The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man succumbs to injuries sustained from Israeli forces in Qabatiya on 3/30. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian woman during a raid in Susiya in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli settlers also throw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Nablus, causing damage. Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Nablus. Israeli forces also assault Palestinian farmers in the Masafer Yatta area. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolish 2 homes in as-Samu and 2 homes under construction in al-Simiya. Israeli forces also seize a rickshaw in Deir Balut. Meanwhile, Israeli forces raze land near Ya’bad and Arrabah. Israeli forces also arrest 34 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Husa, Battir, Bethlehem, Qalandia, Hizma, Nablus, Madama, Qabalan, Qiffin, ‘Azzun, and Jayyus. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 71 people. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Ainata, Aitaroun, and Blida. Hezbollah forces fire rockets at Nahariya. In Jordan, protesters demonstrate outside of the Israeli embassy in Amman for the 10th day in a row. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/2; AJ, UNOCHA 4/3)

More than 32,916 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,750 children and 8,900 women, and around 75,495 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 446 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 112 children. More than 4,700 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 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 254 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,520 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. U.S. forces airdrop aid over northern Gaza. 158 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. The UN suspends aid movements at night in Gaza, citing risks to aid workers. (AJ, WAFA 4/2; AJ, HA, REU, UNOCHA 4/3; UNOCHA 4/5)

Anera, the second largest humanitarian organization in Gaza, suspends operations following the Israeli attack on World Central Kitchen aid workers on 4/1 that killed 7 people. The UAE suspends its operations in the maritime corridor between Cyprus and Gaza due to the attack. (AJ, AX, HA, REU, WAFA 4/2; AJ 4/3)

140 countries sign letters to the presidents of the UN Security Council and the General Assembly, and UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres supporting Palestine gaining full UN membership. The Security Council would have to approve full membership for Palestine before the General Assembly can vote on approval. U.S. deputy ambassador to the UN Robert Wood says the U.S. position remains that the issue of Palestinian statehood is a final status issue to be decided in talks between Israel and Palestine. (REU 4/2; AJ, AP 4/3)

A ceasefire proposal formulated by Egypt and Qatar is sent to Hamas. (HA 4/3)

The World Bank and the UN release a report saying the damage to Gaza’s infrastructure is estimated at $18.5 billion and that the estimated 26 million tons of rubble caused by Israeli destruction  will take years to remove. (AJ, REU, WAFA 4/2; AJ 4/3)

PA prime minister Mohammad Mustafa addresses the first cabinet meeting of the new government, outlining 3 major priorities: easing the hardship of Palestinians in Gaza, achieving financial stability, and reform of public institutions to make them more productive, accountable, and transparent. Mustafa also speaks with UK foreign secretary David Cameron, Egyptian prime minister Mustafa Madbouly, and Japanese foreign minister Yoko Kamikawa in separate phone calls. PA president Mahmoud Abbas speaks with Jordanian king Abdullah II in a phone call, saying he supports Jordan as external forces are trying to interfere in internal Jordanian affairs, exploiting the situation in Gaza. It is not immediately clear what Abbas is referring to, but it could relate to the more than week-long protests outside of the Israeli embassy in Amman. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/2; WAFA 4/3)

The UN Security Council discusses Israel’s attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on 4/1. The Russian and Iranian ambassadors condemn the attack, as does Secretary-General Guterres who says the “inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel must be respected in all cases in accordance with international law.” The U.S., France, and the UK do not condemn the Israeli attack but say that diplomatic structures should be protected. (AJ, HA, REU 4/2; NYT 4/3)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken meets with French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris. Blinken says the U.S. is in contact with Israel on how to distribute aid in Gaza, adding not enough aid is getting in. (HA 4/2)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan postpones a trip to Saudi Arabia to discuss Saudi-Israeli normalization with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman after he suffers a cracked rib. (AJ, AX, HA 4/2; REU 4/3)

47,800 Americans in Wisconsin vote “uninstructed” in the Democratic primary election, more than the 20,682 votes President Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump by in the state in 2020. Wisconsin is one of several swing states where a campaign to criticize Biden’s policy on Gaza has gathered significant support. (HA 4/2; AJ 4/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers graze their sheep on Palestinian land in al-‘Awja, damaging wheat and barley crops. Israeli settlers also throw stones at Palestinian vehicles and block the road leading to the Huwwara checkpoint. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, causing damage. Israeli settlers also attack a Palestinian home in Khalayl al-Louz. Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians in Huwwara, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolish 6 commercial structures in al-‘Awja and issue a stop-work notice for a home in Deir Balut. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seize a tractor in Qarawat Bani Hassan. Israeli forces also close the entrance to Husan. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 25 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Tubas, Tulkarm, Aqraba, Hebron, and Bethlehem. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Dayr al-Balah, Rafah, Khan Yunis, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 63 people, including 7 aid workers of Palestinian, Polish, American, British, and Australian nationality from World Central Kitchen in Dayr al-Balah. Israeli forces also withdraw from al-Shifa Hospital after a 14-day siege, leaving it completely destroyed; witnesses say that hundreds of bodies are found in and around the hospital. The Gaza Media Office says that 400 Palestinians were killed during the attack on al-Shifa. In the Naqab, Israeli police arrest the sister of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who is an Israeli citizen, in Tel as-Sabi. A drone launched from Iraq damages an Israeli military building in Eliat; no injuries are reported. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq takes responsibility. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Rachaya Al Foukhar. In Jordan, protesters demonstrate near the Israeli embassy in Amman for the ninth day in a row. In Syria, Israeli forces target an Iranian consulate building in Damascus with airstrikes, assassinating Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp senior commander Mohammad Reza Zahedi and killing 11 others. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/1; AJ, AP, AP, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA 4/2; AP, UNOCHA 4/3; NYT 4/4)

More than 32,845 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,750 children and 8,900 women, and around 75,392 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 445 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 112 children. More than 4,700 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 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 254 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,520 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 190 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (AJ, HA, WAFA 4/1; AP, AP, NYT 4/2; UNOCHA, UNOCHA 4/3)

World Central Kitchen (WCK) suspends all operations in Gaza after 7 of its workers are killed in an Israeli airstrike (see above), returning 3 ships docked off the coast of Gaza carrying 240 tons of aid to Cyprus. The organization runs 68 community kitchens in Gaza and has sent some 1,700 truckloads of aid into Gaza. Several investigations into the Israeli bombing of the WCK aid convoy reveal that the 3 vehicles the aid workers were in were targeted in 3 strikes 1.5 miles apart. The 3 vehicles were clearly marked with WCK’s logo on the top of the cars. The Israeli narrative changes several times during the period after the attack, from saying an armed person was traveling with the vehicles to saying the clearly marked vehicles were misidentified. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls the attack “unintended” and “tragic” and says “[t]hese things happen in wartime.” UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese says the Israeli attack was a deliberate effort to starve the population of Gaza. Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese calls Netanyahu, expressing “anger and concern” at the killing of the Australian aid worker. U.S. president Joe Biden says he is “outraged and heartbroken,” adding Israel is not doing enough to protect aid workers. The White House claims that there is no evidence that the aid workers were killed deliberately. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres says 196 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since 10/7/2023. Refugees International president Jeremy Konyndyk calls the attack “a clear war crime.” Hamas labels the attack terrorism. (REU 4/1; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AX, AX, BC, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/2; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, AX, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 4/3; NYT 4/4)

The Israeli Civil Administration announces that it will seize 206.3 dunams (51 acres) of land in Jiftlik, adding it to the settlement council in the Jordan Valley and declare 170 dunams (42 acres) of Palestinian land south of Furaydis near the Etzion settlement bloc as state land. (AJ, PCN, WAFA 4/1; PCN 4/2)

The Knesset passes a law allowing the Israeli government to ban Al Jazeera in Israel in a 71-10 vote. Al Jazeera says Prime Minister Netanyahu, who called it a “terror channel,” is lying about the news organization to justify the killing of its employees. Minister for the development of the Negev (Naqab) and Galilee Yitzhak Wasserlauf calls for the resettlement of Gaza. (AJ, AP, AP, HA, NYT, REU 4/1; AJ 4/2)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas speaks with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken in a phone call, calling on the U.S. to stop the Israeli attacks on Gaza. The 2 also discuss the new PA government. PA ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour calls on the UN Security Council to schedule a vote on full Palestinian membership of the UN in April. The UN General Assembly voted to grant Palestine full membership in 2011 but the decision was never discussed at the Security Council. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 4/1; AP 4/2)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary Blinken hold a virtual meeting with Israeli national security advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, discussing Israel’s planned invasion of Rafah. A joint statement says Israel has agreed to take U.S. concerns into account. Reuters reports that the U.S. considering approving an arms transfer to Israel worth $18 billion, including 25 F-15 fighter jets. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre says the Biden administration is seeking more information from Israel about footage of executions at al-Shifa Hospital. Jean-Pierre also express concern over Israel’s push to ban Al Jazeera. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 4/1; AJ, AP, HA, NYT 4/2; AX 4/3)

At the UN Security Council, France circulates a draft resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, condemning Hamas’ attack on Israel on 10/7/2023, and demanding immediate access for aid into Gaza. (AP 4/2)

Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says Israeli failures in Gaza have led to Israel targeting the Iranian consulate in Damascus, calling for a serious international response. Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi says the attack will not go unanswered. Pakistan and Syria condemn Israel’s attack. Russia requests that the UN Security Council convene on 4/2 to discuss the attack. Axios reports that the U.S. tells Iran that it did not have any involvement in the attack. (AJ, HA, HA, NYT 4/1; AP, AX, HA, REU 4/2; AP, REU 4/3)

Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez tells reporters in Amman that he expects Spain will recognize the State of Palestine by July and that many other countries in the EU would do the same. (AJ, HA, HA, REU 4/2)

Sri Lanka donates $1 million to UNRWA. (WAFA 4/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to vending stalls on Route 90 near Ein al-Beida. Israeli forces close the entrance to Deir Istiya and block a road between Burqa and Sebastia. Israeli forces also arrest 25 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, Christians mark Good Friday while thousands of Christians from the West Bank are prevented from entering the city. Around 125,000 worshippers attend Friday prayers at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Maghazi, Jabalia refugee camp, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 71 people, including 17 people at a police station in Gaza City. Israeli forces continue to raid and besiege al-Shifa Hospital. An Israeli soldier is killed in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces assassinate Hezbollah member Ali Abed Akhsan Naim in an airstrike on Bazouriyeh. Israeli forces also bomb Ayta ash Shab and Meiss Ej Jabal. Hezbollah forces fire missiles at Israeli military positions in Avivim, Metula, and al-Malikiyya. In Jordan, protesters demonstrate outside of the Israeli embassy in Amman for the sixth day in a row. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Aleppo, killing 52 people. A Syrian colonel is assassinated when his booby-trapped car explodes in Damascus. The colonel reportedly had close links to Hezbollah. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/29; AJ, HA 3/30; UNOCHA 4/3)

