The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man succumbs to injures sustained from Israeli forces during a raid in Fawwar refugee camp on 6/17/2023. Israeli settlers set fire to a vehicle in Kafr Ni’ma. Israeli settlers also vandalize olive, almond, grape, and fig trees, demolish an agricultural structure, and steal property in Qusra. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian child and vandalize wheat and barley fields in Ein al-Beida in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces raid al-Fara’a refugee camp, destroying infrastructure and property. In East Jerusalem, 80,000 Muslim worshippers attend Friday prayers at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Thousands of worshippers from the West Bank are denied entry to East Jerusalem for the prayers. Israeli forces block Palestinian Red Crescent medics from entering the compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, Beit Hanun, and Rafah, killing at least 149 people, including 36 members of the same family gathered to break their fast in a home in Nuseirat refugee camp. Rockets are fired at Sderot; no damage is reported. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Hula, Marwahin, Kafr Kila, Ayta ash Shab, and Labbouneh. Hezbollah forces attack an Israeli radar site in Shebaa Farms. In the Red Sea, a missile fired from Yemen hits a tanker. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/15; AJ, HA, HA, WAFA 3/16; WAFA 3/17)

More than 31,490 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,400 children and 8,900 women, and around 73,439 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 425 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 111 children. More than 4,665 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 247 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,476 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. UNICEF says that 31% of children under the age of 2 in Gaza are suffering from acute malnutrition. The UN says the rubble caused by Israeli attacks take years to clear. 187 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. U.S. forces airdrop 35,700 meals and 31,800 bottles of water over northern Gaza. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 3/15; HA, REU 3/16; WAFA 3/17; UNOCHA 3/18)

Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the PFLP, and the Palestinian National Initiative criticize the appointment of the new PA prime minister Mohammed Mustafa, calling it a “unilateral” designation by President Mahmoud Abbas that “inflicts harm on our people and national cause,” saying the formation of the new government should be done by national consensus. Fatah responds by saying Hamas caused the Israeli invasion of Gaza by “undertaking the October 7 adventure.” Agence France-Presse reports that Hamas, Islamic Jihad, PFLP, and Houthi movement members discussed coordinating their actions against Israel last week. (AJ, HA, REU 3/15; AJ, HA, HA 3/16) 

PA ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour sends letters to UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres and the presidents of the Security Council and General Assembly, urging them to act to stop the genocide in Gaza. (WAFA 3/15)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issues a statement saying that Israel will send a delegation to Qatar to continue ceasefire negotiations and that the Israeli military is preparing to invade Rafah. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby says Hamas’s ceasefire proposal is “within the bounds” of what has been discussed in recent months. Times of Israel, Channel 12, and Ynet report that an invasion of Rafah is not imminent. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant presents the security cabinet with 4 scenarios for the political situation in Gaza after Israel’s war, including Hamas control, Israeli occupation, chaos, and local rule in coordination with the PA, saying he prefer the latter scenario. (AJ, HA, REU 3/15; AJ, AJ 3/16)

Australia resumes funding of UNRWA. Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the “best available current advice from agencies and the Australian government lawyers is that UNRWA is not a terrorist organization and that existing additional safeguards sufficiently protect Australian taxpayer funding.” Australia will also deploy a military cargo plan to help airdrop aid in Gaza. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA 3/15)

German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock tweets on X that a “large-scale [Israeli] offensive in Rafah cannot be justified.” (AJ 3/15)

The Elders’ chairperson Mary Robinson calls on the U.S. to end arms transfers to Israel and says the “government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on the wrong side of history completely.” (AJ 3/15)

The ICJ says it will hear arguments in Nicaragua’s case against Germany, in which Nicaragua accuses Germany of “facilitating the commission of genocide” in Gaza on 4/8 and 4/9. (AJ, REU 3/15)

In the West Bank, armed Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian and threatened others during a raid in Yarza. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Khirbet Quweis in the Masafer Yatta area, stealing the olive harvest and a tractor. Israeli forces shot and injured 8 Palestinians during a raid in Beit Umar. Israeli forces also opened fire at vehicles near Ya’bad, causing damage. 50 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Fawwar refugee camp, Beit Umar, Bethlehem, Jaba’, Balata refugee camp, Deir Jarir, and Nil’in. 1 Israeli soldier was lightly wounded by gunfire near Nabi Ilyas. In Gaza, Israeli forces killed 231 Palestinians and injured 650 others. Israel bombed al-Nasser Children’s Hospital and al-Wafa Hospital in Gaza City, reportedly killing patients and causing damage, including to solar panels. Israel also bombed al-Fakhoora School in Jabalia refugee camp, killing at least 15 people and injuring 45. Hamas said it killed 5 Israeli soldiers northwest of Gaza City. Rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage. In Lebanon, Israel conducted airstrikes and Hezbollah attacked several Israeli army posts. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, REU, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/4; WAFA 11/5; HA 11/6)

The Ministry of Health in Gaza said at least 9,488 Palestinians have been killed, including 3,900 children and 2,430 women, and 24,173 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 2,200 people were buried in rubble, including 1,250 children. 144 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 43 children. More than 2,274 people have been injured. Around 1,400 Israelis, including foreign nationals, have been killed and 5,431 injured since 10/7. Over 1.5 million Palestinians, more than half the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israel blockade. As of 10/23, at least 27,781 housing units have been destroyed and 150,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. The number is likely much higher given the lack of recent data. The generators at the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza shutdown due to a lack of fuel. 30 truckloads of aid entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing. No injured people or foreign passport holders were evacuated to Egypt. (AJ, AP, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 11/4)

Hamas military spokesperson Abu Obeida said 60 Israeli captives were missing after intense Israeli bombing and that the bodies of 23 captives were trapped under rubble. Abu Obeida also said Hamas fighters had destroyed 24 Israeli military vehicles in Gaza in the past 24 hours. (AJ, HA, REU 11/4)

Iranian state-run IRNA news agency said Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei met with Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. (REU 11/4; AP, REU 11/5)

Al-Haq said it had documented abuses of Palestinian workers from Gaza who were in Israel on 10/7, including beatings, arbitrary detention, having their property stolen, and degrading treatment. 1 worker said he saw people beaten to the point that they were unable to walk, and dead Palestinians being urinated on by Israeli settlers. (AJ 11/4)

Axios reported that Israeli officials told the news outlet that Israel was working on a plan accept the delivery of fuel to southern Gaza under an international monitoring regime. (AJ, AX 11/4)

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich said when Israel finishes its attack on Gaza, the area will be under Israeli military control for years. (HA 11/4; HA 11/5)

