The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters during the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 by live ammunition, 1 minor by a rubber-coated bullet, and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinians near Qalqilya; no injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 3 houses south of Bethlehem. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Tubas and al-‘Izzariya. In East Jerusalem, Israel extended the detention for PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Gheith for another 7 days. Gheith was arrested during a late-night raid on 7/19. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/24; PCHR 7/29)

In Israel, thousands of protesters demonstrated against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu outside of his official residence for the 4th time in a week. Protesters are demanding his resignation over his corruption charges and the government’s handling of the economy. (HA 7/24)

In the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, 1 rocket or mortar fired from Syria damaged 1 house and 1 vehicle in Majdal Shams. According to the Lebanese network Al Mayadeen, the incident was a response to an Israeli drone flying in Syrian territory. Israel subsequently fired missiles from helicopters at 3 different locations in southwestern Syria, injuring 2 and causing damage. (HA, HA, REU, REU 7/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in al-Khadir. Israeli forces raided Jenin, dismantling a PA COVID-19 checkpoint and injuring 1 Palestinian using live ammunition during clashes at Jenin refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces injured 1 Palestinian using live ammunition during clashes at Jalazun refugee camp. Israeli forces seized a Byzantine-era baptismal font from a church in Tuqu‘. Israeli forces also seized 700 dunams (173 acres) of Palestinian-owned land for an Israeli national park near Bethlehem. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Yatta, Bethlehem, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Shu‘fat ad Wadi al-Juz. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen northwest of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of al-Bureij, no injuries were reported. (TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/20; PCHR 7/23)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with the Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukri in Ramallah. (WAFA, WAFA 7/20)

An Israeli court remanded the PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Gheith for 7 days. Governor Gheith was arrested on 7/19; it was the 17th time he has been arrested by Israeli forces since being named governor in 2018. Gheith had previously been released after 2 days but this time his lawyer told Agency French Presse that he is being probed over “planning an act of terrorism.” (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YAHOO 7/20)

Syrian state media reported that Israel fired missiles from Israel-occupied Golan Heights toward Damascus, but that the missiles were intercepted. Israeli media later reported that some missiles had not been intercepted and 5 people had been killed and 11 injured in the attacks. Hezbollah later said that 1 of their members had been killed in attacks. (HA, REU 7/20; HA, HA, JP 7/21; AJ, HA 7/23)

Austria contributed with $8.8 million for UNRWA programs. Separately, the EU donated $4.6 million to UNRWA to help deal with the agency’s COVID-19 response. (WAFA, WAFA 7/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up 1 tent on Palestinian-owned land near Bethlehem. Israeli forces razed land to make way for a settler-only road near Huwwara. Israeli forces also delivered a punitive demolition order for the family house on an alleged assailant in Ya‘bad. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 30 structures and houses in Issawiyya. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, ‘Ayn Yabrud, Kaubar, Baytin, Hebron, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Kafr Aqab. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen northwest of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/6; PCHR 7/9)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh called on Israel to close all crossings to the West Bank to curb the spread of COVID-19. Prime Minister Shtayyeh further stated that Israel was preventing the PA from setting up COVID-19 checkpoints in the West Bank and that the PA would bring the issue to the UN. 1 Palestinian died in the West Bank of COVID-19, bringing the death toll in the West Bank since the outbreak to 20. (HA 7/6)

Israel launched a reconnaissance satellite which will provide Israeli military intelligence advanced imagery. (AJ, REU 7/6)

In the West Bank, PA governors imposed lockdowns of several governates and cities, including Hebron city, Abu Falah village, and Nablus governate for 5 days, and several towns and villages in the Bethlehem governate for 7 days, to curb the spread of COVID-19. Later, the PA said it would impose a 5-day lockdown in the West Bank starting 7/3. Palestinians protested in Ramallah against Israel’s plans to annex parts of the West Bank. Israeli settlers razed land in ‘Ayn Bus and southeast of Qalqilya. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Jalazun refugee camp, Birzeit, Kafr al-Dik, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 house in Jabal Mukabir and 1 residential shack in Issawiyya. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around al-Tur, Silwan and Bayt Hanina. In Gaza, Palestinians in Gaza City protested the planned Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/1)