More than 32,623 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,400 children and 8,900 women, and around 75,092 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 444 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 111 children. More than 4,700 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 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 253 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,520 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 135 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. U.S. and UK forces airdrop aid over northern Gaza. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 3/29; UNOCHA 4/3)

Forensic Architecture says Israel is committing deliberate ecocide in Gaza, adding to the famine. The organization finds that Israel has uprooted most of the orchards in Gaza and systematically targeted agricultural farmlands since 10/7/2023. (FA, GDN 3/29)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas speaks with Bulgarian president Rumen Radev in a phone call, discussing the situation in Palestine. (WAFA 3/29)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will return to ceasefire negotiations. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reportedly pitched to U.S. officials during his visit to Washington D.C. earlier this week that Arab forces are brought to Gaza to defend aid convoys and the jetty the U.S. is planning to build. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, REU 3/29; HA 4/1)

The Washington Post reports that the U.S. has approved the transfer of 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs, 500 MK82 500-pound bombs, and F35-A fighter jets worth $2.5 billion to Israel. The PA foreign ministry issues a statement saying “[d]emanding [Israeli prime minister Benjamin] Netanyahu to stop killing civilians and supplying him with weapons is an unprecedented principled and moral contradiction.” (HA, REU, WP 3/29; AJ, AJ, HA 3/30; AJ 3/31)

The Times of Israel reports that the U.S. has informed the Israeli Finance Ministry that U.S. sanctions on Israeli settlers do not have to be enforced by Israeli banks. The clarification reportedly comes after Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said he would retaliate against the sanctions by further impeding the Palestinian economy. (HA, TOI 3/29)

The Harvard University law school’s student government calls on the university to “divest completely from weapons manufacturers, firms, academic programs, corporations, and all other institutions that aid the ongoing illegal occupation of Palestine and the genocide of Palestinians.” (AJ 3/31)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers burn down a Palestinian home in al-Muarajat. Israeli settlers also try to demolish a home in al-Jiftlik. 3 settlers are injured when gunmen open fire at vehicles near Jericho. Israeli forces shoot and injure 4 Palestinians during a raid in Qalandia refugee camp. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian during a raid in Nablus. Israeli forces arrest 25 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Tulkarm, Jenin, and Salfit. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, Beit Lahiya, Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, and Jabalia refugee camp, killing at least 62 people. Israeli forces also continue the sieges of al-Shifa and al-Amal hospitals, shooting and killing Sawt al-Quds Radio journalist Muhammad Abu Sakhil at al-Shifa. A Palestinian child dies of starvation at the Kamal Adwan Hospital. In Lebanon, Hezbollah forces attack Israeli positions in Kfarchouba. In Jordan, large protests near the Israeli embassy continue for the fifth day in a row. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Damascus, injuring 2. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/28; AP, AP, REU, UNOCHA 3/29)

More than 32,552 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,400 children and 8,900 women, and around 74,980 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 444 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 111 children. More than 4,700 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 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 252 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,520 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. Reuters reports that Israel is delaying visa requests for aid workers, hindering aid efforts. UNICEF says Israel has directly hit 212 schools in airstrikes since 10/7/2023, including 53 that have been completely destroyed. 7 members of Palestinian Red Crescent are released by Israel after being arrested at al-Amal Hospital on 2/9. (AJ, REU, REU, WAFA 3/28; UNOCHA 3/29)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas approves the new government presented to him by prime minister Mohammed Mustafa. The government will be sworn in on 3/31. The PA says Israel is showing “total contempt” for the UN Security Council ceasefire resolution with its continued attacks on Gaza. Abbas meets with Belgian foreign minister Hadja Lahbib. Lahbib says during a tour of West Bank villages “[c]olonization and increasing violence perpetrated by settlers in the West Bank are illegal. They must stop.” (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, REU, WAFA, WAFA 3/28; HA, NYT 3/29)

Hamas deputy political leader Khalil al-Hayya says he is not optimistic about a ceasefire deal in the near future but that Hamas is ready to resume negotiations and ready to show “the greatest level of flexibility for the sake of our people.” Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades leader Mohammed Deif calls on Muslims to “[s]tart marching today, now, not tomorrow, towards Palestine” in a recorded speech. (AJ, AP 3/28)

Islamic Jihad secretary-general Ziyad al-Nakhalah meets with Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran. (AJ 3/28)

Israel claims to have killed Hamas commander Raad Thabet at al-Shifa Hospital, calling him a top 10 commander. The Gaza Media Office says Israeli forces have killed around 200 people on the hospital grounds since 3/18, including 65 members of the civil defense. The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor says Israel has executed 13 children in and around al-Shifa since 3/18. (AJ, HA 3/28)

The ICJ issues new provisional orders against Israel, including ordering Israel to ensure the unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, including food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene and sanitation requirements, and medical supplies. The ICJ also orders Israel to open up more crossings and keep them open for “as long as necessary.” The ICJ says that since the provisional measures were first ordered on 1/26 the situation in Gaza has changed from a risk of famine to the beginning of a famine. The PA and South Africa welcome the new measures. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, REU, REU, WAFA 3/28; AJ, AP 3/29)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells families of Israeli soldiers held captive in Gaza that the Israeli military is preparing to enter Rafah. (AJ 3/28)

U.S. military chairperson of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Charles Brown says the U.S. has not provided Israel with all the weapons they have asked for due to a lack of capacity and not being willing to provide certain types of weapons or ammunition. Politico reports that the Department of Defense is exploring creating a fund for a multinational or Palestinian peacekeeping force in Gaza. (AJ, AP, HA 3/28)

The German bank Berliner Sparkasse freezes the account of the Jewish anti-Zionist group The Jewish Voice for a Just Peace in the Middle East and request a list of its members and their addresses. (AJ 3/28)

France will reportedly pursue legal action against French Israeli soldiers implicated in war crimes in Gaza. (HA 3/28)

Japan says it will resume funding of UNRWA after foreign minister Yoko Kamikawa meets UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini in Tokyo. France says it will provide $32.41 million to UNRWA in 2024. Kuwait donates $2 million to UNRWA. (AJ, HA, REU, REU 3/28; AJ 3/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at homes in Burin. Israeli settlers also raid Duma, threatening Palestinians with evictions. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man in Hebron, claiming he had opened fire at Israeli settlers; no Israelis are injured. Israeli forces also arrest 20 Palestinians during raids in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, Tubas, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Jenin. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Dayr al-Balah, Rafah, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 63 people. In Tel Aviv, Israeli police disperse protesters calling for early elections with water cannons. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Marwahin, Markaba, Wazzani, Tayr Harfa, and Meiss Ej Jabal. Hezbollah forces fire rockets at Israeli forces in Kfarchouba and Ramim. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb 2 sites near Damascus. In Yemen, U.S. and UK forces attack 4 sites in al-Durayhimi. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/16; UNOCHA 3/18)

More than 31,553 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,400 children and 8,900 women, and around 73,546 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 426 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 111 children. More than 4,665 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 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 247 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,476 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 200 tonnes of food aid, equivalent to 10 truckloads, arrive at the coast of Gaza. The aid is delivered in coordination between the charities Open Arms and World Central Kitchen and the UAE. 36 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. France, the U.S., Germany, and Jordan airdrop aid over northern Gaza. The UN Human Rights Office says it has documented at least 26 attacks on aid trucks in Gaza since the middle of January.  (AJ, GDN, HA, NYT, NYT, WAFA 3/16; NYT 3/17; UNOCHA, UNOCHA 3/18)

Palestinian prisoner Juma Abu Ghanima dies at an Israeli hospital after he is found in his cell at the Eshel prison on 3/12, becoming the 14th Palestinian prisoner to die in Israel custody since 10/7/2023 (HA, HA, WAFA 3/16)

The Wall Street Journal reports that the Israeli efforts to expand the buffer zone along the Gaza fence have caused widespread destruction of buildings and that Israel intends it to be more than half a mile wide. The reporting also says that Israeli forces have demolished some 150 homes in order to create a road that cuts Gaza in half. (HA, WSJ 3/16)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas speaks with Qatari emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, discussing the situation in Palestine. (AJ, WAFA 3/16)

Israeli media reports that New Hope party leader Gideon Sa’ar has threatened to leave the unity government if he is not appointed to the war cabinet. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calls on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cancel the Israeli delegation’s trip to Doha for ceasefire negotiations. (AJ, HA 3/16)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken meets with Bahraini prime minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in Manama, discussing their joint efforts to combat Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and ceasefire efforts in Gaza. (HA 3/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault 4 Palestinian children in al-Juwaya in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli settlers also open fire at Palestinians traveling between ‘Asira al-Qibliya and ‘Urif; no injuries are reported. Israeli forces injure a man in a drone strike in Jenin before raiding the city and its refugee camps, uprooting streets and causing damage to homes. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Qusra, others suffer tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during a raid in Qalqilya. Israeli forces also demolish 3 homes in al-Walaja, displacing 16 people. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolish 2 structures in Jalbun and declare the village a closed military zone. Israeli forces also arrest 35 Palestinians during raids in and around Yatta, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Ramallah. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Nuseirat refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah, killing at least 76 people. Israeli forces also fire tank shells at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, causing damage. 10 children die of hunger at al-Shifa and Kamal Adwan hospitals. Al-Awda Hospital in Jabalia refugee camp, the last functional hospital in northern Gaza, suspends operations due to a lack of fuel and medical supplies. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Kafra, killing 2 civilians. Israeli forces also bomb Siddikine, Majdal Zoun, Khreibeh, Ibl al-Saqi, Bint Jbeil, and Ainata. Hezbollah attacks Birkat Risha, Ramtha, and Samaqa in Shebaa Farms. Hamas forces fire rockets at Israeli military bases in Kiryat Shmona. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Damascus, causing damage. (AJ, AJ, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/28; AJ, UNOCHA 2/29)

More than 29,954 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 12,000 children and 7,200 women, and around 70,325 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 404 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 102 children. More than 4,592 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 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 240 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,429 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 112 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (UNOCHA 2/28; UNOCHA 2/29)

Hamas official Basem Naim says there is still a wide gap between the Hamas position and the ceasefire proposal it has received, adding that Hamas’s non-negotiable demands are a final lasting ceasefire and not a pause, a total withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the freedom of movement for Palestinians in Gaza. Political leader Ismail Haniyeh calls on Muslims to march to the Haram al-Sharif compound on the first day of Ramadan. (AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, REU 2/28)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas meets with UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini in Ramallah. Abbas also sends letters to various heads of state rejecting Israel’s post-war plans for Gaza and calling for intervention to save Palestinians in Gaza. Foreign Minister Riad al-Maliki says Palestinian factions will discuss the establishment of a new technocratic PA government during a meeting in Moscow on 2/29 and that he thinks Hamas understands that if the party is included in the technocratic government it would be boycotted internationally. Al-Maliki also says that the resignation of the PA government on 2/26 was done to show the PA’s readiness to engage with international partners on the future of the PA. Al-Maliki also meets UN high commissioner for human rights Volker Turk in Geneva, Switzerland. (AJ, REU, WAFA, WAFA 2/28; HA 2/29)