Turkey and Chad recalled their diplomats in Israel. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also said that Israeli prime minister Benjamin “Netanyahu is no longer someone we can talk to. We have written him off.” (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU, WAFA 11/4; WAFA 11/5; HA 11/6)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken met with the foreign ministers of Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, and Qatar in Oman. Lebanese caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati, who also took part, urged Blinken to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and to end “Israeli aggression” in southern Lebanon. Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi said Israel was committing war crimes and that Jordan does not accept the Israeli claim that Israel is acting in self-defense. Blinken dismissed the group’s call for a ceasefire, insisting on calling for “pauses.” Before meeting Blinken, the group held a meeting with PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA 11/4; AP 11/6)

Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian spoke with UK foreign minister James Cleverly, discussing the situation in Gaza. (AJ 11/4)

France said Israel had hit a French cultural institute in Gaza, saying it was in dialogue with Israel to understand why the institute was hit. Agence French Presse (AFP) called for an investigation into the Israeli bombing of its offices in Gaza City, saying the Israeli statement on the bombing “does not explain the extent of the damage caused to the AFP bureau,” and that the bombing “sends a deeply troubling message to all the journalists working in such difficult conditions in Gaza.”  (AJ 11/4)

U.S. president Joe Biden said progress had been made on the issue of “humanitarian pauses.” U.S. senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) called for “pauses,” saying Israel was violating international law with its indiscriminate killing in Gaza and that Israel was offending U.S. values. (AJ, AP 11/4)

Thousands of people protested in Washington D.C., Paris, Berlin, London, and elsewhere around the world, demanding an end to the Israeli attacks on Gaza. 300,000 reportedly partook in the demonstrations in Washington D.C. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, WAFA 11/4; AJ, AJ, NYT, WAFA 11/5)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian man succumbed to injuries sustained from Israeli forces in Tell on 11/1. Israeli settlers shot and injured 1 Palestinian in Shu’fat refugee camp. Israeli settlers also destroyed a water pipeline to Beit Lid, cutting off the town’s access to water. Israeli forces shot and killed 9 Palestinians during raids in Jenin refugee camp, Budrus, Qalandia refugee camp, Hebron, and Fawwar refugee camp, including 1 child and 2 others in a drone strike on Jenin refugee camp. Israeli forces also shot and injured 19 people during raids in Jenin refugee camp, Fawwar refugee camp, and Qalandia refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces used tear gas and water cannons to prevent Palestinians from entering the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, at least 196 Palestinians were killed and 605 injured in Israeli airstrikes. Israeli forces attacked an ambulance outside of al-Shifa Hospital, killing at least 15 and injuring 60 others. Israel also attacked the Indonesian and al-Quds hospitals and the office of Agence France-Presse in Gaza City, causing significant damage. Israel said it assassinated Hamas member Mustafa Dalul in an airstrike. 4 Israeli soldiers were killed in Gaza. U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones circled Gaza, reportedly gathering intelligence on the whereabouts of the captives held by Hamas. The New York Times said the U.S. drones have been flying over Gaza since 10/28. Rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage. In Lebanon, Israel killed 1 person it said was a member of Hezbollah and attacked several areas in South Lebanon. 2 Israeli soldiers were injured in a drone attack in the Golan Heights. (NYT 11/2; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/3; AJ, AJ, HA, HA, WAFA 11/4)

The Ministry of Health in Gaza said at least 9,257 Palestinians have been killed, including 3,826 children and 2,405 women, and 23,516 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 1,800 people, including 940 children, have been reported missing. 144 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 40 children. More than 2,300 people have been injured. Around 1,400 Israelis, including foreign nationals, have been killed and 5,431 injured since 10/7. Over 1.5 million Palestinians, more than half the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israel blockade. As of 10/23, at least 27,781 housing units have been destroyed and 150,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. The number is likely much higher given the lack of recent data. 17 wounded Palestinians were transferred to Egyptian hospitals via the Rafah crossing. Between 300 and 400 foreign passport holders left via the Rafah crossing. The evacuation efforts were halted after the Israeli attack on the ambulance outside of al-Shifa Hospital. 47 truckloads of aid entered Gaza. Israel reconnected 2 water pipelines to Gaza. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 11/3)

3,026 Palestinians from Gaza employed in Israel prior to 10/7 were expelled to Gaza via the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing. Palestinian laborers from Gaza have been held in internment camps in Israel and some were deported to the West Bank. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, REU 11/3)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued to invoke biblical history, referring to Palestinians as Amalek and the “sons of darkness,” in a letter to Israeli soldiers. (HA 11/3)

An Israeli soldier accused of shooting and killing a Palestinian harvesting olives was released to house arrest. (HA 11/3)

Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah gave a televised speech saying a wider escalation could not be ruled out if Israel continues attacking Gaza. Nasrallah said he did not know about Operation al-Aqsa Flood before 10/7.  (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU 11/3; HA, HA 11/4)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken arrived in Israel, saying he would push the Israeli government to agree to humanitarian pauses to allow aid into Gaza and to facilitate a release of the captives. After the meeting, Netanyahu issued a statement saying Israel will continue to attack Gaza with “all of its power” and not agree to a temporary ceasefire that does not include a return of all of the captives. U.S. officials told Axios that Blinken expressed concern over the Israeli decision to withhold PA tax revenue. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU 11/3; AJ, AX, NYT 11/4)

Honduras recalled its ambassador to Israel. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 11/3; WAFA 11/4)

Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar told the Irish radio station RTE, “[w]hat I am seeing unfolding at the moment is not self-defense. It looks, resembles something more approaching revenge,” in referencing Israeli attacks on Gaza. (AJ, HA, REU 11/3)

Dozens of U.S. activists were arrested at U.S. Senate office buildings after holding sit-ins at 8 senators’ offices, demanding a ceasefire. (AJ 11/3)

The New York Times reported that Israel used 2 2,000-pound bombs to attack Jabalia refugee camp on 10/31. (NYT 6/3)

CNN reported that the U.S. expects Israel will reduce its airstrikes on Gaza in the coming days and focus on the ground operation. (AJ, HA 11/4)

French officials said France will host an international conference on the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza on 11/9. (REU 11/3)

Bloomberg News reported that Israel no longer gives Russia advanced warning about its airstrikes in Syria. (HA 11/3)

The UK charged 2 women with terrorism offenses for allegedly displaying pro-Hamas imagery at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in London on 10/14. The 2 women reportedly wore stickers with paragliders on them. (REU 11/3)

