat it. (HA 1/2)

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh says Hamas has delivered its position on negotiations to Egypt and Qatar, which is based on a “complete cessation of the [Israeli] aggression.” (REU 1/2)

The Supreme Authority of Palestinian Tribes in the Gaza Strip denounces and rejects an Israeli proposal that would see Palestinian tribes have more political power in Gaza, saying it would create confusion and strife. (AJ, MEE 1/2)

Turkey says it arrested 34 people suspected of being part of a Mossad plot. 15 are later formally arrested by a Turkish court and 8 others are deported. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU 1/2)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s spokesperson Eylon Levy says Israel will defend itself at the ICJ after South Africa triggered proceedings by invoking the Genocide Convention on 12/29. Levy calls the South African accusations “blood libel,” saying “history will judge you, and it will judge you without mercy.” The hearings are scheduled to begin on 1/11 and 1/12. Netanyahu tells families of Israeli captives held by Hamas that Hamas’ ultimatum in negotiations about a ceasefire had “softened a little.” (AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, REU 1/2; REU 1/5)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken speaks with UK foreign secretary David Cameron, discussing the situation in Gaza and in the Red Sea. (HA 1/2)

U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller calls comments by Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir in favor of depopulating Gaza “inflammatory and irresponsible.” Ben-Gvir responds to Miller’s statement saying the U.S. “is our best friend, but first of all we will do what is best for the State of Israel: the migration of hundreds of thousands from Gaza.” French president Emmanuel Macron also tells Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz that the comments are unacceptable. EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borell also condemns Smotrich and Ben-Gvir’s statements. Likud Party MK Moshe Saada tells Channel 14 that those who call for the destruction of all Palestinians in Gaza are right. (AJ, AJ, AX, HA, HA, REU 1/2; AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT 1/3)

U.S. intelligence agencies release a declassified report saying that they believe the Israeli assessment that Hamas and Islamic Jihad used parts of al-Shifa Hospital to operate against Israel was at least partially correct but that captives were moved before Israel stormed the hospital. The New York Times notes that U.S. officials did not provide any visual evidence to back up the assessment. After raiding the hospital Israel changed its claim from the tunnels underneath being a Hamas command center to the tunnels being used by Hamas. (NYT, REU 1/2; HA 1/3)

U.S. senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) says, “Congress must reject that funding [referring to providing billions to Israel]. The taxpayers of the United States must no longer be complicit in destroying the lives of innocent men, women, and children in Gaza.” Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) says Israel has created a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, saying, “Stop bombing Gaza. Resume the cease-fire. Work toward a permanent peace.” (AJ 1/2)

A poll conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute shows that 75% of Israeli Jewish respondents support continuing the same scale of indiscriminate bombing of Gaza, despite U.S. pressure to tone down the assault. (HA, HA 1/2) 

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian who allegedly rammed an Israeli at a checkpoint near Fawwar refugee camp. Israeli forces were also filmed abusing and assaulting a gas station worker in the refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians with baton rounds and arrested 4 others during a raid in Bayt Awa. Israeli forces also issued demolition notices for the family homes of 3 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces on 11/16 near Bayt Jala. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Qalqilya, the Masafer Yatta area, Hebron, and Ramallah. In Gaza, Israeli forces bombed Khan Yunis, Rafah, Jabalia refugee camp, Nuseirat refugee camp, Maghazi, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Dayr al-Balah, killing at least 165 people, including Al-Quds journalist Jabr Abu Hadros and 6 members of his family in Nuseirat refugee camp and former Palestinian minister of awqaf and religious affairs and al-Aqsa Mosque preacher Sheikh Yousef Salameh in Maghazi. Israel also bombed near the Rafah crossing and hit the European Hospital, killing at least 5 people. 2 Israeli soldiers were killed and 13 were injured in combat. In Lebanon, Israel said it attacked several Hezbollah positions. In Syria, Israeli airstrikes killed 23 people, including 5 Syrians and 6 Iraqis, and wounded 18, near the Iraqi border. Israeli forces also bombed near Aleppo. (AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/30; AJ, HA, WAFA 12/31; AJ 1/2)

More than 21,672 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 8,800 children and 6,300 women, and around 56,165 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 312 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 79 children. More than 3,812 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured since 10/7. 168 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 955 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 12/23, at least 65,000 housing units had been destroyed and 290,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. UNOCHA said more than 100,000 people have fled to Rafah in the past few days. UNICEF delivered 600,000 doses of vaccines to Gaza, saying that more than 16,800 infants have missed routine vaccines. UNRWA said 40% of Palestinians in Gaza were at risk of famine. 103 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza. (AJ, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 12/30)

