The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort raided Burqa, attacking Palestinians and setting a barn and olive trees on fire; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces demolished 1 house in Dahariya, 1 agricultural structure in Beit Jala, 1 agricultural structure in Hebron, and 1 commercial structure in al-Walaja and razed land in Sur Bahir. A delegation of EU officials met with Sebastia mayor Mohammad Azem to learn about the recent Israeli measures to seize Sebastia’s archeological site. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli authorities demolished 1 house in Jabel Mukaber, displacing 5. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in al-Tur and Ras al-Amud. (TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/24; ALM, PCHR 5/25; AJ 6/1; UNOCHA 6/2)

In Syria, Israeli forces opened fire at people who shot at a surveillance drone. (REU 5/24)

The Hamas-affiliated voting bloc Islamic Wafa won 25 of 51 seats in the Birzeit University student union elections. The election result follows another win by Islamic Wafa on 5/16 at An-Najah National University. (QDS 5/24; HA, MEE 5/25)

3 Israeli soldiers were sentenced for abducting and assaulting 1 Palestinian man before releasing him in a remote area. 2 of the soldiers were sentenced to 60 days in prison while the third was sentenced to 40 days. (TOI, TOI 5/24; AJ 5/25)

The Knesset approved the Israeli government’s 2023-24 budget, which was criticized for heavily favoring ultra-orthodox communities in Israel. Approximately $4 billion is allocated in discretionary funds for ultra-Orthodox and pro-settler parties. The Otzma Yehudit party also said it had been appeased by the allocation of $67 million to Judaize the Naqab and Galilee through the Negev and Galilee development ministry. After the passing of the budget, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters he would focus on the judicial overhaul. (HA 5/22; AP, HA, HA, REU 5/23; AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEE, NYT, QDS, TOI 5/24)

The EU and U.S. expressed dismay with a bill that the Knesset Ministerial Committee for Legislation was set to debate on 5/28. The bill would impose a 65% tax on non-profits that receive funding from foreign governments while engaging in public advocacy. According to the bill it seeks to curb foreign interference. After days of lobbying by EU countries, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that he would shelve the bill. (HA 5/24; HA, MEE 5/25; AJ 5/26; HA, WAFA 5/27; AX 5/31; TOI 6/2)

PayPal shareholders warned the company that they will take action if it does not expand access to the platform to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. At the same time, U.S. congressperson Mark Pocan (D-WI) circulated a letter among his colleagues calling on PayPal CEO Dan Shulman to allow Palestinians equal access to the company’s services. (GDN, HA, MEE 5/24; WAFA 5/25; MDW 5/26)

Forensic Architecture released an investigation in cooperation with Adalah on the Tantura Massacre committed by the Israeli army 1 week after the establishment of Israel. The investigation located at least 1 more mass grave and 2 additional possible mass grave sites. (FA 5/24; GDN 5/25; HA, MEE 5/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian woman after she allegedly stabbed and injured 1 Israeli settler in Huwwara. Israeli forces also shot and killed 3 Palestinians and wounded 4 others during a raid in Nablus. The Israeli military claimed that 2 of the Palestinian victims were involved in the killing of 3 Israeli settlers on 4/7. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 6 Palestinians and injured others with tear gas during a raid in Bayt Rima. Israeli forces also shot and injured 3 Palestinians during a raid in Nabi Salih. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shot and injured 4 Palestinians with baton rounds and others with tear gas during a raid in Huwwara. Israeli forces also demolished 1 restaurant in al-Walaja. Separately, Israeli forces issued an evacuation order for the Old Municipality building in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. (AJ, ALM, AP, BBC, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/4; UNOCHA 5/5; PCHR 5/11; UNOCHA 5/19)

1 Palestinian prisoner held on administrative detention suspended his 12-day hunger strike after Israel said he would be released in October. (QDS, WAFA 5/4)

Israel handed over the body of 1 Palestinian man killed by an Israeli settler on 3/10. (WAFA 5/4)

Palestinian Popular Struggle Front leader Khalid ʽAbd al-Majid and officials from Hamas and Islamic Jihad met with Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi in Damascus to discuss the situation in Palestine. (ALM, AP, IN 5/4)

The PLO Executive Committee held a meeting in Ramallah. The committee mainly discussed developments related to the occupation and the upcoming Nakba commemoration at the UN where PA president Mahmoud Abbas will deliver a speech. (QDS, WAFA 5/4)

In a speech at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan said that he will meet with Saudi officials in Saudi Arabia to bolster U.S. ties with the country and to work on normalizing relations between the Saudi Arabia and Israel. Sullivan said, “full normalization is a declared national security interest of the United States.” (REU 5/4; HA 5/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian and injured 4 others during a raid in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, including at least 2 who were fleeing the Israeli soldiers. Israeli forces also shot and injured 3 Palestinians with baton rounds and 10 with tear gas during a raid in Qarawat Bani Hassan. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Deir Abu Mash‘al and al-Walaja, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also issued demolition notices for 2 residential structures, brick walls, a roof, and a bathroom in Khirbet Humsa and 1 agricultural structure in ‘Ain as-Sakout, and seized a bulldozer near Qalqilya. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Hebron, Surif, Ya’bad, Kafr Qoud, Nablus, and Tammun. In East Jerusalem, 4 Israeli settlers were injured in a car ramming and 1 Palestinian man was shot and killed by an Israeli settler after he allegedly hit the 4 with his car. Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli police assaulted worshippers at the Haram al-Sharif compound’s Bab al-Rahma prayer area and cut electricity to building. 2 Palestinians were arrested in Sur Baher. (AJ, AN, AP, BBC, HA, HA, IN, MEE, QDS, QDS, QDS, QDS, QDS, QDS, REU, REU, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/24; HA, WAFA 4/25; PCHR 4/27; UNOCHA 5/5)

The PA Foreign Ministry condemned the 3-day long Israeli blockades of Jericho and the Nablus area coinciding with the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. (WAFA, WAFA 4/24)

In Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that Israeli forces fired more than 20 artillery shells near Hader in Quneitra, allegedly targeting Iranian supported militants. (AA, ALM, HA 4/24)

Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen said that Israel Aerospace Industries had sold 2 satellites to Azerbaijan coinciding with his recent trip to Baku. (ALM 4/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces punitively demolished the family home of 1 Palestinian man accused of killing 1 Israeli settler in October 2022, blowing up the house in Hebron with explosives. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Burqa, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 2 agricultural structures in al-Walaja. 24 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Beitunia, al-Bireh, Ramallah, Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, Jenin, Deir Sharaf, Tayasir, Aida refugee camp, and Beit Kahil. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities issued 6 demolition notices for homes in Isawiya. (AP, HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/16; PCHR 2/23; UNOCHA 3/4)

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that the White House is “deeply dismayed by the Israeli announcement” from 10/12 to legalize settlement outposts and expand settlements. Jean-Pierre said the settlement activity “creates facts on the ground” that reduce the chances of a two-state solution. (MEE, TOI 2/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles in Hebron, causing damage. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man after he allegedly rammed his car into an Israeli soldier at the Beit Sira checkpoint, injuring the soldier. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian man driving near Kharas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 2 Palestinian homes in Jalbun and 2 Palestinian homes in al-Walaja. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ramallah, Aida refugee camp, Kafl Haris, Beita, Nablus, Nur Shams, ‘Azzun, and Aqabat Jaber refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested in Isawiya. In the Naqab, Israeli police shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor who was a bystander to a car chase in Ar‘arat an-Naqab. (AJ, HA, HA, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/2; PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 11/3; MDW 11/4; UNOCHA 11/13)

In the final communique from the 1st Arab Summit in 3 years, Arab state leaders pledged their continued to support for Palestine, said Jerusalem must be protected, condemned Israeli use of violence against Palestinians, and urged Israel to lift the blockade of Gaza. The 31st Arab Summit, held in Algeria, was the 1st since the UAE, Morocco, Bahrain, and Sudan normalized relations with Israel. At the summit PA president Mahmoud Abbas asked the participating countries to form 2 ministerial committees to support Palestine in international diplomacy. (AJ, HA, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/2; MEMO, MEMO 11/3)

A spokesperson for the newly appointed UK prime minister Rishi Sunak said that his government does not intend to move the British embassy to Israel to Jerusalem, walking back statements made by Prime Minister Sunak’s predecessor Liz Truss who resigned last month. Truss, who like Sunak had been appointed by the Conservative Party, had told Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid that her government would review moving the British embassy to Israel to Jerusalem last month. Truss served as prime minister for 45 days before resigning due to dissatisfaction with her policies and popularity among Conservative Party members. (MEE, WAFA 11/2; AJ, GDN, HA, JP, MEMO, REU, TOI 11/3; NA 11/4)

In the West Bank, armed Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians working their land near Tuba, injuring 1 Palestinian; 1 settler was also reported injured. Israeli forces subsequently arrested 1 Palestinian. A video of the incident showed Israeli settlers firing several shots and aiming their gun at Palestinians. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jenin, Ya‘bad, Jalazun refugee camp, al-‘Amari refugee camp, Qalandia refugee camp, Hebron, Bayt Awa, Bethlehem, and Aida refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Beit Lahiya and northwest of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of Dayr al-Balah. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/12; HA, MDW, WAFA 9/13; HA 9/14; HA, PCHR 9/15; UNOCHA 9/16)

The Israeli supreme planning council approved expanding the road leading to the Israeli settlement Har Gilo south of Jerusalem. The widening of the road is a planned precursor to building a new settlement next to Har Gilo, which will completely enclose al-Walaja. The new settlement, if constructed, will add 560 new settlement units next to Har Gilo. (HA 9/12; PCN 9/13)

Religious Zionist party chairman Bezalel Smotrich called for Israel to ban Palestinian parties in Israel during a speech on counterterrorism at Richman University. Smotrich’s party list, which is merged with Jewish Power, is polling to become the 4th largest in Israel at the 11/1 elections. (HA 9/12)

Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid met with German chancellor Olaf Scholz and foreign minister Annalena Baerbock during the 2d day of his visit to Germany. Prime Minister Lapid said that the 2 countries are in talks with Germany about buying the Arrow 3 missile defense system from Israel. (ALM, HA, MEE, REU, REU 9/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian surveyor in Kafr Qalil, causing injuries to his head. Israeli settlers with military escort made roadblocks around Sabastia. Israeli forces arrested and assaulted 1 80-year-old Palestinian American man in Jiljilyya during a late-night raid, leading to his death; the man was found dead by Palestinians in an empty house in Jiljilyya after being arrested by the Israeli forces; the U.S. called for an investigation into his death. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work notices for 2 houses and for work on the electric grid in Bayt Dajan. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 house, 2 water wells and 2 agricultural structures in al-Fakhit. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian journalist with a rubber-coated bullet during a raid in Beitunia. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Halhul, Hebron, Asira ash-Shamaliya, and Silat al-Harithiya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities delivered a demolition notice for a mosque in Isawiya and demolished 2 retaining walls in al-Walaja. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles off the coast; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 5 Palestinians were arrested for burning tires in Tel as-Sabi in protest over the Jewish National Fund’s forestation project on land Bedouins use for agriculture. Radical Israeli politician Itamar Ben-Gvir was among the people planting trees on the Bedouins’ land. (ALM, ALM, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, NYT, TOI, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WP 1/12; AJ, AP, MDW, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/13; HA 1/14; HA, WAFA 1/15; WAFA 1/16; NYT 1/20)

British consul general in Jerusalem Diane Corner met with Palestinians threatened by eviction in Sheikh Jarrah. (WAFA 1/13)