Japan said it would donate $65 million in humanitarian aid to Palestine after a meeting with PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki. (REU, WAFA 11/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort attacked Palestinians in Hebron, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian celebrations of the ceasefire (see below) in Hebron and Bethlehem, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets and live ammunition; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Huwwara, injuring 2 with live ammunition; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Bani Na‘im, Abu Njeim, and Jaba‘. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians at the Haram al-Sharif compound after the Friday noon prayer, confiscating Palestinian flags, arresting 17, and injuring 23 worshipers with rubber-coated bullets. During the raid, 1 Agence France-Presse journalist was also beaten by Israeli forces. Israeli forces also closed down Shaykh Jarrah to all Palestinians, including those living in the area. In Gaza, 17 Palestinians, including 2 children, were found dead in rubble from Israeli air strikes, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 236 to 253, including 67 children and 3 pregnant women. 1 toddler was found dead in rubble from an air strike on Gaza City 5/11; 1 child was found in rubble from an Israeli air strike on a house in al-Shati refugee camp on 5/15; and 15 Palestinians were also found dead in rubble from Israeli air strikes in a tunnel hit by Israeli missiles. In Israel, before the ceasefire took effect (see below), 1 Israeli was injured by rocket shrapnel and 1 house in Kibbutz Be’eri was damaged by a rocket from Gaza. (HA 5/20; AJ, AJ, AX, HA, MEE, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/21; HA 5/25; PCHR 5/27)

A ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, brokered by Egypt, took effect at 2 a.m. 263 Palestinians were killed in Gaza, including 68 children, and 12 people were killed in Israel, including 1 soldier, 2 Thai citizens, 1 Indian citizen, and 2 Palestinian citizens of Israel. Around 2,000 Palestinians and 345 Israelis were wounded over the 11 days. Israel partially reopened the Kerem Shalom crossing after the ceasefire, allowing some humanitarian aid and goods into Gaza. U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken said he would meet with Israeli and Palestinian officials during a trip in the coming days. The Gaza housing ministry said that 16,800 housing units had been damaged by Israeli missiles, including 1,800 that had become unfit for living. Some 90,000 Palestinians in Gaza were reported to be internally displaced due to the Israeli attacks, including more than 66,000 seeking shelter at UNRWA facilities. It also reported that Palestinians in Gaza were getting between 3-4 hours of electricity a day, while they previously received 12 hours a day before the escalation started on 5/10. Israel said that some 4,350 rockets had been fired from Gaza toward Israel and that the Iron Dome had intercepted approximately 90% of them. Both Israel and Hamas declared victory. Egyptian officials also arrived in Gaza to discuss with Hamas officials about maintaining the ceasefire. Islamic Jihad in Palestine said that 19 of its fighters were among the 263 Palestinians killed by Israel in Gaza during the latest escalation. Hamas later said that 80 members of its militia had been killed. (AJ, HA, HA, REU 5/20; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, ALM, ALM, ALM, ALM, AP, AP, AP, AX, AX, AX, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, JP, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/21; AX, HA, WAFA 5/22; HA, WAFA 5/23; NYT 5/25; AP 5/26; HA 5/27)

13 trucks carrying food, COVID-19 vaccines, and other aid crossed into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing. (AJ, WAFA 5/21)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas discussed the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and the need for humanitarian aid with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken. In a phone call between President Abbas and Saudi king Salman, the latter condemned Israeli aggression in Jerusalem and Gaza. (AJ, WAFA 5/21)

The owner of 1 of the high-rise buildings in Gaza bombed by Israel said he is filing a formal complaint to the ICC about the attack on his building, calling it a war crime. His building, al-Jala Tower, housed AP and Al Jazeera offices in Gaza as well as many residential units. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh also pledged to refer the Israeli attacks on Gaza to the ICC. (AJ, WAFA 5/21)

Digital rights group 7amleh said Israel and the companies TikTok and Facebook, including its subsidiary Instagram, are cooperating in order to silence Palestinian voices and content on the social media platforms. Posts and hashtags have been deleted from the platforms and users, banned. 7amleh said it was especially concerned related to Gaza and Shaykh Jarrah, which had been censored. Sada Social also sent a formal complaint to Facebook, condemning the censorship. (AJ, WAFA 5/21)

Lebanese president Michel Aoun wrote a letter to the parliament, saying that prime minister-designate Saad Hariri is incapable of forming a cabinet. (HA, REU 5/21; MEMO 5/22)

The U.S. state department circumvented a potential obstacle from Congress by granting Boeing an export license for $735 million’s worth of weapons to Israel. U.S. senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) said on 5/20 that he wanted the Senate to review the sale. (JC 5/25; ALM 5/27)

A bomb killed 7 people at a Palestinian solidarity rally in Chaman City, Pakistan. The bomb was said to have targeted a political leader who had organized the event. Pakistan’s foreign minister had declared the day a “day of solidarity” with Palestinians. (AJ 5/20; HA, MEMO 5/21)

China said it would send aid to Gaza to help treat the injured and house the homeless. (AJ 5/20)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, Jabaliya refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and Rafah; 3 Palestinians are killed and at least 47 are injured (1 of the injured Palestinians will succumb to his injuries the following day). This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 193. Earlier in the day, IDF troops stationed along the border fence near Bayt Lahiya open fire on Palestinian fishermen working near the coast; there are no injuries or damage reported. 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 violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international solidarity activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Bil‘in near Ramallah and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 4 Palestinians are injured, including 1 photojournalist. The IDF also arrests 1 Palestinian and issues 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron; and patrols near Tulkarm and Hebron. Israeli settlers raze a swath of Palestinian farmland outside Battir village near Bethlehem. They are reportedly clearing the way for construction of a new road to a nearby settlement. (AFP, EI, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/21; TOI 12/22; PCHR 12/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raze an area of Palestinian farmland near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and Ramallah; and patrol near Nablus and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault and injure several Palestinian farmers working their lands near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Hizma and Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Dayr al-Balah, causing no injuries. Israeli forces also conduct a limited incursion to level land near al-Bureij refugee camp. (MNA, MNA, WAFA 12/19; PCHR 12/20)

The undersecretary of the PA’s Agriculture Ministry, Abdallah Lahlouh, says that the PA has not been officially informed of any new Israeli policy to ban imports of fruits and vegetables from the West Bank, but that the PA will respond in kind if the recent reports of a ban continue. Although it was not publically announced at the time, Israel’s Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel ordered such a ban on 12/17 after the PA barred Palestinian meat-sellers from buying lamb from Israel on 12/2. (TOI, TOI, WAFA 12/19)

Israel’s Knesset passes a first reading of a bill that would allow the IDF to order the expulsion of the families of Palestinian assailants from their homes, despite objections from Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit and senior IDF officers. The Knesset also passes a first reading of the so-called Young Settlement Bill, which would allow for the temporary retroactive authorization of certain settlement outposts in the West Bank and which the Israeli cabinet unanimously approved on 12/16. (HA 12/19; HA 12/20)

