393 / 15150 Results
  • February 8, 2014

    In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 1 rocket into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no...

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  • November 23, 2013

    In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with Palestinians trying to stop Jewish settlers from stoning cars outside the entrance to Jalazun r.c., wounding 5 with live ammunition and 10 with rubber-...

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  • November 20, 2013

    In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night. (PCHR 11/21)

    At a conference in Sderot, Israeli FM Avigdor Lieberman declares that a peace deal with...

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  • November 8, 2013

    In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure 1 Palestinian in clashes nr. Abu Dis, while separately, Palestinians throw a petrol bomb at a settler car nr. Bethlehem, injuring 2 Israelis. The IDF...

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  • October 27, 2013

    In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 3...

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  • October 5, 2013

    In the West Bank, Palestinian gunmen open fire on Psagot settlement nr. al-Bireh, wounding 1 child. Israeli soldiers and settlers attack residents in Burin village nr. Nablus, and in a patrol in...

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  • October 1, 2013

    In the West Bank, the IDF patrols nr. Tulkarm at night. In East Jerusalem, suspected Jewish extremists vandalize a Christian cemetery in Silwan, and left racist slogans on the perimeter walls. (...

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  • September 28, 2013

    In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and Balata r.c., ‘Askar r.c. and 1 village nearby, 1 village each nr. Hebron, Qalqilya and Ramallah, and in Bethlehem...

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  • September 21, 2013

    In the West Bank, the body of an Israeli soldier murdered in Qalqilya is discovered. The Palestinian responsible reportedly tells Israeli interrogators that he was acting in response to the...

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  • September 12, 2013

    In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion along the border fence nr. Khan Yunis to level land, before withdrawing. In the West Bank, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians protesting...

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  • September 7, 2013

    In the West Bank, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian laborers attempting to cross the separation wall nr. Hebron, wounding 2. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-‘Arub r.c. and...

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  • August 17, 2013

    In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians swimming off the coast of Bayt Lahiya. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Bethlehem and 2 nearby villages,...

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  • July 10, 2013

    In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. IDF troops also conduct a raid in Nablus, storming university dorms and sparking...

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  • July 8, 2013

    In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct 2 limited incursions in the s. Gaza Strip to level land alongside the border fence. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in...

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  • July 6, 2013

    In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus, Bethlehem, 3 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and 2 villages nr. Ramallah; patrols in Hebron and 1 village nr....

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  • July 5, 2013

    In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus and Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night. Israeli soldiers also attack regular...

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  • May 22, 2013

    Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2...

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  • May 21, 2013

    In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian teenager in al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah during a demonstration in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners. An IDF spokesperson says that...

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  • May 19, 2013

    Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels attack Palestinian fishermen at sea nr. Bayt Lahiya, arresting 2. In the West Bank, between Ramallah and Dayr Jarir, Israeli forces attack...

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  • May 18, 2013

    Nr. Damascus gate in East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces attack Palestinians protesting against Israeli violations at al-Aqsa mosque. There are arrests but no serious injuries. In the West...

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  • May 17, 2013

    In the West Bank, the IDF shoots and injures a number of Palestinians in various clashes. Outside al-Jalazun refugee camp (r.c.) nr. Ramallah, Palestinians throw stones over the perimeter fence in...

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  • February 18, 2013

    Palestinians protest in Bethlehem, Hebron and Ramallah in solidarity with hunger-striking prisoners in Israeli jails. In al-Khader village nr. Bethlehem, Palestinians demonstrate by Route 60,...

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  • February 15, 2013

    Israel’s Channel 2 television station reports that Israel and Hamas are conducting indirect negotiations through Egyptian mediators on issues pertaining to easing the blockade of the Gaza Strip,...

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  • January 22, 2013

    srael holds parliamentary elections, dealing a significant setback to current PM Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu joint ticket. The next Knesset will be almost evenly split...

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  • January 6, 2013

    PM Salam Fayyad says that the PA is in ‘‘extreme jeopardy’’ due to an unprecedented financial crisis caused by Israel’s withholding of tax revenues and the subsequent failure of Arab countries to...

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  • December 16, 2012

    Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the coast of Gaza nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. The IDF also opens fire on a group of Palestinians working their lands nr. the...

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  • November 30, 2012

    Israel announces that it will build 3,000 new settlement housing units as a response to the successful Palestinian UN vote, as well as advance plans for thousands more units in occupied East...

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  • September 27, 2012

    PA pres. Mahmud Abbas addresses the UNGA in New York, announcing as expected that his government will seek non-member observer state status for Palestine (see Doc. B4 in JPS 166). Abbas also...