Haaretz reported that U.S. military personal charged with training Palestinian forces were given a tour of Hebron, including of al-Ibrahimi Mosque by settler advocate Noam Arnon. The tour was arranged by the Israeli military’s central command leader Yahuda Fuchs. (HA 1/12)

The Israeli supreme court reduced the sentence handed to an Israeli settler who had thrown a stun grenade at a Palestinian home in Sarta from 20 months to 12 months, reinstating a plea agreement a lower court had deemed too lenient. (HA 1/12; MEMO 1/13)

The United Arab List (UAL) boycotted sessions in the Knesset today in protest over a Jewish National Fund (JNF) forestation project in Bedouin-inhabited areas of the Naqab desert. In wake of the UAL boycott, the Israeli opposition passed 5 bills in preliminary votes. Labor minister Meir Cohen and UAL leader Mansour Abbas later came to an agreement that future work by the JNF must be negotiated by the coalition partners. (AP, HA, REU 1/12; ALM, HA, HA, HA 1/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort attempted to raid a school in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya before they were repelled by Palestinians protecting the students. Israeli forces razed agricultural lands in Birin, uprooting 120 olive and almond trees and demolishing 1 well in Khillat al-Furn. Israeli forces also raided Birzeit University, injuring 1 student with a rubber-coated bullet who was protesting the raid. 17 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Deir Abu Mash‘al, Deir Nidham, Kafr Ni‘ma, Bethlehem, al-Walaja, Sa‘ir, al-Shuyukh, Tarqumiyah, Tulkarm, Far‘un, and Kafr al-Labad; Israel also said that it had arrested 11 students of An-Najah University in Nablus, saying they were connected to a Hamas student network. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished the foundations to a house in al-Tur and demolished 1 house near the Old City. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Wadi al-Juz and Isawiya; Israeli forces confiscated 11,500 NIS ($7,300) during a raid in Sur Baher. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles north of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/14; PCHR 12/16)

Israeli Channel 13 reported that a group called Returning to the Mount are praying at the Haram al-Sharif compound by disguising themselves as Muslims while following Islamic practices of prayer, but reciting Jewish prayers. Channel 13 reported that members of the group meet to learn how to appear like Muslim worshippers. (MEMO, TOI 12/14)

The Palestinian prisoners’ club said Israeli prison guards assaulted at least 3 female prisoners in Damon prison when they refused to leave their cell. The 3 prisoners were also transferred to solitary confinement. (MEMO, WAFA 12/19; MEE, MEMO 12/20)

PA and U.S. officials held a virtual meeting discussing economic ties. The meeting was headed by PA economic affairs minister Khaled Osaily and acting assistant secretary of state for Near East Affairs Yael Lambert. (MEMO, WAFA 12/15; ALM 12/18)

Israel’s prime minister Naftali Bennett said settler violence is an “insignificant phenomena” in the West Bank, criticizing Israel’s public security minister Omer Bar-Lev, who on 12/13 brought up the issue in a meeting with U.S. state department undersecretary for political affairs Victoria Nuland. Prime Minister Bennett said that the settlers were the victims in the West Bank and needed the support of the Israeli government. Public Security Minister Bar-Lev subsequently reiterated his focus on settler violence during a trip to Hebron, saying that “it is truly difficult for some to look in the mirror” instead of tackling the issue of extremist settlers. (HA 12/14; HA 12/15; ALM 12/17)

Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on the UN Commission of Inquiry to investigate what HRW have found to be organized discriminatory behavior of Israeli law enforcement agencies when dealing with “Jewish ultra nationalist” and Palestinian citizens of Israel during the May 2021 civil unrest. HRW found that Israeli law enforcement used excessive force when dispersing Palestinians in Lydda while “failing to act even-handedly as Jewish ultra-nationalists attacked Palestinians.” (HRW, MEMO, WAFA 12/14)

Israel’s interior minister Ayelet Shaked announced that plans to construct the Trump Heights settlement in the Israeli occupied Golan Heights had advanced. The Trump Heights settlement, named after former U.S. president Donald Trump, will cover 70 acres. The announcement stated that construction of homes, public buildings, industrial zones, and roads can begin. (HA 12/14)

The Knesset passed the 1st reading of a bill that would allow Israeli police to conduct house raids in Israel without a court-issued warrant. An explanatory note to the bill clarified that the bill was intended for the Israeli police to use “in its battle against serious crime, and particularly serious crime in Arab society.” (Knesset 12/14; MEMO 12/15)

The officer of the Knesset granted the leader of United Arab List Mansour Abbas a security detail, as he was receiving a growing number of death threats. (MEMO 12/15)

The UAE said it had suspended talks with the U.S. on buying 50 F-35 fighter jets, citing “[t]echnical requirements, sovereign operational restrictions, and cost/benefit analysis.” The announcement follows U.S. concerns about the UAE’s relationship to China, including the UAE using Huawei 5G technology. The Trump administration had agreed to allow the UAE to purchase the F-35 fighter jets as part of the UAE’s and Israel’s normalization agreement. The UAE announced on 12/3, during a visit to the country by French president Emmanuel Macron, that it would buy 80 French-made Rafale fighter jets and 12 military helicopters. (AJ 12/3; AJ, AP, HA, MEMO, REU 12/14; REU, REU 12/15)

18 Democratic members of U.S. Congress wrote a letter to the Treasury and State Departments asking them to put sanctions on 4 foreign surveillance companies, including the Israeli NSO Group, citing the companies’ assistance in human rights abuses. Among the signatories were Senate finance committee chairperson Ron Wyden (D-OR) and House intelligence committee chairperson Adam Schiff (D-CA). (AJ, HA, MEMO, REU 12/15; +972 12/17)