At a UN Security Council meeting on alleged violations of Resolution 1701, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon presents new information that he claims shows the extent of Hezbollah’s tunneling operations along the Israel-Lebanon border. He also says that Israel “gave UNIFIL precise information about the location of [1 of the tunnels],” but that compromised Lebanese army officers leaked the information to Hezbollah, allowing the group to conceal certain offensive operations. “Lebanese army officials are working for Hezbollah, while UNIFIL is not working to fulfill its mandate in the region in the necessary manner,” Danon alleges. While several UNSC members condemn Hezbollah’s tunneling activities, the UNSC takes no action at today’s meeting. (HA, HA, TOI, YA 12/19; TOI 12/20)

UN World Food Programme (WFP) country director Stephen Kearney announces that funding shortfalls have forced “drastic” cuts to food aid initiatives planned in the West Bank and Gaza in 2019. Starting on 1/1/19, the WFP plans to suspend food assistance to 27,000 people in the West Bank and reduce by 20% the food aid delivered to 166,000 additional recipients across the occupied Palestinian territories. “The major donor that we have had in the past years has been the U.S.,” Kearney says. “They have cut funding, not just to UNRWA, who work with the refugees in Gaza, but also to the rest of the humanitarian community, including WFP.” A WFP spokesperson says that an additional $57 million would be needed to maintain the current level of food aid in 2019. (AFP, AJ, REU, TOI 12/19; MEE 12/20)

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) announces that it has filed a legal challenge to an anti-BDS law in Texas on behalf of 4 Texans who either lost their jobs or lost the opportunity to be hired after they refused to renounce their support for boycotts against Israel or its settlements in the West Bank. “Whatever you may think about boycotts of Israel, the bottom line is that political boycotts are a legitimate form of nonviolent protest,” says an ACLU lawyer. “The state cannot use the contracting process as an ideological litmus test or to tell people what kind of causes they may or may not support.” Texas’s anti-BDS law, which requires all state contractors to certify that they do not support or participate in any boycotts of Israel or its West Bank settlements, has been on the books since 5/2/17. (HA, TOI 12/19)

Along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds and bird-hunters near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp late at night, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uproot 35 olive trees from a Palestinian grove outside Turmus ‘Ayya near Ramallah. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin and Bethlehem; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid a Palestinian high school in Issawiyya, firing sound bombs toward the classrooms and sparking minor clashes; there are no reported injuries. They also arrest Adnan Ghaith, the PA’s governor of Jerusalem, during a raid on his home in Silwan. Ghaith was previously arrested on 10/21 and 11/1. A police spokesperson says only that today’s arrest has to do with money-related issues. The Israeli press reports that Ghaith is suspected of being involved with the selling of a contested piece of property in East Jerusalem. Other reports indicate that Ghaith is suspected of working with the PA’s security forces, which is forbidden for East Jerusalem residents under Israeli law, and with meeting PA officials and activists, which he was barred from doing after his arrest on 10/21. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA 11/25; AFP, TOI 11/26; PCHR 11/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attempt to set a Palestinian vehicle on fire and throw rocks at Palestinian homes in Urif village near Nablus, causing minor damage. After some Palestinian residents confront the settlers, IDF troops enter the village, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 8 Palestinians are injured. Separately, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian at Qalandia checkpoint when she is found with a knife on her person; arrest 6 Palestinians during further raids near Bethlehem, Hebron, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian mobile home in Qalandia refugee camp near Jerusalem. The Palestinian owner was living in the mobile home since Israeli forces demolished his previous home on 6/20. Israeli forces raze a plot of Palestinian land and confiscate a vehicle, demolish 2 car washes, a food shop, several storage buildings and offices in Silwan and Jabal Mukabir; and arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya. Meanwhile, hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s northern coast to continue the Great March of Return and to cheer on a number of Palestinian boats sailing in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade. IDF troops and Israeli naval forces violently disperse the protests; 10 Palestinians are injured. Earlier in the day, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near the site of the planned protest. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/19; MNA 11/20; PCHR 11/22)

Education Minister Naftali Bennett and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, both of the Jewish Home Party, announce that they intend to remain in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s ruling coalition and that they are dropping their demand for Bennett to take over the Defense Ministry. “There’s no apocalypse on the way. There are enemies, but not an enemy that worries me,” Bennett says. (HA, JP, YA 11/19)

Haaretz reports that Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority last week increased by 1,500 the number of permits awarded to West Bank Palestinians hoping to work as dishwashers and cleaners in Israeli restaurants, bars, and cafes. The increase is reportedly designed to ease the strain on restaurant owners who are struggling to find enough low-cost labor. Before this increase, approximately 30,000 West Bank Palestinians were permitted to come into Israel to work such jobs. (HA 11/19)

UNRWA commissioner general Pierre Krähenbühl tells reporters that the agency’s budget shortfall, which was created by U.S. president Trump’s decision to slash U.S. aid to UNRWA earlier this year, has been cut to $21 million, following another round of pledges from the EU and several Gulf countries. The deficit was reportedly $64 million as recently as last week. “This is a very encouraging result at the end of a lot of work,” Krähenbühl says. (AFP, TOI 11/19)

Airbnb, a U.S.-based home-share company with listings all over the world, announces that it is removing all 200-some of its listings in Israel’s West Bank settlements. “We concluded that we should remove listings in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank that are at the core of the dispute between Israelis and Palestinians,” a statement from the company reads. In response, Israel’s Tourism Minister Yariv Levin instructs his deputies to restrict the company’s operations across Israel. Strategic Affairs Minister Gilad Erdan calls on the settler-hosts who used Airbnb to sue the company using Israel’s anti-boycott law. “National conflicts exist throughout the world,” he argues. “Airbnb will need to explain why they chose a racist political stance against some Israeli citizens.” (EI, HA, JP, YA, YA 11/19; AJ, BBC, CNN 11/20)

Marking the second major BDS victory of the day, the Canadian Federation of Students, Canada’s largest and oldest students’ association, endorses the BDS movement and condemns the “ongoing occupation of Palestine.” Marking the third, the Quakers in Britain Church, a group 17,000 strong, announces that it is divesting from companies that profit from the Israeli occupation. “This includes companies—whichever country they are based in—involved for example in the illegal exploitation of natural resources in occupied Palestine, and the construction and servicing of the separation barrier and Israeli settlements,” a senior church official explains. (TOI, TOI 11/19; JP, JP, JTA, TOI 11/20; EI 11/21)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Jabaliya refugee camp. In 2 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no reported damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers puncture the tires of several Palestinian vehicles and leave racist graffiti on nearby walls in Qaryut near Nablus overnight. They also throw stones at Palestinian homes near Nablus, sparking a minor confrontation between their IDF escort and the Palestinian residents; 4 Palestinian homes are reported with minor damage. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol near Nablus and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, approximately 82 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/10; PCHR 10/11)

