The Palestine Chronology

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels attack Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Jenin at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Salfit in the morning, in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm, in Salfit and 1 nearby village, and in Hebron in the afternoon, and in 1 village and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron and in Tulkarm at night. (PCHR 1/9)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry visits Jordan and Saudi Arabia before returning to Jerusalem, in a day of whistle-stop diplomacy focused on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. In Amman, Kerry meets with Jordan’s King Abdallah II and FM Nasser Judeh, and then with King Abdallah in the Saudi monarch’s desert residence. Following 3 days of talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, an anonymous Palestinian official says that Kerry demanded Abbas recognize Israel as the Jewish homeland, in exchange for Israel’s acceptance of its pre-1967 borders as the basis for talks. Meanwhile, Israeli FM Lieberman tells a meeting of Israeli diplomats that he supports a comprehensive agreement with the Palestinians in the context of U.S.-led negotiations, but also says that he would only accept an agreement including the exchange of land and population, a reference to his longstanding proposal to move a number of Palestinian citizens into a putative Palestinian state. (See document C2 in JPS 171 for extended excerpts of Lieberman’s remarks.) Separately, Israel’s ministerial cmte. on legislation rejects 2 bills proposed by the Labor Party that would have facilitated a two-state solution by placing restrictions on settlement construction and preventing unilateral annexation. (AFP, AP, HA, JP 1/5)

UNRWA workers in the Gaza Strip go on strike over pay and employment conditions, joining West Bank-based UNRWA employees, who went on strike on 12/3. (MNA 1/5)

The Israeli PM’s Office passes responsibility for creating and implementing govt. development plans for the Bedouin communities in the Negev to the Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry. Until now, the legislative measure set to codify the Prawer Plan was being overseen by former minister Benny Begin. (ToI 1/3; ToI 1/5)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and in Bethlehem and 1 nearby village and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Jenin and in 1 village nr. Salfit at night. Jewish settlers attack Palestinians in Burin village nr. Nablus, with Israeli soldiers subsequently also attacking residents with tear gas and stun grenades. (MNA 11/9; PCHR 11/14)

PA Pres. Abbas meets in Amman with Jordan’s FM Nasser Judeh for routine talks about the latest developments in the peace process. (WAFA 11/9)

Talks with Iran in Geneva end late Saturday without a deal, but with all sides agreed on the need to resume discussions on 11/20. U.S. Secy. of State Kerry says that “significant progress” had been made on remaining points of difference. An unnamed senior Israeli official responds by saying that his govt. will campaign hard against a deal viewed as very bad for Israel. (AP, JP, REU 11/9)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion nr. Jabaliya r.c. and level land close to the border zone, and also open fire on farmers, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops kill 2 Palestinians in separate incidents at checkpoints; 1st, at Za’atra nr. Nablus, where a Palestinian shoots fireworks at soldiers and is shot dead, and 2d, at Container checkpoint nr. Bethlehem where Israeli soldiers say a Palestinian attempted to attack them. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkam in the afternoon, and in 2 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers vandalize Palestinian cars nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces close 2 offices of charities it says are cover for Hamas activities. (JP, MNA 11/7; PCHR 11/14)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry heads to Amman, Jordan, and holds talks with King Abdallah and FM Nasser Judeh, with the king praising the “trust” Kerry has among all sides in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. At a joint press conference with Judeh, Kerry says that Israeli and Palestinians leaders had reaffirmed to him their commitment to negotiations. Later that day, Kerry holds another round of talks with Abbas, in Amman. In media interviews, he also reveals he will return the next day for another meeting with Netanyahu, an unplanned addition to the trip. In an interview broadcast on Israeli television, Kerry warns that without a peace deal, Israel could face a 3d intifada and “increasing isolation” and “delegitimization.” (AFP, AP, REU 11/7)

Swiss scientists say that tests show Yasir Arafat died with high levels of radioactive polonium in his body, but do not say that this was definitively the cause of death. Palestinian officials demand an international investigation into the “killing” of their former leader, according to PLO official Wassel Abu Yousef. (AFP, BBC, REU 11/7)

Diplomats from Iran and the P5+1 group begin talks in Geneva, coordinated by the EU’s Catherine Ashton, in an attempt to work out the details of a deal to end the dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program. (HA, REU 11/7)

An unnamed diplomat says that Jordan will replace Saudi Arabia on the UNSC for a 2-year term, after Riyadh rejects the position out of anger with the body’s inability to take what it deems appropriate action with regard to issues like Syria and Israeli-Palestinian relations. (AP 11/8)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry announces at a press conference in Amman that direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations will begin as early as the following week in Washington. Kerry says details are still being finalized, but that Israeli justice minister Tzipi Livni and Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat will travel to the U.S. to hold preliminary talks. Kerry made no mention of any conditions or framework for the talks. UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon welcomes the news and commends Kerry for his efforts, as does EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton. (HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/19)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 nearby villages, and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin and al-‘Arub r.c. at night. Israeli soldiers clash with protesters at regular demonstrations by Palestinians, Israelis and international activists against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and the occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), causing no serious injuries, except in Nabi Saleh, where 1 person is shot and wounded by a rubbercoated metal bullet. (MNA 7/19; PCHR 7/25)

Pro-Muslim Brotherhood demonstrators take to the streets across Egypt, and 3 people die in clashes between supporters and opponents of ousted pres. Morsi. Meanwhile in the Sinai, gunmen launch attacks on Egyptian army posts and police stations, killing 3 civilians when a rocket-propelled grenade struck their home. (AFP, MNA, REU 7/19)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. (PCHR 7/18)