Italy contributed $2.25 million to UNRWA programming in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and $1.13 million to UNRWA programming in Syria. (WAFA 12/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized Palestinian property in al-Bireh, drawing the star of David and writing racist slogans on a building and a vehicle. Israeli forces demolished 3 houses in al-Walaja and 1 agricultural structure in al-Khader. Israeli forces also sprayed herbicides on olive crops in Battir, damaging 70 olive seedlings. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Ya‘bad, Husan, Bayt Awa, and Hebron; Israeli forces shot 1 Palestinian with live ammunition protesting the raid in Husan. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Jabel Mukaber. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles from the coast; no injuries were reported. (HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/9; PCHR 11/11)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said during a cabinet meeting that the PA had only received 10% of the usual contributions to its economy that it receives from foreign donors, leading to a very difficult financial situation. Prime minister Shtayyeh also pointed to Israeli deductions in the PA’s tax revenue and the COVID-19 pandemic as contributing to the PA’s financial hardship. (WAFA 11/9; MEMO 11/10)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas and EU representatives inaugurated a new headquarters built for the Palestinian Central Elections Commission, funded by the EU, in Ramallah. (WAFA, WAFA 11/9)

Jordanian king Abdallah II and foreign minister Ayman Safadi met with head of the United Arab List Mansour Abbas in Amman, to discuss the 2-state solution and King Abdallah’s custodianship of the holy places in Jerusalem. Abbas also told reporters that PA president Mahmoud Abbas has requested meeting him but that he has opted not to, fearing the response from the government coalition. (HA 11/9; ALM, ALM, MEMO 11/10)

Israel’s environmental protection minister Tamar Zandberg of Meretz (Vigor) said that the Israeli government was violating the coalition agreement by continuing to expand settlements in the West Bank. Environmental Protection Minister Zandberg also said she was dismayed by the targeting of Palestinian rights organizations in the West Bank. (HA 11/9)

Colombia’s president Iván Duque Márquez opened a trade office to Israel in Jerusalem, during a visit. The PA condemned the move and called on Colombia to reverse the decision. (TOI 11/9; WAFA 11/10)

UN humanitarian agencies and the Association of International Development Agencies, representing more than 80 NGOs, issued a statement in support of the 6 Palestinian rights organizations that were declared terrorist organizations by Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz on 10/22. (HA, OCHA, WAFA 11/9; MEMO 10/10)

The Qatar Fund for Development pledged $25 million to UNRWA after meetings between UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini and Qatar officials in Doha. (MEMO, WAFA 11/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces razed agricultural land in Qusra and Kisan, razed 10 dunams (2.5 acres) of land planted with grape and olive saplings in Burin, and demolished 1 Palestinian home in al-Walaja and 1 car repair shop south of Hebron. Israeli forces also dispersed Palestinian protesters near Beita using tear gas; no injuries were reported. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Beit Fajjar, Husan, Hebron, al-Arroub refugee camp, Abu Dis, and Beita. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in Silwan. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian man shot by Israeli forces during a protest by the Gaza fence on 8/21 succumbed to his injuries; 1 Palestinian child remains in critical condition after being shot during the same protest. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters east of Khan Yunis, injuring 5 with live ammunition, 2 with rubber-coated bullets, and 7 with tear gas. In Israel, the Palestinian Israeli member of Knesset for the Ra’am party Said al-Harumi died of a heart attack at the age of 49. Al-Harumi was the chairman of the Knesset’s interior and environmental committee. (AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, HA, HA, JP, JP, MEE, MEE, MEMO, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/25; AJ, MEMO, PCHR 8/26)

During the 1st of a 2-day visit to Washington D.C., Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett met with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken, secretary of defense Lloyd Austin, and national security advisor Jake Sullivan. Prime Minister Bennett, who is scheduled to meet President Joe Biden on 8/26, also met with AIPAC’s CEO Howard Kohr and President Betsy Berns Korn. Secretary of Defense Austin said that the Biden administration was working fulfil Israel’s request of $1 billion to replenish the Iron Dome missile defense system after Israel’s attack on Gaza in May. (AJ, AP, HA 8/25; AJ, ALM, MEE, MEMO 8/26)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor using rubber-coated bullets in al-Janiya. Israeli settlers also damaged and uprooted 130 olive seedings in al-Rihaya south of Hebron. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition in Far‘un. 19 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bayt Umar, Yatta, Bethlehem, al-Walaja, Kaubar, Silwad, Tell, Qabalan, ‘Azun, al-Twana, and Jenin; during a house raid in al-Twana, 1 Palestinian 5-year-old got a black eye during the raid on her home. In East Jerusalem, around 120 Israeli settlers with military escort raided the Haram al-Sharif compound for the 2d day in a row. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian after he allegedly stabbed and injured 1 settler and 1 soldier near Shaykh Jarrah. 26 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan, Jabal al-Mukabir, Shu‘fat, and the Old City. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians injured in Israeli air strikes on Bayt Hanun on 5/11 succumbed to their injuries and 4 Palestinians were found dead in rubble from Israeli air strikes in Khan Yunis, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 253 to 259, including 67 children and 3 pregnant women. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/24; HA, MEMO, WAFA 5/25; PCHR 5/27)

3 Jewish-Israelis were charged with terrorism after severely beating 1 Palestinian-Israeli man on 5/12 in Bat Yam. The Palestinian man was pulled from his car and beaten by a large mob of Jewish-Israelis while an Israeli TV crew filmed the incident as it was unfolding. 6 people were for the attack, while TV footage show the faces of several others beating the man who have not been arrested. (HA 5/24; HA 5/26)

The Palestinian Prisoners Society said Israel had issued 155 administrative detention orders since the beginning of May. (WAFA 5/24)

AP reported that 17 journalists in Gaza had their WhatsApp accounts blocked since 5/21. WhatsApp is owned by Facebook, which has been accused of silencing Palestinian voices. WhatsApp is considered an important tool for sharing information among journalists and activists. (AP 5/24; AJ, F24, NAT, TOI 5/25; AJ, MEMO 5/26)

Iran said it would allow the International Atomic Energy Agency to continue monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities for 1 additional month after a previous agreement expired. (AP, AX, HA, NYT, REU 5/24)