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry announces a $150 million donation to help “alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the besieged Gaza Strip.” Most of the money, $90 million, is reportedly slated to help pay the salaries of the Hamas-run government’s civil servants. The rest was previously reported and designated for fuel purchases for Gaza’s only power plant. The UN Development Program is set to help distribute the aid. The announcement comes a day after the first shipment of Qatari-funded diesel fuel for Gaza’s only power plant entered Gaza. (MNA, YA 10/11)

Dozens of Arab and Jewish Americans gather outside the PLO office in Washington to protest the Trump administration’s order to close the office by today (the office formally closed on 9/13, but employees were permitted to remain until today). They criticize the Trump administration’s treatment of the Palestinians and call for the office to be allowed to re-open. (TOI 10/10; AFP, TOI, WAFA 10/11)

After Israeli, Palestinian, and other Arab diplomats reach a compromise, UNESCO’s Executive Board passes 2 texts relating to Jerusalem and the Palestinian education system, respectively. The texts are critical of Israel, referring to “Israeli army violations against Palestinian universities and schools” and other aspects of the occupation, but the most critical language from previous drafts was removed. Rather than advancing the texts for a vote from the full body, the board shifts them into a non-binding annex, which is then approved by consensus. “I would like to commend the spirit of dialogue and the sense of responsibility that led to this result,” says UNESCO director general Audrey Azoulay. “A trend towards consensus is now emerging. It is based on the presence of all parties around the table at UNESCO and, of course, on their goodwill.” Israel and the U.S. are still set to withdraw from UNESCO on 12/31. (REU, YA 10/10; TOI 10/12)

IDF troops violently disperse thousands of Palestinians gathering along Gaza’s border fence near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, Israeli firefighters put out 12 fires in southern Israel that were reportedly sparked by incendiary balloons and kites flown from Gaza. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, 420 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning to commemorate Sukkot. Meanwhile, Israeli police detain 2 Islamic Waqf guards attempting to bring tools and other equipment into the sanctuary. They also assault and arrest 2 Palestinians in the Old City and arrest a 3d during a late-night raid in Abu Dis. In the West Bank, IDF troops order a number of Palestinian shops in central Hebron to close and set up mobile checkpoints in the area, easing access to al-Ibrahimi Mosque for right-wing Jewish activists commemorating Sukkot. They also arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm; and patrol in the Hebron area throughout the day. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers uproot at least 6 olive trees in a Palestinian grove near Hebron. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 9/25; PCHR 9/27)

A Hamas spokesperson denies that the Egyptian-mediated talks on a long-term cease-fire with Israel and a reconciliation agreement with Fatah have stalled. “The efforts of our Egyptian brothers continue,” he says. “We in Hamas are responsive to these ongoing efforts.” (AFP, TOI 9/25)

The World Bank reports that Gaza’s economy is in “free fall,” having contracted by 6% in the first quarter of 2018. World Bank officials are planning to present the report to the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, the main policy-level fundraising body for the Palestinians, at its meeting in New York City on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on 9/27. (HA, JP, YA 9/25)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian minor amid clashes sparked by an IDF raid in al-Mughayyir village near Ramallah. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct a raid in Jenin refugee camp late at night, sparking minor clashes (2 Palestinians are injured and 2 more are arrested). They arrest 3 more Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Hebron, and in Tubas; patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron; and deliver stop-work orders to a Palestinian building under construction in Ya‘bad village near Jenin. Palestinians throw stones at Israeli settlers near Nablus, injuring 1. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 15 commercial and agricultural structures in Issawiyya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (AFP, EI, MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/30; WAFA 1/31; PCHR 2/1)

IDF troops surround the Jenin refugee camp home of a Palestinian allegedly involved in the killing of an Israeli settler on 1/9, sparking a firefight; the suspect’s cousin is killed and 2 Israeli soldiers are injured (after initial reports that the suspect was killed during the firefight, his family later says that he escaped unharmed). Two other Palestinians suspected of participating in the 1/9 killing are arrested. The incident sparks broader clashes in Jenin refugee camp; 4 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Qalqilya, and Ramallah; and patrol near Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Bayt Hanina. A number of Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, WAFA 1/17; HA, JP, MNA, PCHR, TOI, WAFA 1/18; PCHR 1/25)

UNRWA announces an international funding campaign to raise enough money to make up for the shortfall created when the U.S. announced on 1/16 that it was withholding $65 million in aid indefinitely. (AFP, TOI, WAFA 1/17; AP 1/18; EI 1/19)

Early in the morning, the IAF conducts air strikes on a military airport near Damascus, allegedly targeting a Hezbollah arms depot, according to local reports. Neither the Syrian government nor the IDF comment on the attack. (HA, TOI 1/17)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 19 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Hebron, Ramallah, and Tubas; and patrol near Nablus. Israeli settlers throw stones at and physically assault Palestinian farmers working outside Yatta village near Hebron, sparking clashes between the Palestinians and IDF troops in the area; there are no serious injuries. The IDF then declares the area a closed military zone and arrests 6 Palestinians. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Silwan, al-Tur, and Issawiyya. (PCHR 11/30; PCHR 12/7)

After a cabinet meeting in Ramallah, the PA calls on all of its former civil servants in Gaza (who stopped working when Hamas took power in 6/2007), to return to their posts, thereby jeopardizing the future of tens of thousands of employees of the Hamas-run government. The PA had agreed to pay the current employees of the Hamas-run government through 2/2018. In a statement, the cabinet stresses that “the empowerment of the government in the Gaza Strip [. . .] is a necessary first step and the cornerstone for moving to resolve the rest of the issues.” Hamas, which has called for the issue to be resolved in a way that preserves the rights of its government’s employees, criticizes the announcement as a “violation” of past agreements. (AFP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/28)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Khirbat Qalqas near Hebron, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian and 1 German activist are injured. The IDF also arrests 1 Palestinian during a patrol near Jenin, and conducts further patrols near Hebron and Qalqilya. (MNA, WAFA 11/24; PCHR 11/30)

A U.S. State Dept. spokesperson announces that the PLO office in Washington will be allowed to remain open for at least another 90 days, after which Pres. Trump will decide whether or not to allow it to stay open indefinitely (see Update). The Trump administration has “advised the PLO Office to limit its activities to those related to achieving a lasting, comprehensive peace between the Israelis and Palestinians,” the spokesperson explains. (HA, MNA, TOI 11/25)