The Gaza Ministry of Health held a press conference saying Palestinians captured by Israeli forces in Gaza were being tortured and held in poor condition. The ministry also said it had been able to reopen the medical facilities al-Arabi Hospital, Patient Friend’s Benevolent Society, Assahaba Medical Complex, al-Helou International Hospital, and several first aid centers. Lastly, it said that 5,300 people in critical condition needed to be evacuated to hospitals outside of Gaza to save their lives. 13 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza are partially functioning, 9 of which are located in the south, the rest are out of service. (AJ, UNOCHA 12/30)

The armed wing of the PFLP, the Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades, released a picture it said showed the body of 1 of the Israeli soldiers held captive in Gaza, saying he was killed by Israeli forces when they tried to rescue him. It was unclear if the soldier was taken captive on 10/7 or during the ongoing ground invasion. (AJ, HA, REU 12/30)

The PA foreign ministry said Israel was targeting UNRWA to expel the agency from Gaza. (AJ 12/30)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a press conference that the border zone between Egypt and Gaza, known as the Philadelphi Corridor, must be under Israeli control. Netanyahu also said Israel will attack Iran if Hezbollah expands its attacks on Israel. Ynet reported that Israel wants an underground wall along the Gaza border with Egypt. Netanyahu reportedly invited Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and war cabinet member Benny Gantz to participate in the press conference, which they declined. PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh said Netanyahu’s plans were “a blatant violation of agreements with Egypt and a termination of all agreements with the PLO,” calling on a unified Palestinian and Arab stance against it. (AJ, HA, REU, REU 12/30; AJ, AJ, WAFA, WAFA 12/31)

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich said Israeli leaders will discuss resettling Palestinians in Gaza after the war. (AJ 12/30)

Israeli forces hacked the broadcast of the radio channel Voice of Palestine, issuing threats to people in Gaza. (WAFA 12/30)

The Wall Street Journal said that by mid-December Israel had dropped 29,000 bombs on Gaza, destroying 70% of homes, making Israel’s attacks “comparable in scale to the most devastating warfare in the modern record.” (AJ, HA 12/30; AJ, WAFA 12/31)

The New York Times reported that the Israeli military was so ill-prepared for Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on 10/7 that soldiers used WhatsApp groups and social media posts to decide where to target. (AJ, NYT 12/30)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man succumbed to injuries sustained from Israeli forces in Nablus on 12/18. Israeli settlers began work on a settler road near Battir. Israeli forces raided 6 money exchange offices in Ramallah, Tulkarm, and Jenin, seizing millions of shekels, killing 1 person and wounding 20 others in Ramallah. Israeli forces also shot and killed a Palestinian man at a checkpoint west of Bethlehem. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished a junkyard near al-Zawiya. 25 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Rujeib, Nablus, Jericho, Hebron, Tubas, Qalqilya, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian after he stabbed and injured 2 Israeli soldiers. Israeli forces later raided the man’s home, arresting 3 members of his family. In Gaza, Israeli forces bombed Beit Lahiya, Nuseirat refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Rafah, Beit Hanun, Dayr al-Balah, and Maghazi, killing 210 people, including 30 in a building in Beit Lahiya. 3 Israeli soldiers were killed in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces attacked Shebaa Farms, Rashaya al-Fakhar, and al-Khaim, saying 12 missiles were fired at Israel. In Syria, Israeli forces attacked sites near Damascus and Tel al-Sahn, reportedly killing 11 members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps at an airport. In the Red Sea, the U.S. said it shot down a drone and a ballistic missile fired from Yemen. (AJ 12/27; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/28; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, WAFA 12/29)

More than 21,320 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 8,800 children and 6,300 women, and around 55,603 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 308 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 79 children. More than 3,812 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured since 10/7. 165 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 898 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 12/23, at least 65,000 housing units had been destroyed and 290,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 76 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing. (AJ, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 12/28)