U.S. president Joe Biden spoke to Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, thanking him for his role in mediating the Hamas-Israel ceasefire that went into effect on 5/21. The 2 also discussed rebuilding Gaza. (HILL, REU 5/24; AJ, NAT 5/25)

A U.S. federal court ruled a 2016 Georgia law, prohibiting state contracts with people who engage in boycotts of Israel, unconstitutional. The lawsuit was brought by 2 U.S. rights organizations on behalf of journalist Abby Martin. (MEMO 5/25)

In an attempt to deflect from international outcry, Belarus said it had forced a Ryanair plane traveling from Athens to Vilnius to land in Minsk because a bomb threat in the name of Hamas was made against it. Hamas denied the allegation. In the incident, which happened on 5/23, Belarusian warplanes forced the commercial jet to land in Minsk for Belarusian forces to arrest a passenger who runs a website for opponents of Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko. (HA 5/24; MEMO 5/26)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian minor, shot by Israeli forces on 5/12, succumbed to his wounds. Israeli settlers shot and injured 1 Palestinian while raiding Bani Na‘im. Israeli settlers with military escort also raided Silat al-Harithiyya, leading to confrontations; no injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers also blocked a main road to al-Bireh and threw stones at Palestinian vehicles, causing damage. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Bayt Jala and al-Walaja. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian using live ammunition during a Nakba Day protest in Zeita, near Tulkarm. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Aida refugee camp, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Tura, injuring 1 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at a checkpoint near Huwwara, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 1 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Umar, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during house raids in al-Khadir and Dura, and 5 during protests near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers with military escort raided Bayt Hanina and Shu‘fat refugee camp, leading to confrontations; 2 Palestinians were injured by the Israeli forces in Bayt Hanina. Israeli settlers later raided Shu‘fat refugee camp again, injuring 2 Palestinians with live ammunition. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian, saying he had intentionally rammed 7 officers, who were lightly injured, in Shaykh Jarrah; 1 journalist was physically assaulted at the scene and others had stun grenades thrown at them. 25 Palestinians were arrested. In Gaza, 50 Palestinians were killed, including 19 children, and dozens were injured, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 153 to 203, including 60 children and 2 pregnant women. The casualties included: 43, including 19 children, and dozens wounded in air strikes hitting residential buildings in Gaza City; 1, and 2 wounded in a drone strike in Jabaliya; 1, and 11 injured in air strikes on a residential buildings in Nuseirat; 3 in air strikes on Bayt Hanun; 2 in a drone strike on a house in Rafah. Israel also attacked and demolished the homes of Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar and his brother in Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported in the air strikes. In Israel, rockets from Gaza hit 1 house in Ashdod and damaged 5 vehicles in Ashkelon; no injuries were reported. Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz extended the state of emergency in Lydda for 48 hours. Israel arrested 1 Palestinian-Israeli imam Shaykh Kamal Khatib, the deputy leader of the northern faction of the Islamic Movement in Israel, saying he had made incendiary remarks about Israel’s attacks on al-Aqsa Mosque. 28 people were wounded in a subsequent protest in Kafr Kana where he was arrested, including many by Israeli live ammunition. 8 Palestinian-Israelis were arrested in Taiba and Qalansawe. 2 Jordanian citizens were arrested in Gilboa after having crossed from Jordan into Israel. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, CNN, HA, HA, NPR, NYT, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/16; PCHR 5/17; ALM 5/19; HA, PCHR 5/20; MEE 5/21; HA 5/25; NYT 5/26; AP 6/2; NYT 6/24)

Egypt opened the Rafah crossing 1 day earlier than planned to allow the passage of students and medical patients. 95 Palestinians were reported to have been evacuated to Egypt for treatment of injuries before the border officially reopened. (HA, REU 5/16)

2 Israeli settlers were killed and 150 were injured when a structurally unsound seating area collapsed in a synagogue in Givat Ze’ev. (AJ, AP, CNN, HA, REU 5/16)

The High Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel announced a general strike on 5/18 to protest attacks on members of its community. (HA 5/16)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke to Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte about the Israeli escalation of violence in the Palestinian territories. (WAFA 5/16)

Haaretz reported that Israeli senior officials did not consider a ceasefire option at its latest security cabinet meeting. (HA 5/16)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz met with U.S. deputy assistant secretary for Israel and Palestinian affairs Hady Amr. U.S. president Joe Biden said in an Eid holiday speech that his “administration is going to continue to engage Palestinians and Israelis and other regional partners to work toward sustained calm.” Later, secretary of state Antony Blinken said that “the violence must end immediately.” Earlier in the day, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had reiterated that his government has no plans for a ceasefire, saying the attacks on Gaza “will take time.” (AJ, HA 5/16; HA 5/17)

Jordanian king Abdullah II said that Jordan has been involved in intense diplomacy with its allies in Europe and the U.S. to put pressure on Israel to stop its attacks on Gaza. (HA, REU 5/16)

28 U.S. Democratic senators, led by Jon Ossoff (D-GA), called for an immediate ceasefire “[t]o prevent any further loss of civilian life and to prevent further escalation of conflict in Israel and the Palestinian territories.” (HA, NYT 5/17)

At a UN security council (UNSC) meeting on Israel-Palestine, UN secretary-general António Guterres said that the situation was “utterly appalling,” calling for an immediate ceasefire. He said the UN is actively involved in facilitating a ceasefire. This was the 3d time in a week that the UNSC met about the situation and the 3d time the U.S. stalled any joint statement. PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki said that “[e]ach time Israel hears a foreign leader speak of its right to defend itself it is further emboldened to continue murdering entire families in their sleep.” (AJ, AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA 5/16; TOI 5/17)

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation called for an immediate halt of Israeli attacks on Gaza and “systematic crimes” against Palestinians. Saudi Arabia also condemned Israel’s “fragrant violations” of Palestinian rights. PA foreign minister al-Maliki criticized the countries that had normalized relations with Israel, saying, “running towards this colonial Israeli system without achieving peace and ending the Israeli occupation of Arab and Palestinian lands represents support for the apartheid regime and participation in its crimes.” (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 5/16)