According to Haaretz sources in Gaza, Hamas’s military wing tested long-range missiles. (HA 7/1)

Israel’s foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi told Israel’s Army Radio that, “[i]t seems unlikely to me that this [announcement of plans for annexation of parts of the West Bank] will happen today . . . I reckon there will be nothing today.” Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously announced that annexation of parts of the West Bank would begin on 7/1. (AJ, HA, REU 7/1)

The Syrian, Russian, and Turkish president issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s attacks on Syria and U.S. president Donald Trump’s decision to recognize the occupied Golan Heights as part of Israel. (AJ, HA 7/1)

In an op-ed in the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, UK prime minister Boris Johnson warned Israel against annexation of parts of the West Bank, saying that it would be a violation of international law and that the “UK will not recognize any changes to the 1967 lines, except those agreed between both parties.” (HA, YNET, REU, WAFA 7/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued to seal and conduct house raids in Ya‘bad for the 5th day in a row after 1 Israeli soldier was killed during a late-night raid on 5/12. Dozens of Palestinians were temporarily detained during the raids. Israeli forces also raided al-‘Arub refugee camp, leading to clashes with Palestinians, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli settlers cut down some 40 olive trees in Nahalin. Israeli settlers also assaulted 1 Palestinian near ‘Aynbus. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi, Dayr al-Balah, and Juhur al-Dik; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/16; PCHR 5/21)

In Syria, 7 people were killed during air strikes in eastern Syria; the perpetrator of the air strikes was not identified. (HA, TOI 5/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 agricultural structure east of Tubas. Israeli forces arrested 10 Palestinians in and around Dura, Qiffin, Nablus, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians during a raid in Kafr ‘Aqab, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also arrested 2 Palestinians in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 5/4; PCHR 5/7)

Syrian state media said the Syrian government had intercepted Israeli missiles targeting a research center and a military base in the Aleppo province. Separately, the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Israel had attacked positions in Dayr al-Zor near the Iraqi border, killing 14 Iranian and Iraqi nationals. (REU 5/4; AJ, HA, HA 5/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers chopped down 40 olive trees in al-Sawiya. 1 Palestinian was arrested at a checkpoint near Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided Issawiyya; during the raid, clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli forces. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi and Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 4/27; WAFA 4/28; PCHR 4/30)

Israel conducted air strikes on Syria in a Damascus suburb from Lebanese air space. Sources differed on the number of people killed, ranging from 3-7 and at least another 4 injured. (AJ, HA, TOI 4/27; JP 4/28)

A U.S. state department spokesperson said that “we are prepared to recognize Israeli actions to extend Israeli sovereignty and the application of Israeli law to areas of the West Bank that the vision foresees as part of the State of Israel.” (AJ, WAFA 4/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up mobile homes in Qaryut. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian shepherds east of Yatta, injuring 1. Israeli forces confiscated 1 bulldozer in Bayt Dajan. (WAFA, WAFA 4/15; PCHR 4/16)

An Israeli drone struck a car carrying members of Hezbollah near the Syrian-Lebanese border in Syria; there were no casualties as the passengers of the car managed to escape before the car was hit. (HA, REU, TOI 4/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed Palestinian-owned land near the villages of Jalud and Qaryut. Israeli forces closed an agricultural road, forced Palestinian farmers to leave their land, and demolished a house under construction south of Tulkarm. Israeli forces also delivered a stop-work notice for a barn south of Hebron. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided several areas of Ramallah, arresting 4 Palestinians and seizing a car. During 1 of the raids, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians, leading to tear-gas related injuries In East Jerusalem. PA security forces entered Kafr ‘Aqab within the Israeli municipal boundaries of Jerusalem, but on the West Bank side of the separation barrier to address friction over a roadblock between residents and members of Fatah to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 1 Palestinian was hit by a bullet from an unknown perpetrator. The PA said it had informed Israeli authorities about the intervention. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Issawiyya; it was reported that several Palestinians were beaten and 1 Palestinian was arrested. Later, 6 other Palestinians were arrested in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/31; PCHR 4/2)

