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  • January 10, 2024

    In the West Bank, a Palestinian man shot by Israeli forces on 1/8 in Beitunia succumbs to his wounds. Israeli settlers set olive trees and an agriculture structure on fire near Kafr ad-Dik....

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  • October 11, 2023

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers shot and killed 4 Palestinians and injured 9 others in Qusra. Israeli settlers also raided Shaab Forsa in the Masafer Yatta area, destroying solar panels and...

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  • November 30, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed 60 dunams (14.8 acres) of land east of al-‘Awja. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Ya’bad; 1 Palestinian was...

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  • October 27, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 2 Palestinians in Kafr ad-Dik, causing hospitalization. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Huwwara. Israeli forces handed...

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  • September 16, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 9 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed...

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  • August 10, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 1 child with live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in...

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  • June 22, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed activists protesting Israeli military drills in Masafer Yatta. Israeli forces also demolished parts of road used to access agricultural lands...

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  • August 20, 2020

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces sealed off the entrances to Nabi Salih and Abud. 1 Palestinian was lightly wounded by an explosive ordinance in Kafr Qaddum; Israeli forces later acknowledged that...

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  • March 22, 2020

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up tents and caravans at a settlement outpost in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian at the Ni‘lin junction; 1 other man...

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  • April 1, 2019

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces sealed the entrances to the villages Nabi Salih and Abud near Ramallah. The sealing of Nabi Salih led to clashes between residents and Israeli forces; no injuries...

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  • July 7, 2017

    An Israeli settler driver runs over a Palestinian motorcyclist nr. Bethlehem, causing fatal injuries. The Israeli police describe the incident as a “road accident,” though it is not clear whether...

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  • May 26, 2017

    IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike in 5 areas nr....

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  • May 19, 2017

    IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the settler killing of a Palestinian nr. Nablus on 5/18, and in solidarity with...

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  • January 26, 2017

    IDF troops conduct raids in Nablus, arresting 3 Palestinians and sparking minor clashes; 2 Palestinians are shot and injured. They also conduct overnight raids in Jenin r.c., arresting 2 Hamas...

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  • January 6, 2017

    IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah...

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  • December 31, 2016

    IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during an overnight raid nr. Jenin after reports of Palestinians opening fire on Israeli soldiers in the area. They arrest 6 more Palestinians during raids and...

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  • April 12, 2013

    In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in in al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron, and in 1 village nr. Jericho in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Jenin and 1 nr. Ramallah at night; conducts...

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  • March 22, 2013

    IDF forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during clashes in Anata nr. Jerusalem. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Hebron, in al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon; conducts...

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  • March 15, 2013

    Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu finalizes a deal to form a new coalition government comprising of his joint Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu list, Yesh Atid (19 seats), Bayit Yehudi (12 seats), and Hatnua (6...

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  • March 8, 2013

    There are violent clashes between IDF soldiers and Palestinian demonstrators across the West Bank. After the funeral of a man killed by the IDF in Abud village nr. Ramallah, demonstrators clash...

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  • February 22, 2013

    Across the West Bank, clashes continue between the IDF and Palestinians protesting in solidarity with prisoners in Israeli jails.

    ...

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  • May 11, 2012

    The IDF conducts daytime patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, 1 nr. Jericho, and 1 nr. Qalqilya; conducts late-night patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 nr. Ramallah. Jewish settlers fr. Elazar...

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  • March 21, 2007

    IDF troops on the n. Gaza border fire on Palestinians collecting scrap metal who stray close to the border fence nr. Erez industrial zone, wounding a teenager; fire on a group of Palestinians in...

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  • November 17, 2005

    IDF plainclothesmen fatally shoot wanted al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades (AMB) mbrs. Ahmad Abahra and Muhammad Zayid as their car crosses a checkpoint in Jenin in an apparent assassination. The IDF also...

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  • January 24, 2005

    The IDF reports that Palestinian violence has diminished significantly in recent days, with no mortar fire since 1/19, no Qassam fire in more than a wk. The IDF fatally shoots a Palestinian who...

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  • April 9, 2003

    Hamas mbrs. fire 2 Qassam rockets toward Sederot (1 lands near the town, the other inside Gaza), causing no damage or injuries. The IDF then sends tanks into Bayt Hanun, sparking stone-throwing...

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  • June 30, 2001

    An Israeli official says that since Israeli-Palestinian violence has continued, the initial 7-day period of Powell's new cease-fire time line has not yet begun. Today, the IDF directs machine gun...

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  • June 13, 2001

    A previously unknown Jewish settler group, the Brigade of Gilad and Shalhavet (named for 2 settlers killed during recent fighting) claims responsibility for ambushing a Palestinian car, killing 1...

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  • June 10, 2001

    Palestinians fire 8 mortars at 2 Jewish settlements in Gaza, damaging greenhouses. A Palestinian dies after IDF soldiers bar his crossing through a checkpoint to Nablus hospital for kidney...

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  • December 28, 1984

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Yuri Heller, leader of radical settler group, declares intent to build Jewish settlement in S. Lebanon; states S. Lebanon part of "Land...

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In the West Bank, a Palestinian man shot by Israeli forces on 1/8 in Beitunia succumbs to his wounds. Israeli settlers set olive trees and an agriculture structure on fire near Kafr ad-Dik. Israeli forces raid Nablus and Abud, injuring 8 people with live ammunition, including a child, and cause widespread destruction in Nablus. Israeli forces also demolish a car wash and a nursery in Kafl Haris. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raze 6 dunams (1.5 acres) of Palestinian-owned land planted with 50 olive trees in Hebron and 2 dunams (.5 acres) of Palestinian-owned land near Bethlehem. Israeli forces also raid a medical clinic near Bethlehem, causing damage. Israeli forces arrest 26 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Ramallah, Tulkarm, Tubas, Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities demolish a Palestinian home in Sur Baher, displacing 8 people. In Gaza, Israel bombs Dayr al-Balah, Rafah, Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Maghazi, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabalia refugee camp, killing at least 147 people, including 4 crew members and 2 injured Palestinians being transported an ambulance, killing 40 people in a home at the entrance of al-Aqsa Hospital in Dayr al-Balah, and 15 people in an apartment building in Rafah. In the Naqab, Israeli forces demolish the al-Za’arura and Bir Hadaj Bedouin villages. In Lebanon, Israeli forces attack the home of a Hezbollah member in Kfarchouba, killing him. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/10; AJ 1/11)

More than 23,357 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,350 women and children, and around 59,410 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 335 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 84 children. More than 4,148 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, 184 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,076 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. 193 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah and Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossings. (WAFA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 1/10)