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  • August 10, 2012

    Egypt partially reopens the Rafah crossing for Palestinian travel. Smuggling tunnels along the Rafah border remain closed; Palestinians report that costs of construction materials in Gaza have...

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  • August 5, 2012

    As many as 35 unidentified gunmen attack an Egyptian checkpoint near the Rafah border, fatally shooting 16 Egyptian security officers and wounding 3. Some of the assailants then steal 2 armored...

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In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 1 rocket into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Jenin and in Hebron at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm and in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in 2 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Salfit at night. Also, a Molotov cocktail is thrown at a settler’s vehicle nr. Nablus, causing no injuries. Separately, settlers uproot around 450 seedlings nr. Ramallah. (HA, MNA 2/8; PCHR 2/13)

The Egyptian military demolishes 7 smuggling tunnels under the Gaza Strip border, and also, in a separate development, authorities close the Rafah crossing after keeping it open for 3 days. During this time, 1,922 people left Gaza for Egypt, with 1,120 crossing in the other direction. Also, the Egyptian military kills 16 suspected militants in air strikes in the Sinai Peninsula. (AFP, MNA 2/8; PCHR 2/13) 

The IAEA and Iranian officials hold a meeting to continue talks that build on the deal agreed in 11/2013. Iranian Atomic Energy Organization spokesperson Behrouz Kamalvandi says the talks went well and the discussions have been extended an additional day. (AFP 2/8)

In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with Palestinians trying to stop Jewish settlers from stoning cars outside the entrance to Jalazun r.c., wounding 5 with live ammunition and 10 with rubber-coated metal bullets. IDF troops also clash with residents of a village nr. Ramallah during a raid, wounding 1 child in the leg with live ammunition. At night, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in 3 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Bethlehem; patrols in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah. In al-Khadir nr. Bethlehem, Palestinian activists break a hole through the separation wall alongside Route 60. (MNA 11/23; PCHR 11/28)

Egyptian authorities close the Rafah crossing with Gaza for a 2nd consecutive day. (AFP, MNA 11/23)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night. (PCHR 11/21)

At a conference in Sderot, Israeli FM Avigdor Lieberman declares that a peace deal with the Palestinians is impossible in the foreseeable future. He also claims that ties with the U.S. are “deteriorating,” and that Israel must “seek other allies with common interests.” Dep. FM Ze’ev Elkin, speaking in Moscow on a trip for talks with Pres. Vladimir Putin, subsequently tries to downplay his boss’ remarks, affirming that “there is no one who can take the place of the Americans.” Meanwhile, senior Palestinian official Nabil Shaath says that Palestinian negotiators Saeb Erakat and Mohammed Shtayyeh will remain on a temporary basis until a new team can be formed. (HA, MNA, REU, YA 11/20)

Negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 group of powers resume in Geneva, with hopes of reaching an interim accord on confidence-building steps. Optimism is expressed publicly by the likes of Britain’s Foreign Secy. William Hague, and Russian FM Sergey Lavrov. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivers a speech in Tehran, in which he says that Iran will not retreat “one iota” from its nuclear rights but says that his country seeks friendly relations with the U.S. Also in his speech, Khamenei describes Israel as “a rabid dog,” which provokes an angry response from Israeli PM Netanyahu who is in Russia to appeal for tougher terms in a nuclear agreement with Iran. (AP, JTA, REU 11/20)

Israel’s “David’s Sling” missile defense system, co-developed with the U.S. and designed to protect the country from potential attack by Syrian and Hizballah-held missiles, passes a 2nd live test. Israeli defense officials say that the system could be deployed in 2014, a year ahead of the Israeli Air Force’s official deadline. (HA, REU 11/20)

A suicide car bomb attack kills 11 Egyptian soldiers nr. al-Arish in the Sinai Peninsula, wounding 37. Separately, a grenade attack on a checkpoint in Cairo injures 4 policemen. Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities close the Rafah crossing with Gaza due to a technical fault with the terminal’s computers. (AP, MNA, REU 11/20)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure 1 Palestinian in clashes nr. Abu Dis, while separately, Palestinians throw a petrol bomb at a settler car nr. Bethlehem, injuring 2 Israelis. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin in the morning, in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Bethlehem and in Salfit at night; patrols in Hebron in the afternoon. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara). There are no serious injuries. (JP, MNA 11/8; PCHR 11/14)