Syrian media reported that Israeli jets fired missiles at targets in western Syria from Lebanese air space, but that the missiles were intercepted. (AJ, HA 3/31)

In the West Bank, PA president Mahmoud Abbas declared a 30-day state of emergency after 7 Palestinians tested positive for the COVID-19 virus in Bethlehem. All churches and mosques in Bethlehem were told to close for at least 2 weeks and all schools, tourist sites, and national parks throughout the West Bank were to be closed for 30 days. Israeli forces carried out 2 punitive demolitions of the homes of 2 alleged Palestinian attackers in Birzeit. Israeli forces also handed a stop-work order for agricultural structures near Qalqilya and demolished a retaining wall for a farm in Ni‘lin. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Jenin, Burin, and Tubas. In Gaza, 10 people were killed and at least 60 were injured by a fire that started in a bakery and spread to a crowded market in Nuseirat refugee camp in the central part of Gaza. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/5; AJ 3/6; PCHR 3/18)

Israel attacked 2 different positions in central and southern Syria. According to Syrian media, 1 person was killed and the attacks were carried out over Lebanese air space. (HA 3/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted some 100 olive trees and some 60 vine trees in Husan. In Beita, clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces erupted when Israeli settlers sought to seize land; dozens of Palestinians were injured, including 2 from live ammunition, 10 from rubber-coated bullets, and more than 50 from tear gas inhalation. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Salfit, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces injured a Palestinian minor in a school yard in Issawiyya using rubber-coated bullets, fracturing the boy’s arm. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/2; HA, PCHR 3/5)

In Syria, Israeli jets struck a vehicle in Qunaytra. The Israeli army claimed that it was responding to sniper fire. (HA 3/2)

Israel held its general elections for the 3d time in less than a year. Neither of the 2 coalition blocs managed to get an outright majority. Avigdor Lieberman’s Yisrael Beitenu won 7 seats and could be the kingmaker. The Arab Joint List received a record 15 seats in the election. (Guardian, HA, HA; 3/4; HA 3/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted some 200 olive trees and 80 vine trees in al-Khadir. Israeli forces demolished 2 residential structures and 2 animal barns south of Hebron; and 1 house and 1 workshop in al-Walaja. 12 Palestinians were arrested in and around Hebron, Jenin, Qalqilya, and Ramallah. 1 Fatah official from Jericho was placed in 6-month administrative detention without charges. During a raid in Jenin, Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed; 1 Palestinian was injured by a rubber-coated bullet. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian minor was arrested. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah and al-Maghazi; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/27; PCHR 3/5)

In Syria, an Israeli drone strike killed 1 person near Quneitra. Syrian opposition media reported that the man was a Hezbollah operative, while Syrian state media said he was a local policeman. (HA 2/27)

Japan donated $22.4 million for various UNRWA projects throughout Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. (WAFA 2/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces carried out military drills in the Jordan Valley. During the drill, 3 Palestinian shepherds were arrested. Israeli forces also demolished a house in Hebron, displacing a family of 5. Elsewhere, Israeli forces began construction on a 5-mile-long, settler-only road connecting settlements near Nablus. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest against the U.S. administration’s peace plan in Qalqilya, causing several tear-gas related injuries. 15 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Kafr Qaddum. During 1 raid in Ramallah, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians; 3 Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian-owned home in the Old City partially collapsed due to Israeli excavations there. Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned house in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural land east of Dayr al-Balah and Juhur al-Dik; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/13; PCHR 2/20)

According to Israeli officials, Hamas has informed Israel that it will halt all launchings of rockets and incendiary balloons. The official said that if Hamas keeps its promise, Israel would expand the fishing zone and allow 500 permits for Palestinian businesspeople in Gaza. (HA 2/13)

Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on Syria, killing 7 people near Damascus airport. (HA, WAFA 2/14)