Israel places Khalida Jarrar in administrative detention for an initial period of 6 months. (AJ 1/10)

Haaretz reports that Israel demolished 140 Palestinian homes and 84 other structures in East Jerusalem in 2023, marking a 60% increase in home demolitions compared to 2022. The newspaper notes that during the first 9 months of 2023 10 housing units were demolished per month and after 10/7 the figure rose to 17 a month. (HA 1/10)

Hamas official Osama Hamdan says there are no talks about a prisoner exchange, adding Israel is defrauding the Israeli public by circulating reports about talks. Hamdan maintains the Hamas position that it will not engage until Israel stops its attacks on Gaza. Hamdan also calls on the ICJ not to be pressured by the U.S. (AJ, HA, NYT 1/10)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas meets with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken in Ramallah, discussing the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Reports describe the meeting as intense, with Abbas pressing Blinken on Israel’s freezing of the PA’s tax revenue and Israel’s attacks on Gaza. Palestinians protest Blinken’s visit, saying he is not welcome. Blinken later tells the press in Bahrain that Abbas agreed to reform the PA in preparation to take control of Gaza. Abbas flies to Aqaba in Jordan after the meeting with Blinken where he meets Jordanian king Abdullah II and Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, discussing ways to end Israel’s war in Gaza and prevent the displacement of Palestinians. PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh meets with U.S. deputy assistant secretary for Palestinian affairs Hady Amr in Ramallah. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/10; AJ, AJ, HA, NYT 1/11)

In an English language post on X Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says, “Israel has no intention of permanently occupying Gaza or displacing its civilian population,” contradicting statements by several of his coalition members. Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz says Hamas no longer has ruling capabilities in Gaza and that Israel will continue its war to prevent Hamas from regaining control. Gantz also says that security in Gaza will remain “in our hands.” Likud member and deputy speaker of the Knesset Nissim Vatur tells the Kol Barama radio station that “Gaza and its people must be burned.” (AJ, AP, HA, HA 1/10)

Colombia and Brazil issue statements in support of the South African case against Israel at the ICJ. Palestinians rally in Ramallah in support of the case. (AJ 1/10; AJ 1/11)

The UN Security Council passes a resolution demanding that Yemen’s Houthi government ends its attacks on ships in the Red Sea and frees the ship Galaxy Leader and its crew. Russia, China, Mozambique, and Algeria abstain. 3 Russian amendments to the resolution fail. The Houthis call the resolution a “political game.”  (AJ, AP, AP, HA 1/10; AJ, AJ, HA 1/11)

The ICC sets up a portal for submission of evidence of Israeli war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, or aggression. (AJ, WAFA 1/10)

The Chinese Foreign Ministry calls for an immediate ceasefire and for Israel to stop “collective punishment” of the people of Gaza. (AJ 1/10)

U.S. Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis suggests at a presidential primary debate that Egypt or Saudi Arabia should resettle some Palestinians from Gaza if Israel “makes the calculation that [it is needed] to avert a second Holocaust.” Another candidate, Nikki Haley, says the U.S. should give Israel “whatever it wants.” (AJ, HA 1/11)

A poll conducted for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy finds that 96% of Saudis believe all Arab states should sever all ties with Israel. A YouGov poll commissioned by Medical Aid for Palestinians and the Council for Arab-British Understanding shows that 71% of people in the UK support an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, while 17% approve of the UK government’s handling of the war on Gaza. (AJ 1/10)

The Jewish Forward reports that the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has started including pro-Palestine rallies in its tally of anti-Semitic incidents. The report also says that the ADL now deems all anti-Zionist chants and slogans anti-Semitic, leading to pro-Palestine rallies where anti-Zionist slogan were chanted constituting 40% of incidents of anti-Semitism counted in a recent ADL report. (AJ, HA 1/10)

The International Ice Hockey Federation bars Israel from participating in world championship events, citing security concerns. Israel calls the ban “anti-Semitic.” The decision prevents the U20 Israeli hockey team from participating in a Division III world championship tournament later this month. (HA, TOI 1/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers shot and killed 4 Palestinians and injured 9 others in Qusra. Israeli settlers also raided Shaab Forsa in the Masafer Yatta area, destroying solar panels and water tanks and uprooting fruit trees. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian vehicles traveling near Burqa, damaging 3. Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian at a checkpoint near Bayt Jala. Israeli forces also shot and killed a Palestinian minor in Bani Na’im. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, Beit Fajjar, Abud, Fawwar refugee camp, al-Bireh, Huwwara, Beit Furik, Arrabah, Nabi Salih, al-Khader, Deir Istiya, and Burin, injuring 21 with live ammunition, including at least 1 minor, 3 with baton rounds, and many others with tear gas. Israeli forces also raided Idhna and Beit Umar, arresting 18. 35 Palestinian families, comprising 214 people, began fleeing the Wadi as Seeq and al-Mu’arajat communities near Ramallah after continued settler attacks. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces attacked the home of Izzeddin al-Qassam commander Mohammed Deif killing several of his relatives, including his children, and assassinated Islamic Jihad commander Mousa Nasser in Beit Lahiya. Hundreds of Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes, including at least 4 Palestinian medics. Israeli airstrikes also destroyed the Islamic University’s engineering school and the headquarters of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. Rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel. In Lebanon, Hezbollah said it had fired precision missiles at Israel in response to Israel killing members of the organization. Israeli airstrikes hit southern Lebanon. (AP 10/7; AJ, HA 10/10; AP, HA, HA, HA, 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 10/11; HA, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA 10/12)

Gaza’s sole power plant ran out of fuel in the afternoon. The Gaza Ministry of Health said at least 1,100 Palestinians have been killed and 5,339 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7 as of 2 p.m. 28 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 5 children, and 427 have been injured. In addition, 1,500 Palestinian militants are reported to have been killed by Israeli forces in Israel since 10/7. The Gaza Ministry of Health said 60% of injured Palestinians are children and elderly. UNRWA said 11 of its workers have been killed in Israeli airstrikes and the Red Crescent said 5 of its members have been killed since 10/7. Israeli media reported that as of 9 a.m., more than 1,200 Israeli and foreign nationals had been killed and 3,192 injured. The UN reported that 338,934 Palestinians have been displaced since 10/7 and 4,625 housing units in Gaza have been destroyed while 32,000 had been damaged. (AP 10/7; AJ 10/10; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, UNOHCA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/11; WAFA 10/12) 

Al Jazeera released a video that appeared to show militants releasing an Israeli woman and 2 children near the Gaza fence. (AJ, AJ 10/11)

Ramallah governor Laila Ghannam said some 600 Palestinian workers from Gaza had arrived in Ramallah after being expelled from Israel. (AP 10/7; AJ 10/10; AJ 10/12)

Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said on X that he had instructed the Israeli police to prepare for “Operation Guardian of the Walls 2,” a reference to Israel’s operation during the Unity Intifada, and approved residents of Sderot receiving weapons from the state. (HA 10/11)

Egyptian officials told Reuters that Egypt rejects the idea of an evacuation of Palestinians to Egypt. (REU 10/11)

Former Hamas political leader Khaled Mashal called on the Arab world to protest in solidarity with Palestinians on 10/13. (HA, REU 10/11)

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called Israel’s blockade and bombing of Gaza “a massacre.” Erdoğan also called the Israeli bombings “disproportionate.” Turkish officials also said they are negotiating with Hamas regarding the Israeli captives. (AJ 10/10; AJ, HA, REU 10/11)

The Arab League released a statement after a meeting of its members’ foreign ministers, calling for an immediate ceasefire, condemning the targeting of civilians, urging Israel to lift its blockade on Gaza, and calling for negotiations between the PLO and Israel for a just peace. (WAFA 10/11)

German foreign minister Boris Pistorius said Germany had allowed Israel to use 2 of its Heron combat drones and that Israel had requested ammunition from Germany, which was under review. (AJ 10/11; AP 10/12)

Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi and Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke about the situation in Gaza. According to the Saudi Press Agency, bin Salman said that he stands firm toward supporting the Palestinian cause. It was the first time the 2 leaders have spoken to each other. (AJ 10/10; AJ 10/11; AJ, REU 10/12)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz, agreeing to form an emergency unity government and a war cabinet. The war cabinet will consist of Netanyahu, Gantz, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, with former military chief of staff Gadi Eizenkot of the National Unity Party and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer as observers. Opposition leader Yair Lapid did not join the emergency government, reportedly because he wants National Security Minister Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich removed. Gallant said “[w]e will wipe Hamas off the face of the earth,” and Netanyahu said “[e]very member of Hamas is a dead man,” and compared Hamas to ISIS. (AJ 10/10; AJ, HA, HA, HA 10/11; AJ, HA, HA 10/12; HA 10/13)

U.S. president Joe Biden gave a speech to Jewish American leaders, telling them “I never really thought I would see, have confirmed pictures of terrorists beheading children.” The White House later told the Washington Post “[t]he president based his comments about the alleged atrocities on the claims of Netanyahu’s spokesman and media reports from Israel,” noting that Biden and his team have not seen pictures or confirmed the reports. Hamas denied the report, calling it “Zionist slander and lies” and rejecting that Palestinians beheaded children and assaulted women. The U.S. State Department said 22 Americans have been killed and 17 were unaccounted for. Biden also spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu. (AJ, AJ, HA 10/11; AJ, CNN, HA, REU 10/12)

U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee chair Michael McCaul (R-TX) said the U.S. knew that Egypt warned Israel 3 days prior to the Hamas operation that “an event like this could happen.” (AJ 10/10; HA 10/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed 60 dunams (14.8 acres) of land east of al-‘Awja. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Ya’bad; 1 Palestinian was arrested during the raid. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a raid in Abud; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Nabi Salih, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Arroub refugee camp, causing tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolished 10 agricultural structures in Aqraba. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work orders against 1 residential structure and 1 agricultural structure near Yatta. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ramallah, al-Eizariya, Dura, Fawwar refugee camp, Dahariya, ‘Asira al-Qibliya, Anabta, and Jaba’. (HA, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/30; PCHR 12/1; UNOCHA 12/16)

U.S. special representative for Palestinian affairs Hady Amr told journalists that the U.S. still intends to reopen its consulate to Palestinians in Jerusalem. (REU 11/30; MEMO 12/1)

The UNGA approved a resolution calling for an official commemorative event to mark the 75th anniversary of the Nakba. 90 countries voted in favor, 30 against and 47 abstained. Among the no votes were most EU countries, the U.S., Canada, Australia, the UK, and Brazil. (HA, MEE 12/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 2 Palestinians in Kafr ad-Dik, causing hospitalization. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Huwwara. Israeli forces handed temporary eviction notices to 2 Palestinian families, ordering them to leave their land for 3 days from 11/1 and for 10 hours on 11/9 while Israeli forces conducted military drills in Khirbet Humsa. Israeli forces also handed punitive demolition notices in Kafr Dan to 2 families who are relatives of 2 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces on 9/14. 37 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Tulkarm, Abud, ‘Anata, Biddu, Dheisheh refugee camp, Beit Umar, Surif, Iraq al-Tayeh, Nablus, al-Yamun, Jenin, al-Jiftlik, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in al-Tur, demanding the release of the body of a Palestinian killed by Israeli forces on 9/22. 3 Palestinians were arrested in Bayt Hanina and Jabel Mukaber. (MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/27; MEMO 10/28; PCHR 11/3; UNOCHA 11/13)

Israel said it had eased the collective punishment restrictions imposed on Nablus and that it will remove some of the checkpoints that were set up 2 weeks ago. (HA 10/28)

Lebanon and Israel officially signed their maritime border demarcation agreement. Lebanese president Michel Aoun and Hezbollah secretary general Hassan Nasrallah both praised the agreement, saying that it does not signify a move towards normalization with Israel. The agreement provides Lebanon with the vast majority of potential profits from the Qana gas field and Israel all the profits from the Karish gas field. Energean, the company licensed to operate the Karish gas field, said it began production at Karish on 10/26. (AJ, HA, REU 10/26; AJ, ALM, AP, AX, BBC, HA, MEMO, MEMO, REU, REU, REU, REU 10/27)

Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz met with Türkiye president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and defense minister Hulusi Akar in Ankara. Defense Minister Gantz said that the 2 sides had decided to resume defense cooperation. (AJ, ALM, AP, AX, HA, REU 10/27)

20 Democratic members of the U.S. house of representatives signed a letter, circulated by representative Don Beyer (D-VA), to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken saying that Israel should not be included in the U.S. visa waiver program due to its ethic discrimination and racial profiling. (HA 10/28; MEE 10/31)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 9 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beit Umar, injuring 3 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, causing tear-gas related injuries. 18 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Abud, Silwad, Silat al-Harithiya, Jaba‘, Kafr Ra‘i, Beita, and al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya; during the raid in Abud, Israeli forces arrested 22 Palestinian students from Birzeit University who were camping at a nearby spring; 12 were released shortly after the raid while 10 remained in custody. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/16; PCHR 9/22; UNOCHA 9/30)

