The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts morning patrols in 3 villages nr. Jenin, Qalqilya, and Salfit and late-night patrols in Nabi Salih nr. Ramallah. The IDF also escorts Jewish settlers into Kifl Haris village nr. Salfit to pray at Joseph’s Tomb, withdrawing late at night; during the day the settlers, angry over vandalism at the site on 12/15, vandalize 5 Palestinian tombs and several Palestinian cars. (OCHA, PCHR 12/23)

The Arab League says it will support the 12/12 Palestinian decision to suspend direct and indirect negotiations with Israel until the U.S. offers a serious proposal to advance peace. (WP 12/16)

Norway upgrades the status of the PLO representation in Oslo from a “general delegation” to a “diplomatic mission.” The head of the office will have ambassador status but will go by the title “chief of mission” and will have no added diplomatic privileges. (YA 12/17)

IDF troops on the n. Gaza border fire warning shots at Palestinians scavenging for construction materials in the fmr. Jewish settlement sites, wounding 1. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts arrest raids, house searches in Dura nr. Hebron and in Tulkarm. The Jewish holy site of Joseph’s Tomb in Kifl Haris nr. Salfit is vandalized sometime during the day; local Palestinians are suspected. (PCHR 12/16; OCHA, PCHR 12/23)