UNRWA said Gaza was suffering from “catastrophic hunger” with 40% of the population at risk of famine. UN humanitarian aid chief Martin Griffiths said the UN was facing a number of obstacles in delivering aid to Gaza, including a growing list of Israeli-rejected items, 3 layers of inspection, having to use a crossing that is made for pedestrians, constant bombardments, attacks on convoys, and aid workers being displaced and killed. UN high commissioner for human rights Volker Turk called Israel’s usage of military tactics and weapons in the West Bank “extremely troubling” and called on Israel to take steps to end settler violence. Turk’s office released a report that said Israel engaged in sexual violence against Palestinians who have been arrested since 10/7. (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 12/28; AJ, HA 12/29; NYT 1/1)

The Palestine Monetary Authority said Israeli forces raided 6 money exchange companies, seizing large sums of money and arresting staff (see above). It was reported that $2.5 million was stolen from the companies. The authority said Israel sought to undermine confidence in the Palestinian banking sector. Israel said it had declared the exchange companies terrorist organizations before stealing the sums. (AJ, AJ, HA, WAFA 12/28)

Egypt said neither Hamas nor Israel had responded to its ceasefire proposal. (HA 12/28)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled a meeting of the war cabinet that was reportedly set to discuss Israel’s plans for Gaza after the war. The meeting was canceled after opposition to the discussions by members of Netanyahu’s governing coalition. (HA 12/28; AJ 12/29)

Israel claimed that it had used the wrong type of munition, leading to the killing of at least 90 people in Maghazi on 12/24. Israel also said it would not take action against soldiers who killed 3 Israeli captives who had escaped captivity on 12/15, despite saying the incident could have been prevented. (AJ, AJ, NYT 12/28; AJ, HA 12/29)

The Arab League’s legislative body held a special session titled “Supporting Palestine.” (AJ 12/28)

India contributed $2.5 million to UNRWA, bringing its contribution for 2023 to $5 million. (AJ, WAFA 12/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole around 30 cows in ‘Ain al-Hilweh. Israeli settlers also erected a large menorah on Palestinian-owned land in Tal Ma’in in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces raided Jenin for the majority of the day and into 12/13, killing 6 Palestinians, including 4 in a drone strike, and arresting at least 100; 1 ill Palestinian child died in an ambulance that was unable to reach a hospital that was under Israeli siege. Israeli forces also shot and injured 3 Palestinians, including a child, during raids in Ni’lin and Kobar. Israeli forces also demolished 2 agricultural structures in ‘Anata. In addition to the 100 people detained and arrested in Jenin, 50 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, and Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bombed Khan Yunis, Dayr al-Balah, Rafah, Nuseirat refugee camp, and Gaza City, killing at least 217 Palestinians and injuring 455. Israeli forces raided the Kamal Adwan Hospital, arresting 71 medical staffers and bombed an UNRWA school in Beit Hanun; there were reports that medical staff had been shot and killed in the hospital. 10 Israeli soldiers were killed in combat, including 9 in the Shuja’iyya neighborhood of Gaza City. In Lebanon, Israeli forces attacked a site they claimed was used by Hezbollah. Hezbollah said it attacked 2 Israeli military positions. In Syria, Israeli forces attacked several places, saying 3 missiles were fired at the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. In the Red Sea, Israel deployed 4 warships. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/12; AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU 12/13; NYT 12/14)

More than 18,412 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 7,729 children and 5,153 women, and around 50,100 have been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 274 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 70 children. More than 3,387 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured since 10/7. 115 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 600 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 12/3, at least 52,000 housing units had been destroyed and 253,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 60% of all housing units. 107 trucks carrying aid, including fuel, entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing. Israel said it had inspected aid trucks at the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing and the trucks sent to the Rafah crossing in Egypt before entering Gaza. An injured Palestinian and 399 dual nationals were evacuated to Egypt. Israel said it found the bodies of 2 Israeli captives in Gaza, including a soldier and a civilian. The Gaza Ministry of Health said it has document 360,000 cases of infectious diseases in shelters. The WHO said it has recorded cases of meningitis, jaundice, impetigo, chickenpox, and upper respiratory infections. (AJ, AJ, AX, NYT, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 12/12)

The Israeli military released data showing at least 20 out of 115 soldiers killed in Gaza have been killed in friendly fire and in accidents, including 13 that were mistaken for Palestinians. Israel said it believed that 19 of the remaining 135 Hamas-held captives were dead (AJ, HA, HA, YNET 12/12; HA 12/13)

Hamas called on the PA to end its security coordination with Israel, saying Israel does not want a political settlement but to consolidate the occupation. (AJ 12/12)