Approximately 25–30 gunmen launch an attack on a crowded mosque in the northern Sinai Peninsula, killing at least 300 Egyptian civilians. In response, the Egyptian army kills at least 30 of the militants in a series of strikes on known hideouts in the area. A Palestinian official says that the attack prompted the Egyptian authorities to cancel a planned 3-day opening of the Rafah border crossing on 11/25–27. (AFP, HA 11/24; AP, HA, REU, TOI 11/25)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians and damage the doors of 4 shops during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, and Jerusalem, and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, approximately 25 Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Qalandia refugee camp. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Juhur al-Dik. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 10/24; PCHR 10/26)

Wataniya Mobile launches telecommunications services in Gaza, making it the 2d provider operating in the region. An employee of the company says that both Israeli and Palestinian restrictions previously blocked Wataniya from operating in Gaza. (AFP, TOI 10/24)

After 3 days of talks in Cairo, Hamas and Fatah announce that they have reached a new national reconciliation agreement. They do not release the text of the agreement, but according to Palestinian and Egyptian officials close to the talks, the PA is set to lift the sanctions imposed on Gaza earlier this year and Hamas agreed to hand over control of Gaza to the PA by 12/1, inter alia. Egypt’s State Information Service releases a statement announcing that the 2 sides have “agreed on procedures” for reconciliation, acknowledging that “division between the 2 sides” remains. The statement says Cairo will host a follow-up meeting on 11/21. (AFP, HA, MDW, MNA, NYT, PNN, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/12)

Thousands of Palestinians gather in the streets of Gaza City to celebrate the Palestinian reconciliation deal. 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 violently disperse Palestinian youths throwing stones at them outside a settlement near Hebron (there are no serious injuries), and patrol near Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, hundreds of Israeli settlers march through the Old City, chanting slogans, throwing rocks, and smashing car windows. They assault and moderately injure a Palestinian shop-owner. Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinian youths who attempt to stop the settlers’ attacks. Israeli forces also impose a curfew on Issawiyya and arrest 1 Palestinian driving in the neighborhood. They arrest another Palestinian during a raid in Shu‘fat. (REU 10/13; PCHR 10/19)

The U.S. State Dept. announces that the U.S. is withdrawing from UNESCO. “This decision was not taken lightly, and reflects [. . .] continuing anti-Israel bias at UNESCO.” The withdrawal goes into effect at the end of 2018. Shortly after the State Dept.’s announcement, Israeli PM Netanyahu’s office announces that Israel is following the “brave and moral” U.S. decision and leaving UNESCO as well. (EI, HA, NYT, TOI, YA 10/12; MNA 10/13)

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)

Gaza’s sole power plant runs out of fuel for the 2d time this year, plunging the region into a renewed power cut crisis. As a result, GEDCO will only be able to distribute 133 MW of power per day, far less than the 450–500 needed. (AFP, TOI 4/16)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids nr. Hebron; and patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities ban 12 Palestinians from entering Haram al-Sharif for 80 days (they have now banned more than 50 Palestinians from the sanctuary in recent weeks). Meanwhile, 517 Jewish settlers tour the sanctuary; 3 are arrested for praying. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Qutna. (MNA, WAFA 4/16; PCHR 4/20)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian hitchhiker stabs and injures an Israeli settler driver who picked him up nr. Bethlehem. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians outside the Ofer Prison nr. Ramallah protesting the 3/6 killing of Basel al-Araj and PA security coordination with Israel; 8 Palestinians are arrested. IDF troops also set up mobile checkpoints around the Bethlehem area in the evening, confiscate personal property, and arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron and Nablus; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces dismantle an explosive device nr. Jabaliya r.c. Around the same time, Israeli forces shell an Islamic Jihad in Palestine (PIJ) post nearby, injuring 1 Palestinian, according to PIJ. The IDF says it will look into a connection between the incidents. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In Israel, the Israeli authorities deliver demolition orders to several homes in the Bedouin village Rakhama nr. Beersheba. (JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 3/7; MNA 3/8; PCHR 3/9)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 2d of 3 planned days. (MNA, WAFA 3/6)

During the U.S. State Dept.’s first press briefing under the Trump admin., a spokesperson says that the dept. is “working closely” with Trump on his new Middle East policy and that the admin. is working with Israel to figure out “what exactly it would look like” for Israel to restrict settlement growth. (USSD, JP, TOI 3/7; AFP, HA 3/8)

A Palestinian youth succumbs to complications related to a congenital heart defect after the Israeli authorities refuse to permit him passage from Gaza to Israel or the West Bank for medical treatment. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian youth collecting firewood nr. the border fence outside Bayt Lahiya. In the West Bank, IDF troops confiscate a Palestinian vehicle during a raid in Bayt Umar village nr. Hebron, sparking minor clashes with stonethrowing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids nr. Hebron and Ramallah, as well as in Jenin, and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron during the day. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian police officer nr. Nablus, causing minor injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City and again nr. Khan Yunis and Bayt Lahiya, injuring 1 fisherman. (MNA, WAFA 1/14; MNA 1/15; PCHR 1/19; MNA 1/22)

PA pres. Abbas inaugurates the new Palestinian embassy at the Vatican after meeting with Pope Francis. The Vatican formally recognized Palestine as a state on 6/26/ 2015. (AFP, HA, LF, REU, WAFA 1/14)

IDF troops raid al-Sanabel radio station in Dura village nr. Hebron overnight, shutting it down on the grounds of alleged incitement and arresting 5 journalists. They also destroy and confiscate some broadcasting equipment. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids and house searches in and around Tulkarm, Jenin, and in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Nablus. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and arrest 5 Palestinian youths as they leave a soccer field in the Old City, demolish a blacksmith shop in the southeast corner of the city, and arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Ras al-Amud. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 8/31; PCHR 9/1; PCHR 9/8) 

The Egyptian authorities keep the Rafah border crossing open for the 2d of 3 planned days. (PCHR 9/1; OCHA 9/8)

The High Planning Comm. of Israel’s Civil Admin. advances plans for the construction of 463 settler residences in the West Bank, including approval for 234 units in the Elkana settlement, 31 in Bet Arye, and 20 in Givat Ze’ev. The comm. also retroactively legalizes 178 units built in Bet Arye in the 1980s. (AFP, HA, MNA 8/31)

Amid a 2d day of deadly violence in the West Bank, unidentified assailants open fire on an Israeli settler vehicle nr. Hebron, killing 1 settler and injuring 3 (1 critically). Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian in c. Hebron after she allegedly attempts to stab Israeli officers at a security checkpoint. The alleged attacker was from Bani Na‘im, the home village of the Palestinian killed nr. Hebron on 6/30. The IDF then locks down Bani Na‘im village completely. Earlier, the IDF locks down Shwayka village nr. Tulkarm, the hometown of the Palestinian killed in Netanya on 6/30. Israeli troops conduct raids in Shwayka overnight, threatening punitive demolition of the attacker’s home. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops fire tear gas at Palestinians throwing stones in frustration over long wait times at the Qalandia checkpoint; 27 Palestinians are lightly injured. Palestinian paramedics are temporarily prevented from treating those affected, and 1 Palestinian suffers a heart attack and dies. The Israeli authorities say 3 Israeli soldiers are injured as well. (EI, HA, JP 7/1; PCHR 7/14)