Israel’s Channel 12 reports that the Israeli war cabinet has removed National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s power to manage the Haram al-Sharif compound and will not severely restrict Muslim worshippers from praying there during Ramadan. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller says that the U.S. encourages Israel to allow Muslim worshippers to enter the Haram al-Sharif compound during Ramadan. Energy Minister Eli Cohen says Israel should not normalize relations with Saudi Arabia if it means the establishment of a Palestinian state. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with UN senior coordinator for humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza Sigrid Kaag, discussing aid deliveries to Gaza. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speaks with U.S. secretary of defense Lloyd Austin, discussing aid to Gaza, Israel, and ceasefire negotiations.  (AJ, HA 2/28; AJ 2/29)

Axios reports that the U.S. is considering airdropping humanitarian aid to Gaza as the Israeli invasion has hindered aid reaching northern Gaza and severely limited the amount that can reach the south. USAID administrator Samantha Power says at the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing that the U.S. has urged Israel to open more crossings to facilitate aid deliveries. Canada says it is considering airdropping aid in Gaza. President of Refugees International Jeremy Konydyk says aid delivered by air is negligible and helps Israel’s strategy of blockading Gaza. CNN reports that the Biden administration is concerned that Israel will invade Lebanon by the end of spring or early in the summer. (AJ, AX 2/28; AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU 2/29)

Qatar and France issue a joint statement calling on Israel to open all crossings to Gaza to allow aid to enter, saying the 2 countries reject the “killing and starvation suffered by the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.” (AJ 2/28)

More than 50 international journalists sign an open letter calling on Egypt and Israel to allow journalists “free and unfettered access to Gaza.” (AJ, HA 2/28; HA 2/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid ‘Asira al-Qibliya, injuring a Palestinian, and attempt to set a house on fire. Israeli settlers also begin construction of a settler road in al-Muarajat. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raid al-Minya, threatening Palestinians. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian, uproot streets, and damage property during a raid in Jenin. Israeli forces also shoot and kill a Palestinian child in ‘Azzun. Elsewhere, Israeli forces issue demolition notices for a house and an agricultural structure in Khillet al-Farra in the Masafer Yatta area. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli authorities force a Palestinian family to demolish their 3-story apartment building in at-Tur, displacing 5 families comprising 23 people. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza City, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 118 people, including 12 at a square in Nuseirat refugee camp, 22 in a home in Nuseirat refugee camp, 25 in a home in Dayr al-Balah, and 2 at a Doctors Without Borders shelter for staff members and their families in Khan Yunis. 8 patients die due to a lack of power and oxygen and 21 people are evacuated from the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Majdal Zoun, killing a woman and a child. Hezbollah militants fire rockets at Israeli military bases in Metila and Matzuva. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Damascus, killing 2 people in an apartment building. In Yemen, U.S. forces attack 4 Houthi-related sites. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/21; AJ, AJ, UNOCHA 2/22; UNOCHA 2/23)

More than 29,313 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 12,000 children and 7,200 women, and around 69,333 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 395 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 101 children. More than 4,528 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 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 235 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,396 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. The UK and Jordan airdrop 4 tons of aid to the Tal al-Hawa Hospital. 50 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 2/21; UNOCHA 2/22)

Khaled Shawish becomes the ninth Palestinian prisoner to die in an Israeli prison since 10/7/2023. 53-year-old Shawish had been imprisoned by Israeli since 2007. 20 lawyers representing Palestinians at the Ofer military court announce a strike, citing poor treatment of Palestinian prisoners and defense lawyers, including beatings of prisoners on their way to court and searches of lawyers entering Israeli facilities. (AJ, WAFA 2/21; HA 2/22)

UNOCHA reports that around 4,000 Palestinians were displaced in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in 2023, including 1,326 from demolition of which 173 were from punitive demolitions, 911 during Israeli military operations which destroyed 220 structures, 1,539 from settler violence, and 200 due to movement restrictions in the Masafer Yatta area. (UNOCHA 2/21)

The Israeli-run Jerusalem District Attorney’s Office announces that it will prosecute the head of the Supreme Islamic Council in Jerusalem Ekrima Sa’id Sabri for incitement to terrorism, saying he visited families of Palestinians who carried out attacks on Israelis in October 2022. (HA 2/21)

Israeli military advocate general Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi issues a warning to Israeli soldiers that “improper conduct” including unjustified use of force, destruction of property, and looting are criminal actions. Tomer-Yerushalmi says her office has “come across cases of improper conduct.” (HA 2/21; AJ 2/22)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh meets with UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Tor Wennesland, EU representative to Palestine Alexandre Stutzman, and World Bank country director for the West Bank and Gaza Stefan Emblad in Ramallah, discussing the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, long-term aid for rebuilding Gaza, and the PA’s financial crisis. (WAFA 2/21)

The Knesset votes 99 to 9 to reject “international dictates regarding a permanent settlement with the Palestinians and the establishment of a Palestinian state.” (AJ, AJ, HA, REU 2/21)

At the third day of the ICJ hearings on the legality of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, the U.S. argues that the ICJ should not order the unconditional withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories without security guarantees. Hungary similarly says the ICJ should not exercise its jurisdiction. Colombia, the Comoros, Cuba, Egypt, the UAE, Russia, France, the Gambia, and Guyana also present arguments. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 2/21; NYT 2/22)

UK House of Commons speaker Lindsay Hoyle breaks with precedent by allowing the Labour Party to introduce its own amendment to a motion introduced by the Scottish National Party (SNP) calling for a ceasefire. The Labour Party amendment waters down the language of the SNP motion, removes language criticizing Israel, and adds language defending its conduct. The Labour motion is adopted after SNP and Conservative Party MPs leave the vote in protest. (AJ, AJ, AP 2/21; AJ, AP 2/22)

The UK High Court of Justice rejects a petition to suspend UK arms exports to Israel. The Guardian reports that the UK is considering suspending arms export licenses to Israel if Israel invades Rafah. (AJ, GDN 2/21)

A video from 2/15 shows U.S. congressman Andy Ogles (R-TN) telling a pro-Palestinian activist that “I think we should kill them all if that makes you feel better. Hamas and the Palestinians have been attacking Israel for 20 years. It is time to pay the piper.” (AJ, HA 2/21)

The Wall Street Journal reports that the U.S. intelligence community has assessed with “low confidence” that some UNRWA staffers took part in Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, suggesting that the U.S. has not seen corroborating evidence. (HA 2/21; AJ 2/22)

The European Broadcasting Union says it is reviewing the lyrics of the Israeli song submitted to the Eurovision contest to examine if it is too political. The song is titled “October Rain” and is about events on 10/7/2023 and its aftermath. The Israeli contestant, Russian Israeli singer Eden Golan, performed in Russian-annexed Crimea in 2016. (HA, NYT 2/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian child near the Tekoa settlement, claiming he had attempted to stab soldiers. Israeli forces also shoot and kill 2 Palestinians during a raid in Dura. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man during a raid in al-Yamun. Israeli forces also shoot and kill a Palestinian child during a raid in Silwad. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian woman during a raid in Nahalin. Israeli forces also assault 3 Palestinians during a raid in Ya’bad. Separately, Israeli forces open fire at the Jenin Governmental Hospital and demolish infrastructure during a raid in Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities force a Palestinian family to demolish their own home in az-Za’ayyem, displacing 6 people. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Jabalia refugee camp, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 215 people, including 45 in airstrikes on 2 buildings in Gaza. Israeli forces also storm a UN shelter in Gaza City, arresting Palestinians. 15 rockets are fired at Tel Aviv, 6 are intercepted; no damage is reported. In Haifa, Israeli forces shoot and kill a person who rammed an Israeli soldier and exited his vehicle with an axe. In Lebanon, Israeli forces kill 2 members of Hezbollah. Hezbollah claims 13 attacks on Israeli military positions, including in Biranit and Zar’it; 2 Israeli soldiers are injured in the attack on Biranit. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb a site near Damascus, killing 7 people. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/29)

More than 26,637 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 10,600 children and 7,200 women, and around 65,387 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 371 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 94 children. More than 4,382 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, 219 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,269 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. 102 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah and Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossings. (UNOCHA, UNOCHA 1/29; UNOCHA 1/30)

Israel orders the evacuation of Shati’ refugee camp and the Gaza City neighborhoods Sheikh Radwan and Tel al-Hawa. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA 1/29)

Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri tells Reuters that Hamas’s position remains that Israel must guarantee that its attacks on Gaza end before Hamas starts releasing Israeli captives. (AJ, HA, REU, REU 1/29)

Palestinian officials say the PA will reform itself to comply with U.S. demands by appointing new governors in the West Bank and Gaza, making changes to the personnel of the PA security forces, appointing new staff at the its foreign consulates and embassies and at ministries, improving the financial system, appointing new directors at public institutions, improving tax collection, opening the communications market, and improving government oversight to combat corruption. Axios reports that senior security officials from the PA, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt met in Riyadh on the 1/18, discussing plans for Gaza after the war and ways to involve a revitalized PA in Gaza. According to the report, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt called on PA general intelligence service director Majed Faraj to ensure that the PA makes serious reforms, including providing more power to a new prime minister. Saudi Arabia is also said to have briefed the other parties on its requirements for normalization with Israel, including practical and irrevocable steps by Israel toward the creation of a Palestinian state. (AX 1/29; HA 1/30)

Shin Bet director Ronen Bar meets with Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel in Cairo, discussing Israeli-Egyptian tensions and Israeli plans to further attack Rafah. (AX 1/29)

The Knesset House Committee hears legal arguments on the motion to expel MK Ofer Cassif from the parliament over his support for the South African genocide case against Israel. 85 MKs have said they support expelling Cassif. If the committee approves the motion to expel, then support from 90 MKs will be required to expel Cassif, who can then appeal to the Supreme Court. (AJ, HA 1/29)

The EU announces it will review its funding of UNRWA after Israeli allegations that members of UNRWA are connected to Hamas. Austria and Romania announce they are suspending funding for UNRWA, becoming the 11th and 12th countries to do so since 1/26. Pakistan calls the suspensions of UNRWA funding “unjustifiable.” 20 human rights organizations, including Oxfam and Save the Children, issue a statement expressing “concern and outrage” over the funding suspensions. Israel claims in an intelligence dossier seen by Reuters that 190 UNRWA employees are Hamas or Islamic Jihad militants, while 10% of all 13,000 UNRWA employees in Gaza have affiliation with 1 of the 2 groups. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/29; HA 1/30)