In the West Bank, 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nablus and Bayt Duqqu. During the raid in Bayt Duqqu, clashes erupted between Israeli forces and Palestinians; no injuries were reported. During the raid in Nablus, Israeli forces seized a vehicle and 2 computers. During a different late-night raid in Bayt Umar, Israeli forces seized 1 vehicle, 500 Jordanian Dinars ($700) and 3,500 NIS ($1,000). Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian vehicles traveling near the Homesh settlement, causing damage to 25 vehicles and injuries to Palestinians from shattered glass. Israeli settlers also attacked 2 Israeli police officers disguised as Palestinian technicians at the Bat Ayin settlement. The 2 settlers were arrested by the Israeli police officers. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 12/31; HA 1/1; PCHR 1/2)

In Baghdad, Iraqi protesters attacked the U.S. embassy after funerals were held for the 25 members of Kata’ib Hezbollah who were killed in U.S. airstrikes in Iraq and Syria on 12/29. Protesters managed to enter the embassy compound and ignited several fires. It was reported that the U.S. ambassador and staff were evacuated from the embassy before the protesters entered the compound. U.S. forces remained inside the embassy throughout the attack. According to an Associated Press reporter, a loudspeaker urged the protesters to leave, saying “the message was delivered.” U.S. president Donald Trump said in a tweet that Iran orchestrated the attack on the U.S. embassy in Iraq and that he holds Iran “fully responsible.” As the events were unfolding, U.S. secretary of defense Mark Esper said that the U.S. was deploying some 750 additional troops to the Middle East. (AJ, AJ, AP, CNN, Guardian, HA, HA, REU, WP 12/31; HA 1/1)

In the West Bank, clashes erupted between Israeli forces and Palestinians when Israeli settlers toured Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus; 1 Palestinian was hospitalized after being hit by a rubber-coated bullet, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 6 Palestinians were arrested including 5 during late-night raids in Hebron, Taqqua, and al-‘Arub refugee camp; 1 was arrested at a military checkpoint near al-Khadir. Israeli forces delivered a stop-work order for a Palestinian-owned house near Tubas. In East Jerusalem, 15 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Off the shore of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 12/29; PCHR 1/2)

Israel notified 6 Palestinians living in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Issawiyya that Israel intends to use a British Mandate-era emergency regulation to place them under nighttime curfew for several months. (HA 12/30)

8 Palestinian and Arab banks signed a memorandum of understanding with the Jerusalem District Electricity Company (JDECO) for a loan to facilitate an end to the power cuts that have affected thousands of Palestinians since 12/15. The Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) began to cut power for several major cities in the West Bank because the JDECO had accumulated too much debt to the IEC due to a fiscal crisis. The JDECO is a Palestinian-owned electricity company that relies on the IEC for supplying power to East Jerusalem and the West Bank. (WAFA 12/29)

In a statement, Hamas’s interior ministry accused the PA of providing information to Israel that aided the Israeli assassination of PIJ commander Baha Abu al-Ata on 11/12. The statement also said that Hamas had arrested a PA intelligence cell which had allegedly collected the information given to Israel. (HA 12/29)

The Israeli security cabinet approved a request made by defense minister Naftali Bennett to withhold $43 million of the PA tax revenue collected by Israel from the PA. According to the defense ministry, the $43 million represents payments transferred from the Israeli government to Israeli families who were victims of Palestinian attacks. (HA, REU, WAFA 12/29; WAFA, WAFA 12/30)

The U.S. conducted 3 airstrikes in Syria and Iraq against the Kata’ib Hezbollah militia group, killing 25 and injuring 55. U.S. officials said the attack was in response to the killing of a civilian contractor on 12/27 working for the U.S. at a military base in Iraq, officials also warned that “additional actions” may be taken. (AJ 12/29; AJ, HA, HA 12/30)

According to the Iranian media outlet Fars, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard seized a foreign tanker carrying illegal oil south of Larak Island in the Persian Gulf. The reporting did not indicate the nationality of the ship, but 16 Malaysian crew members were arrested. (HA 12/30; AJ 12/31)