In response to the day’s violence in and around Hebron, the IDF places the region under a general closure (the closure will be in place in some form through most of 7/2016): All crossings in and out of the city are closed, except for humanitarian cases, and the entrances to at least 9 nearby villages are also blocked off. Furthermore, a news leak, quoting senior Israeli sources, says that Israeli PM Netanyahu and DM Lieberman approve the construction of 42 new housing units in the Kiryat Arba settlement nr. Hebron, where a settler youth was killed on 6/30. The same Israeli sources that leak this also say that the political leadership has decided to establish a special graveyard for Palestinians killed during or after committing serious crimes against Israelis, which they think can end the conflict over withholding these Palestinian bodies. (HA, MNA, TOI 7/2)

Late at night, Palestinian fighters fire a rocket from Gaza into Israel. It lands in Sderot, causing minor damage to 1 building and lightly damaging several others. In response, the IAF launches air strikes on at least 9 Hamas and PIJ military sites in Gaza City, nr. Bayt Lahiya and Bayt Hanun, causing substantial damage and 1 minor injury. An Egyptian power line is damaged in the strikes, causing extended blackouts (it will be repaired on 7/2). (HA, YA 7/1; JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/2)

Across the oPt, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, and East Jerusalem; and conduct 15 patrols in the Hebron area during the day. They also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 3 Palestinians are injured. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians throw stones at Israeli security forces nr. the Old City, causing no injuries. More than 3,000 Israeli police are deployed in the city today. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 7/1; TOI 7/2; MNA 7/5; PCHR 7/14)

The Middle East Quartet releases a report on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the steps taken by both sides that have made a 2-state solution less viable. Both the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships criticize the report. (AFP, HA, NYT, YA 7/1)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at an entrance to al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron as he allegedly attempts to attack a soldier with an ax. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops raid a money exchange office in Ramallah early in the morning. They detonate a small explosive in an attempt to open a safe, which causes a large fire and major damage. In the Hebron area, IDF troops shut down a number of Palestinian stores, and assault and arrest a Palestinian taxi driver outside al-‘Arub r.c. Israeli forces destroy a charcoal facility, an agricultural structure, and a number of solar cells nr. Jenin, sparking minor clashes with Palestinians (there are no injuries). They also demolish a rainwater harvesting well nr. Hebron and conduct late night raids nr. Nablus, arresting 4 Palestinians; patrol during the day nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest 2 Palestinian youths carrying knives, and order the Palestinian National Theater to close for 1 day as punishment for organizing an event sponsored by the PA. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Rafah. Separately, Hamas forces establish 3 new bases and a number of temporary structures along the border with Egypt in an attempt to strengthen border security and improve ties with the Egyptian govt. (AFP, EI, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 4/14; PCHR 4/21)

Israeli PM Netanyahu’s office denies that the PM recently approved the construction of over 200 new settler residences in the West Bank, contrary to Israeli press reports on 4/13. “Almost all of the permits are intended for the upgrading of existing buildings,” the office’s statement reads. Peace Now rejects the PM’s statement, offering photographic evidence showing that the permits are for new residences. (HA, TOI 4/14; JP 4/15)

In Gaza, Hamas reports that 1 of its fighters was killed this morning in a tunnel collapse. In the West Bank, an Israeli settler and several IDF soldiers assault 4 Palestinian youths in c. Hebron, causing minor injuries. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians throwing stones and protesting the recent Israeli crackdown on the oPt in 1 village nr. Qalqilya; 2 Palestinians are injured. Late at night, IDF troops conduct raids in Qalandia r.c. nr. Ramallah, arresting 3 Palestinians and sparking a brief exchange of fire with armed Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. Meanwhile, the IDF raids the Bethlehem offices of a PA-run charity and the Nablus office of a prisoners’ rights group, destroying and confiscating property and ordering the latter to shut down. The IDF conducts further raids and house searches in Jenin and 1 village nearby, arresting 1 Palestinian; patrols in 4 villages nr. Hebron; delivers a stop-work order to a home under construction nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian in Issawiyya and 3 Palestinians on late-night raids in Kafr ‘Aqab. (MNA, WAFA 12/28; MNA, WAFA 12/ 29; PCHR 12/31)

Israeli NGO Peace Now reports that Israel’s Ministry of Housing has continued working on plans for thousands of housing units in the E1 area e. of Jerusalem, despite the PM Netanyahu’s public cancellation of tenders for similar units in 11/2013. (AFP, HA, MNA, PCN, TOI 12/28)

Stabbing attacks continue in the West Bank today. Private Israeli settlement security guards shoot and kill a Palestinian youth at a checkpoint nr. Jenin after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli soldier. IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian youth after he stabs and lightly injures an Israeli soldier in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc nr. Bethlehem. (HA, MNA, YA 10/23; PCHR 10/29)

Elsewhere in the oPt, IDF troops clash with and violently disperse Palestinians throwing stones and protesting in 3 locations along Gaza’s border and across the West Bank, injuring 117 Palestinians and arresting 3. They also violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, occupation, and recent violence in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, and Silwad) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is seriously injured. Meanwhile, the IDF conducts raids and house searches in Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Nablus, arresting 2 Palestinians; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 each nr. Jenin and Nablus. Israeli forces destroy around 90 olive trees nr. Qalqilya during a military training exercise. Israeli settlers attack and attempt to stab the head of the Israeli group Rabbis for Human Rights while he is assisting with the Palestinian olive harvest nr. Nablus; attempt to attack the Nablus-area home of the Palestinian who was shot on 10/21 after IDF soldiers thought she was trying to sneak into a settlement. Palestinian stone-throwers in the area ward off the attack. In East Jerusalem, thousands of Palestinians march in a funeral procession through al-‘Izzariya for the Palestinian killed nr. the city on 10/21; Israeli forces then violently disperse the 400-some Palestinian youths that throw stones in the area after the march (27 Palestinians are injured).Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians on late-night raids in Issawiyya, Ras al-Amud, al-Thawri, and s. of the Old City. (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 10/23; PCHR 10/29)

New Zealand’s UN envoys distribute to the mbrs. of the UNSC a draft res. encouraging Israel and the Palestinians to undertake confidence-building steps as a prelude to a new round of peace negotiations. (AFP, TOI 10/23; JP, MNA 10/24; HA, TOI 10/28; AP 10/30)