The Israeli company Meimei Hanegev cut the water supply to 50 Palestinians living in the Rahma community in the Negev. The move by the water supplier was illegal under Israeli law and the water connection was restored after Haaretz inquired about the matter to the company. A member of the community said he had tried to pay off the majority of the outstanding balance owed the company, but that his payment was rejected at the post office, citing a technical issue. (HA 9/19)

Israel indicted 1 Palestinian man for acts of terrorism related to a shooting in the Old City of Jerusalem on 8/14 where 8 people were wounded in a bus. The man had been in house arrest after serving a 5-year sentence when he allegedly opened fire on the settlers. (HA 9/16)

Speaking alongside U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken in Washington D.C., Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi called on Israel to end “unilateral measures that are undermining the viability of the 2-state solution,” citing settlements, confiscation of land, and encroachment on the Haram al-Sharif compound. (HA 9/16; WAFA 9/17)

New Zealand signed a 3-year funding agreement with UNRWA worth $1.8 million. (WAFA 9/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 1 child with live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Taqqua, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered a demolition notice for an EU-funded school in al-Samiya. Israeli forces also demolished 1 house and 1 agricultural structure in al-‘Awja and 1 carpentry shop in Husan, and delivered 4 demolition orders for houses in Fasayil. 11 Palestinians were arrested in al-Mughayyir, Deir Jarir, Abud, Jaba‘, al-Khader, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Bayt Hanina, displacing 6, including 4 children. 3 Palestinians were arrested at the Mount of Olives. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/10; MEMO, PCHR 8/11; AN 8/15; UNOCHA 8/19)

The Israeli government told the supreme court that the Homesh settlement outpost will be evacuated, but that no time frame has been set. (HA 8/10)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with Türkiye president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Konya. Prime minister Shtayyeh also met with president of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. (WAFA 8/10)

U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides said in an interview that the U.S. fully backed Israel’s attack on Gaza over the weekend, calling Islamic Jihad “bad guys.” Ambassador Nides further said that the U.S. was not informed about Israel’s Operation Breaking Dawn beforehand but was not surprised. (TOI 8/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed activists protesting Israeli military drills in Masafer Yatta. Israeli forces also demolished parts of road used to access agricultural lands near Ras Karkar. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished a car repair shop in ‘Anata, 1 house under construction in Nil‘in, 4 structures in Nahalin, and 1 agricultural structure in al-Khader. 8 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Beit Furik, Jenin, Qabatiya, Kafr Abbush, Ein as-Sultan refugee camp, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities demolished 1 agricultural structure in Isawiya and razed land in Bayt Hanina. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Shu‘fat refugee camp. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level agricultural lands east of Rafah. Israeli forces also opened fire at Palestinian herders east of Jabaliya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/22; PCHR 6/23; UNOCHA 7/2)

The Israeli military began construction of a 45-kilomiter concrete barrier in the northern part of the West Bank that will replace a metal fenced area of the separation wall. (HA, MEMO 6/22)

Israeli military reopened an iron gate to the Abud village near Ramallah after Haaretz submitted an inquiry into why it had been closed. The iron gate to Abud had been closed since 6/8, forcing residents to take long detours to reach Ramallah. (HA 6/26)

The PA granted bail for 14 Palestinian security officers accused of partaking in the killing of PA critic Nizar Banat on 6/24/2021. The next court hearing in the case is scheduled for 7/3. (MEE 6/22)

110 of 120 members of the Knesset voted, in a preliminary vote, to dissolve the Knesset. A final vote is expected next week. (ALM, AP, AX, HA, REU 6/22)

Axios reported that the U.S. is working on a roadmap for normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia ahead of President Joe Biden’s visit to the 2 countries in July. (AX, MEE, TOI 6/22; AX, TOI 6/23)

A U.S. federal appeals court upheld an Arkansas law requiring state contractors to pledge not to boycott Israel. The judge writing the opinion claimed that “[b]ecause those commercial decisions are invisible to observers unless explained, they are not inherently expressive and do not implicate the First Amendment.” The American Civil Liberties Union said it would appeal the case to the Supreme Court. (AJ, AP, FOX, HA, HUFF, MDW, MEE, WP 6/22; TOI 6/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces sealed off the entrances to Nabi Salih and Abud. 1 Palestinian was lightly wounded by an explosive ordinance in Kafr Qaddum; Israeli forces later acknowledged that a Nahal reconnaissance battalion had planted 3 explosive devices in Kafr Qaddum as “deterrence.” Israeli forces also demolished 1 sheep barn near Tubas. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen northwest of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 8/20; HA, WAFA 8/26; PCHR 8/27)

Iran’s foreign ministry said that Iran had seized a ship from the UAE that had entered Iranian waters on 8/17 and that the UAE had killed 2 Iranian fishermen that same day. According to the ministry, the UAE apologized for killing the Iranian fishermen and offered compensation. (AJ, HA, REU 8/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up tents and caravans at a settlement outpost in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian at the Ni‘lin junction; 1 other man traveling with the deceased fled the scene. Israeli authorities alleged that the men had thrown stones at Israeli settler vehicles. Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed after Israeli forces raided Burin; tear-gas related injuries were reported. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh announced new measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, including banning movement between governorates; banning all unnecessary movement outside of homes; and forbidding workers in Israeli settlements from going to work. The PA also announced that it will release some of its prisoners as a measure to curb the spread of COVID-19. 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 at a checkpoint near Abud and 4 during raids in al-Fawar refugee camp and al-Zawiya. In East Jerusalem, the Islamic Waqf announced that it is closing the Haram al-Sharif compound for Muslim worshippers and visitors, according to the Waqf, Israel had also promised not to allow Jewish worshippers into the compound. Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed during a raid in Issawiyya; tear-gas related injuries were reported and 2 Palestinian minors were arrested. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 2-3 nautical miles west of Jabalia; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 3/22; HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/23; PCHR 3/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces sealed the entrances to the villages Nabi Salih and Abud near Ramallah. The sealing of Nabi Salih led to clashes between residents and Israeli forces; no injuries were reported. During late-night raids in Qalandia refugee camp, Israeli forces killed a 23-year-old Palestinian man; 3 other Palestinians were injured and taken to a hospital in Ramallah. Eyewitnesses say that the Palestinians did not pose a threat to the Israeli soldiers. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Qalandia, al-‘Izzariya, Beitunia, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers vandalized Palestinian-owned vehicles in Bayt Hanina by spraying racist graffiti, slashing tires and braking windows. In the Old City of Jerusalem, an employee of the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf was detained by Israeli police for opening the door to Bab al-Rahma. The Palestinian Prisoners’ Commission said that two Palestinian kids were severely beaten by Israeli forces while in detention after being arrested at Haram al-Sharif. In Gaza, Israeli forces announced that it had expanded the fishing zone for Gaza fishermen to 15 nautical miles off the southern part of Gaza. The middle zone of the Gaza shore will be 12 nautical miles and the northern zone will be 6 nautical miles. Israeli forces said that the expansion was due to the show of “restraint” at the Great March of Return protests. (AJ, HA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/1; HA, HA, MNA, MNA, PNN, WAFA, WAFA 4/2)