Palestinian citizens of Israel observe a general strike called for by the High Follow-Up Cmte. and carry out demonstrations to protest the govt.’s proposals for the Negev which will force tens of thousands of Bedouin from their homes. Protests a few thousand-strong against the planned demolition of villages take place in Beersheba as well as nr. Sakhnin in the Galilee. There are also solidarity demonstrations in the West Bank cities of Ramallah, Hebron, and Nablus. (HA, JP, YA 7/15)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry departs Washington for Amman for talks with Jordanian and Arab League officials about the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. There is no plan for a visit to Israel or the West Bank on this trip, his 6th to the region since assuming office on 2/1. (AP, REU 7/15)

In Cairo, U.S. Dep. Secy. of State William Burns warns the Egyptian military that the country will find it hard to emerge from its crisis if the crackdown on Muslim Brotherhood supporters continues. (AP, NYT 7/15)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry returns to Amman from Jerusalem for talks with Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas, before going back to Jerusalem for another meeting with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. While Jordanian media reports that a joint Israeli, Palestinian, U.S. and Jordanian peace summit is being planned, Israeli and Palestinian officials brief journalists that there is no breakthrough in sight. (HA, MNA, REU, YA 6/29)

In the West Bank at night, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem; patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya. (PCHR 7/4)

The EU announces a €9.95 million contribution to the PA for the payment of social allowances to poor Palestinian families in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. (WAFA 6/29)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian in Qalandia r.c. nr. Ramallah, during clashes sparked by an IDF arrest raid in the camp. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 4 villages nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Salfit at night. Israeli soldiers also attack regular demonstrations by Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and the occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), causing no serious injuries except in Bil‘in (1 injury from tear gas canister) and Kafr Qaddum (2 injuries from rubber-coated metal bullets). (MNA 6/28; PCHR 7/4)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry conducts further shuttle diplomacy, holding talks in Amman with Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas followed by discussions in Jerusalem with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, which are also attended by Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, National Security Adviser Ya’akov Amidror, and Special Envoy Yitzhak Molcho. Kerry meets separately with Israeli pres. Shimon Peres. Meanwhile, director of the Palestinians’ High Coordination Cmte. for Prisoners’ Release Amin Shuman says that Israelis and Palestinians have held secret talks about freeing prisoners detained before 1993. (AFP, HA, MNA, REU 6/28)

Three people are killed and hundreds injured as violent clashes take place between supporters and opponents of Egyptian pres. Mohamed Morsi, with the Muslim Brotherhood office ransacked in Alexandria. (NYT 6/28)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 3 mortar shells across the border into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 3 villages, al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Ramallah, and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Bethlehem in the morning, in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. (MNA 6/5; PCHR 6/13)

U.S. Pres. Barack Obama chooses Susan Rice as his new national security adviser and will nominate Samantha Power, a National Security Council staffer, to replace Rice as amb. to the UN. (REU 6/5) 

Unidentified persons fire 2 mortar shells into an open area nr. the border between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights. The IDF investigates on which side of the border the shells fell. (YA 6/5)

Anonymous Jordanian officials tell the media that the U.S. will send anti-missile batteries to Amman in preparation for an annual joint military exercise, some of which will be kept in the country to boost the country’s defense capabilities in light of potential spillover from the Syrian civil war. (AP 6/5)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry calls Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to express disapproval over plans for new construction in Ramat and Gilo settlements. Meanwhile, Jordanian FM Nassar Judeh, in a joint press conference in Ramallah with PA FM Riyad Malki, announces that Kerry will shortly be in Amman for a 4th visit to Jordan to discuss peace efforts. (AFP, HA 6/2; JP 6/3)

Rami Hamdallah, president of an-Najah University, announces that Pres. Abbas has asked him to replace Salam Fayyad as prime minister and form a new govt., adding that most ministers will remain in post. Fayyad resigned on 4/13 and has been serving as a caretaker. U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry welcomes the appointment, but the decision is denounced by Hamas, whose spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum says that Abbas should have implemented the reconciliation deal achieved in Cairo in 5/2013, rather than name his own appointee. Meanwhile, senior Fatah leaders Nabil Shaath and Othman Abu Gharbieh arrive in Gaza to take part in talks with representatives of all factions about national reconciliation. (AFP, MNA, REU 6/2; JP 6/3)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian workers, injuring one farmer with live ammunition as he picks watermelons. Following the incident, an IDF spokesperson says that soldiers shot at Palestinians attempting to damage the border fence. Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the coast of the Gaza Strip, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron in the morning, and in Hebron, 1 village nr. Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Bethlehem and Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm, 1 village nr. Jenin, 1 village nr. Qalqilya, and 1 village nr. Bethlehem in the morning, in 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in Jenin, Tulkarm, and 1 village each nr. Ramallah, Jericho, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya at night. (MNA 6/2; PCHR 6/5)