The UN General Assembly adopted an Egyptian-drafted resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate and unconditional release of all captives with 153 votes in favor, 10 against, and 23 abstentions. Austria, Czechia, Guatemala, Israel, Liberia, Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, and the U.S. voted against the non-binding resolution. Amendments put forward by the U.S. and Austria failed to reach the 2/3 threshold with 84 voting in favor of the U.S. amendment and 89 voting in favor of the Austrian amendment. Hamas welcomed the resolution. U.S. ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the U.S. opposed the “one-sided” resolution because it did not condemn Hamas (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU 12/12; AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, WAFA 12/13)

U.S. president Joe Biden gave a speech at a campaign reception, reiterating narratives that have proven to be false, including that Hamas militants beheaded babies on 10/7 and calling Hamas animals. Biden also said Israel has to strengthen the PA and said Israel was “starting to lose that support [from the EU] by the indiscriminate bombing that takes place” in Gaza. He further complained about Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition partners, naming National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Lastly, he said “I believe, without Israel as a freestanding state, not a Jew in the world is safe,” despite more than a quarter of the world’s Jewry living in the U.S. In response to Biden’s speech, PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh said the U.S. should call for an immediate ceasefire and put forward a comprehensive peace plan. Israeli minister of communications Shlomo Karhi said in response to Biden’s call for a 2-state solution that Israel would not accept a Palestinian state. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU WAFA, White House 12/12; AJ, HA 12/13)

Prime Minister Netanyahu said in a statement that “Gaza will be neither a Hamas-stan nor Fatah-stan.” Netanyahu also told the Israeli Public Broadcasting Cooperation that the Gaza “Strip will be under Israeli military control. After the war, a civilian administration will operate in Gaza and the Strip will be rehabilitated under the leadership of the Gulf states. We will not give in to international pressure.” He added he will not “let Israel repeat the mistake of Oslo.” (AJ, HA 12/12; NYT 12/13)

Haaretz reported that the Israeli military’s Influencing Department was operating a Telegram channel called 72 Virgins – Uncensored where Israelis share footage and videos of Israelis attacking Palestinians and of dead Palestinians. The channel had 5,300 followers. (AJ, HA, HA 12/12)

The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel had begun pumping seawater into the tunnel system under Gaza, citing multiple U.S. officials. (AJ, HA 12/12; HA 12/13)

The World Bank said it expected the Palestinian economy to contract by 3.7% in 2023 and 6% in 2024 due to the impact of the Israeli war on Gaza. The World Bank had expected the economy to grow by 3% in 2024. (AJ 12/12)

The lower house of the Swiss parliament moved to cut the government’s aid to UNRWA. The decision was overturned by the upper house on 12/14 (AJ, HA 12/12; REU 12/13)

German sports brand Puma announced it was ending its sponsorship of the Israeli national soccer team in 2024, saying the move was decided last year and was unrelated to the war on Gaza. BDS activists have targeted Puma for its sponsorship of Israel’s national team since it was announced in 2018. (AJ, WAFA 12/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort assaulted 3 Palestinians in Khallet al-Daba in the Masafer Yatta area and stole their mobile phones. Israeli settlers also vandalized 8 olive trees in Burin. Israeli forces shot and killed 6 Palestinians, including a child, during a raid in al-Fara’a refugee camp. Israeli forces also shot and injured 8 Palestinians, including a child, during raids in Fawwar refugee camp, Kafr Ni’ma, Beit Umar, and Hizma. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrested the deputy director of the Islamic Waqf in Jerusalem, Sheikh Najeh Bkerat, in Dar Salah. Israeli forces also raided Qarawat Bani Hassan, destroying a memorial erected for a Palestinian killed by Israeli forces on 12/2. An Israeli soldier was shot and injured during a raid in Ya’bad. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians heading for the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bombed Jabalia refugee camp, Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Rafah, and Dayr al-Balah, killing around 350 people. Israeli airstrikes targeted the Yaffa Hospital in Dayr al-Balah, Al Amal Hospital in Khan Yunis, and Palestinians queuing for water in Khan Yunis. Rockets were fired at Israel; no damage was reported. 4 Israeli soldiers were killed in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces attacked a military hospital in Ain Ebel, causing damage. Israeli forces also injured 3 Lebanese soldiers in Naqoura. In Syria, Israel said it attacked several targets near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. 4 people were reportedly killed in an airstrike on a car in Madinat al-Baath. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/8; AJ, HA, REU 12/9)

