The Palestine Chronology

For a 4th day in a row, Palestinians gather across the oPt to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli forces violently disperse them in Tulkarm, Salfit, Bethlehem, at Huwwara checkpoint near Nablus, al-‘Arub refugee camp near Hebron, and along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Rafah; at least 24 Palestinians are injured and 8 are arrested. Meanwhile, Israeli forces confiscate Palestinian agricultural equipment near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 21 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Jenin, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Salfit; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Palestinians throw rocks at Israeli settler cars near Jerusalem, lightly injuring 1 minor. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces uproot a number of trees in a cemetery outside the Old City and arrest a Palestinian attempting to stop them. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian lands near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya late at night, causing no damage or injuries. In West Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest a Palestinian youth after he allegedly stabs and injures 1 of them at the Central Bus Station. They later uncover a message the alleged attacker posted on Facebook indicating that he was motivated, at least in part, by the 12/6 U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. (HA, TOI, WAFA 12/10; PCHR 12/14)

The IDF demolishes a tunnel leading from Gaza into Israel near Kibbutz Nirim. “The tunnel that was thwarted today was a very significant tunnel and [built] to higher standards than what we are used to seeing,” a spokesperson says. (HA, NYT, TOI 12/10)

Senior PA official Nabil Shaath says that the PA no longer intends to sever all ties with the U.S. over Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. “We are not cutting our relationship with America. We are protesting the move of Mr. Trump,” he says. Shaath says that some forms of communication have continued throughout the recent crisis, but that communication about the peace process has been “interrupted.” (TOI 12/10)

Fatah Central Committee member Azzam al-Ahmad says that there have been “obstacles” blocking the PA from taking full control of Gaza, which was supposed to proceed by today after being delayed from the 12/1 deadline initially enshrined in the 10/12 national reconciliation agreement. The 2 sides neglect to set a new deadline, and the future of the reconciliation process is therefore unclear. (AFP, TOI 12/10)

In the West Bank, hundreds of Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb outside Nablus late at night, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians from nearby Balata refugee camp; 3 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles outside the Huwwara checkpoint near Nablus, causing minor damage. In East Jerusalem, approximately 628 Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif for a 3d day in a row, marking the Jewish holiday Sukkot. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Jabaliya refugee camp, and violently disperse stone-throwing Palestinian youths gathering near Jabaliya refugee camp later in the day (1 Palestinian is injured). (MNA 10/10; MNA, WAFA 10/11; PCHR 10/12)

Hamas and Fatah officials resume talks on a possible national reconciliation agreement under the oversight of Egyptian intelligence officials in Cairo. They discuss ways that the PA can effectively administrate in Gaza, including the operation of the border crossings and issues related to the economy and security. In the evening, the 2 sides issue a joint statement: “We thank Egypt for its sponsorship in achieving reconciliation and ending division and we look forward to continuing talks [. . .] in the same high spirits.” Talks are expected to continue all week. (AFP, HA, MNA, NYT, WAFA, YA 10/10; MNA 10/11)