Pope Francis, for the 2d Sunday in a row, denounced the escalation of violence in Israel and Palestine, saying that the death of children was a “sign that they don’t want to build the future but want to destroy it.” (HA 5/16; WAFA 5/17)

In the West Bank, a large group of Israeli settlers threw stones at 2 Palestinian farmers near Dayr Istya. Israeli forces raided Burin, leading to clashes with Palestinians; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces also delivered demolition orders for 10 structures in Jib and 1 agricultural structure in al-Walaja. 1 Palestinian was injured by an explosive device left behind by Israeli forces in the Masafer Yatta area. 5 Palestinians were arrested in Jenin and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested. In Israel, 2 Palestinians were arrested for working without a permit. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/9; WAFA 3/10; PCHR 3/11)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said that West Bank hospital intensive care units are at 100% capacity due to a sharp increase in severe COVID-19 cases. 1,693 new cases of the virus and 13 deaths were reported in the West Bank, while 135 new cases were reported in Gaza. (REU, WAFA 3/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with dogs attacked Palestinian herders and their sheep near Kisan, injuring 1 Palestinian and several sheep. Israeli settlers also uprooted olive saplings near Hebron. Israeli forces demolished parts of a house under construction in Luban al-Sharqiyya, 1 house in al-Walaja, and 1 house in Anabta; during the demolition in al-Walaja, clashes broke out between Israeli forces and Palestinians, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also delivered a demolition order for 14 structures, including a health clinic in Zanouta near Hebron and 1 apartment building and 2 houses near Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Iraq Burin and Sanur, leading to clashes; tear-gas related injuries were reported. 10 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Beitunia, Birzeit, Kafr Ni‘ma, Bayt Rima, Dheisheh refugee camp, Hebron, and Dura. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested in al-Tur and Shu‘fat refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen 3-6 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian who was accompanying his wife to East Jerusalem for her brain surgery through the Erez crossing; she was forced to wait 12 hours before being allowed to travel to East Jerusalem with her mother instead of her husband. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/25; PCHR, WAFA 1/26; PCHR 1/28)

The Biden administration froze a ban on transactions involving the Houthi rebel group in Yemen after the Trump administration designated the group a foreign terrorist organization, stoking fears that the already dire humanitarian situation in Yemen would worsen. The freeze is in effect until 1/26. The Biden administration later said it is reviewing the designation of the Houthi group as a foreign terrorist organization. (AJ, AP, REU, REU 1/25; REU 1/26; REU 1/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers leveled Palestinian-owned land near Kisan. Israeli forces detained and severely beat 3 Palestinians at a flying checkpoint near Bayt Fajjar; all 3 were later taken to a hospital in Bayt Jala. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Malik during an anti-settlement demonstration, injuring 1 Palestinian with a tear-gas canister; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters during the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum; 1 Palestinian was hit with a rubber-coated bullet to his face. Israeli forces also seized construction materials in al-Walaja. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 paramedic during the protest in Kafr Malik, 1 during a raid in Hebron, and 6 at checkpoints near Nablus, Qalandia, and Bethlehem. (WAFA, WAFA 11/20; WAFA 11/21; PCHR 11/26)

The U.S. department of justice said that the Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard finished his parole and is now free to move to Israel. It had been uncertain if Pollard would have his parole extended since U.S. national security officials have objected to allowing Pollard’s parole to expire. Pollard was arrested in 1985 for spying on the U.S. on behalf of Israel and was handed a life sentence. He was released in 2015 but with limitations on his movement and he was banned from making public statements as part of his parole. Pollard was given Israeli citizenship in 1995 and Israeli prime ministers have long sought to have him released to Israel, where he is perceived as a hero. (NYT 11/20; HA, REU 11/21; HA, HA, HA, LAT 11/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces ordered 1 Palestinian family to demolish an agricultural structure in the northern Jordan Valley and ordered stop-work on 1 poultry farm and retaining walls in al-Walaja. Israeli forces also seized 1 water tank east of Tubas. PA security forces arrested 7 supporters of exiled Palestinian leader Mohammed Dahlan, accused of having aided in the UAE-Israel normalization deal. Israeli forces also arrested 4 Palestinians during raids in and around Tulkarm and Hebron; during a raid near Tulkarm, clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli forces; 1 Palestinian was injured by a tear gas canister. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested in Issawiyya. (REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/21; HA 9/22; PCHR 9/24)

BBC News Arabic reported that, according to leaked documents, Russian-Israeli citizen Roman Abramovich has donated more than $100 million to Elad, the Israeli settler group seeking to evict Palestinians in East Jerusalem to replace them with Israeli settlers. Abramovich is said to have used shell companies to make sure the donations could not be traced to him. (BBC, GDN, HA 9/21; AJ, DT, WAFA 9/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinians near al-Walaja, causing both to be hospitalized. Israeli settlers also chopped down 50 olive trees in al-Sawiya. Israeli forces injured 4 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets during the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 1 Palestinian man, aged 54, died of a heart attack after a stun grenade fired by Israeli forces landed in close proximity to him near the Barta‘a checkpoint. Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians in Hebron, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid near Bethlehem and 1 at a checkpoint southeast of Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 7 Palestinians were arrested while leaving the Haram al-Sharif compound. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/18; PCHR 9/19; WAFA 9/20;  PCHR 9/24)

A Hamas senior official denied reports that the Egyptian delegation had made a breakthrough in brokering a prisoner exchange deal between Hamas and Israel. According to the official, the 2 parties are still far from each other as many obstacles remain. (HA 9/18)