Israeli Air Force planes conduct low-altitude fly-overs in the Bekaa Valley and other parts of e. Lebanon. (DS 6/3)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry meets with Israeli justice minister Tzipi Livni and Special Envoy Yitzhak Molcho in Amman, their 4th meeting since Kerry’s arrival in the region on 5/23. Kerry also meets with Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas in Amman, their 3d meeting of the trip, before returning to Washington. Kerry tells reporters before he leaves the region that he expects answers from both Netanyahu and Abbas within one or 2 weeks. (HA 5/27)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops demolish 3 Palestinian-owned houses and 2 sheds in the Jordan Valley village of al-Jiftlik. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 1 village each nr. Ramallah, Jenin, and Hebron, as well as al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the morning, 1 village each nr. Qalqilya, Jenin, and Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages each nr. Tulkarm, Ramallah and Qalqilya, and 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night. In East Jerusalem, suspected right-wing Jewish extremists vandalize 15 Palestinian-owned cars in the Shaykh Jarrah neighborhood. (MNA, WAFA 5/27; PCHR 5/30)

During talks in Brussels, EU foreign ministers fail to reach agreement on supplying arms to Syrian rebels but reinstate sanctions on Damascus and lift an arms embargo for the opposition. Member states like Britain and France are now free to go it alone in sending weapons should they see fit at some point. (NYT, REU 5/27)

Dozens of right-wing Jewish activists visit the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, prompting clashes with Palestinian worshippers, some of whom are arrested by Israeli police. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Tulkarm, 2 nr. Hebron, and 1 each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah at night. (MNA 3/31; PCHR 4/4)

Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas and Jordan’s King Abdullah II sign an agreement in Amman to defend Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites, though no specific details are given beyond general ‘‘coordination’’ of efforts. (MNA 3/31)

Natural gas from the Tamar reservoir in the Mediterranean Sea begins to flow into Israel via Ashdod. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu welcomes this as a step towards ‘‘energy independence.’’ (NYT 3/31)

Egyptian media report that Hamas PM Ismail Haniyeh meets with Egyptian intelligence chief Rafaat Shehata to discuss Palestinian reconciliation and the cease-fire with Israel. (AP 3/31)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 nr. Nablus at night. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire twice on Palestinian fishermen nr. al-Waha resort, causing no injuries or damage. (PCHR 3/28)

Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas and U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry meet in Amman, following which PLO Chief Negotiator Saeb Erekat reiterates the Palestinian opposition to a resumption of negotiations without a complete halt to settlement construction and release of Palestinian prisoners, (JP 3/24)

The Israeli government asks the High Court of Justice to delay by at least 90 days the evacuation of the unauthorized West Bank outpost Amona scheduled for the end of 4/2013. (JP 3/24)

IDF forces fire into Syria and destroy a machine gun position from where shots had been fired at Israeli soldiers twice in the previous 24 hours. (AP, REU 3/24)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Tulkarm, and in 1 village each nr. Jenin, Ramallah, and Salfit at night. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, enforcing the new 3 naut. mile fishing limit imposed by Israel. (MNA 3/23; PCHR 3/28)

U.S. Pres. Barack Obama flies back to Washington, leaving Secy. of State John Kerry in the region for further talks aimed at reviving peace talks with PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas in Amman and also PM Benjamin Netanyahu. (MNA 3/23; HA, YA 3/24)

Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan says that stronger relations with Israel will aid the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and help speed the fall of Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad. PM Benjamin Netanyahu also cites the Syrian crisis as a reason for his decision to improve relations with Ankara. (HA 3/23)

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)

White House spokesperson Jay Carney responds to a question about the consequences of the Israeli election for peace efforts by restating the administration’s call for a resumption of direct negotiations on final-status issues. Meanwhile, the UN’s special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, Robert Serry, tells a UNSC meeting that courageous steps by Israeli and Palestinian leaders are required to save the two-state solution. At the meeting, Palestinian FM Riyad al-Maliki sits behind a ‘‘State of Palestine’’ nameplate, drawing criticism from U.S. amb. Susan Rice, who says that the U.S. does not recognize the UNGA vote in 11/2012 (see Quarterly Update in JPS 166). After the meeting, Maliki says that the Palestinians’ decision about whether to go to the ICC over Israel’s settlement construction will depend on what the Israeli government does in the E1 area nr. Jerusalem. (AP, REU, UNNC 1/23)

Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. The IDF also makes a brief incursion into Gaza to a distance of 200 m from the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun to level land. In the West Bank, IDF soldiers open fire on Palestinians at the entrance to al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, killing 1 woman with a shot to the head. Eyewitnesses say the soldiers were traveling in a civilian car. Also, a Palestinian teenager shot by the IDF during clashes in Aida r.c. on 1/18 dies in the hospital. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin at night. (MNA, PCHR, WAFA 1/23)

Human rights NGO the Palestinian Center for Human Rights publishes a list of media workers in the Gaza Strip arrested by Hamas security services over the previous 48 hours. Meanwhile, dep. head of Hamas politburo Musa Abu Marzuq says that there is no disagreement within Hamas about Mahmud Abbas heading a unity government. (MNA 1/23)

PA fin. min. Nabil Qassis says that the government’s financial crisis is structural, requiring systematic changes in the budget and culture. He reveals that the deficit has now exceeded $1.4 b. (MNA 1/23)

Jordan holds parliamentary elections, which are boycotted by the Muslim Brotherhood–affiliated Islamic Action Front. The boycott is based on claims that the electoral system is biased in favor of rural tribal areas where pro-regime sentiment is highest, in contrast to large, more densely populated urban areas, where pro-Brotherhood views are strong among poor Palestinians. In the election, 1,425 candidates compete for 150 seats, up from 120, in the lower house. King Abdallah has agreed to cede some powers to the new legislature, such as choosing the PM and running day-to-day affairs. There are numerous reports of vote-buying and small-scale clashes in Karak governorate and some districts of Amman. The results see pro-government candidates maintain their dominance of the parliament, though 37 Islamist and other government critics win seats in the legislature. (AKH, AP, NYT, REU 1/23; AP, REU 1/24)