The UN begins its fact-finding mission to investigate sexual assaults allegedly committed by Hamas members on 10/7/23. UN envoy for sexual violence in conflict Pramila Patten urges potential victims to “break your silence.” (HA, NYT 1/29; AP 1/30)

Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz says he canceled a meeting with UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini, saying “Lazzarini should draw conclusions and resign. Supporters of terrorism are not welcome here.” (AJ, HA 1/29)

Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani meets with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken in Washington D.C., discussing developments in Palestine and a lasting solution to the Palestinian cause, according to a Qatari statement. (AJ, AJ, AX 1/29)

UK foreign secretary David Cameron tells Arab ambassadors in London that the UK, with its allies, is looking at recognizing a Palestinian state to make the path toward Palestinian statehood “irreversible.” (AJ, HA, NYT, WAFA 1/30)

19 U.S. Democrats in the Senate, led by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), send a letter to Secretary Blinken asking for clarification on the bypassing of Congress in sending aid to Israel. (HA 1/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attack 3 Palestinian shepherds with sticks and steal some of their sheep in Rammun. Israeli settlers also assault a Palestinian man in Huwwara. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalize 3 homes in al-Ghazi and Susiya in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces raid the home of a former prisoner in al-Minya, vandalizing it and seizing his car. Israeli forces arrest 22 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Tubas, Bethlehem, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities force a Palestinian family to demolish their own home in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Jabalia refugee camp, Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Beit Lahiya, Rafah, and al-Bureij refugee camp, killing at least 165 people. Israeli forces drop leaflets in Rafah with photos of 69 captives, saying “Want to go home? Provide information if you recognize one of the hostages.” An Israeli soldier is killed in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces assassinate 2 Hezbollah members in a drone strike on Bazouriyeh and bomb a 3-story house in Houla. In Syria, Israeli forces attack Damascus, killing 5 Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps members. In Iraq, a missile attack on the U.S. al-Asad airbase lightly injures U.S. military service member. In Yemen, U.S. forces bomb an anti-ship missile they say was being prepared to be launched. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/20; AJ, AJ, HA, UNOCHA 1/21)

More than 24,927 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 10,600 children and 7,200 women, and around 62,388 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 362 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 91 children. More than 4,310 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, 191 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,178 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 69,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 80 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah and Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossings. (UNOCHA 1/21)

Al-Baidar Organisation for Defending Bedouin Rights says Israeli forces and settlers committed 1,124 crimes against Palestinian Bedouin communities in the West Bank in 2023. (AJ 1/20)

The Popular Resistance Committees in Gaza’s al-Nasser Salah al-Deen Brigades releases a video of an Israeli captive who says he fears for his life. (AJ, HA, HA 1/20)

Hamas political bureau member Musa Abu Marzouk says Hamas is not interested in keeping the Israeli captives held in Gaza, saying Israel will be forced to make a deal agreeing to a prisoner exchange. (AJ 1/20)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterates his opposition to a Palestinian state, saying he “will not compromise on full Israeli security control over the entire area west of Jordan.” In response, PA spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeinah says it is time for the U.S. to recognize the State of Palestine. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 1/20; AJ, NYT 1/21)

The Non-Aligned Movement issues a statement calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the remaining captives and expresses support for the South African case against Israel at the ICJ after a summit held in Kampala, Uganda. In a speech to the Non-Aligned Movement members, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres says the “wholesale destruction of Gaza and the number of civilian casualties caused by the Israeli army in such a short period are totally unprecedented during my mandate,” calling on Israel to end its attacks. PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki addresses the summit, criticizing the international system for not ending the Israeli attacks on Gaza.  (AJ, AP 1/19; AJ, AP, WAFA, WAFA 1/20; WAFA 1/21)

Belgian minister of development cooperation Caroline Gennez says Belgium will “fully support” the ICJ if it “calls on Israel to cease its military campaign in Gaza.” (AJ, WAFA 1/20)

CNN reports that it has found that Israeli forces systematically destroyed cemeteries in Gaza. (AJ 1/20)

The Times reports that Gadi Eisenkot, Benny Gantz, and Ayre Deri could leave Israel’s emergency government if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant continue to ignore their arguments for a ceasefire to bring back the remaining captives held in Gaza. (AJ, LT 1/20)

The Intercept reports that the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) donated $95,000 to House of Representative speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) after he pushed through a $14 billion aid package to Israel. AIPAC donated $104,000 to Johnson in 2023. The aid package is still stuck in the Senate. (AJ 1/20)

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 attacked and injured 2 Palestinians in Deir Istiya. Israeli settlers also stole several cows after Israeli forces arrested the owners of the cows in ‘Ain al-Hilweh. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized 60 olive trees and water pipes in Jalud. Israeli settlers also opened fire at Palestinian farmers near Qaryut. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians, including a child, during raids in Aqabah and Silat al-Harithiya. Israeli forces also raided around 200 homes in Burqa, physically assaulting a woman and causing damage at several houses. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished an agricultural structure in Deir Balut and issued stop-work orders for a school near Yatta. 35 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Jenin, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities forced a Palestinian family to demolish part of their own home in Shu’fat. In Gaza, Israeli forces bombed Khan Yunis, Maghazi, al-Bureij refugee camp, Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza City, and Jabalia refugee camp, killing dozens of people. Israeli forces also struck 50 buildings in al-Bureij refugee camp, Nuseirat refugee camp, and Maghazi between 12/24 and 12/25 and 1 of 2 water pipelines supplying water to southern Gaza. 5 Israeli soldiers were killed in combat. 21 patients were evacuated from al-Ahli Arab Hospital and 13 from al-Shifa Hospital to Khan Yunis. In Lebanon, Hezbollah said it killed an Israeli soldier near Kiryat Shmona. Israeli forces attacked Aita al-Shaab. In Syria, Israeli forces assassinated high-ranking Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Sayyed Razi Mousavi in an airstrike in the Sayyida Zeinab area outside of Damascus. Iran said Israel would “pay the price” for the assassination of Mousavi. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/25; AJ, HA, NYT, REU, UNOCHA 12/26)

More than 20,675 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 8,000 children and 6,200 women, and around 54,500 have been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 296 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 75 children. More than 3,800 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. 148 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 771 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. There was no information about aid deliveries into Gaza. (AJ 12/25; UNOCHA 12/26)

An Israeli-made video of hundreds of Palestinians, including children, stripped to their underwear while being detained in a stadium in Gaza circulated in the media. The footage circulated amid reports that Palestinians have been executed in Israeli detention throughout Gaza. Hamas called on the ICC to hold Israel accountable for its killing and “terrorizing [of] civilians” in Gaza. (AJ 12/25; AJ, UNOCHA 12/26)

Israeli interior minister Moshe Arbel said he will revoke the East Jerusalem residency permit of Majed Juaba, claiming he is a known Hamas operative. (HA, HA 12/25)

Egypt presented a proposal for ending Israel’s assault on Gaza to Israel, Hamas, the U.S., and European governments that would see Israel withdraw from Gaza, all the captives released from Gaza, many Palestinian prisoners freed by Israel, and a united technocratic Palestinian government installed. In the first stage of the plan, all civilian captives would be released over a 7 to 10 day ceasefire period where Palestinian prisoners would also be released. The second stage would see all female soldiers released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners over a weeklong period. In the last stage, Hamas and Israel would negotiate the release of the remaining captives and Palestinian prisoners. Hamas denied reporting from Reuters that it and Islamic Jihad had rejected the proposal. (HA, TOI 12/24; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU 12/25; AJ 12/26)

The PLO Executive Committee met in Ramallah, discussing Israeli efforts to displace Palestinians throughout Palestine. (WAFA 12/26)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, saying there are 3 “prerequisites for peace between Israel and its Palestinian neighbors in Gaza,” the destruction of Hamas, demilitarization of Gaza, including a “temporary security perimeter” around Gaza, and “deradicalization” of Gaza. Netanyahu also visited Israeli soldiers in Gaza. (AJ, NYT 12/25)

MK and former Israeli ambassador to the UN Danny Danon said in an interview that Israel had received inquiries from countries in South America and Africa that are willing to take Palestinian refugees from Gaza in exchange for payment. Danon said “voluntary migration” is natural during and after wars, citing the situation in Syria. In response to Danon’s comments, Prime Minister Netanyahu said he encourages the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza but said Israel has not found countries that will take the displaced. (HA 12/25; HA, HA 12/26)

Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen said he had instructed his ministry to reject the residency permit application and extension of 2 UN staff members, saying the UN “cooperate with the propaganda of the terrorist organization Hamas.” (AJ, AJ, HA 12/25; NYT 12/26)

Ynet reported that the U.S. had rejected an Israeli request for Apache helicopters. Ynet also reported that the U.S. has sent 230 cargo planes and 20 ships loaded with weaponry to Israel since 10/7. (AJ 12/25; AJ 12/26)

Israel’s Channel 12 reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu had ordered Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Mossad Director David Barnea not to meet each other unless Netanyahu is present, saying the ban was related to talks on the release of captives. (AJ, HA 12/25)

U.S. forces attacked alleged Kataib Hezbollah positions in Iraq, killing an Iraqi serviceperson and injuring 18 others. The Iraqi government called the attack “unacceptable.” 3 U.S. soldiers were reportedly injured in an attack by Kataib Hezbollah in Erbil. (HA 12/25; AJ, AP, HA, REU 12/26)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian succumbed to injuries sustained from Israeli forces earlier this week during the 60-hour raid on Jenin. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian homes and set fire to agricultural structures in Arab al-Malihat. Israeli forces killed 5 Palestinians during a raid in Nur Shams refugee camp, including at least 2 in a drone strike. Israeli forces also opened fire at a vehicle in Dura, injuring the driver and his infant. Elsewhere, Israeli forces assaulted a Palestinian in Huwwara. An Israeli soldier was stabbed and injured near the Rantis checkpoint; a Palestinian was later arrested. In Gaza, communications were partially restored in southern Gaza after a telecommunications blackout since 12/14. Israeli forces bombed Jabalia refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Dayr al-Balah, Nuseirat refugee camp, and Rafah, killing hundreds, including at least 90 in 1 airstrike on Jabalia refugee camp, 5 at a UN shelter in Khan Yunis, and 1 in the maternity ward of the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. Israeli forces also shot and killed 31 people inside al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. An Israeli soldier was killed in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces attacked a site Israel said belonged to Hezbollah and Hezbollah attacked military sites in Israel. In Syria, Israeli airstrikes killed 2 people near Damascus. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/17; AJ, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA 12/18)

More than 19,453 Palestinians had been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 7,729 children and 5,153 women, and around 54,000 had been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 290 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 72 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. 129 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 704 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. Israel said 79 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza through the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing. 102 trucks entered via the Rafah crossing. (REU 12/15; AJ, AP, REU, REU, WAFA 12/17; AJ, UNOCHA 12/18)