U.S. president Donald Trump said at a press briefing after meeting a Kuwaiti official that he thinks Kuwait will soon follow the UAE and Bahrain in normalizing ties with Israel. Kuwaiti officials said earlier this month that the country would be the last to join a normalization agreement with Israel. (HA 9/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with Israeli military escort toured a spring near al-Walaja. Israeli forces violently dispersed protests against the UAE-Israel normalization deal in Kafr Qaddum, Salfit, Hebron, ad Ni‘lin, causing tear-gas related injuries, and 2 were hit by rubber-coated bullets in Kafr Qaddum. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 on a street in the Old City and 1 during a late-night raid in Wadi al-Juz. In Gaza, 12 rockets were fired toward Israel, 1 causing damage to a house after it was intercepted. Israeli forces fired missiles at Gaza east and west of Gaza City and near Bayt Lahiya, causing damage and moderate injuries to 1 minor who was hit by shrapnel. Israeli forces also opened fire on agricultural lands east of Rafah and Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen on 2 separate occasions west of Bayt Lahiya and Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Israel, thousands of protesters outside of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official residence continued their calls for him to step down. (HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/21; HA 8/22; HA 8/23; PCHR 8/27)

In an apparent response to U.S. president Donald Trump’s claim that Saudi Arabia would follow the UAE and normalize ties with Israel, a senior member of the Saudi royal family, Prince Turki al-Faisal, said in an op-ed that “[t]he Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has set a price for concluding peace between Israel and the Arabs—it is the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as capital, as provided for by the initiative of the late King Abdullah.” According to the London-based newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadid, the head of the Mossad, Yossi Cohen, met with the deputy head of Sudan’s sovereignty council general Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo in a meeting brokered by the UAE. Sudan denied the claim. (AJ, HA, REU 8/21; HA 8/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 2 construction vehicles at a quarry north of Nablus. Israeli forces handed demolition orders for 3 houses in al-Walaja. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Shu‘fat refugee camp, Dheisheh refugee camp, Bethlehem, ‘Aqabat Jabir refugee camp, and Jalazun refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 3 Palestinian-owned stores in Silwan. Israeli undercover forces arrested 1 12-year-old on a street in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level farmland north of Bayt Hanun. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Israeli police violently dispersed Israeli protesters outside the official residence of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu demonstrating against the Israeli government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy; 55 were arrested. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/23; HA 7/24; PCHR 7/29)

The French Development Agency and the PA signed a $11.6 million agreement to support PA health, water, energy, and civil society sectors. (WAFA 7/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces evacuated a settlement outpost near Nablus. Israeli forces delivered 1 stop-work order for 1 house, demolition orders for 1 house and 4 agricultural structures in al-Walaja, and a demolition order for 1 house in Twana. Israeli forces also demolished a structure under construction which would have served as a COVID-19 testing facility in Hebron. Israeli settlers threw stones on Palestinian vehicles traveling on a main road in the northern part of the West Bank. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Yatta, al-‘Arub refugee camp, al-Bireh, al-Am‘ari refugee camp, Jalazun refugee camp, Tubas, and Bayt Awa. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned house under construction in Jabal Mukabir. Israeli forces also arrested the directors of Yabous Cultural Center and the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music and seized documents from both institutions. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles off the shore of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmers southeast of Gaza City; no injuries were reported. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/22; National, PCHR 7/23; HA 7/24)

At the UN Security Council, the Chinese ambassador expressed deep concern “about reports of the [Israeli] plan to annex part of the occupied Palestinian territories.” (HA, JP 7/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for residential structures, 1 stable, and 1 stone wall; a stop-work notice for a water well and fencing in al-Walaja; and demolished and seized 5 tin structures in Sawahara al-Sharqiyya. 19 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Hebron, al-‘Arub refugee camp, al-Fawar refugee camp, Nahalin, Nablus, and Bardala. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 house in Silwan, displacing a family of 9. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters demonstrating against the killing of an unarmed Palestinian man on 5/30; 6 people were arrested. Another 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. In Israel, Israeli forces violently dispersed hundreds of Palestinian citizens of Israel protesting against the planned demolition of an 18th-century Muslim burial ground in Jaffa. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/9; TOI 6/10; PCHR 6/11)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh told journalists that if Israel moves forward with annexing West Bank territory, the PA would declare an independent state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital. Prime Minister Shtayyeh further stated that the PA had sent a counterproposal to the U.S. peace plan to the Quartet. (AJ, HA, REU 6/9)

The Israeli high court of justice ruled the “Law for the Regularization of Settlement in Judea and Samaria [the West Bank]” unconstitutional. The law was approved in 2017 and allowed use of Palestinian-owned land to build settlements and legalize settlement outposts. (HA, NYT, REU 6/9; WAFA 6/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished vending stalls in ‘Ayn al-Bayda and Bardala; demolished 3 agricultural structures and razed land east of Hebron; demolished 1 house under construction in Bayt Dajan; handed demolition orders for 3 tents south of Yatta; handed stop-work orders for construction in al-Walaja; and demolished 2 tourist facilities under construction in Sabastiyya. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Tulkarm and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished part of their own house in Silwan to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/27; PCHR 5/28)

The U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo said that the U.S. would not extend waivers for 3 of 4 sanctions allowing Russian, Chinese, and European companies to work on Iranian nuclear sites in the interest of non-proliferation. (AJ 5/30)

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

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

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

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished a garage and car wash in al-Walaja and 4 residential structures and a blacksmith workshop south of Hebron. Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers near Yatta, preventing them from farming their land. Israeli settlers also installed a mobile home on Palestinian-owned land near Burqa. 9 Palestinians were arrested, including 8 during late-night raids in and around Hebron and Tulkarm; 1 was arrested at a checkpoint near Tubas. In East Jerusalem, 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Silwan and al-Tur. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/5; PCHR 12/12)

The PA foreign Ministry summoned a Brazilian diplomat over another Brazilian diplomat Eduardo Bolsonaro, who is also the son of Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, who visited an Israeli settlement in the West Bank. (WAFA 12/5)