The Lebanese army states that 12 Israeli warplanes violated Lebanese airspace overnight, claiming that the breach of Lebanon’s sovereignty is a violation of UN Res. 1701, which was accepted as the basis for the cease-fire that ended the Israeli-Lebanon war of 2006. (Daily Star 1/23)

Israeli media report on an internal Foreign Ministry document that predicts that the EU will increase efforts in 2013 to pressure Israel and the Palestinians to reach an agreement. The report suggests that the EU may try to promote the establishment of an actual Palestinian state independent of negotiations with Israel. Other Israeli media report that the PA is seeking to join a number of international organizations in the light of their successful UN statehood bid, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Israel’s Foreign Ministry is apparently seeking to stymie these efforts through its ambassadors in countries where the organizations’ headquarters are located. Meanwhile, Palestinian officials in Ramallah claim that Israel is refusing to renew the VIP cards of several senior PA officials, complicating their ability to move freely around the West Bank and Israel. (HA, JP, ToI 12/26)

Israeli and Palestinian officials confirm that Israel will allow materials for private construction into the Gaza Strip for the 1st time since mid-2007. The deal will allow up to 20 trucks of gravel to enter the territory daily through Kerem Shalom crossing in the south. (MNA 12/25; AFP 12/26)

In the West Bank, the IDF raids the Palestinian village of Yatta in the south, sparking a clash with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is injured when he is hit in the head by a tear-gas canister. The IDF patrols in Tulkarm, nearby Nur Shams r.c., and 1 village nr. Jericho at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 3 nearby villages, 1 village nr. Bethlehem, and 1 village nr. Jenin at night. (PNN, WAFA 12/26; MNA, PCHR 12/27)

Fatah’s Revolutionary Council meets in Ramallah to discuss internal and national issues, including the next steps to take following the UN bid and subsequent Israeli settlement expansion. (MNA 12/26)

Anonymous Israeli officials confirm a story in al-Quds al-Arabi that PM Netanyahu secretly met Jordan’s King Abdallah in Amman recently (no dates reported) to discuss the risk of Syria’s chemical weapons falling into the hands of armed Islamist groups. (REU 12/26)

Israel’s Operation Pillar of Defense against Gaza enters its 3d day, leaving another 11 Palestinians dead and bringing the Palestinian death toll since 11/14 to 30, around 1/3 civilians. Intense levels of Israeli air strikes continue, with 40 attacks before dawn and at least 200 overall during the day; reports estimate some 500 targets struck by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) since the operation began. The IDF bombs Gaza’s Ministry of Interior building and the offices of Hamas’s acting PM Ismail Haniyeh. Palestinian armed groups fire a total of 190 rockets into Israel, including a rocket that lands in an open area nr. Gush Etzion settlement bloc s. of Jerusalem, causing no damage or injuries. The Israeli cabinet approves Israeli DM Ehud Barak’s requests to mobilize 75,000 reservists. Israel’s FM Avigdor Lieberman states that the 2 goals of the operation are to restore deterrence and destroy long-range missiles. Meanwhile, in the West Bank, Palestinians hold demonstrations to protest the attack on Gaza, including a rally of hundreds of Hamas activists in Ramallah. IDF forces injure dozens of Palestinians in the solidarity protests, seriously wounding 1 man in Kafr Qaddum village nr. Qalqilya with a tear-gas canister to the head. (AP, HA, Guardian, JP, MNA 11/16)

Internationally, there is a mixture of support for Israel’s actions and caution regarding escalation. The U.S. Senate unanimously passes a resolution expressing support for Israel’s ‘‘right to act in self-defense.’’ UK foreign secretary William Hague warns Israel against staging a ground incursion into Gaza. Egyptian PM Hesham Kandil visits the Gaza Strip, during which time Israel temporarily stops its attacks. Egyptian pres. Mohamed Morsi condemns Israel’s operation and pledges Egyptian support for the Palestinians. Meanwhile, UN high commissioner for human rights Navi Pillay condemns Israel’s aerial bombardment of Gaza as well as Palestinian rocket fire. (HA, Guardian, JP, MNA, REU 11/16)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and 1 village nr. Ramallah, 2 villages nr. Salfit, and 1 village nr. Jericho at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in Hebron and 1 nearby village, and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Israeli soldiers violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals taking part in weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the Israeli occupation and land confiscations held in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, al-Nabi Salih, Budrus), 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries, except in Bil‘in, where 2 Palestinians are wounded by a tear-gas canister and rubber-coated steel bullet respectively, and in Kafr Qaddum, where 1 Palestinian is wounded by a tear-gas canister. (PCHR 11/22)

Egyptian security forces say that unidentified militants fire 3 rockets into Israel from the Sinai Peninsula nr. Rafah. No damage or injuries are reported. (MNA 11/16)

In Amman, Jordanian protests over rising fuel prices continue for a 4th day. Protesters clash with security forces, and a rally of several thousand passes off largely peacefully; chants include demands for the departure of King Abdallah II. (WP 11/16)