The U.S. and Israel both miss a deadline to repay debts to UNESCO, thus triggering an automatic loss of voting rights. Both countries have not paid their dues to the agency since Palestine was admitted as a mbr. in 2011. (AP, REU 11/8)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry departs Israel after a tense meeting with Netanyahu at Ben Gurion Airport where the Israeli PM expresses strong protest at the emerging potential deal with Iran, views he subsequently airs in a press conference. Later, Pres. Obama calls Netanyahu himself to try and assuage his doubts, according to a press release issued by the White House. (HA, REU 11/8)

Supporters of ousted pres. Morsi hold another day of demonstrations across Egypt, with 2 killed in Cairo in fighting between Brotherhood mbrs. and residents, and other protests in cities like Suez and Alexandria. Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities close the Rafah border crossing with Gaza until further notice. (AP, MNA 11/8)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 3 nearby villages, Tulkarm and 1 nearby village, and in 1 village each nr. Nablus and Tubas at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon. (PCHR 10/31)

The Israeli cabinet confirms a decision to free 26 Palestinian prisoners as part of an arrangement agreed in 8/2013 to free 104 prisoners in 4 stages. The prisoners are all serving time for violence committed before the 1993 interim accord. Meanwhile, PM Netanyahu also tells the cabinet that in negotiations with the Palestinians, Israel ascribes “importance to the unity of Jerusalem” as well as the denial of the right of return. (REU 10/27; JP 10/28)

An unnamed senior Israeli official says that Netanyahu has decided Israel will renew its cooperation with the UN Human Rights Council after an 18-month boycott, thus meaning that Israeli diplomats will participate in the periodical hearing scheduled for 10/29 in Geneva. The decision comes after reports of private warnings by Germany that Israel will risk a diplomatic backlash if it stays away. (HA 10/27; AFP 10/28)

The panel amending Egypt’s constitution begins to vote on the proposed changes, with only 3 articles from an eventual total of 189 amended articles passing by consensus by midday. Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities close the Rafah crossing with the Gaza Strip for the 2d day in a row, after around 1,500 Hajj pilgrims returned on Friday and some 400 other Palestinians were allowed to leave. (MNA 10/27; AP 10/27)

The OPCW says that Syria has submitted a formal declaration of its chemical weapons program 3 days prior to the deadline. (NYT 10/27)

In the West Bank, Palestinian gunmen open fire on Psagot settlement nr. al-Bireh, wounding 1 child. Israeli soldiers and settlers attack residents in Burin village nr. Nablus, and in a patrol in al-Bireh, IDF troops shoot and injure 1 Palestinian with a rubber-coated metal bullet. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Bethlehem at night; in al- ‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Jewish settlers damage 120 olive trees nr. Nablus, while in a separate incident, settlers throw stones at Palestinian houses nr. Ramallah. (HA, MNA 10/5; PCHR 10/10)

PA security forces raid Jenin r.c. and arrest a number of residents, including Islamic Jihad activists. (JP 10/5)

Egypt allows Hajj pilgrims from the Gaza Strip to exit through the Rafah border crossing, and around 100 Palestinians are permitted to return to Gaza from the Egyptian side. Meanwhile, Egypt’s Maj.-Gen. Ahmad Ibrahim says that the military has demolished 1,055 smuggling tunnels under the border with Gaza since 1/2011, with 794 of them destroyed in 2013. (MNA 10/5)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gives his support to Pres. Ruhani’s diplomatic opening to the U.S., but says he does not trust Washington as a negotiating partner. (REU 10/5)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols nr. Tulkarm at night. In East Jerusalem, suspected Jewish extremists vandalize a Christian cemetery in Silwan, and left racist slogans on the perimeter walls. (MNA 10/1; PCHR 10/3)

Israeli PM Netanyahu addresses the UNGA with a focus on Iran, and dismisses efforts at a diplomatic thaw by new Pres. Ruhani as a trick by a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.” Netanyahu says Israel is prepared to go it alone in resisting what he says is Tehran’s drive to acquire a nuclear weapon. (AP, REU 10/1)

Inspectors from OPCW arrive in Damascus to begin the mission of dismantling and destroying Syria’s chemical weapons capacity and arsenal. (AP 10/1)

Egypt’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi calls for a quick transition to elections in an address to military officials. Meanwhile, around 100 protesters gather in Tahrir Square and chant anti-coup slogans. In the Sinai, 3 Egyptian police officers are injured by a roadside IED between Rafah and al-Arish, while Egyptian authorities announce that the Rafah crossing is open until Friday to allow Hajj pilgrims and humanitarian cases to cross. (MNA, REU 1/10)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and Balata r.c., ‘Askar r.c. and 1 village nearby, 1 village each nr. Hebron, Qalqilya and Ramallah, and in Bethlehem at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Nablus, Ramallah, and Jenin at night. (PCHR 10/3)