More than 17,487 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 7,729 children and 5,153 women, and around 46,480 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 264 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 68 children. More than 3,387 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured since 10/7. 97 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 12/3, at least 52,000 housing units had been destroyed and 253,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 60% of all housing units. UNRWA said that at least 273 Palestinians sheltering at its shelters have been killed and 966 injured in Israeli attacks since 10/7. Rafah remained the only governate to receive aid. 4 injured Palestinians and 585 foreign nationals were evacuated to Egypt while 13 humanitarian staff and 11 ambulances donated by Turkey entered Gaza. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 12/8; UNOCHA 12/9)

Hamas said an Israeli attempt to free a captive failed, leading to the death of the captive, Israeli solider Sa’ar Baruch. Israel said 2 Israeli soldiers were seriously injured in the rescue attempt. (AJ, HA, NYT, REU 12/8; AJ, HA 12/9)

Al Jazeera said a number of the Palestinians taken by Israeli forces from UN schools in Beit Lahiya on 12/7 and stripped to their underwear were released, while others were taken to a military base in Israel, including Al-Araby Al-Jadeed journalist Diaa al-Kahlout. (AJ, AP, NYT 12/8)

The Israeli Education Ministry ordered school principals in East Jerusalem to suspend Palestinian students who were released as part of the prisoner exchange last week until 2024. (HA 12/8)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant signed an order to place an Israeli settler in administrative detention for attacks on Palestinians. Gallant also spoke with U.S. secretary of defense Lloyd Austin, who urged him to “increase efforts to protect civilians in Gaza, increase delivery of humanitarian assistance, and curb extremist settler violence in the West Bank.” Israel said an Israeli military helicopter killed an Israeli soldier during an attack on a building in Gaza last week. (HA, HA 12/8)

A UN Security Council resolution calling for ceasefire and the unconditional release of the Hamas-held captives was vetoed by the U.S., with the UK abstaining and the remaining 13 members voting in favor. Before the vote, PA UN envoy Riyad Mansour said the objective of the Israeli campaign was to ethnically cleanse Gaza, adding Israeli representatives were publicly admitting it. U.S. UN ambassador Robert Wood said the Hamas attack on 10/7 was the “worst attack on our people” in decades. After the vote Wood explained the veto, calling the resolution imbalanced for not condemning Hamas’ operation on 10/7. UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini said the constant Israeli bombings have made UNRWA’s ability to operate extremely limited. After the vote, Mansour called the U.S. vote a disaster. Hamas called the veto “unethical and inhumane.” Israeli UN ambassador Gilad Erdan thanked the U.S. for “standing firmly by our side.” Human Rights Watch UN director Louis Charbonneau said that the U.S. risks being complicit in Israeli war crimes by continuing to provide weapons and diplomatic cover. Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf called the UK’s abstention “incomprehensible.” (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/8; AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/9)

During an interview with Reuters, PA president Mahmoud Abbas called for an international conference to end the war in Gaza and to create the foundations for a lasting end to the Israeli occupation. Abbas said he was for “peaceful resistance” that led to a 2-state solution with a sovereign Palestinian state in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. Abbas also said he would accept a future election result if Hamas won. Later, Abbas’ office released a statement saying the U.S. veto at the UN Security Council made it complicit in war crimes against Palestinians. (HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 12/8; REU 12/9)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to the PA governing Gaza after Bloomberg News ran an interview with PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh on 12/7, where he said the PA was working with the U.S. in preparation for taking over the governing of Gaza. (AJ, HA 12/8)

French president Emmanuel Macron spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu, urging him to open the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing and calling on Israel to protect civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. (AJ, HA 12/8)

The Arab-Islamic Summit Ministerial Committee met with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken, discussing the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The committee expressed their disappointment with the U.S. veto at the UN Security Council. The committee was represented by foreign ministers from the PA, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt. Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud also met with Blinken separately, calling for a ceasefire. (AJ, HA, NYT, WAFA 12/8; AJ, HA, NYT 12/9)

The Biden administration bypassed congressional review of the sale of 14,000 tank shells to Israel worth $106.5m. The Biden administration had asked Congress to approve the sale of 45,000 shells with the sale of the remaining 31,000 pending congressional approval. (AJ 12/8; AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, REU 12/9)