For the 8th day in a row, IDF troops stationed along Gaza’s border open fire on Palestinians protesting and throwing stones throughout the region, killing 2 Palestinians and injuring at least 142 (a 3d Palestinian will succumb to injuries sustained today on 10/23). Stabbing incidents continue, as IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian in the Kiryat Arba settlement nr. Hebron after he stabs and moderately injures an Israeli soldier. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops clash with and violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstations and violent protests in 4 areas nr. Ramallah (outside the Beit El settlement, Silwad, Budrus, and Bil‘in), and nr. Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Qalqilya, killing 1 Palestinian and injuring 73. The IDF patrols outside Ramallah and in Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwers (2 Palestinians are injured); conducts house searches and raids throughout the region, arresting 4 Palestinians. Palestinian gunmen open fire on IDF vehicles nr. Ramallah, causing minor damage. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli police bar Palestinian men under the age of 40 from entering Haram al-Sharif; clash with stone-throwing Palestinians in Ras al-Amud (2 Palestinians are injured); conduct raids nr. the Old City and Issawiyya (4 Palestinians are arrested). (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 10/16; PCHR 10/22)

The UNSC convenes to discuss the recent violence in Israel and the oPt as well as Israeli restrictions on Palestinian access at Haram al-Sharif, at the request of Jordan. French amb. to the UN François Delattre says that France has prepared a draft presidential statement that would, inter alia, urge all parties to maintain the status quo at the sanctuary. (AFP, HA, JP, TOI, YA 10/16; HA 10/17)

A 3d mbr. of the Dawabsha family succumbs to injuries sustained in the Israeli settlers’ arson attack on her Duma home on 7/31 (her husband and 18-mo.-old child were also killed), sparking Palestinian demonstrations across East Jerusalem. Israeli forces violently disperse them in Silwan, al-Tur, and Wadi al-Juz, injuring 2 Palestinians. Meanwhile in the West Bank, Israeli forces assault 3 Palestinians outside a settlement nr. Hebron, moderately injuring them. IDF troops conduct late-night house searches and raids in al-Fawar r.c. and nr. Hebron and Jenin, arresting 3 Palestinians; patrol nr. Salfit, Qalqilya, and Hebron. On Gaza’s border e. of Jabaliya r.c., Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel for work. Meanwhile, the Egyptian authorities partially open the Rafah border crossing, allowing a number of Gazans to cross through for Hajj (they will open the crossing again on 9/8 and 9/9). (AFP, HA, MNA, NYT 9/7; HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 9/8; PCHR 9/10; OCHA 9/11)

Fanning the flames across East Jerusalem, at least 20 Israeli settlers escorted by Israeli forces overtake a building in Silwan, claiming that the settler organization Ateret Cohanim had purchased it. A Palestinian man refuses to leave his apartment, so the settlers only move into 4 of the 5 floors. Later, Israeli forces close off a main street in al-Tur nr. the site of a firebomb attack on 8/26. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel e. of Khan Yunis. Egyptian authorities allow the body of a Palestinian who recently died in an Egyptian hospital to be returned home through the Rafah border crossing. In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol in a village nr. Ramallah, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths and arresting 1 Palestinian. They also conduct house searches and raids nr. Qalqilya, issuing 1 Palestinian an arrest summons. Israeli forces demolish 4 buildings in Israeli settlement outposts nr. Nablus and arrest 3 settlers protesting the demolitions. In Israel, dozens of Palestinians gather nr. the bedouin village Umm al-Hiran in the Negev to protest the preconstruction phases of 2 Israeli Jewish towns, which Israeli forces began on 8/23. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/27; HA, MNA 8/28; PCHR 9/3)

Palestinian UN envoys formally submit a UN General Assembly (UNGA) res. that would allow non-mbr. observer states—Palestine and the Vatican—to display their flags at the UN’s headquarters and offices. (AP, REU, YA 8/26; JP 8/27; AFP 8/28) Senior PA official Azzam al-Ahmad announces that the PNC will convene in Ramallah on 9/15–16 to elect a new PLO Exec. Comm. and discuss the absence of peace negotiations with Israel. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA, TOI 8/27; MNA 8/29) 

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 3 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also conducts house searches and raids in Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Hebron, issuing an arrest summons to 1 Palestinian; patrols during the day in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 nr. Hebron, and 1 nr. Jericho. Unidentified assailants set fire to a gas station nr. the Israeli settlement Eli, causing damage. (AFP, MNA, TOI 8/14; NYT 8/16; PCHR 8/20)

Hunger-striking Palestinian prisoner Allan is placed in a medically induced coma after his condition deteriorates. Later, Islamic Jihad’s military wing, Sarayat al-Quds Brigades, says that if Allan dies, they will not continue upholding the cease-fire with Israel. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, YA 8/14)

The Arab Bank reaches a settlement in a case brought by hundreds of U.S. citizens accusing the bank of facilitating Hamas attacks in Israel. The terms of the settlement are not disclosed. A U.S. court ruled in 9/2014 that the Jordan-based Arab Bank was liable for knowingly supporting Hamas in its attacks. (TOI 8/14; JP 8/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a home and several agricultural buildings in villages nr. Hebron; raze 2 dunams (0.5 acre) of agricultural land s. of Hebron; assault and detain a Palestinian man in c. Hebron. They also violently disperse Palestinians gathering in a village nr. Salfit to protest the IDF’s recent closure of the village’s water well; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops escort archaeologists into a village nr. Jenin to photograph ruins in the area, sparking clashes with local residents; conduct late-night raids and house searches in Bayt Jala, Jalazun r.c. and 1 village nr. Ramallah, and 1 village nr. Jenin, arresting 5 Palestinians and issuing an arrest summons to 1; patrol during the day in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 nr. Salfit. Around 200 Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes in a village s. of Jenin late at night, sparking minor clashes with local residents. In East Jerusalem, a French Christian tourist attempts to raise the Israeli flag at Haram al-Sharif, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; at least 7 are arrested, including a number of Islamic Waqf employees. Later, Israeli forces nonviolently disperse a demonstration organized by the Islamic Waqf in protest of the detention of their colleagues earlier in the day; 2 Palestinians are arrested, including 1 journalist. In c. Israel, Israeli forces demolish 3 Palestinian homes in an unrecognized village nr. Tel Aviv. (AFP, JP, MNA, WAFA 8/4; WAFA 8/5; PCHR 8/6)

Hamas dep. chief Abu Marzuq says that Hamas will not work with the 5 new ministers sworn in to the PA consensus govt. on 7/31 and calls for PM Hamdallah to be removed from office. (MNA 8/5)