A senior Palestinian official speaking anonymously says that Israeli and Palestinian negotiators plan to meet soon, for the 1st time since 1/25/12 in Amman. Meanwhile, Netanyahu holds a rare news conference, saying that he still hopes to reach a peace deal with the Palestinians based on a 2-state solution. He states: “I don’t want a binational state. . . . For as long as it depends on me, we will ensure the Jewish and democratic character of Israel.” (WT 4/4) Netanyahu calls on the Israeli military to delay the eviction of the Jewish settler families who moved into a Hebron house several days ago without securing the proper permits, saying they should be allowed to remain in the house until their case is heard in court; the settlers ignore the IDF’s 4/2/12 eviction orders. (NYT 4/4)

The International Criminal Court (ICC) rejects a PA request to sign the ICC’s founding treaty (the Rome Statute), reaffirming that only internationally recognized states can join the court. The ruling means the automatic rejection of a PA request for the ICC to form a permanent war crimes tribunal to investigate Israeli actions during its 2008–9 Operation Cast Lead offensive against Gaza. The only alternative is for the UNSC to ask for a tribunal. (NYT, WP 4/4)

Late in the evening, IDF troops on the c. Gaza border e. of Gaza City fatally shoot a knife-wielding Palestinian teenager who approaches the border fence; his family says the boy had made comments about wanting to avenge the death of his sister, who was killed during Israel’s Operation Cast Lead assault on Gaza in 2008–9. In the West Bank, OCHA reports that the IDF has removed 5 barriers, gates, and unmanned checkpoints nr. Nablus and Tulkarm that have been in place since 2000–2, greatly improving movement between Nablus and Bayt Dajan and Zawata, and among Tulkarm, Izbat Shufa, and Shufa. The IDF patrols in 2 villages each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm and 1 each nr. Jericho and Jenin in the morning; conducts rare daytime arrest raids, house searches nr. Jenin; conducts afternoon patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho and 2 nr. Ramallah (synchronized); conducts late-night patrols in `Ayn al-Sultan r.c., Jericho (twice), Tulkarm, and 1 village each nr. Jenin (firing stun grenades at stone-throwing youths who confront them, causing no injuries), Jericho and Salfit; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Bayt Umar. (OCHA, PCHR 4/5)

UN Secy.-Gen Ban meets with Jordan’s King Abdallah and FM Judeh in Amman to discuss the latest round of Israeli-Palestinian exploratory talks and prospects for continuing discussions. (JPI 2/10)

IDF troops on the n. Gaza border fire warning shots at a group of Palestinians and international activists marching to the Bayt Hanun crossing to protest Israel’s imposition of a no-go zone, causing no serious injuries. IDF troops on the c. Gaza border fire warning shots at a group of Palestinians trapping birds nr. the border, wounding 1. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, firing tear gas, stun grenades at stonethrowing youths who confront them, causing no serious injuries; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Hebron; conducts late-night patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin. Palestinians and international and Israeli activists stage a nonviolent protest march to an IDF checkpoint outside Bayt Umar nr. Hebron to mark the 1-yr. anniversary of the killing of a local Palestinian by a settler; IDF troops beat and fire stun grenades at the demonstrators, moderately injuring 2 Palestinians and 1 Israeli journalists. Israeli police in East Jerusalem issue an order banning Palestinian journalist and Jerusalem resident Rasim Ubeidat fr. entering the West Bank until 7/9/2012; no cause is given. (PCHR 2/2; OCHA 2/3)

Israeli PM Netanyahu wins the Likud primaries with 75% of the vote. Some analysts (e.g., WP 2/2) see the move to hold a snap primary as strengthening Netanyahu’s base in preparation for possibly calling early elections in 10/2012 (a year ahead of schedule) to give the opposition less time to organize. However, others note (e.g., WP 2/1) that Netanyahu’s only challenger, ultranationalist settler Moshe Feiglin, made a strong showing, indicating that many Likud supporters feel Netanyahu is “too soft on peacemaking with the Palestinians.” (WP 2/1, 2/2)

The IDF makes a brief incursion into demolished Dahaniyya airport site in s. Gaza, arresting 2 Palestinians (including 1 Fatah mbr.). The IDF conducts morning patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 nr. Tulkarm, and 1 nr. Jericho; conducts afternoon patrols in Tulkarm and 1 nearby village, plus 1 village nr. Ramallah; conducts late-night patrols in al-Bireh, Jericho, 1 village nr. Qalqilya, and 1 nr. Ramallah; conducts late-night house searches nr. Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police seal for 30 days a Palestinian charity and a kindergarten with alleged ties to Hamas. (PCHR 2/2; OCHA 2/3)

Hamas leader Mishal arrives in Amman with Qatar’s crown prince Shaykh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and senior Hamas delegation (including his deputy, Musa Abu Marzuq, and 4 other senior officials) to meet with King Abdallah. Mishal says Hamas is eager to establish “unique relations” with Jordan, would “respect the limits and ceilings of any relationship determined by the two sides,” and would seek to maintain the security and stability of Jordan, but he does not say whether Hamas has asked to reopen a Hamas office in Jordan. Most analysts believe (e.g., NYT 1/30) that Hamas will not centralize in 1 new location but will diversify. Cambridge expert Khaled Hroub says, “with newly emerging governments in the post-Arab Spring era, many of them Islamist, Hamas wants to be hosted and embraced and have offices in these countries.” He also argues that this marks a “paradigm shift” in Hamas led by Mishal to embrace the Arab Spring’s promotion of nonviolence, which would make it easier for new governments to embrace and support Hamas. (NYT, WP 1/30)