The European Commission announced that the EU will provide Palestine with at least $135 million in humanitarian aid through 2024. (HA 12/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Burin, assaulting them at gun point and stealing tools, phones, and olive crops. Israeli settlers also raided Qarawat Bani Hassan, opening fire at Palestinians harvesting olives, forcing them to flee. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers uprooted 55 trees using a bulldozer in al-Twana. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinians in Khallet ad-Dabi, causing fractures and bruises on several of them. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian homes in Arab al-Milehat near Jericho. Israeli forces killed 7 Palestinians, including 2 children, during raids in Jenin refugee camp, Qalqilya, and Qalandia refugee camp; 5 of the Palestinians were killed in a drone strike on Jenin refugee camp. Israeli forces also shot and injured 28 Palestinians during raids in Jenin refugee camp and Qalandia refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces razed land and uprooted 25 trees near Beit Umar. 52 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Salfit, Jenin, Tubas, Bayt Awa, and Beit Umar. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli settlers with a military escort also attacked Palestinians in al-Sawana, injuring 3, including 2 with baton rounds and 1 by assault. Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian home in Shaykh Jarrah, displacing 9. Israel also forced a Palestinian family to demolish their own home in Bayt Hanina. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed 756 Palestinians, including the wife, son, daughter, and grandchild of Al Jazeera Gaza bureau chief Wael Dahdouh in an airstrike that was said to be targeting him. Israeli airstrikes also destroyed a bakery in Dayr al-Balah shortly after it received a shipment of flour. Rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage and injuries. In Lebanon, Israeli attacks killed 2 members of Hezbollah, increasing the number of Hezbollah members killed to 40 since 10/7. In Syria, Israeli forces attacked Aleppo International Airport, rendering it out of service, and killed at least 8 and wounded 7 others in a different attack in southwestern Syria. (AJ 10/24; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/25; AJ, AP, AP, AP, WAFA 10/26)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said as of 5 p.m. at least 6,547 Palestinians had been killed, including at least 4,000 women and children, and 17,439 had been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. It is estimated that 1,500 were trapped in rubble. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 102 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 29 children. More than 1,833 have been injured. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals; 5,431 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1.4 million Palestinians, more than half the population in Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. At least 27,781 housing units have been destroyed and 150,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. At least 45% of all housing units have been either destroyed or damaged in Israeli airstrikes. The Committee to Protect Journalists said at least 24 journalists have been killed since 10/7, including 20 Palestinians, 3 Israelis, and 1 Lebanese. The UN said the shortage of fuel was undermining its efforts to help Palestinians in Gaza. Israel told 40,000 Palestinians in Dayr al-Balah and Khan Yunis to evacuate to al-Mawasi. (AJ 10/24; HA, NYT, UNOCHA, WAFA 10/25; AP 10/26)

The Palestinian Federation of Trade Unions said between 9,000 and 9,500 Palestinians from Gaza, employed in Israel, were in Israel on 10/7. 5,000 of them made it to the West Bank, with some 2,000 of them subsequently being arrested by Israel while 1,000 are unaccounted for. A Palestinian worker told Haaretz after he was released from an Israeli detention camp that Palestinians were held in the sun for 2 days without food, while they were blindfolded and their hands were tied. He also said he was beaten and threatened with death during an interrogation. (AJ 10/24; HA 10/25; HA, WAFA 10/26; AJ 10/28)

Oxfam said Israel was using starvation as a weapon of war, saying only 2% of the food that circumstances would have entered Gaza under normal circumstances has been delivered since 10/7 and that 104 trucks of food are needed daily to cover the needs of the population. (AJ 10/25)

Hamas deputy political leader Saleh al-Arouri and Islamic Jihad secretary-general Ziad al-Nakhalah met with Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut. (AJ 10/24; AJ, HA, REU 10/25; HA 10/26)

U.S. president Joe Biden questioned the accuracy of the death toll reported by the Gaza Ministry of Health. Human Rights Watch said the data provided by the ministry is accurate, saying their own investigations are aligned with the ministry’s data. Biden also criticized Israeli settlers for “attacking Palestinians in places that they are entitled to be.” After a call with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a readout of the conversation stated that they discussed a “pathway for a permanent peace.” Newly elected House of Representatives speaker Mike Johnson’s first act as speaker was to bring a pro-Israel resolution to the floor, which passed 412-10, with 6 voting present. The U.S. said it will send 2 Iron Dome batteries and 300 interceptors to Israel. (AJ, REU 10/24; AJ, HA, HA, NYT, NYT 10/25; AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, REU 10/26)