In the West Bank, the Israel Electric Corporation cut power for 10s of thousands of Palestinians in Ramallah for 3 hours between 2pm and 5pm. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles driving on a road between Nablus and Qalqilya, causing damage. Israeli settlers also vandalized a number of Palestinian-owned bulldozers in the Jordan Valley by filling their fuel tanks with sand. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Jenin, and Qalandia. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids, including a Fatah official. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands, damaging a municipality truck. In a separate incident, Israeli forces fired tear gas near Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles off the coast of Jabaliya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/15; PCHR 12/19)

The Qatar Fund for Development signed a $20.7 million contribution agreement with the UNRWA for Palestinian refugees in Syria. (WAFA 12/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished a shack and razed 6 dunams (1.4 acres) of agricultural land in Bayt Umar. Palestinians in Hebron observed a general strike protesting Israel’s plans to make a new settlement and closed fruit and vegetable market in the city, announced on 12/1. During a protest march against the settlement, clashes broke out between protesters and Israeli forces, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 11 Palestinians were arrested during 9 late-night raids in and around Hebron, Dura, Ramallah, Jenin, and Tulkarm; and 2 at a flying checkpoint near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers damaged 160 Palestinian-owned cars by slashing tires and houses were defaced by racist graffiti like “Arabs = enemies” in Shu‘fat. A Palestinian family demolished a room in their house in Jabal Mukabir after receiving a demolition order on 12/6. 2 Palestinians were arrested during evening raids in the Old City and Issawiyya. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/9; PCHR 12/12)

Israel’s public security minister Gilad Erdan issued an order banning PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith from conducting any PA-related activity in East Jerusalem, including holding meetings, gatherings, and conferences. Governor Ghaith has been arrested by Israel 7 times since becoming governor in 2018. (HA 12/10)

Austria signed a $2.2 million agreement to fund UNRWA programming in Syria. (WAFA 12/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 2 houses in al-‘Arub refugee camp. 10 Palestinians were arrested during house raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned house in Jabal Mukabir. 15 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA 11/19; PCHR 11/21)

Israel said it had intercepted 4 missiles launched from Syria at the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israel subsequently hit more than 20 targets in Syria, killing 23 people, according to the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. (AJ, HA 11/19; AJ, HA 11/20; HA 11/22)

In a significant departure from previous votes at the UN, Canada voted for a resolution supporting Palestinians’ right to self-determination. Canada has since 2006 voted with Israel and the U.S. or abstained on issues pertaining to Palestine. A Canadian official told Canadian media that the country was sending a message to the U.S. that it does not agree with the U.S. change of policy in stating that it no longer considers Israeli settlements illegal under international law as announced by U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo on 11/18. (CBC, MEMO 11/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 6 Palestinians during raids in and around Tulkarm, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers vandalized 7 Palestinian-owned vehicles in ‘Urif. In northern Gaza, Israel assassinated Baha Abu al-Ata, the commander of Islamic Jihad in Palestine. Several rockets were then fired from Gaza toward Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Subsequently, Israel heavily bombed Gaza, killing at least 10 Palestinians and injuring more than 40. CNN and Al Jazeera reported that their reporters were prevented by Israeli forces from covering the events from near the Gaza fence. Schools in Gaza and much of southern Israel were closed. (AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, JP, NPR, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/12; AJ 11/13; PCHR 11/14)

After assassinating al-Ata, Israel tried to assassinate another member of Islamic Jihad in Palestine, Akram al-Ajouri in Damascus, killing his son instead during an airstrike. Syrian media reported that 2 people were killed and 6 were injured during Israel’s attack. (HA, WAFA 11/12)

The EU high court of justice ruled that the EU states have to identify products from Israeli settlements. The U.S. State Department criticized the ruling, calling it anti-Israel biased and serving the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. (AJ, Guardian, HA, WAFA 11/12; State Department 11/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole olive harvests from Palestinian farmers near Awarta. Elsewhere, in Rujib, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinians harvesting olives. Israeli settlers also flooded Palestinian-owned farmland with sewage discharge in Dayr al-Hatab. Israeli forces detained 12 Palestinians on their way to work in Israel at the Barta‘a crossing. Israeli forces also prevented Palestinian farmers access to their land on the other side of the separation wall near Salfit. In East Jerusalem, 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/27; PCHR 10/31)