Israeli military chief of staff Herzl Halevi said Israel had abducted more than 1,000 Palestinians in Gaza, bringing them to Israel. (REU 12/17)

Axios reported that the U.S. has proposed to the PA that it re-activate members of its security forces in Gaza to prepare to take over local security and policing. There were 18,000 PA security force members in Gaza before Hamas took control in 2007 and they have been continued to be paid by the PA since then. (AX 12/17)

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign. (AJ 12/17)

France said Israel had killed a Palestinian man employed at the French Institute in an airstrike on Rafah on 12/13 and called for an “immediate truce.” French foreign minister Catherine Colonna condemned Israeli settler attacks and said “actions will be taken” while visiting al-Mazra’a al-Gharbiya near Ramallah. PA prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with Colonna in Ramallah. The UK and Germany called for a “sustainable” ceasefire, saying too many civilians have been killed in Gaza. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA 12/17)

Pope Francis called Israel’s attacks on Gaza “terrorism.” (AJ, REU, WAFA 12/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole 6 sheep during a raid in Qusra. Israeli forces shot and injured 6 Palestinians during raids in Askar refugee camp, Surif, Dahariya, and Asira ash-Sharmaliya. 28 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Tubas, Dahariya, Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Qalandia. In Gaza, Israeli forces bombed az-Zawayda, Rafah, Khan Yunis, Jabalia refugee camp, and central Gaza, killing more than 297 Palestinians. Israeli forces also opened fire at a Gaza Ministry of Health warehouse, injuring 3 people. 3 Israeli soldiers were killed in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes destroyed 5 homes and damaged others in Aitaroun and attacked areas near Yaroun, Rmeish, and Aita al-Shaab. Hezbollah said it had wounded several Israeli soldiers in attacks on Israel. In Syria, Israeli forces attacked areas around Damascus, causing damage. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/10; AP, HA, NYT, NYT, UNOCHA 12/11)

More than 18,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 7,729 children and 5,153 women, and around 49,300 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 267 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 69 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. 101 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. Around 100 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza. 25 injured Palestinians and 468 dual nationals were evacuated to Egypt. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 12/10)

The Israeli military said 1,593 Israeli soldiers have been wounded since 10/7, including 255 who were in serious condition and 446 who were moderately injured. Of these, 559 were said to have been injured in Gaza. 425 soldiers have been killed since 10/7, including 97 since the ground invasion began. Haaretz said a comparison of numbers between hospital reports and the military reporting showed a significant gap, indicating that the military was underreporting the number of injuries. (HA 12/10)

The Palestinian Prisoners Society said Israel has abducted 142 Palestinian women and children and taken them to prisons in Israel. (AJ, WAFA 12/10)

The Israeli socioeconomic cabinet voted unanimously against lifting the ban on entry for Palestinian workers from the West Bank into Israel. The security cabinet later postponed voting on the recommendation after it became clear that most ministers would vote against allowing Palestinian workers to enter Israel again. Israel is having a labor shortage after expelling all Palestinian workers from Gaza and the West Bank and is expecting thousands of workers from India and Nepal to arrive within 2 weeks. (HA 12/10; HA, HA 12/11)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh told the Doha Forum that the PA’s “main concern is not the day after. It is today. We want the stop of atrocities and genocide that is happening today,” and called for sanctions on Israel. Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi said Israel is trying to “empty Gaza of Palestinians” calling its campaign “genocide.” UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said the UN Security Council was paralyzed due to geopolitical divisions and said he would not give up on a ceasefire. Shtayyeh also met with Algerian foreign minister Ahmed Attaf and Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on the sidelines of the Doha Forum. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/10)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Russian president Vladimir Putin. In an Israeli readout of the conversation, Netanyahu was said to have expressed displeasure with the Russian stance against Israel at the UN. The Russian readout said the main focus of the conversation was the “catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.” Later during a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu thanked the U.S. for providing “important ammunition” for Israel to continue attacking Gaza and for the U.S. veto at the UN Security Council on 12/8. A spokesperson for Netanyahu said that Israel is not seeking to force the Palestinian population to flee Gaza. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU 12/10; HA 12/11)

Egypt and Mauritania invoked UN Resolution 377, prompting UN General Assembly president Dennis Francis to convene a special session of the General Assembly on 12/13. Resolution 377, adopted in 1950, allows the General Assembly to act if the UN Security Council fails to “exercise its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.” (AJ 12/10; AP, REU 12/11)

The WHO executive board approved a resolution calling for the “immediate, sustained, and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief, including the access of medical personnel” to Gaza. (WAFA, WAFA 12/10; AJ 12/11)

UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini said dehumanization of Palestinians allowed the international community to accept the continued Israeli attacks in Gaza. (REU 12/10) 

The New York Times reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu had encouraged Qatari payments to Gaza to keep Hamas as a strong counterweight to the PA as this would lessen pressure on Israel to negotiate a 2-state solution. (NYT 12/10)

The Israeli Finance Ministry said the Israeli budget deficit rose by $4.5 billion in November, citing expenses due to Israel’s war on Gaza. (REU 12/10)

Moroccan protesters in Rabat called on the Moroccan government to cut ties with Israel. (REU 11/10)

Reuters reported that Russian deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bodanov had spoken to officials from Hamas and other Palestinian factions, saying they should release the remaining captives. (REU 12/11)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man succumbed to injuries sustained from Israeli forces in Jenin on 11/9. Israeli settlers shot and injured a Palestinian with live ammunition in Khirbet Tana. Israeli settlers also assaulted Al Jazeera journalist Joseph Handal and vandalized his vehicle near Abu Dis. Israeli forces raided Jenin refugee camp, killing 5 Palestinians in a drone strike and injuring 14 others. The soldiers raided the Ibn Sina Hospital, detaining medical staff for interrogation, uprooted streets with bulldozers, and cut the power to several neighborhoods in Jenin during the attack. Israeli forces also shot and killed 2 Palestinians, claiming they had opened fire on them in Hebron. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shot and injured 5 Palestinians during raids in Kafr Dan and Dahariya. 36 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ni’lin, Hebron, Jalqamus, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces prevented Palestinian worshippers from reaching the Haram al-Sharif compound, including by attacking Palestinians and a Turkish news crew in Wadi al-Juz. Israeli forces also arrested journalist Marwat al-Azza, claiming her social media posts encourage terrorism. In Gaza, the internet was partially restored at the end of the day due to a delivery of fuel. Israeli airstrikes killed at least 40 people in Jabalia refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and Nuseirat refugee camp. Israeli airstrikes also killed several at al-Wafa Hospital, including its director. The number of fatalities was likely much higher since the Gaza Ministry of Health was unable to communicate with hospitals and civil defense members in northern Gaza. Elsewhere, Israeli forces attacked bakeries and wheat mills in the south, leaving only 1 company able to produce flour in Gaza. Al-Shifa Hospital remained under Israeli siege; the number of premature babies that had died at the hospital rose to 4 with a total 40 patients having died at the hospital since 11/16. Rockets were fired at Israel; no injuries were reported. In Lebanon, Israeli attacked several places and shot down a missile that targeted an Israeli drone. 2 anti-tank missiles were fired at Kibbutz Manara, injuring 4. In Syria, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes near Damascus, causing damage. (HA 11/16; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/17; AJ 11/18 HA 11/19)

The Gaza Ministry of Health was not able to update the casualty figures due to a collapse in services and communications at hospitals in northern Gaza, leaving the death toll at 11,479, including 4,630 children and 3,130 women, and around 32,000 injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 3,250 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 198 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 53 children. More than 2,730 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,431 have injured since 10/7. 56 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.61 million Palestinians, around 70% 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 Israel blockade. As of 11/6, at least 40,000 housing units have been destroyed and 220,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 45% of all housing units. 73 injured Palestinians and their family members were evacuated to Egypt for treatment. Around 700 foreign nationals were also evacuated. Aid deliveries to Gaza were suspended due to the blackout of communications. Al-Amal Hospital and the headquarters of the Palestinian Red Crescent said the 2 facilities had not had water or electricity for the past 5 days. (AJ, AP, AP, HA, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 11/17; UNOCHA 11/18)

Church leaders in Jerusalem issued a statement warning that Israeli settlers are trying to seize land in the Armenian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. (WAFA 11/17; AJ 11/18; REU 11/19)

Israel charged 2 14-year-old Palestinian citizens of Israel with the attempted murder of an Israeli soldier. (HA 11/17)

The Israeli military suspended a soldier who was filmed throwing a stun grenade into a mosque in Budrus for their own amusement. (HA 11/17; HA 11/18; HA 11/19)

Hamas said that some of the captives it’s holding had been taken to hospitals in Gaza for treatment of “serious health conditions,” but denied that it was holding any captives in hospitals. (AJ 11/17)

The BBC said 1 of its reporters was allowed to tour parts al-Shifa Hospital with the Israeli military, filming some of the same areas that the Israeli military had published footage of previously. The BBC said that it was evident from comparing the 2 sets of footage that by the time their journalist arrived alleged Hamas weaponry had been moved around. For example, an area behind an MRI machine had a bag with 2 rifles in the BBC footage but only 1 in the Israeli military footage. The BBC also pointed out that the Israeli claim that its video was unedited was false and that the purported evidence presented by Israel did not validate the Israeli claim that al-Shifa was a Hamas command center. (X 11/17; AJ 11/19)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas, Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki, and Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh met with EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borrell in Ramallah. Borell called for an immediate ceasefire and for Israel to abide by international law. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 11/17; AJ 11/18)

The Israeli war cabinet approved a U.S. request to allow 2 tanker trucks to enter Gaza each day with fuel, amounting to about 13,000 gallons. UNRWA said that covers about 37% of its daily needs. National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said the fuel allowed to enter constituted “roughly 2-4% of the normal quantities of fuel that enter Gaza.” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the decision illegal because it had not been approved by the security cabinet and demanded that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu change the war cabinet. The war cabinet reportedly rejected the latest proposal for a prisoner exchange. Knesset deputy speaker Nissim Vaturi said in a post on X that Israel should “burn Gaza now,” calling its attacks on Gaza “too humane.” Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant called Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar “the new [Osama] bin Laden.” (AJ, AX, HA 11/17; AJ 11/18)

Amnesty International said Israel should rescind its 11/15 order telling Palestinians in eastern Khan Yunis to flee, calling it a violation of international law. (AJ 11/17)

The U.S. said deliveries of fuel should continue on a regular basis in larger quantities. President Joe Biden spoke with Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, discussing prisoner exchange negotiations. (AJ, HA 11/17)

U.S. senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) said the U.S. Congress should not allow extra funding for Israel while it attacks Gaza. House Foreign Affairs Committee chairperson Mike McCaul (R-TX) said Prime Minister Netanyahu had told him that he urgently needs Iron Dome interceptors, precision-guided weapons, and 155mm artillery shells. (AJ, HA 11/17)