At the UN Security Council, the U.S. and UK vetoed a Russian resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire. China, Gabon, Russia, and the UAE voted for the resolution while the 9 other members abstained. Russia and China vetoed a U.S. resolution calling for “humanitarian pauses.” The UAE also voted against it, while Albania, France, Ecuador, Gabon, Ghana, Japan, Malta, Switzerland, and the UK voted in favor. Brazil and Mozambique abstained. (AJ 10/24; AJ, REU 10/25; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, WAFA 10/26)

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said in a speech that he will not visit Israel as planned and that relations between the 2 states will not improve, calling Israel’s attacks on Gaza “inhumane.” Erdoğan also said Hamas is a liberation group that protects its lands and people.  (AJ 10/24; AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU 10/25; NYT 10/26)

French president Emmanuel Macron met with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who said the 2 discussed the “many, many civilian casualties” that could result from an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza. Macron also met with King Abdullah II of Jordan in Amman. Macron said France will deploy a navy ship to bring aid to Gaza hospitals via Egypt. (AJ 10/24; HA, REU, REU 10/25; AP 10/26)

Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf called UK prime minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer’s refusal to call for a ceasefire “infuriating.” (AJ 10/24)

The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. has asked Israel to hold off on its planned ground invasion of Gaza until the U.S. has bolstered its defenses in Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, and the UAE. Haaretz reported that as of 10/22, 80 U.S. military planes have landed in Israel, Jordan, and Cyprus. (HA 10/24; HA, HA, NYT, REU 10/25)

Axios reported that U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken has asked Qatar to “tone down” Al Jazeera’s rhetoric on the Israeli attacks on Gaza. (AJ 10/24)

Fans of the Scottish soccer club Celtic waived 100s of Palestinian flags during a Champions League match against Atletico Madrid in Glasgow. (AJ 10/24; AJ 10/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces started construction of a settler-only road near Hizma. Israeli forces also razed land in Jalud. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 residential structure and 1 agricultural structure in al-Twana. Israeli forces also demolished an irrigation pool in Bardala. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Dahaysha refugee camp, Awarta, Bayt Ibia, and Bayt Rima. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during a house raid in al-Tur; during the raid, Israeli forces sprayed skunk water on protesters. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya and within 6 nautical miles west of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Israeli forces raided a Palestinian section of the Megiddo Prison, injuring 3 Palestinian prisoners with rubber-coated bullets. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/8; PCHR 6/10)

Fatah and Hamas senior officials were in Cairo for talks with Egypt’s intelligence chief Abbas Kamel. The Hamas delegation included the leader of the politburo Ismail Haniyeh and the Fatah delegation was led by secretary general of the Fatah central committee Jibril Rajoub. The 2 groups were said to be discussing stabilizing the cease-fire between Hamas and Israel, and the reconstruction of Gaza. It was unclear if the Fatah and Hamas delegations were in direct or indirect talks. (ALM, HA, REU 6/8)

Israel’s security cabinet postponed the controversial Flag March, where Israeli right-wingers and settlers provocatively march throughout the Old City of East Jerusalem from 6/10 to 6/15. 6/15 would be 2 days after the new Israeli government is sworn in. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, TOI 6/8; ALM, JP 6/9)

Speaker of the Knesset Yariv Levin announced that the parliament would vote to confirm the new government on 6/13. (AJ, ALM, AP 6/8; HA 6/9)

Haaretz reported that an Israeli spyware company with ties to the Israeli military, Quadream, had sold spyware to Saudi Arabia that can infiltrate iPhones without clicking on a link, which is usually necessary to activate. The spyware enables the operator to view all information in the phone’s storage and use the phone’s microphone to eavesdrop. (HA 6/8)

Israel released 2 Jordanian citizens who had crossed into Israel from Jordan on 5/17. Jordan had earlier complained that its diplomats could not offer legal aid to the 2. (HA 6/8)