The PA announced that government employees for the 2d month in a row would receive only 50 percent of their salary. The PA said that the deduction in the government employees’ salaries was due to its decision not to accept $200 million in tax revenues collected by Israel as Israel deducted $11.5 million from the planned transfer to the PA because some of the money is scheduled to be paid to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons and their families. (MNA, WAFA 4/1)

During a visit to Israel, Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro toured the Western Wall with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. President Bolsonaro was in Israel from 3/31-4/3. (HA 4/1)

An Israeli settler driver runs over a Palestinian motorcyclist nr. Bethlehem, causing fatal injuries. The Israeli police describe the incident as a “road accident,” though it is not clear whether the collision was intentional. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinians driving nr. Jenin, breaking the windshield of 1 vehicle. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Jabaliya r.c. and Gaza City; 8 Palestinians and 1 Korean activist are injured. The IDF arrests 3 Palestinians and issues 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Tulkarm and Bethlehem, and patrols nr. Hebron. (MNA, WAFA 7/7; MNA 7/8; PCHR 7/13)

A Palestinian infant succumbs to injuries sustained amid clashes in Abud village nr. Ramallah on 5/19/2017, when IDF troops fired tear gas canisters at Palestinian homes during the clashes. The infant inhaled an ultimately fatal amount of gas. (MNA, WAFA 7/8)

A suicide bomber detonates a car at an Egyptian checkpoint in Rafah in n. Sinai, killing at least 10 Egyptian soldiers and injuring 26 others. In clashes sparked by their search for accomplices, Egyptian security forces kill 40 armed fighters affiliated with the Sinai Province of the Islamic State and other Islamist groups in the area, and destroy 6 vehicles. (MNA 7/7)

Despite Israeli and U.S. opposition, UNESCO’s World Heritage Comm. approves a res. inscribing Hebron’s Old City, including al-Ibrahimi Mosque, on its List of World Heritage in Danger. Twelve countries vote in favor of the measure, 3 oppose it, and 6 abstain. (BBC, GDN, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/7; MNA 7/9)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Qalandia checkpoint, Abud, Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Beita nr. Nablus, Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, Hebron and nearby Bayt Umar, and along Gaza’s border nr. Jabaliya r.c. and al-Bureij r.c.; at least 8 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, the IDF patrols nr. Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian shops in c. Hebron, causing minor damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 5/26; PCHR 6/1)

In response to COGAT’s 5/25 announcement of a reduction in Israel’s electricity supply to Gaza, Hamas releases a statement threatening “consequences” if the reductions are implemented. Meanwhile, UN special coordinator Nickolay Mladenov says that the energy crisis in Gaza is affecting water supplies and health services, which could spark another war. (AFP, MNA 5/26)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the settler killing of a Palestinian nr. Nablus on 5/18, and in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Qalandia checkpoint, Abud, Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), 2 nr. Nablus (Beita and Bayt Dajan), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, Hebron and nearby Bayt Umar, Bethlehem, Dayr Istya nr. Salfit, along Gaza’s border nr. Jabaliya r.c., and Gaza City; at least 11 Palestinians are injured and 12 are arrested. The IDF also arrests 5 Palestinians during raids nr. Tulkarm, Bethlehem, and Ramallah; and patrols nr. Qalqilya and Hebron. (HA, MNA, WAFA 5/19; PCHR 5/25)

IDF troops conduct raids in Nablus, arresting 3 Palestinians and sparking minor clashes; 2 Palestinians are shot and injured. They also conduct overnight raids in Jenin r.c., arresting 2 Hamas affiliates and sparking a brief firefight; 1 Israeli soldier and 3 Palestinians are injured. Additional IDF raids in Abud village nr. Ramallah spark more clashes. No one is seriously hurt, and the IDF closes the village’s main entrance. After reports of stone-throwing outside Beita village nr. Nablus, the IDF seals the village’s main entrance (they will unseal it on 1/30). The IDF arrests 8 Palestinians on late-night raids nr. Qalqilya, Hebron, and Ramallah, and patrols nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. Israeli forces uproot 500 olive trees nr. Hebron. An armed Palestinian opens fire on IDF troops nr. Qalqilya, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Qalandia r.c. and demolish 13 residential and agricultural buildings in bedouin communities nr. al-‘Izzariya. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Qarara. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 1/26; WAFA 1/30; PCHR 2/2)

The Jerusalem Municipality advances plans for 153 settler residences in Gilo, East Jerusalem. A municipal official says that the plans were held up for political reasons until U.S. pres. Obama left office on 1/20. (TOI 1/26)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids nr. Hebron, and patrol nr. Hebron, Salfit, and Ramallah during the day. The IDF removes the checkpoints it imposed on 2 roads leading to Jalazun r.c. and Abud village nr. Ramallah on 12/31. An Israeli settler driver rams a Palestinian nr. Nablus, seriously injuring him. (MNA 1/6; PCHR 1/12)

The family of the Palestinian fisherman who went missing off Gaza’s coast on 1/4 says that he died. His body has not yet been recovered. (MNA, TOI 1/7)

The Israeli authorities return the corpses of 2 Palestinians to their families in Hebron. The men were killed on 9/16 and 9/17 in c. Hebron. (MNA, TOI 1/6)

IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during an overnight raid nr. Jenin after reports of Palestinians opening fire on Israeli soldiers in the area. They arrest 6 more Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Qalqilya, Hebron, and Jenin, and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli troops arrest a group of settlers who spelled out “revenge” in stones nr. the Palestinian village of Susiya. The IDF sets up checkpoints blocking the main entrances to 5 communities nr. Ramallah, including Jalazun r.c. and Abud. (HA, MNA, TOI 12/31; PCHR 1/5)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in in al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron, and in 1 village nr. Jericho in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Jenin and 1 nr. Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 1 nr. Ramallah at night. IDF soldiers violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals taking part in nonviolent demonstrations against both the Israeli occupation as well as in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners. Demonstrations are held in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, al-Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin, Abud), al-Haraiek nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), 2 villages nr. Bethlehem (al-Khader, al-Ma’sara), and in Hebron. There are no serious injuries, except 2 in Bil‘in (hit by tear gas canisters) and 1 in al-Khader (rubber-coated metal bullet). (PCHR 4/18)