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan said he had received referrals on crimes committed in Palestine from South Africa, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Comoros, and Djibouti. (AJ, ICC, REU, WAFA 11/17; WAFA 11/18)

X owner Elon Musk said using terms such as “decolonization” and “from the river to the sea” in relation to Israel will result in suspension from his platform. (AJ, HA 11/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to 2 cars in Huwwara. Israeli settlers also vandalized 70 olive trees in Yasuf. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers uprooted 30 olive and grape trees and damaged water tanks and solar panels in Shaab al-Butum in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinians in Kisan. Israeli forces carried out an airstrike from a fighter jet on al-Anasari Mosque in Jenin, killing 2 Palestinians. It was the first time since the Second Intifada that Israel has used fighter jets in the West Bank. Israeli forces shot and killed 5 others, including a minor, during raids in Qabatiya, Tammun, Zawata, and Askar refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian they claimed had tried to ram Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint near al-Arroub refugee camp. Israeli forces also seized a bulldozer and arrested the driver in Qablan. 52 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, al-Bireh, Hebron, Nablus, Qabatiya, Kafr Ra’i, Tubas, and Salfit, including al-Bireh mayor Islam al-Tawil. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in support of Gaza, arresting 6 people. In Gaza, Israeli forces killed nearly 400 Palestinians in airstrikes. Israeli forces also targeted the vicinity of al-Shifa and al-Quds hospitals. An Israeli soldier was killed and 3 wounded in anti-tank fire during a raid in near Khan Yunis. Rockets were fired at Israel causing no new fatalities. In Lebanon, Israeli forces attacked and killed militants in a missile strike that were allegedly firing anti-tank missiles at Israel. In Syria, Israeli forces fired missiles at Damascus and Aleppo international airports, killing 2 airport workers in Damascus and causing enough damage to close both airports. In Egypt, Israeli tank fire hit an Egyptian military post, injuring 7; Israeli called the incident an accident. (AP 10/20; AJ, HA 10/21; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, 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, WAFA 10/22; AJ, HA, REU 10/23)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said as of 5 p.m. at least 4,651 Palestinians had been killed, including at least 1,524 children, and 14,245 had been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7, including 47 entire families consisting of 500 people. The UN said that about 70% of Palestinians killed in Gaza are children and women. It is estimated that hundreds are still trapped in rubble. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 92 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 27 children. More than 1,734 have been injured, including at least 360 with live ammunition. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals; 4,932 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 26,756 housing units have been destroyed and 139,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. At least 42% of all housing units have been either destroyed or damaged in Israeli airstrikes. UNRWA said 29 of its staff members have been killed in Gaza since 10/7. AP reported that 17 aid trucks entered Gaza today, including 7 carrying fuel. The WHO said 4 trucks of medical supplies had entered Gaza to help more than 300,000 patients. The Gaza Ministry of Endowments said 31 mosques have been destroyed in Israeli airstrikes. (AJ 10/21; HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/22; HA 10/23)

The Palestinian Prisoners Society said 300 Palestinians have been placed in administrative detention and 1,130 have been arrested since 10/7. (AJ 10/21)

Israel evacuated 14 towns near the Blue Line. (HA 10/22)

Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian spoke with Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and Islamic Jihad secretary-general Ziyad al-Nakhalah. (AJ 10/21; HA 10/22; HA 10/23)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with 25 ambassadors and representatives in Ramallah, urging a united front in ending the Israeli attacks on Gaza. (WAFA 10/22)

Katyusha rockets were fired at the U.S. Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq. (HA 10/22)

Israeli president Isaac Herzog claimed that Hamas militants planned to use cyanide on Israelis, showing documents he said were found on a USB drive in the possession of militants killed by Israel. The documents Herzog presented did not seem authentic as the word “Al Qaeda” was written in English in a large font. (HA 10/22)

Israel closed its Public Diplomacy Ministry, allocating the budget of the ministry to rehabilitation of Israeli towns near the Gaza fence. (HA 10/22)

The New York Times reported that the U.S. has asked Israel to suspend its ground invasion of Gaza to allow negotiations over releasing more captives held by Hamas. President Joe Biden reiterated his belief that Israel has a “right to defend itself,” but said it must operate within the laws of war. Biden also discussed the situation in Gaza with Pope Francis. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. “expects a likelihood” of regional escalation and claimed that Hamas is preventing U.S. citizens from leaving Gaza. (AJ 10/21; AJ, HA, NYT, REU 10/22; HA 10/23)

President Biden, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, French president Emmanuel Macron, UK prime minister Rishi Sunak, German chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni issued a joint statement reaffirming their support for Israel’s war against Hamas, calling for the release of all captives, and calling for Israel to adhere to international law and protect Palestinian civilians. (AP 10/20; AJ, HA 10/22)

The Israeli Education Ministry removed Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg from the Israeli curriculum because of her support for Palestinians in Gaza and calls to end Israeli attacks. (HA 10/22)

Thousands marched in solidarity with Palestine in Copenhagen, Paris, Sydney, Brussels, Sarajevo, Sao Paolo, Santiago, and elsewhere. 2 people attacked a pro-Palestine demonstration in Skokie near Chicago, 1 attempted to ram protesters, while another, wearing an Israeli flag as a cape, sprayed pepper spray at protesters. Both were arrested. (WAFA 10/22; AJ 10/23)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian man, described as a bystander, was killed during an exchange of fire between Palestinian militants and PA forces in Tulkarm. Palestinian militants threw an explosive device at Israeli soldiers who were escorting Israeli settlers to Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, injuring 4. Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian man in Khirbet Umm Zuqah in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian man before arresting him, claiming he had attempted to ram Israeli soldiers near Hebron; his father at their home in Karma. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians in Beit Umar, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished an agricultural structure in Khirbet Tiba. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jericho, Tulkarm, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, an Israeli settler shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor in Bab a-Zahara, claiming he had stabbed 1 Israeli soldier. Israeli forces prevented the minor from receiving first aid; in a video the minor appeared unarmed before he was executed. Israeli settlers also toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israel forces made 1 Palestinian family demolish their own home in the Old City, displacing 4. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids. (AJ, AJ, ALM, HA, HA, HA, MEE, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/30; AP, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR, WAFA 8/31; UNOCHA 9/11)

The Coordination Administration for the Marches of Return in Gaza announced that it would be setting up tents east of Gaza City in preparation for the renewal of the Great March of Return protests. (HA, MEMO 8/31)

Israel denied the director of the Bisan Center for Research and Development, Ubai Aboudi, exit to Jordan via the Allenby crossing, summoning him for questioning. It was the third time that Israel has prevented Aboudi from traveling since 2022. Aboudi was scheduled to attend a meeting with UN human rights experts in Jordan. (Bisan, QDS, WAFA 9/5)

UNRWA made an appeal for $15.5 million to rebuild infrastructure, provide new schooling locations, and give cash assistance to Palestinian refugees who were displaced due to the fighting in Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in Lebanon earlier this month. (AP 8/30)

PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki attended the opening of the Palestinian embassy to Tajikistan in Dushanbe. (WAFA 8/30)

Axios reported that the PA has provided Saudi Arabia with a list of possible deliverables in exchange for not opposing Saudi-Israeli normalization. PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh was reported to have given Saudi national security advisor Musaed bin Mohammed al-Aiban the list 3 months ago. The list reportedly included: changing the status of parts of Area C to Area B, for the U.S. to reopen its consulate to Palestinians in Jerusalem, for Saudi Arabia open a consulate to the PA in Jerusalem, for Saudi Arabia to resume funding of the PA, and for Israel to agree to resume final status negotiations under a clear timeline. Axios further reported that al-Sheikh, PA intelligence chief Majed Faraj, and PA president Mahmoud Abbas’ foreign policy advisor Majdi Khaldi met with U.S. assistant secretary of state for near eastern affairs Barbara Leaf last week in Jordan. Axios later reported that the meeting between the Palestinian officials and Leaf was tense, as Leaf dismissed the idea that the U.S. would support Palestine to obtain full UN membership. (AX 8/30; HA, MEE, WSJ 8/31; AX 9/3)

A report commissioned by the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People found that the Israeli occupation of the West Bank is unlawful, calling on Israel to immediately and unconditionally withdraw, including evacuating Israeli settlers. (MEE 8/30)

Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian condemned Israeli attacks in Syria during a press conference in Damascus, threatening retaliation. (HA 8/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort toured Sabastia, closing parts of the town off to Palestinians. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians with live ammunition during a raid in Jenin. Israeli forces also demolished 2 agricultural structures in Duma and confiscated a tractor in al-‘Awja. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Abu Dis, Aida refugee camp, Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, Deir Istiya, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers marched near the Damascus Gate plaza, chanting anti-Palestinian slogans, and attacked a grocery store. Israeli forces demolished 1 commercial structure in Isawiya. Israeli forces also violently dispersed activists in Sheikh Jarrah, assaulting some before closing off the neighborhood. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/17; MEMO 2/18; PCHR 2/24; UNOCHA 2/28)

The Shin Bet sent messages to Palestinians from Umm al-Fahm warning them not to travel to Sheikh Jarrah on 2/18 for a solidarity gathering in the neighborhood. (MEE 2/18)

In Israel, Israel said it had shot down a drone that crossed from Lebanon into Israel. (AP, HA 2/17)

In Syria, Israeli forces launched surface-to-surface missiles from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights at Syria south of Damascus, causing damage. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, TOI 2/17)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) in Ramallah. (TOI, WAFA 2/17; HA 2/22)

İbrahim Kalın, senior advisor to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Turkish deputy foreign minister Sedat Önal met with Israeli president Isaac Herzog in Israel, ahead of a planned meeting between President Herzog and President Erdoğan in Turkey, which is said to be scheduled for 9 March. (HA 2/17)

In a letter to the UN commission of inquiry into alleged war crimes committed by Israel during the May 2021 attack on Gaza, Israel’s foreign ministry said it would not cooperate with the commission and accused its 3 members of holding anti-Israel positions. (AP, AX, HA, JP, MEE, TOI 2/17)

Australian home affairs minister Karen Andrews said she is working to place Hamas in its entirety on the Australian list of terrorist organizations. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, MEE, REU 2/17)

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination set up an ad hoc conciliation commission to investigate the State of Palestine’s accusation against Israeli racial discrimination against Palestinians. (MDW 2/10; UN 2/17; WAFA 2/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters near Beita, injuring 12 with rubber-coated bullets and some 50 others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 1 Palestinian with a rubber-coated bullet to his head. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Rantis, Beit Fajjar, Husan, and Aqabah. In Gaza, 3 Palestinians were found dead in tunnels near Rafah. Hamas said it would investigate the incident and there were reports that the deaths were caused by toxic gas pumped into the tunnel from Egypt. (AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/3; MEMO 9/4; PCHR 9/9)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with a delegation of U.S. senators, including Chris Murphy (D-CT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) in Ramallah. During the meeting, Prime Minister Shtayyeh called on the U.S. to reopen its consulate to Palestinians and remove the PLO from the U.S. terror list. The group also met with Israeli officials, including prime minister Naftali Bennett, and said they raised the issue of the consulate with him. (WAFA 9/3; HA, TOI 9/4)