Israeli forces conducted air strikes in Syria while using Lebanese air space, reportedly killing 11 people near Homs. Israel also attacked Damascus, but the missiles were said to have been intercepted. (AP, HA, REU 6/8; AJ, FOX 6/9)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry welcomes the Arab League’s expression of support for reviving peace talks made the previous day, describing it as a ‘‘very big step forward.’’ An Israeli official welcomes the development, but says that the framework will not be a starting point for talks. Justice Minister Tzipi Livni says that the Arab League proposal represents encouragement for the Palestinians that they have regional support for a negotiated agreement. PLO Chief Negotiator Saeb Erekat says that the Arab League’s support for land swaps is nothing new. Meanwhile, Israel’s Construction and Housing Minister Uri Ariel says that his party, Bayit Yehudi, will not back a 2013 budget that does not include full funding for West Bank settlement construction projects. (NYT 4/29; MNA, JP 4/30)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF makes an air strike nr. Rafah assassinating Hitham al-Mishal, whom Israel accuses of being a Salafist militant responsible for arms manufacturing. In response, Hamas urges Egypt to ensure that Israel stays committed to the truce deal signed at the end of Operation Pillar of Defense in 11/2012 (see QU 167). Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen twice, once off the central Gaza coast nr. Dayr al-Balah and once off the south Gaza coast nr. Rafah, in the latter case causing damage and 1 injury. IDF forces also make a brief incursion into central Gaza nr. Juhr al-Dikto level land and clear lines of sight along the border fence. In the West Bank, a Palestinian fatally stabs a Jewish settler from Yitzhar at a Tapuach junction bus stop. In retaliation, Jewish settlers riot and attack Palestinians across the West Bank, including blocking roads and throwing stones at passing vehicles. Overall, the Palestinian civil defense report 57 fires across the West Bank caused by settlers, with damage to hundreds of olive and almond trees. In the most serious incident, Jewish settlers from Yitzhar settlement attack a mosque in Urif village and try to set it on fire; and stone a bus carrying Palestinian schoolchildren, injuring 2. The attack on Urif sparks clashes between IDF forces and Palestinians, leaving 4 Palestinians injured. Meanwhile, the IDF patrols in Hebron and 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in Bethlehem and Tulkarm at night. (HA, MNA 4/30; MNA 5/1; PCHR 5/2)

UNRWA estimates that 235,000 Palestinian refugees have been displaced inside Syria during the ongoing civil war. (AP, WAFA 4/30)

Overnight in Gaza, the IDF conducts air strikes heavily damaging the offices of Change and Reform PC mbrs. in Bayt Lahiya (causing no injuries), destroying a bridge linking Nussayrat r.c. with alMughraqa; directs tank fire on a Palestinian truck approaching its position but refusing orders to halt, killing 1 Palestinian, wounding a 2d. During the day, the IDF continues to shell n. Gaza, targeting 2 PA security offices and damaging 4 Palestinian homes; bulldozes 83 d. of Palestinian land nr. Dayr al-Balah, more than 100 d. of land outside al-Qarara; fires on residential areas of Khuza’ nr. the border, wounding a Palestinian woman inside her home. Some 50 Palestinian militants temporarily take over the Rafah crossing, allowing as many as half of the 4,000 Palestinian stranded on the Egyptian side to enter Gaza; Egyptian border police block Palestinians who try to cross fr. Gaza into Egypt. Palestinians fire at least 7 rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, causing damage in 1 incident but no injuries. The IDF conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around Hebron, in Tulkarm; prevents Palestinians under age 45 fr. attending Friday prayers at al-Aqsa mosque. (HA, JP 7/14; NYT, WP 7/15; OCHA 7/19; PCHR 7/20)

Overnight, after Olmert’s security cabinet approves a list of “more significant” Hizballah targets, the IDF makes air strikes on Hizballah sites in s. Beirut and targets the Beirut–Damascus highway (in an attempt to complete an air, sea, and land blockade on Lebanon). During the day, the IDF extends the naval blockade northwards to Tripoli; shells numerous bridges, roads, other civilian infrastructure, especially in s. Beirut; makes air strikes on the building serving as Hizballah’s headquarters and Nasrallah’s residence (destroying it), its al-Nur radio station (missing and hitting an apartment building), and the Beirut airport, a major power plant and a bridge s. of the capital, a PFLP base nr. the Syrian border. At least 8 Lebanese civilians are reported killed (3 in Beirut, 5 in the south), 55 injured during the day, raising the estimated death toll since the start of operations to 66 Lebanese (overwhelmingly civilians), more than 200 wounded. Hizballah continues to fire Katyushas at n. Israel, killing an Israeli woman,her 5-yr.-old grandson in Moshav Meron and injuring as many as 50 Israelis across the Galilee, including in Acre, Carmiel, Kiryat Shimona, Nahariya, Safad. Hizballah also hits an Israeli naval ship 10-mi off the coast nr. Beirut, disabling it, killing 1 Israeli sailor, leaving 3 other sailors missing, raising the comprehensive death toll to 13 Israelis killed (the majority soldiers), around 150 injured (mostly suffering shock). (HA, NYT, WT 7/14; NYT, WP, WT 7/15; NYT, WP 7/16; NYT 7/17, 7/19)