The IDF fires artillery into Syria after shots were fired at Israeli troops in the occupied Golan Heights causing no damage or injuries. According to the Israeli military, the return fire scored a ‘‘direct hit.’’ (REU 4/12)

IDF forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during clashes in Anata nr. Jerusalem. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Hebron, in al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. IDF soldiers violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals taking part in nonviolent demonstrations in multiple villages against the Israeli occupation and in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners. Protesters are dispersed in 5 villages nr. Ramallah (Abud, Bayt Laqiya, Bil‘in, alNabi Salih, Ni‘lin), al-Haraiek nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), and at Ofer prison nr. Ramallah. There are no serious injuries, except in Abud (2 wounded) and in al-Haraiek (1 wounded). (MNA 3/22; PCHR 3/28)

U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Victoria Nuland says that the Obama admin. has unblocked almost $500 million in aid—including $200 million in direct budget support—to the PA, previously frozen by Congress in October 2011 as a response to the UN statehood bid (see QU 162). According to Nuland, the White House also notified Congress in late 2/2013 that it seeks a further $200 million to fund USAID projects for the Palestinians. In response, Palestinian Labor Minister Ahmad Majdalani says that the PA’s financial crisis is not over. (AFP 3/22; MNA 3/23)

Hamas authorities complain to Egypt about Israel’s 3/21 decision to restrict Palestinian fishermen off the coast of Gaza. The government in Gaza also reportedly arrests 2 members of the Mujahidin Shura Council, which claimed responsibility for the 3/21 rocket attack on Israel. (ToI 3/22)

Under pressure from Pres. Obama to restore normal ties with Turkey, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu phones Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan to apologize for ‘‘mistakes made’’ during the IDF’s attack on a Gaza-bound flotilla in 2010, when 9 Turks (including one U.S. dual national) were killed aboard the Mavi Marmara (see QU 157). They agree to dispatch envoys to each other’s countries. After coordinating this diplomatic breakthrough, Pres. Obama leaves for Jordan. (NYT 3/23)

U.S. Pres. Barack Obama meets with Jordan’s King Abdullah II in Amman for talks primarily on the Syrian civil war and the refugee crisis. Pres. Obama pledges to work to supply Jordanian authorities with $200 million extra assistance to care for the estimated 460,000 Syrian refugees who have crossed the border seeking refuge. (REU 3/22)

Lebanese PM Najib Mikati resigns due to divisions within the government about elections later in the year and to protest the cabinet’s refusal to extend the tenure of the national police chief, a figure perceived by the Sunni community as sympathetic to their interests. (AP 3/22)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu finalizes a deal to form a new coalition government comprising of his joint Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu list, Yesh Atid (19 seats), Bayit Yehudi (12 seats), and Hatnua (6 seats), giving the Likud leader control of 68 Knesset seats (out of 120). For the first time in a decade, an Israeli coalition government does not include any ultra-Orthodox parties. (BBC, REU 3/15)

A Palestinian man dies from heart problems brought on by inhaling tear gas fired by the IDF during clashes 3 weeks ago. After his funeral in al-Ram nr. Jerusalem, Palestinians clash with IDF forces (no serious injuries reported). In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning; in Hebron, al-Fawar r.c. and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon; and 1 in village nr. Jericho and 1 village nr. Tulkam at night. IDF soldiers conduct house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon and in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night. The regular weekly nonviolent demonstrations by Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals against the Israeli occupation this week also express solidarity with Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The demonstrations are also more widespread that usual (cf. 3/8), occurring in 5 villages nr. Ramallah (Abud, Bayt Liqia, Bil`in, Budrus, Ni’lin), 2 villages nr. Bethlehem (al-Khader, al-Ma’sara), Shuhada Street in Hebron, and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). The IDF violently disperses the demonstrations, but no serious injuries are reported. (MNA 3/15; PCHR 3/21)

There are violent clashes between IDF soldiers and Palestinian demonstrators across the West Bank. After the funeral of a man killed by the IDF in Abud village nr. Ramallah, demonstrators clash with IDF soldiers, who fire tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets, causing no serious injuries.

In Jerusalem, Israeli police and Palestinians clash after Friday prayers at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, with no serious injuries.

In Hebron, IDF soldiers clash with stone-throwing youths, and seriously injure 3 civilians. In al-Mazra’a al-Qibliya village nr. Ramallah, an IDF patrol fires on stone-throwing youths with live ammunition, wounding 3. Meanwhile, Jewish settlers attack a Palestinian shepherd close to alMughayyir village nr. Ramallah, killing 5 of his sheep. In ensuing clashes, IDF soldiers injure 4 Palestinian civilians. Also, Jewish settlers uproot around 100 olive trees south of Nablus and leave ‘‘price tag’’ graffiti in Issawiyya village. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in al- ‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jenin, 1 village nr. Jericho and 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night. IDF soldiers conduct house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night. IDF soldiers violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists taking part in weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the Israeli occupation and land confiscations held in 2 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin), 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma’sara), al-Haraiek area nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Jayyous). There are no serious injuries except in Bil‘in, where 3 Palestinians are injured by rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters. IDF soldiers also clash with protesters at various locations who are demonstrating in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners, including in Bayt Ummar nr. Hebron, Bayt Laqiya nr. Ramallah, al-Khader and Taqq’a nr. Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; no serious injuries are reported. Israeli naval vessels off the Gaza coast open fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. Rafah, causing no damage or casualties. IDF forces open fire on Palestinians picnicking close to the Gaza border fence nr. Jabaliya, seriously wounding 1. (MNA, REU 3/8; PCHR 3/14)

Across the West Bank, clashes continue between the IDF and Palestinians protesting in solidarity with prisoners in Israeli jails.