The EU’s Ashton meets again (see 1/25/11) with Abbas in Amman to urge him to continue the talks. Afterward, Jordanian FM Judeh states that no further Israeli-Palestinian talks are scheduled, as the sides need to “assess where we are and how to move to the next stage.” Meanwhile, PLO EC mbr. Hanan Ashrawi says: “There has been no progress whatsoever. . . . There are no talks anymore. We don’t want to be complicit in this game of deception.” (HA 1/26, REU, WP 1/27, Asia Times 1/31)

IDF troops on the s. Gaza border fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers who stray too nr. the border fence e. of Khan Yunis, forcing them to flee. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 5 villages nr. Ramallah and 2 nr. Jericho in the morning; patrols in 1 village nr. Jericho and 1 nr. Salfit in the afternoon; patrols in Kafr Qaddum late at night; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Hebron; escorts Jewish settlers enter Kafr Haris village nr. Salfit late at night to pray at a local shrine. (PCHR 2/2; OCHA 2/3)

Palestinian and Israeli negotiators hold a 5th round of talks in Amman. Molcho verbally outlines Israel’s guiding principles on borders and security, offering nothing new and putting nothing in writing. Afterward, Abbas meets with King Abdallah and issues a statement saying the exploratory talks with Israel have ended without progress; the Palestinians will weigh their next steps in consultation with the Arab League at a meeting in Cairo on 2/4 (later moved to 2/12). He says: “If we demarcate the borders, we can return to negotiations, but the Israelis do not want demarcation of borders.” Israel sticks by its position that Israel technically has until 4/3 to produce position papers (since teams began meeting on 1/3) and that if the Palestinians refuse to continue talks until 4/3, it is they who are walking away fr. negotiations. EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, already in the region, meets separately with PA Pres. Abbas and Israeli PM Netanyahu to urge them to keep the talks going, especially pressing Israel to make some kind of confidence-building gesture (she recommends transferring more authority to the PA). Late at night, after these meetings, the Israeli team gives the Palestinians a document (not released) that puts the guiding principles in writing (reportedly including Israeli control over Jerusalem, the Jordan Valley, and almost all settlements); no maps are included. UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-Moon says he will make his own visit to the region in the next week to encourage the sides to continue talks. (WAFA 1/25; HA, NYT, WP, WT 1/26; REU, WP 1/27; NYT 1/28; Asia Times 1/31)

The IDF demolishes a Palestinian home adjacent to Carmiel settlement nr. Hebron. A Palestinian is killed when he is accidentally buried by a supply of construction gravel being transported through a smuggling tunnel. (PCHR 1/26; OCHA 2/3)

In Amman, Palestinian and Israeli negotiators meet for the 4th time. Molcho and Erakat clash, when Molcho, without advanced notice, brings a military expert to the talks to lay out security concerns that Israel wants the Palestinians to address in amending their initial security and borders proposals. Erakat balks, stating that the sides are not at the stage of negotiating and Israel was attempting to ambush the Palestinian side. The Palestinian team for the 1st time complains publicly that Israel has not offered its comprehensive position papers on borders and security as requested by the Quartet. Israeli officials say the 3-mo. period for them to produce detailed papers only began running with the 1st meeting on 1/3, and they therefore have until 4/3. The Quartet does not comment. (NYT 1/24, 1/26)

Overnight, unidentified Palestinians fire 3 mortars fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Early in the morning, Israeli warplanes make 2 air strikes on a group of armed Palestinians nr. al-Shuka in s. Gaza, causing no serous injuries. A smuggling tunnel on the Rafah border collapses, injuring 2 Palestinians. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts synchronized morning patrols in 2 villages n. of Ramallah; raids a community center in Hebron, arresting 1 Palestinian involved in organizing local settlement protests; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon and 1 nr. Ramallah late at night. (JP, YA 1/21; PCHR 1/26; OCHA 1/27) 

Hamas issues an official statement confirming rumors (see 1/17) that Mishal is not seeking another term as head of Hamas’s politburo in upcoming internal elections, though some officials suggest that he may be asked to stay on and might agree if this would be seen as an endorsement of his more pragmatic style of leadership. (NYT, WP 1/22)

Palestinian and Israeli peace teams hold a 2d very low-profile meeting in Amman. The sides downplay the meeting, calling them “exploratory sessions,” so as not to raise expectations of a negotiating breakthrough. An anonymous Palestinian official says that the Israelis did not offer anything today that would move the peace process forward. Judeh does not issue a formal statement, and Israel refuses to comment. (NYT, WT 1/10)

The IDF conducts morning patrols in Qalqilya, 2 villages nr. Jenin, and 1 nr. Tulkarm; afternoon patrols in 2 villages nr Jenin (firing tear gas at stonethrowing youths in 1 incident), and 1 nr. Qalqilya; late-night patrols in Tulkarm and nearby Bayt Lid and in 1 village nr. Qalqilya. The IDF also enters ‘Azzoun village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon to summon for interrogation 3 Palestinians released in the 10/2011 Shalit prisoner swap; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Hebron and nr. Nablus. (PCHR 1/12; OCHA 1/13)

On the day before the New Hampshire primaries, Republican presidential candidates Ron Paul and Rick Santorum both stress that the U.S. must maintain close ties with Israel. Paul, who opposes all foreign aid, says he is against continuing massive assistance to Israel, stating “I don’t believe that I should take money from anybody here and send money to them,” saying it sends the message “we own you.” Santorum stresses the threat from Iran, whereas Paul calls the danger of Iran achieving nuclear weapons “way overblown.” (WT 1/10)