U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman attended the opening of the Ariel settlement’s new medical school partly financed by American casino magnate Sheldon Adelson. Ambassador Friedman said at the opening, “A new medical school has opened in Samaria [the West Bank] . . . How many people had ever thought that those words would ever be spoken? We at the State Department are very proud to work so closely with Ariel University, along with other universities in Israel.” (JP, TOI 10/27; HA 10/28)

U.S. president Donald Trump announced that U.S. troops had killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the Idlib province of Syria. (HA 10/27)

In the West Bank, al-Ibrahimi Mosque was closed to Muslim worshipers due to Israeli restrictions during the Jewish Sukkot holidays. Israeli settlers with military escort toured Solomon’s Pool south of Bethlehem, closing the area for Palestinians. Elsewhere, near Nablus, Israeli settlers and military escort toured Joseph’s Tomb, leading to confrontations with Palestinians; 51 Palestinians were injured including 3 by live ammunition, 14 by rubber-coated bullets and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 1 Palestinian was shot after allegedly ramming his car into an undercover Israeli officer’s car in al-Am‘ari refugee camp. Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in Turmus ‘Ayya, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians trying to enter Israel for work near Jenin. 9 Palestinians were arrested, including 8 during raids in al-Am‘ari refugee camp, Jaba, ‘Azun, Anabta, and Bayt Awa; the Palestinian accused of ramming his car into the undercover Israeli officer’s car was also arrested. In East Jerusalem, hundreds of Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians and Palestinian-owned property in Issawiyya; Israeli forces arrested 7 of the perpetrators. Some 400 Israeli settlers also toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire and used water hoses on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles northwest of Gaza City, causing damage but no injuries were reported. (WAFA 10/15; HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/17; PCHR 10/24)

The PA blocked access to some 50 websites to crack down on opposition voices and critique of PA president Mahmoud Abbas. (HA 10/22; MDW 10/23)

In Lebanon, thousands of protesters demonstrated against the Lebanese government’s plans to raise a new tax for WhatsApp calls and for the country’s economic crisis. (AJ, AJ 10/18)

The U.S. and Turkey agreed to a 5-day ceasefire in northern Syria to allow Kurdish fighters to leave the area. (HA 10/17)

In the West Bank, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron. Israeli forces closed al-Ibrahimi Mosque for Palestinians, allowing settlers access throughout the day. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmland; no injuries were reported. (PCHR 10/10)

Turkey and its Syrian rebel allies launched a military operation in northeast Syria attacking Kurdish forces. (HA 10/9; AJ, 10/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers destroyed 3 Palestinian-owned vehicles in Asira. Israeli authorities issued 2 military orders to seize 100 dunams (24.7 acres) of land in Qaryut and Jalud south of Nablus. Israeli forces also raided Bayt Umar, leading to clashes with Palestinians; several suffered tear gas inhalation and 1 vehicle was seized. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested on separate occasions, including 1 after he and his mother were pepper-sprayed by Israeli police near Shu‘fat refugee camp; and 1 at his workplace in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands near the Gaza fence on 2 separate occasions; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/8; PCHR 9/12)

According to the Israeli military, 1 missile was fired from Gaza toward Israel but landed inside of Gaza. A delegation of Egyptian security officials also met with Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine members after days of rocket fire between Gaza and Israel. (HA 9/8)

Hezbollah forces downed an Israeli drone in the Lebanese town of Ramyah. It was also reported that missiles were fired from Syria toward Israel, but they failed to penetrate Israeli territory. (AJ, HA, HA 9/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces closed a major artery connecting Hebron and Bethlehem with central and northern West Bank. Israeli forces also arrested 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Jericho, Tulkarm, and Bethlehem. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Huwwara south of Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan and Issawiyya. In Israel, 1 Palestinian woman was killed and 2 of her relatives were injured when an unknown perpetrator opened fire on them in Jaffa. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/25; HA 8/27; PCHR 8/29)