In Jerusalem’s Old City, Palestinian youths and Israeli police clash after Friday prayers, with Israeli security forces briefly entering the al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

Palestinians protest outside Ofer detention center nr. Ramallah, at Huwara checkpoint nr. Nablus, in Abud village nr. Ramallah (where 4 are wounded including one seriously), at Jalama checkpoint nr. Jenin, and in Tulkarm and nearby ‘Anabta village. In all cases, the IDF violently disperses the protests with tear gas, rubber-coated metal bullets and live ammunition, though no serious injuries are reported. The largest protest is in Hebron, where around 1,500 Palestinians clash with IDF forces and 1 Palestinian man is shot in the foot. In addition, Palestinian and international activists demonstrate in the center of Hebron for the opening of Shuhada Street. The IDF violently disperses the demonstrators, causing 3 moderate injuries with rubber-coated metal bullets. Israeli soldiers also attack regular demonstrations by Palestinians, Israelis and international activists against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and the occupation in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, al-Nabi Salih, Budrus, Ni‘lin), 2 villages nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum, Jayyous) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma’sara). Injuries include, 1 Palestinian is wounded from a tear gas canister to the head in Bil‘in and 8 Palestinians wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets (5 in Budrus and 3 in al-Nabi Salih). The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning; in al-Fawar refugee camp nr. Hebron (clashes but no serious injuries reported) and Qalqilya in the afternoon; and in 2 villages each nr. Jericho and Qalqilya, and 1 village each nr. Jenin, Ramallah, and Tulkarm at night. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon. In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians close to the border fence in 2 incidents: nr. Bayt Hanun (wounding 2) and nr. Jabaliya (wounding 1). Israeli naval vessels open fire on fishermen working off the north Gaza coast, causing no injuries or damage. (MNA 2/22, PCHR 2/28)

The IDF conducts daytime patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, 1 nr. Jericho, and 1 nr. Qalqilya; conducts late-night patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 nr. Ramallah. Jewish settlers fr. Elazar settlement nr. Bethlehem uproot 150 grape saplings from nearby Palestinian land. Palestinians (sometimes accompanied by Israeli and international activists) hold weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the separation wall, land confiscations, and settlement expansion in Bil’in, Kafr Qaddum Nabi Salih, and Ni’lin; protests in Bil’in and Nabi Salih also call for solidarity with prisoners and national unity. IDF soldiers fire live ammunition (Nabi Salih only), rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at the protesters; 10 Palestinian (including 3 journalists) are hit by tear gas canisters in Kafr Qaddum. In addition, 10s of Palestinians hold a nonviolent march in Abud village nr. Ramallah in solidarity with the hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners; IDF troops manning the checkpoint at the entrance to the village fire live ammunition, rubbercoated steel bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at the demonstrators, seriously injuring 2 Palestinians and arresting 1 Palestinian. A similar demonstration by 10s of Palestinians is held outside Ofer prison; the IDF fires tear gas to disperse them, hitting 1 demonstrator in the head, seriously wounding him. (PCHR 5/17; OCHA 5/18)

IDF troops on the n. Gaza border fire on Palestinians collecting scrap metal who stray close to the border fence nr. Erez industrial zone, wounding a teenager; fire on a group of Palestinians in the fmr. Aley Sinai settlement nr. the n. Gaza border, wounding 1. In the West Bank, the IDF fires on stone-throwing youths outside Abud nr. Ramallah, killing a 17-yr.-old Palestinian, denying an ambulance access to the scene and confiscating the body. Fatah, ESF mbrs. exchange fire in Bayt Lahiya, leaving 1 Fatah mbr. dead, 17 Palestinians injured. In Khan Yunis, unidentified gunmen shoot, wound 2 Force 17 mbrs. (NYT, PCHR 3/22; OCHA 3/28)

IDF plainclothesmen fatally shoot wanted al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades (AMB) mbrs. Ahmad Abahra and Muhammad Zayid as their car crosses a checkpoint in Jenin in an apparent assassination. The IDF also erects a new observation tower nr. Kiryat Arba settlement in Hebron; sends troops into Silwad nr. Ramallah, fires on stone-throwing youths who confront the troops, wounding and arresting 2; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Hebron, nr. Tulkarm; begins work on a new segment of the separation wall northwest of Ramallah that is expected to seize at least 5,330 dunams (d.; 4 d. = 1 acre) of land in Abud village; bulldozes 26 d. of land outside Bethlehem for construction of a permanent IDF post. Palestinians in Bethlehem report that for the past few days, the IDF has imposed new arrangements at the entrances to the city, requiring tourists entering and exiting to leave their busses, enter a transit hall for passport and baggage checks and customs processing that last up to 2 hrs. The Israel Lands Admin. issues tenders for construction of 13 new housing units in Ma’ale Adumim settlement nr. Jerusalem; the Israeli Housing Min. issues tenders for construction of infrastructure projects in Adam, Ariel, Ma’ale Adumim settlements. Jewish settlers beat a Palestinian harvesting his olive trees in Awarta. In Gaza, 100s of AMB mbrs. fire rifles in the air, defying the ban on carrying weapons in public, calling for reform within Fatah, demanding jobs and an international investigation into the 11/04 death of Yasir Arafat based on rumors (thus far unsubstantiated) that he was poisoned. In Nablus, AMB mbrs. protesting a recent PA crackdown on illegal weapons and criminal activity fire on PA police, leaving 1 PA policeman wounded. (Arab Hotel Association press release, PCHR, REU, XIN, YA 11/17; HA, NYT, WP, WT 11/18; PCHR 11/24)

Likud PM Ariel Sharon agrees to the demand of his coalition partner, newly elected Labor leader Amir Peretz, to hold early elections in 2/06 or 3/06. (BBC, WT 11/17; NYT, WP 11/18)

The IDF reports that Palestinian violence has diminished significantly in recent days, with no mortar fire since 1/19, no Qassam fire in more than a wk. The IDF fatally shoots a Palestinian who approaches Qarni crossing; sends troops into Askar r.c., fires on residential areas, then fires on stone-throwing youths who confront the troops, wounding 2 boys (ages 10 and 12); imposes a 24-hr. curfew on Saida (in place until at least 2/2); conducts arrest raids, house searches in ‘Abud nr. Ramallah, Nablus, Sa’ir nr. Hebron, Silat al-Dahir nr. Jenin, Tulkarm. Israeli police arrest a 19-yr.-old Palestinian girl who attempts to stab an Israeli policeman outside al-Aqsa Mosque. In a move apparently targeting PA corruption, PA security forces begin bulldozing wooden waterfront structures housing unlicensed shops along the beach in Gaza City; the shops sprang up after the Oslo agmt. and are rumored to be “protected by prominent personalities with influence inside the PA.” Several Jewish settlers in Hebron throw stones at local Palestinians, vandalize several Palestinian homes. A Palestinian dies of injuries received on 12/27/04. (VOI 1/24 in WNC 1/25; JAZ, WP, WT 1/25; OCHA 1/26; PCHR 1/27; VOP 1/30 in WNC 1/31; PR 2/2)

Palestinian militant groups agree to an informal 1-mo. truce while Abbas appeals to Israel to stop targeting their mbrs. If Israel agrees, the groups say they are prepared to enter a formal cease-fire agmt. (VOI 1/24 in WNC 1/24; WP, WT 1/25)