The White House announces that Pres. Obama has tapped his dir. of the Office of Budget and Management, Jack Lew, as his new chief of staff, replacing outgoing chief of staff William Daley. American Jewish organizations praise the selection of Lew, an Orthodox Jew who is very involved in Jewish events in Washington, stating that since Dennis Ross’s departure as Obama’s chief adviser on the Middle East they had worried that there was no one “left to call in a White House that has hemorrhaged top Jews over the last year or so” that could directly weigh in with the pres. on issues of concern to Israel. (JTA 1/10; WJW 1/12, 1/19)

The State Dept. says Israeli and Palestinian negotiating teams will hold a 2d round of talks in Amman on 1/9. Israeli DM Ehud Barak says that “it is clear that [the position paper handed to Israel by the PA on 1/3] is unacceptable in its present state. . . . Long negotiations await us.” (NYT 1/6, 1/10)

OCHA reports that Jewish settlers vandalized more than 10,000 Palestinian olive trees in 2011. The IDF demolished 622 structures in the West Bank and East Jerusalem during 2011 (compared to 431 in 2010), displacing 1,094 Palestinians (compared to 594 in 2010). (OCHA 1/5)

Israel temporarily bans 12 Jewish extremists fr. the West Bank for periods of 3–9 mos. as part of Netanyahu’s crackdown against price-tag attacks. The IDF patrols in 4 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning; in 2 villages nr. Jericho and 1 each nr. Jenin, Qalqilya, and Salfit in the evening; and in al-Bireh, Jericho, 2 villages nr. Qalqilya, and 1 nr. Ramallah late at night. The IDF also demolishes 3 Palestinian homes nr. Jericho; demolishes 2 Palestinian stonecutters’ workshop (confiscating stones worth more than $25,500) and a scrap metal shop in Azariyya; enters Hebron during the day to arrest 1 Palestinian. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian is killed, 1 is injured in a tunnel collapse on the Rafah border. Gaza’s Central Drug Store receives a 2d shipment (see 12/18/11) of medicines and medical supplies fr. the West Bank that should cover needs for 5 wks. (WP 1/6; PCHR 1/12; OCHA 1/13)

In Amman, Israeli and Palestinian negotiators meet with Quartet reps. (including special envoy Blair) and then with Jordanian FM Nasser Judeh. Judeh says that the Palestinian team, as requested, turned over its position papers on security and borders and that the Israeli team formally received them. The sides have agreed to hold talks “on a continual basis” in Jordan to explore reviving formal negotiations and to observe a media blackout, with only Judeh issuing public statements after the sessions. Israel does not submit its own comprehensive position papers, but pledges “that through this continuing dialogue there will be an Israeli counterproposal or an Israeli response.” (WJW 1/3; NYT, WP 1/4; WT 1/5)

IDF troops on the n. Gaza border fire warning shots at Palestinians scavenging for construction materials inside the demolished Erez industrial zone, forcing them to flee. IDF troops make a brief incursion into s. Gaza to level land and clear lines of sight along the border fence e. of Abasan and Khuza, firing toward nearby residential areas to keep Palestinians indoors (causing no reported injuries). Israeli naval vessels fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the n. Gaza coast, forcing them to return to shore. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts morning patrols in Jenin and (synchronized) in 3 villages nr. Ramallah; conducts evening patrols in Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Jenin; conducts latenight arrest raids, house searches nr. Qalqilya. OCHA reports that since 12/21, the IDF has demolished 25 water-related structures (wells, cisterns, water pools, and water storage tanks) used for domestic and agricultural purposes; 21 were in Hebron governorate, 4 in Salfit governorate. OCHA also reports that in the past 2 wks., the IDF has demolished the remaining structures on the Palestinian side of the Qarni crossing, which Israel closed on 3/2/11 when the Kerem Shalom crossing became fully operational. (OCHA, PCHR 1/5)

The Israeli High Court accepts an agmt. reached between the state and settlers under which the state agrees to suspend plans to demolish immediately 9 structures in the Ramat Gilad unauthorized settlement outpost, giving the settlers until 3/2012 to remove the structures themselves. The settlers claim that the state has agreed in exchange to expand the zoning boundaries for nearby Karnei Shomron settlement to include Ramat Gilad (retroactively legalizing the outpost), but the official documents submitted to the court do not say this. (JPI 1/3)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that since the 11/24 Abbas-Mishal meeting seemed more symbolic than substantive and the PLO/PA has not made moves since the 11/1/11 UNESCO vote to gain membership in other UN organizations, he is considering releasing VAT taxes. (NYT 11/29) (see 11/23/11)

King Abdallah of Jordan hosts Israeli pres. Shimon Peres in Amman to discuss reviving Israeli-Palestinian talks. (NYT 11/29; JPI 12/9)

Israeli naval vessels fire warning shots at Palestinian fishing boats off the n. Gaza coast, detaining and confiscating the boat, arresting 1 fisherman, and returning another fisherman to Gaza through the Erez crossing. Late at night, IDF troops on the n. Gaza border responding to 2 loud explosions inside Gaza in an open area n. of Bayt Lahiya fire into Gaza for 20 mins., causing no reported damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 3 villages each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah and 1 nr. Salfit during the day; conducts late-night patrols in Jericho. An Israeli military court convicts a 2d Palestinian teenager fr. Awarta in the murder of 5 Jewish settlers in Itamar on 3/11/11; another Palestinian teen was convicted on 9/13/11. (PCHR 12/1; OCHA 12/2; JPI 12/9)