 Israeli drones were shot down over Beirut in a Hezbollah-dominated neighborhood. 1 of the drones was carrying explosives. A Hezbollah spokesperson denied that Hezbollah had shot down the drones. Lebanon’s prime minister Saad Hariri called the drones an open attack on Lebanon’s sovereignty and an attempt to foment regional tensions. (AJ, AJ, HA 8/25; HA 8/26)

Commenting on Israel’s strikes in Syria on 8/24, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said in a speech that Israel did not hit Iran’s Quds Force but Hezbollah forces, killing 2 Hezbollah members. 1 commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard also denied that Israel had hit the Quds Force. (HA 8/25; HA 8/26)

An Iraqi group claimed that Israel killed 1 of its members in Iraq near the Syrian border in a drone attack. (AJ 8/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces and local residents of Sabastiyya clashed when the Israeli forces raided the town; several Palestinians suffered from tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces also arrested 4 Palestinians in raids in and around Hebron and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Silwan to avoid paying exorbitant fees to the Israeli Jerusalem municipality. Israel also summoned the director of the Islamic Waqf for questioning. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/24; PCHR 8/29)

Israel confirmed that it struck Syria in an attack where 3 were reported killed. Israel said it had attacked the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s elite forces, the Quds Force. (HA 8/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces summoned an 8-year-old girl for interrogation for allegedly harassing Israeli settlers in Hebron. By the Gaza fence, 1 Palestinian was killed after he crossed into Israel and opened fire on 3 Israeli soldiers, injuring all 3. Israeli forces subsequently shelled a Hamas outpost east of Khan Yunis. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire and fired flare bombs at Palestinian fishermen. Israeli forces also opened fire on farmers east of Khan Yunis, damaging a tractor. (AJ, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 8/1)

Israel’s transportation minister and member of Knesset Bezalel Smotrich wrote on Facebook that the approval for 715 housing units in Area C for Palestinians yesterday (7/30) was made “to prevent the establishment of an Arab terror state in the heart of Israel, to protect all of our Land of Israel and develop settlement and sovereignty in all its spaces.” The spokesperson for PA president Mahmoud Abbas, Nabil Abu Rudayna, said of the approval for the Palestinian housing units, “[t]he Palestinian people have the right to build on all of their land occupied in 1967 without the need for a permission from anyone. We will not give any legitimacy to the construction of a single stone in the settlements on our land.” (HA, WAFA, WAFA 7/31)

It was reported that Israel struck targets near Quneitra in Syria; no injuries were reported but there were reports of damage to structures. (HA 8/1)

U.S. president Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner and U.S. special representative for international negotiations Jason Greenblatt met with Jordan’s King Abdullah and Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jordan. According to media reporting, King Abdullah stressed that a 2-state solution must include East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital. (HA 7/31; FOX 8/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 16 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Abu Dis, Ramallah, al-Bireh, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Jenin. 2 Palestinians were injured by Joseph’s Tomb when Israeli settlers with military escort toured the site near Nablus. Also in Burqa near Nablus, Israeli forces handed 2 demolition notices for a house and a park. In Hebron, Israeli forces prevented Palestinians from renovating a house. Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinians in Bayt Umar. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities banned 10 Palestinians from entering Issawiyya for 5 days. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/2; WAFA, WAFA 7/3)

Russia and Syria condemned Israel for its airstrikes on Syrian territory on 6/30, leading to 16 causalities. The Syrian foreign ministry filed a complaint to the United Nations Security Council demanding accountability over the strikes. (AJ, HA 7/2)

Finland, Ireland, Norway, and Germany contributed a total of $24.5 million for the Joint Financing Arrangement which supports PA educational programs. (WAFA 7/2)

In the West Bank, clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli forces in ‘Araqa near Jenin when Israeli forces stormed the village and set up a flying checkpoint. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces halted construction on a road in Battir near Bethlehem and seized vehicles. (WAFA, WAFA 6/30