Japan announced a $60,357 grant for the installation of a solar energy system at the Franciscan Sisters’ School in Jericho. (WAFA 12/5)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man was rushed to a hospital in Ramallah after being beaten by Israeli forces at a checkpoint outside of Ramallah. Israeli forces also arrested 19 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Ramallah. Israeli settlers slashed tires and sprayed racist graffiti on walls in Duma village. Israeli forces razed land and demolished 1 house and 2 greenhouses in al-Walaja. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Khan Yunis. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian at the Erez crossing. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/16; PCHR 9/19)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview with the Israeli Army Radio that he “intends to extend [Israeli] sovereignty on all the settlements and the [settlement] blocs . . . sites that have security importance or are important to Israel’s heritage.” PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said in response that the “Jordan Valley is part of Palestinian lands and any settlement or annexation is illegal,” further stating that the PA will sue Israel in international courts. (AJ, WAFA 9/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli authorities delivered stop-work notices for 4 Palestinian-owned houses under construction in al-Walaja, al-Khader, and Nahalin in the Bethlehem area. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets near the West Bank wall; 1 was transferred to a hospital and another arrested. Separately, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Hebron. Israeli settlers entered Yatma south of Nablus overnight where they sprayed Price Tag graffiti on a building and punctured the tires of 6 vehicles. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis. Separately, Israeli forces opened fire toward Palestinians protesting east of Khan Yunis. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 8/13; PCHR 8/22)

Israel’s public security minister Gilad Erdan said that the status quo of Jerusalem needed to be altered so that Jews can be formally allowed to worship on the Haram al-Sharif compound. A spokesperson for the Jordanian foreign ministry said that such a move could have “dangerous repercussions.” (HA 8/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers puncture the tires of several Palestinian vehicles and leave racist graffiti on nearby walls in Iskaka village near Salfit. Approximately 30 armed settlers enter Urif village near Nablus in the evening. They damage equipment at an infrastructure construction site and spark clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; 3 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also violently disperse Palestinian schoolchildren throwing stones in Hebron; and patrol near Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, several senior Islamic Waqf officials enter Haram al-Sharif via al-Rahma Gate and pray at the sanctuary. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in al-Walaja. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City and al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian homes, farmers, and shepherds near Rafah, Khan Yunis, and Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the evening, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering to continue the Great March of Return near Rafah; 6 Palestinians are injured. (MNA, MNA, WAFA 2/14; MNA, MNA 2/15; PCHR 2/21)

On the 2d day of a Middle East security conference in Warsaw, U.S. president Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner says that the Trump administration’s long-awaited plan for Palestinian-Israeli peace will require compromises of both sides. “We hear Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Israel and we understand that there is a chance,” he adds. “They do a better job than me to explain why there is a reason to be optimistic.” Kushner also says that the Trump administration’s plan is not based on the Arab Peace Initiative. “I think it was a great initiative, in 2002 when it was done, but it hasn’t produced peace.” After meeting with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo says that “stability in the Middle East” won’t be achieved “without confronting Iran.” Netanyahu’s office later leaks a video recorded during a closed session in Warsaw on 2/13 depicting several Arab foreign ministers downplaying the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in relation to Iran in terms of issues threatening the security of the Middle East. Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa is depicted saying that “toxic” money from Iran has obstructed past efforts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. (AP, EI, HA, HA, HA, JP, JP, JP, JP, TOI, TOI, YA, YA 2/14)

Israeli forces arrest a Lebanese minor after he crosses the Israel-Lebanon border armed with a knife. (HA, MNA 2/14)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops detect and dismantle an explosive device lashed to a balloon in an open area near the border fence. Separately, 2 Palestinians cut through the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp, throw an incendiary device at an IDF post, and return to Gaza. The attack causes no reported damage. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a water pipeline in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is lightly injured. IDF troops conduct raids in al-Walaja near Bethlehem, sparking minor clashes; there are no reported injuries. They arrest 12 Palestinians during further raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Nablus, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers harass Palestinian farmers working near Nablus; there are no reported injuries. A settler assaults a Palestinian in Hebron’s Old City, breaking he man’s jaw. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-Ram, sparking clashes; there are no reported injuries. They arrest 1 more Palestinian during a raid in Silwan. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/13; MNA 10/14; PCHR 10/18) 

Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman says that he will not allow any more Qatari-funded fuel transfers to Gaza until all violence along Gaza’s border is “entirely” over. “As long as the violent protests continue on the Gaza border, including the launching of incendiary balloons and kites and the burning of tires near Israeli towns, the fuel and gas for the Gaza Strip will not be renewed.” Lieberman ordered the transfers to stop on 10/12. Meanwhile, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh says that the protests and other resistance activities along Gaza’s border will continue until the “siege on Jerusalem, [Haram al-Sharif] and all the lands of Palestine is lifted.” (TOI 10/13)

Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint north of Hebron after he allegedly attempts to stab one of them. No Israelis are injured during the incident. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian residential structure on the outskirts of Yatta near Hebron. Israeli settlers open fire on a Palestinian home in Burqa village near Nablus, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 4 Palestinian homes in al-Walaja near Bethlehem, sparking clashes with residents who barricaded themselves inside the homes; 10 Palestinians are injured. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor along the border fence near Khan Yunis in unclear circumstances. In northern Israel, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Manshiyet Zabda village. (HA, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 9/3; MNA, MNA 9/4)

A group of Israeli farmers files a formal complaint to the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague against Hamas for allegedly facilitating the wave of incendiary kite and balloon attacks that damaged approximately 7,000 acres of Israeli farmlands earlier this year. (JP, TOI 9/3)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians armed with knives and grenades after they cross into Israel near Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians during late-night raids near Tulkarm, Nablus, Hebron, Tubas, and Ramallah; and patrol in and around Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Nablus, and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in al-Walaja near Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Abu Dis overnight, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. The IDF arrests 3 Palestinians on further raids in Issawiyya and Qalandia refugee camp. (HA, JP, WAFA, YA 3/27; PCHR 3/29)