Russia said Syria had intercepted 20 missiles fired at Damascus from Israeli F-15s flying over Lebanese air space. (AP 9/3; HA 9/4)

The Norwegian wealth fund divested from 3 Israeli companies—Elco, Electra, and Ashtrom—because of the companies’ links to Israeli settlements. (REU 9/3; WAFA 9/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also leveled agricultural land near Bethlehem. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Shufa, Dheisheh refugee camp, al-Khader, Beit Fajjar, ‘Anata, and Dura. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a house raid in al-Tur. In West Jerusalem, 5 Jewish Israelis attacked 1 Palestinian man, stabbing and beating him while he was on his way home after work. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 8/19; MEMO, MEMO 8/20; PCHR 8/26; TOI 8/29)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke to South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, thanking him for his support of Palestine. South Africa has been 1 of the most vocal opponents of the African Union decision to readmit Israel as an observer state on 7/22. (WAFA 8/19)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with UN special coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland in Ramallah. Prime Minister Shtayyeh stressed that all aid to Palestine must go through the PA. Later, Qatar announced that an agreement to transfer Qatari aid to Palestinian families had been made and that the process does not involve the PA. The agreement that will remain in effect until the end of 2021 will see some 100,000 Palestinian families in Gaza receiving a monthly stipend of $100 from Qatar, which will be transferred to banks in Gaza via a UN bank account in New York. The UN World Food Programme provides ATM cards to the Palestinians in Gaza for the aid and Israel will approve the list of Palestinian families eligible. Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz said a separate mechanism would be set up for Palestinians in the West Bank where the PA will distribute funds. Haaretz sources said that part of the reason the PA was circumvented in the process of providing aid to Gaza was due to the possible legal procedures against the PA if aid money was provided to people affiliated with Hamas. Hamas later praised the agreement. (HA 8/17; AJ, ALM, AP, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 8/19; AJ, HA, JP, MEE, MEMO 8/20)

Israel’s foreign and alternate prime minister, Yair Lapid, told Israeli Channel 11 that there will not be a 2-state solution during the current government. Foreign Minister Lapid said that a 2-state solution is his preferred outcome, but that there is not any agreement for it within the current government. (JP 8/20)

Israeli forces used Lebanese air space to attack areas surrounding Damascus and Homs in Syria, allegedly killing 8, including 4 civilians. Lebanese defense minister Zeina Akar condemned Israel for violating its air space and flying at low altitudes. (AJ, AP, HA, TOI 8/19; MEE 8/20)

A shipment of Iranian fuel embarked toward Lebanon after a group of Shiite businessmen with help from Hezbollah bought the fuel. Lebanon has suffered a severe fuel shortage in recent months as its economy continues to deteriorate. Lebanese president Michel Aoun said that the U.S. will help Lebanon with its fuel shortage by providing electricity through Egyptian natural gas via Jordan and Syria. (AJ, AP, HA, MEMO, REU, REU 8/19; HA, MEMO 8/20)

Protests continue across the oPt as IDF troops violently clash with Palestinians protesting and throwing stones along Gaza’s border e. of al-Bureij r.c. and at Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm; 11 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian in Hebron after she allegedly attempts to stab them. The IDF conducts raids and house searches in 1 village each nr. Jenin, Ramallah, and Qalqilya, 3 areas nr. Hebron, as well as Tulkarm and 1 nearby village, arresting 9 Palestinians, issuing an arrest summons to 1, and confiscating personal property; patrol in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Qalqilya, and 6 villages nr. Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces begin installing steel columns and other security infrastructure at the city’s bus stations, implementing Israeli PM Netanyahu’s 12/14 order; arrest 4 Palestinians on late-night raids in Jabal Mukabir. (MNA, TOI 12/20; MNA, TOI, YA 12/21; PCHR 12/31)

In Syria, senior Hezbollah officer Samir Kuntar and several Syrian civilians are killed in an air strike outside Damascus. Hezbollah and both Lebanese and Syrian media say that Israel is responsible. The Israeli govt. does not confirm its involvement. Later, unknown persons fire 3 rockets from s. Lebanon into open areas in the Galilee, causing no injuries or damage. The IDF launches retaliatory artillery fire toward the source of the rockets. (DS, HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 12/20; CNN 12/21)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries or damage to vessels. In the West Bank, the IDF shoots and injures a Palestinian in Dahaysha r.c. in Bethlehem after troops entered the camp, provoking clashes. IDF troops also clash with residents in Jaba‘ village nr. Jenin during a patrol, with Palestinian youth throwing stones and soldiers responding with rubber-coated metal bullets. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron at night, patrols in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Ramallah in the morning, 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Jenin at night. (PCHR 8/29; WAFA 8/22)

Palestinian officials say that U.S. envoy Martin Indyk and his team have not attended any of the negotiating sessions thus far at the request of the Israelis. Both Yasir ‘Abid Rabbuh and Hanan Ashrawi claim that Israel intends for the lack of U.S. participation in the 3 meetings, since the resumption of talks to strengthen Israel’s power over the Palestinians. Meanwhile, Pres. Mahmud Abbas meets with a delegation from the Israeli party Meretz in Ramallah, telling them that signing a peace agreement will mean the “end of the conflict” and that a future Palestinian state would agree to be demilitarized. Abbas also tells the Israeli politicians that the Palestinian leadership is unhappy with the slow pace of negotiations. (HA, JP, ToI 8/22)

Suspected mbrs. of the al-Qa‘ida-linked Brigades of Abdullah Azzam fire 4 rockets from s. Lebanon into n. Israel, causing no damage or injuries (and with 1 intercepted by Iron Dome missile defense batteries). The IDF says it views the attack as an isolated incident, and attributes it to “global jihad” elements. On 8/27, the brigades appear to directly claim responsibility for the attack via a statement published on the Twitter account of a Salafist cleric known to be affiliated with the group. Meanwhile, gunmen in Tripoli open fire and kill 3 outside the home of Hizballah supporter. (AP, HA, REU 8/22; YA 8/27)

Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz says that the govt. believes that Syrian forces are responsible for a chemical weapons attack that reportedly killed hundreds of people in Ghouta, a rebel-controlled suburb of Damascus. Meanwhile, Syria’s dep. PM says that foreign fighters and their international supporters are to blame for the attack. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Alexander Lukashevich says that his govt. urges the Syrian authorities and the UN to agree on chemical weapons experts visiting the site of the alleged attack. (AP, AFP, REU 8/22)

Former Egyptian pres. Husni Mubarak is released from a prison cell and moved to house arrest at a military hospital. (NYT 8/22)

International mediation efforts continue, with UN Secy.-Gen. Annan, Russian FM Ivanov, EU foreign policy dir. Javier Solana each meeting separately with Arafat, Barak. Egypt's Musa flies to Damascus to confer with Syrian pres. Asad, who phones Arafat to express Syrian support. Mubarak also phones Arafat and rejects Clinton's proposal (10/8) for a summit in Egypt, saying Israel must 1st agree to pull its troops back fr. PA areas, stop threatening Lebanon and Syria (see 10/8), bar official Israeli visits to the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount, agree to an international inquiry. (ATL, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, MENA, XIN 10/10 in WNC 10/12; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 10/11; Milliyet 10/11, al-Quds 10/12 in WNC 10/13; CSM, WJW 10/12)

Meanwhile, Israeli-Palestinian clashes abate somewhat. Inside Israel, Israeli Jews stab to death 2 Israeli Arabs nr. Tel Aviv, set fire to 3 Arab apartment buildings in Jaffa, and set fire to 3 Palestinian homes and a Jewish-owed restaurant that employed Palestinians in Tel Aviv. Clashes btwn. Israeli Jews and Arabs are also reported in Haifa, Tiberias, and Acre, where Israeli police intervene, firing tear gas and live ammunition, wounding 1 Israeli Arab. (Israeli police say they have arrested some 400 Israeli Arabs, 200 Israeli Jews since clashes began.) Jews fr. West Jerusalem damage Palestinian property in East Jerusalem. In Gaza, the IDF demolishes another apartment building in Netzarim Junction, which was evacuated earlier because it had been hit by IDF shells. Jewish settlers reportedly attack Palestinians in Hebron, Khan Yunis, Rafah and outside Jinin, Nablus, Ramallah; some incidents involve settlers firing automatic weapons. In Rafah, a 12-yr.-old Palestinian is shot dead by the IDF. Nr. Ramallah, IDF soldiers wound a Palestinian ambulance driver with live ammunition. (ADM, BBC, MM 10/10; ADM, MM, NYT, WP 10/11; AFP 10/10, MA 10/11, Le Monde 10/12 in WNC 10/12; MM, WJW, WP 10/12; MEI 10/13; WP 11/30)

Protests in solidarity with the Palestinians are held in Brussels, Cairo, Madrid. In the U.S., rallies are held in Ann Arbor, New Haven. (RL 10/10 in WNC 10/12; WT 10/11)

Citing "compelling national security interests," the State Dept. restores Amb. to Israel Indyk's security clearance. (NYT, WT 10/11; WJW 10/12) (see 10/4)

Arafat addresses the UNGA, then goes to Washington to meet with Pres. Clinton on final status negotiations btwn. Israel, the PA. (MM 9/23; NYT 9/24; AYM 9/25 in WNC 9/30; JT 9/26 in WNC 9/27; WJW 9/30; JP 10/1)

Also in Washington, the U.S.-Palestinian Bilateral Comm. meets. (AYM 9/25 in WNC 9/30)

In Paris, PM Barak, French PM Lionel Jospin hold talks on the peace process, Israel's economic ties with the EU. Barak says that he still plans to pull the IDF out of s. Lebanon by 7/00. Barak returns to Israel today, but 1 mbr. of his delegation, Chief of Staff Yatom, stays on in Europe on an undisclosed mission thought to be linked to negotiations with Syria. (MM 9/23)

At the close of 3 days of Central Comm. talks in Damascus, the DFLP says that it would joint final status negotiations with Israel on condition that the political framework for talks is clearly defined, that talks take place in line with international law and Palestinian demands; calls on Arafat to convene a mtg. of all PLO factions to discuss the minimum demands a Palestinian team would accept. (AFP 9/23 in WNC 9/26; AYM 9/23 in WNC 9/27)

Israel begins construction of a new neighborhood of 52 units in Bene Yehuda settlement on the Golan Heights, bringing the total number of new units under construction there to around 700. (MM 9/22, 9/23, 9/27; WJW 9/30)

Hizballah fires rockets at IDF targets in s. Lebanon in response to IDF shelling that killed a Lebanese army solider on 9/22. No injuries are reported. PM Barak warns Syria that Hizballah attacks could jeopardize the resumption of Israeli-Syrian negotiations. (WP 9/24; GIU 10/7)