The Israeli supreme court dismissed an appeal made by Palestinian residents against the demolition order for 16 apartment buildings in Wadi al-Hummus in East Jerusalem. (WAFA 6/30)

Israel released the PA minister for Jerusalem affairs Fadi al-Hadami after arresting him on 6/27. (WAFA 6/30)

U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman and U.S. special representative for international negotiations Jason Greenblatt attended the inauguration ceremony of “Path of the Pilgrims,” an excavation of a large underground archeological site underneath Silwan in East Jerusalem. The excavation is led by the settler organization Elad, the Israeli antiquities authority, and the Nature and Parks Authority. The excavations have been going on for years and residents of Silwan have complained several times about damage to their properties due to the excavations. The presence of the 2 U.S. officials was seen as an implicit recognition of Israeli sovereignty over East Jerusalem by the Trump administration. (HA 6/30; HA, HA 7/2)

According to U.S. special representative for international negotiations Jason Greenblatt, the PA released the man from Hebron who had been arrested on 6/27 after returning to the West Bank from the U.S.-led Peace to Prosperity Bahrain Workshop. (HA 6/30)

Israel conducted air strikes on Syrian territory. According to the Russian foreign ministry, 16 people were killed, including a child. (HA 7/2)

In the West Bank, 10 Palestinians were reported arrested by Israeli forces. In East Jerusalem, clashes between Israeli police and Muslim worshippers erupted after 120 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound on the Israeli-celebrated Jerusalem Day, which included a flag march through the Old City. 1 Palestinian was injured with a head injury after being beaten by Israeli police and others suffered from tear gas inhalation. The march also left much of East Jerusalem closed to Palestinians. 40 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids and throughout the day. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/2)

The Israeli state comptroller criticized the Israeli and Jerusalem authorities for neglecting social services in East Jerusalem such as garbage disposal and street cleaning. The state comptroller also criticized the waiting time for East Jerusalem Palestinians seeking Israeli citizenship. (HA 6/2)

An Israeli police officer was charged with fracturing the leg of a Palestinian citizen of Israel and assaulting 7 others detained at a demonstration in Haifa in 2018. (HA 6/2)

Israel struck targets in Syria for the 2d day in a row. 2 people were reportedly killed and 2 others injured when Israeli missiles hit buildings at a Syrian military base in Homs. (HA 6/3; HA 6/4)

Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said of the still-unannounced U.S. peace plan that Egypt would not accept terms against Palestinian wishes. (HA 6/3)

U.S. president Donald Trump said of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s failure to form a government that he is “not happy” with the outcome and that Israeli politicians “should get their act together.” (HA 6/3)

U.S. special adviser and son-in-law to President Donald Trump Jared Kushner said, when asked if he believed that Palestinians were capable of governing themselves, that “we’ll have to see. The hope is that they, over time, will become capable of governing.” Kushner would also not confirm if the U.S. peace plan includes 2 states. “I do think they should have self-determination. I’m going to leave the details until we come out with the plan.” (AJ 6/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested the father of a Palestinian teen who is alleged to have stabbed 2 Israeli settlers in East Jerusalem before he was killed by Israeli forces. The arrest of the father led to clashes with Palestinians in Ubwin near Ramallah; no injuries were reported. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrested 25 Palestinians in raids throughout the city. (WAFA, WAFA 6/1)

Israeli forces struck targets in southwestern Syria near Quneitra after 2 rockets were fired at the Golan Heights from Syria, 1 hitting a chairlift cable. Different sources reported that between 3 and 10 people were killed in the Israeli strikes on Syria. (HA 6/2; HA, HA 6/3)

The 57 members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation released a joint statement after a meeting in Saudi Arabia calling on countries that have moved their embassy to Jerusalem to reverse their decision as it constitutes “a serious violation of international law and international legitimacy,” according to their statement. (AJ, WAFA 6/1; MDW 6/2)

The EU released a statement saying it is “strongly opposed to Israel’s settlement policy, including in East Jerusalem, which is illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace.” The statement follows Israel’s Housing Ministry’s issuance of tenders for 805 housing units in Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem on 5/29. (HA, WAFA 6/1)