Hamas mbrs. fire 2 Qassam rockets toward Sederot (1 lands near the town, the other inside Gaza), causing no damage or injuries. The IDF then sends tanks into Bayt Hanun, sparking stone-throwing protests by Palestinians; the IDF fires on demonstrators, killing 5 Palestinians, wounding at least 10. The IDF also raids Nur al-Shams r.c.; detains all men, arresting 16, busing others outside the camp; conducts house-to-house searches, breaking through walls; demolishes 1 Palestinian home. The IDF also demolishes 1 Palestinian home in Silwan, 1 in Ramallah; detains, beats 2 Palestinian cameramen working for AFP and Reuters for filming troops in Hebron forcing Palestinians to close their stores; conducts arrest raids in Abud. In Jaba‘, a bomb explodes in a Palestinian high school, wounding 19 students; although the Jewish militant group Revenge of the Innocent Babes, which has staged at least 1 (3/5/02, possibly 9/17/02) similar bombing, claims responsibility for the attack, the IDF says it is “confident” that a Palestinian brought the bomb to school. A 12-yr.-old Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. (AFP, HA 4/9; HA, LAW, NYT, PCHR, PM 4/10; QA 4/10 in WNC 4/11; al-Quds 4/11 in WNC 4/14; PR 4/16; LAW, PCHR 4/17)

Coalition forces secure control of most of Baghdad. By evening, the U.S. declares that Hussein’s government has “collapsed,” but warns that the military struggle may continue for some time, as troops continue to meet significant resistance in some areas. Looting is pervasive in Basra and Baghdad, mostly targeting government buildings, state-owned companies, hotels. (BBC, MM 4/9; NYT, WP, WT 4/10; XIN 4/10 in WNC 4/11; MA 4/11, XIN 4/13 in WNC 4/14; MM 4/14; MEI 4/18; MM 4/22; NYT 4/24)

An Israeli official says that since Israeli-Palestinian violence has continued, the initial 7-day period of Powell's new cease-fire time line has not yet begun. Today, the IDF directs machine gun fire on residential areas of Silwad; bars Palestinians fr. exiting Qalqilya; begins bulldozing 100s of dunams of Palestinian land n. of Jerusalem for a new 300 m. settler bypass road; blocks/digs trenches across the Bayt Rima-Abud road, roads leading to Jinin fr. the south; sets up a new checkpoint outside Tulkarm. Jewish settlers attempt to set up a new settlement site nr. al-Jamla, n. of Jinin; continue leveling 200 dunams of land nr. Masha for a 70-unit expansion of Elkana settlement. (HP, PMC 6/30; WT 7/1; HP 7/2)

Arafat, Peres meet for a 2d time in Lisbon. (WT 7/1; MM 7/3; MENA 7/3 in WNC 7/6; MM 7/5)

Holding Syria responsible for the 6/29 Hizballah attack, Israeli warplanes fire missiles at a Syrian radar station nr. Baalbek, Lebanon, wounding 2 Syrian, 1 Lebanese soldier. The attacks sparks an exchange of rocket fire btwn. Hizballah, IDF forces in Shaba` Farms, causing no injuries. (AP, WT 7/1; MENA, RL 7/1 in WNC 7/2; MM, WP 7/2; IRNA, MENA 7/1, Interfax, SA 7/2 in WNC 7/3; al-Safir 7/4, SA 7/5 in WNC 7/7)

A previously unknown Jewish settler group, the Brigade of Gilad and Shalhavet (named for 2 settlers killed during recent fighting) claims responsibility for ambushing a Palestinian car, killing 1 Palestinian, wounding 3. Jewish settlers also bulldoze Palestinian land in al-Sawiya village, nr. the settlements of Shilo and Aley; vandalize Palestinian property in Bayt Dajan, Bayt Furik. A Palestinian sniper wounds a settler nr. Ofra settlement. The IDF bulldozes Palestinian land in Abud; sets up 5 new observation towers on the Nablus+nQalqilya road. For the 3d day, IDF troops surround the homes of 30 Palestinian families nr. Kefar Darom settlement, bulldozing land, destroying electricity and water connections, and placing sand barricades and barbed wire, apparently to pressure them to evacuate so a buffer zone can be created around the settlement. (HP, IDF Radio, MM 6/13; WP, WT 6/14; WJW 6/21; MEI 6/29)

Tenet holds a final mtg. in Tel Aviv with Israeli, PA security officials to set a timetable for implementing the cease-fire, which goes into effect when the mtg. concludes, and to agree on initial steps to be taken within 48 hrs. Follow-up mtgs. will be held by a new trilateral security comm., directed by a CIA official. The PA says it received "a clear U.S. pledge that the U.S. will commit itself to implementing the recommendations of the Mitchell Comm. in their entirety," that the EU provided similar assurances. Hamas, Islamic Jihad denounce the plan, vow to continue the intifada. (MM, NYT, WP 6/13; AYM, MENA 6/13 in WNC 6/14; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/14; AYM, HJ, DUS, QA, al-Quds, SA 6/14 in WNC 6/15; NYT 6/16; al-Quds 6/21 in WNC 6/22)

Palestinians fire 8 mortars at 2 Jewish settlements in Gaza, damaging greenhouses. A Palestinian dies after IDF soldiers bar his crossing through a checkpoint to Nablus hospital for kidney dialysis. The IDF also bulldozes Palestinian land nr. Kissufim crossing in Gaza and in Abud, Luban al-Sharqiyya, al-Khadir, al-Sawiya in the West Bank. Jewish settlers fire on Palestinian cars nr. Alon Moreh settlement. (HP, IGPO, PMC 6/10; MM, NYT 6/11; PMC 6/12)

Tenet discusses his cease-fire plan with PA security officials in Ramallah, but a 3-way mtg. with Israeli security officials is postponed to give the U.S. more time to review both sides' 6/9 responses. (JT, SA 6/10 in WNC 6/11; WT 6/11; DUS, HJ, MA, al-Ra'i 6/11 in WNC 6/12)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Yuri Heller, leader of radical settler group, declares intent to build Jewish settlement in S. Lebanon; states S. Lebanon part of "Land of Israel" [TS 12/29]. W. Bank & Gaza teachers employed by UNRWA issue statement protesting planned UNRWA budget cuts including halt in salary increases [FJ 1/4].

Arab World: 2 youths reported arrested in Quneitra, Golan Hts., for displaying Palestinian, Syrian flags over public bldgs. on politically significant dates [JP 12/28]. Jordan sentences 15 W. Bank landowners to death in abstentia for land sales to Israelis [NYT 12/29]. Kuwait-based Independent Palestinian Committee for Comprehensive Natl. Talks, comprised of representatives of major PLO groups and independents, issues statement urging unity, rejecting creation of alternative PLO; calls on signatories to July 1984 Aden-Algiers agreement to abide by its articles [FJ 1/4].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli road workers fired upon near 'Aboud; one injured [JP 12/30].