30 Jewish settlers from the Ateret Cohanim group accompanied by Israeli police and guard dogs evict a Palestinian woman fr. her rented home in East Jerusalem, lay foundations for 9 new buildings on adjacent 2,000-sq.-m. plot (apparently without permits). (IDF Radio 5/25 in WNC 5/27; LAW, NYT 5/26; MM, NYT 5/27; PR 5/29; ITV 6/3 in WNC 6/4; MEI 6/5; PR 7/3)

Arafat returns to Cairo to meet with Pres. Mubarak. (MENA 5/25 in WNC 5/27) (see 5/24)

Iran, Syria sign mining cooperation agmt. for development of phosphorus, ferrous mines in Syria. (IRNA 5/25 in WNC 5/27)

Jordan refuses to grant entry to Hamas's Shaykh Yasin, who planned to arrive 5/27. Meanwhile in Damascus, Yasin meets with Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) leader George Habash on ways to strengthen relations btwn. their groups. (AFP, MENA 5/25, AFP, RJ 5/26 in WNC 5/27; WT 5/26; al-Sabil 6/2 in WNC 6/3; MEI 6/5; JP 6/6; Shihan 6/6 in WNC 6/8) (see 5/24)

At the owner's request, PA security forces evict tenants of a Palestinian house in Ramallah and demolish the building, which has been the focus of a rent dispute. (Birzeit press release 5/25; JP 6/6)

In s. Lebanon, 1 Hizballah mbr. is killed, 1 SLA mbr. and 4 civilians are injured in several clashes. (VOL 5/25, RL 5/26 in WNC 5/27)

PLO's Faruq Qaddumi arrives in Beirut fr. Damascus, meets with Lebanese FM Buwayz, announces he is making a tour of Arab states (Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria) to gain support for a "council to look after Palestinian refugees abroad." (al-Hayat, al-Nahar 3/9 in FBIS 3/12; al-Nahar 3/31 in FBIS 4/3)

Lebanon puts its forces on alert, fearing either Israel will deport Palestinians to its territory or attack s. Lebanon. Israeli puts its forces in s. Lebanon on alert, fearing a Hizballah attack as a demonstration of support for recent bombings. (IDF Radio, RL 3/8 in FBIS 3/8; RL, VOL 3/10 in FBIS 3/11) (see 3/5, 3/7)

PA amb. to Ankara Fu'ad Yasin says 8 Palestinians have disappeared in Turkey, apparently for political reasons, since the recent bombings in Israel; says the PA is following the issue closely with Turkish officials. (MENA 3/8 in FBIS 3/8)

To prevent suspects connected to recent bombings fr. fleeing by sea, Israel bans all fishing off the Gaza coast. PA condemns the action as collective punishment, violation of Oslo accords. (IDF Radio 3/8 in FBIS 3/8; NYT 3/9; WT 3/11)

In Burqa, West Bank, IDF blows up house rented by family of the 3/3 bomber. In Jerusalem, the IDF serves the Conference of Sciences and Islamic Education offices in n. Jerusalem with closure, partial confiscation orders, saying offices are used as a Hamas base. (VOP 3/8 in FBIS 3/11; WT 3/9; MM 3/20)

PA police detain Hamas spokesman Zahhar in Gaza City. (AFP 3/8 in FBIS 3/11)

PSF West Bank head Col. Jibril Rajub is forced to resign after refusing to carry out Arafat's orders to arrest Hamas leaders. Hussayn Shaykh, current head of Ramallah security, is appointed to replace him. (ITV, QY, RMC 3/9, HA 3/11 in FBIS 3/11; WT 3/10; QY 3/10 in FBIS 3/12)

Palestinians clash with IDF in Hebron, Ramallah.  (WT 6/6)

IDF closes 4 entrances to Nur Shams r.c., nr. Tulkarm.  (UNRWA News 6/15)

Nabil Shaath says world community "moving very, very slowly" on aid to Palestinian self-rule areas, PLO needs "bridging measures."  $7 m. received of $2.4 b. in aid pledged, according to Shaath.  (Qol Yisra'el 6/5 in FBIS 6/6; WT 6/8)

GCC foreign ministers issue statement "welcom[ing]" 5/4 Cairo Agreement as "positive step" toward "comprehensive" solution to Arab-Israeli conflict.  (Saudi TV 6/5 in FBIS 6/6)

Conservative Labor MKs form "3d Way" lobby group to limit amount of o.t. land ceded to Palestinians.  Group includes Agriculture M Yaacov Tsur, Dep. DM Mordechai Gur, 19 of 44 Labor MKs.  Lobby opposes Palestinian state, return to 1967 borders.  Group's outline of future o.t. settlement resembles "Allon Plan" of 1970s.  (WT 6/6; WJW 6/9)

Official Lebanese sources say Syria, Iran pressuring Hizballah to cease firing katyushas at Israel.  Reports follow 6/4 visit of Iranian FM Ali Akbar Velayati to Damascus.  (WT 6/6)

Arab League, Organization of the Islamic Conference condemn recent Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon.  (MENA, SPA 6/5 in FBIS 6/6)

Russian Chief of Staff Col. Gen. Mikhail Kolesnikov opens 3-day visit to Syria. (WT 6/21)

22-hr. siege of house in Hebron, including firing of over 100 antitank rockets, ends with deaths of 4 Hamas militants (added to death previous day of pregnant woman). IDF use of roof of neighboring Mohtasseb Children's Hospital as firing position protested by residents, ICRC, human rights orgs. 18 Palestinians wounded by IDF in protests against siege. PLO Chmn. Arafat calls Secy. of State Christopher to demand end of IDF "aggression" against Palestinians. State Dept. expresses "concern" at incident. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/24)

IDF Chief of Staff Ehud Barak testifies to commission of inquiry on Hebron massacre, saying "it is reasonable to assume" that a settler firing a weapon is doing so in self-defense, but adds "In no case is there, nor can there be, an army order that says it is forbidden to shoot at a settler even if he is shooting at others or at you." (MM, NYT, WP 3/24)

Israel-PLO talks on deployment ofinternational force in Hebron resume in Cairo. (MM 3/23; NYT, WP 3/24)

U.S. envoy Dennis Ross meets for 3 hrs. in Damascus with Pres. Hafiz al-Asad, delivers message fr. Pres. Clinton. (MM 3/23)

20 katyushas fired into "security zone," killing 1 Lebanese woman in village of Rihan. (MM 3/23)

"Palestine Development and Investment Inc." launched at Amman ceremony. $200 m. company made up of 141 investors will invest in o.t. housing and industry. (MM 3/24)

Pres. Clinton refuses clemency for convicted Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard. (NYT, WP, WT 3/24)

Lebanese police issue warrants for arrest of 7 men, 2 women-including 4 mbrs. of LF elite assault unit-in 2/27 bombing of Maronite church in Zuq Mika'il. Police detain Fuad Malek, dep. leader of LF. Govt. issues decree dissolving party despite LF chief Samir Ja'ja"s denial of involvement. 5 of the suspects already arrested, including 3 LF security officers. (MM 3/23; NYT, WT 3/24; CSM 4/8)

Israeli cabinet orders some settlers disarmed, 1,000 Palestinian prisoners released in response to Hebron massacre, establishes commission of inquiry to investigate massacre. Govt. orders administrative detention of 5 Kach mbrs., but apprehends only 1 as well as 2 low-level activists. PLO Chmn. Arafat calls Israeli moves "hollow and superficial," reiterates demand for international protection of Palestinians ino.t. Settlers' council "rejects out of hand the proposals ... to confiscatehe weapons of Jews." (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

Rioting against Hebron massacre continues in o.t., Israel, spreading to Negev. 3 Palestinians killed in demonstrations, including 1 Israeli Arab, bringing casualty totals to 65 dead, 360 wounded since 2/25. (WP, WT 2/28; CSM, NYT 3/1)

PLO Chmn. Arafat charges that "some elements of the Israeli army" assisted Baruch Goldstein in Hebron massacre. IDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Dani Yatom counters that soldiers fired into air, all 111 cartridge cases recovered at crime scene fired fr. Goldstein's rifle. (NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

Funeral of Hebron attacker Baruch Gold.. stein draws 300 mourners for procession fr. Jerusalem to Qiryat Arba. Mourners denounce journalists covering event as "Nazis"; Rabbi Yaacov Perrin, giving eulogy, proclaims "1 m. Arabs are not worth a Jewish fingernail." (NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria withdraw negotiators fr. Washington talks with Israel in solidarity with PLO. (RMC 2/28 in FBIS 2/28; NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

UN Sec. Gen. Butrus Butrus-Ghali suggests sending international monitors to protect Palestinians in o.t. U.S. mission to UN calls offer not "particularly helpful or useful." Statement notes DoP provides for "temporary" international presence, but says UN should not "prejudge" Israel-PLO discussions. Russia supports Butrus-Ghali's position. (NYT 2/28)

Bomb made of 2 82mm mortar shells explodes in Sayyidal-Naja Maronite Church in Zuq Mika'il, nr. Juniya, Lebanon, killing 9 and wounding 60. PM Hariri calls bombing "a plot ordered fr. abroad." Info M Michel Samaha, Damascus Radio, and Maronite Bishop Bishara Rai blame Israel. (RL 2/27 in FBIS 2/28; SARR 2/27 in FBIS 3/1; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

PLO rep. in Jordan Tayib 'Abd al-Rahim announces that 2 plots to kill PLO Chmn. Arafat have been foiled. 1 attempt was by Arafat bodyguards suborned by FRC ("Abu Nidal"), 2d by unidentified group that sought to bomb Arafat's plane. (WT 10/10)

2 Israeli hikers fr. Jerusalem stabbed and shot to death in Wadi Qilt, near Jericho in the West Bank. "Al-Aqsa Brigade" of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, in statement released in Amman, claims responsibility, says 3 killed. Statement declares, "We will never surrender or accept any concessions on the land of Palestine which will become a graveyard for the Jews." PFLP also claims responsibility. (NYT 10/10; MM, NYT, WT 10/11)

PFLP guerrilla killed by Israeli soldiers as he sails jet ski off Lebanese coast near Israeli border. UN sources report 2 killed, not 1. (NYT 10/10, 10/11)

Palestinian factions opposed to DoP-including DFLP (Hawatmah faction), PFLP, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad-announce in Damascus establishment of National Islamic Front to counter PLO. Alliance fails to call congress to elect new PLO leadership due to reluctance of Islamic groups to identify with secular PLO. Front's declaration calls Palestinian police to be set up under PLO-Israel accord "a traitor force, and an oppressive enemy force." (CSM 10/14)

Jordan denounces 9/23 Israeli court ruling on status of Haram al-Sharif, says it will continue with restoration work on Dome of the Rock regardless of Israeli stance. (MM 10/11)