In the 1st Lebanese-Israeli crossborder attack since 10/2009, unidentified assailants fire 3 rockets fr. s. Lebanon into n. Israel, damaging 2 buildings in the western Galilee, but causing no injuries. Israel responds with artillery fire, causing no reported damage or injuries. UNIFIL calls for “maximum restraint.” (DS, NYT 11/29; NYT, WP, WT 11/30)

U.S. Dep. Secy. of State Burns meets with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss ways of reviving peace talks with the Palestinians. U.S. officials say that they are trying to find ways around Palestinian demands for a settlement freeze in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, but give no details. (NYT 11/22; JPI 12/2)

The IDF makes a late-night incursion into s. Gaza, patrolling in and firing on residential areas of Rafah, causing no injuries and making no arrests. Israeli naval vessels fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the n. Gaza coast, forcing them back to shore. In the West Bank, the IDF raids and searches the home of a PA police officer nr. Jenin, arresting him; patrols in 7 villages nr. Ramallah, in 1 instance firing rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at stone-throwing Palestinian youths who confront them. (PCHR 11/24; OCHA 11/25)

PA Tourism and Antiquities M Hamdan Taha says that now that Palestine has full membership in UNESCO (see QU in JPS 162), it is planning to seek world heritage status for the old cities of Hebron and Jericho. An application for Bethlehem is already in the works and is expected to have a better chance now that Palestine has membership. The PA also plans to seek recovery of artifacts looted by Israel, increase funds for preservation and excavations, and use its status to force Israel to stop calling West Bank sites “Israeli antiquities.” (WP 11/22)

King Abdallah of Jordan makes an official visit to Ramallah (his 1st in 10 yrs.) to hold talks with PA pres. Abbas on their independent efforts to reconcile with Hamas and personally to inform Abbas that Jordan has invited Damascus-based Hamas leader Khalid Mishal (barred fr. visiting Jordan since 1999) for an official visit to Amman. The king stresses that any improvement in ties with Hamas is not intended as a move against the PA or as a gesture to Jordan’s Islamist opposition. The U.S. reportedly has expressed displeasure to Jordan over the Mishal visit and hinted that U.S. aid could be cut if Jordan reconciles with Hamas. (NYT, WP 11/22; JPI 12/2)

Abbas tells a group of 20 left-leaning Israeli intellectuals that the Palestinians want above all to resume negotiations, stating that “no matter what happens at the [UN], we have to return to negotiations,” but also that even if there is a last-minute deal to resume talks, the UN bid will proceed. He confirms that in recent months he met 3 times secretly with Israeli pres. Shimon Peres in Amman, London, and Rome to discuss reviving talks. He also reveals that he met secretly on 8/27/11 with Israeli DM Ehud Barak, who asked him to drop the statehood bid. (NYT 9/6; WJW 9/8; OCHA 9/9)

The IDF carries out an air strike on a house in Nussayrat r.c. in c. Gaza, seriously injuring 1 Palestinian woman. Israeli naval vessels fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the n. Gaza coast, forcing them to return to shore. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts morning house searches in Sirris village nr. Jenin, summoning several Palestinians for interrogation; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah (arresting Hamas-affiliate PC mbr. Muhammad Abu Tair). The IDF razes 3 buildings in Migron outpost, ordered removed by Israel’s High Court; settlers scuffle with the IDF, which arrests 6. Soon after, Jewish settlers set fire to a mosque in a nearby Palestinian village and spray graffiti saying “Migron.” In other apparent reprisals, Jewish settlers fr. Beitar Ilit nr. Bethlehem pump wastewater on agricultural lands in nearby Husan and Nahalin villages, damaging 100s of trees and crops; Jewish settlers vandalize a Palestinian home in Hebron; Jewish settlers fr. Shilo settlement set up a roadblock on the Nablus–Ramallah road and stone passing vehicles, seriously damaging 1 car and injuring 1 Palestinian; Jewish settlers fr. Keddumim settlement stone Palestinian vehicles on the Qalqilya– Nablus road, causing light damage but no injuries. In addition, Jewish settlers accompanied by IDF soldiers and border police uproot 88 trees on confiscated Palestinian land in al-Walaja nr. Bethlehem. (NYT, WP 9/6; PCHR 9/8)

The White House announces that U.S. special envoy George Mitchell has submitted his resignation, effective 5/20 (the day Obama is to meet with Netanyahu at the White House). Secy. of State Clinton appoints Mitchell aide David Hale as interim special envoy. (NYT, WP 5/14)

In Jerusalem, Israeli police and settlement security guards outside Beit Yonatan in Silwan fire on stone-throwing Palestinian youths, seriously wounding a Palestinian teenager walking some distance away. Numerous clashes are also reported, particularly around East Jerusalem, as Palestinians demonstrate in commemoration of the Nakba. In the Jordan Valley, a Palestinian boy is injured when he accidentally triggers IDF UXO. Palestinians (sometimes accompanied by Israeli and international activists) hold weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the separation wall, land confiscations, and settlement expansion in Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih. IDF soldiers fire rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at the protesters, injuring 2 Palestinians (including 1 child) and 1 international activist; 2 Palestinians and 2 Israeli activists are arrested. (WP 5/15; PCHR 5/19; OCHA 5/20)

Heeding calls fr. Palestinian organizers on Facebook, 100s of Jordanians in Amman and 1,000s of Egyptians in Cairo rally after Friday prayers in support of Palestinian rights. (AP, DPA, Huffington Post 5/13)