Egyptian FM Nabil Fahmy says that the interim stage of the post-coup govt. should end by spring 2014, with parliamentary and presidential elections due to take place. There is also a new constitution to be voted on. Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities reopen the Rafah crossing for 4 hours, with 370 people going in and out. Thirty-five trucks of construction materials from Qatar also entered. (MNA, REU 9/28) 

Hizballah fighters clash with residents in Baalbek, with at least 3 killed and 6 wounded, with fighting beginning at a checkpoint manned by the group. Security forces are deployed to restore calm, and the next day, Hizballah hands over control of 2 checkpoints to the army. (AP 9/28, 9/29)

In the West Bank, the body of an Israeli soldier murdered in Qalqilya is discovered. The Palestinian responsible reportedly tells Israeli interrogators that he was acting in response to the incarceration by Israel of his brother since 2003. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in Nablus and 1 nearby village, 1 village nr. Bethlehem and 1 village nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, 2 villages nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Ramallah at night. (HA 9/21; PCHR 9/26)

The OPCW says that it has now received information over Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile sufficient to meet the 1st deadline of the international community plan. (AP 9/21)

Egyptian security forces raid several locations in the n. Sinai, arresting more than a dozen suspected militants. According to an AFP tally, in the past 2 mos., the army has killed some 100 Islamist militants, while 58 policemen, 21 soldiers, and 17 civilians have also died at the hands of the jihadist groups. Meanwhile, authorities close the Rafah crossing again, due to the security conditions. (AFP, AP, MNA 9/21)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion along the border fence nr. Khan Yunis to level land, before withdrawing. In the West Bank, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians protesting the arrival of 1,400 Jewish worshippers at Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, injuring 7. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Jenin at night. The IDF also demolishes 4 Palestinian-owned commercial structures in Barta‘a village nr. Jenin. (HA, MNA 9/12; PCHR 9/19)

PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas meets with EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton in Paris, as well as French pres. Francois Hollande, discussing with both the peace process. (WAFA 9/12)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets Russian FM Sergey Lavrov in Geneva to discuss Moscow’s proposal of securing and destroying Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile, talks that were described by Kerry afterward as “constructive.” Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz expresses cautious support for the plan, speaking to Israeli media. Meanwhile, 3 stray mortar shells land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. (AFP, AP, JP, REU 9/12)

Egyptian interim pres. Adly Mansour extends a nationwide state of emergency for a further 2 mos. On the Rafah border, 2 Egyptian army tanks cross the initial border fence on the Egyptian side for the 1st time. Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities close the Rafah crossing for the 2d day due to unrest in the Sinai. (AFP, AP, MNA 9/12)

Iranian Amb. to the IAEA Reza Najafi says that Tehran will cooperate with the agency to “overcome existing issues once and for all,” speaking at his 1st board meeting. Distinct from the P5+1 (permanent mbrs. of the UNSC plus Germany) talks, the IAEA has held 10 rounds of talks since early 2012 to resume inspections into suspected weapon research. (REU 9/12)

In the West Bank, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian laborers attempting to cross the separation wall nr. Hebron, wounding 2. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-‘Arub r.c. and 2 villages nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and Jenin at night. In al-‘Arub r.c., Israeli forces detain more than 30 Palestinians after a petrol bomb is thrown at a military watchtower nr. the camp. (MNA 9/7; PCHR 9/12)

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton says that the EU will ensure new funding guidelines regarding West Bank settlements will not harm relations with Israel, speaking in Vilnius, Lithuania, after a meeting with U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry. Ashton says the guidelines will be implemented “sensitively.” Kerry urges the EU to postpone altogether the new restrictions. (HA, REU 9/7)

U.S. Pres. Obama uses his weekly radio and internet address to reassure Americans of the necessity and limits of a military strike on Syria. A recent poll showed that only 19% of the U.S. public supports an intervention. An AIPAC source tells the media that the Israel lobby organization plans to send 250 activists to lobby lawmakers in Washington during the coming week, to push for support for a military strike on Syria. Meanwhile, EU FMs meeting in Lithuania blame the Asad regime for the use of chemical weapons but do not endorse military action. (AP, REU 9/7)

The Egyptian military launches a major offensive against Islamist militants in the n. Sinai, deploying helicopter gunships and armored vehicles in an attack that kills 9 fighters and wounds another 20. Fifteen are arrested, and 2 Egyptian soldiers are also killed. Egyptian authorities also close the Rafah crossing with the Gaza Strip, citing “security concerns.” (AP, MNA, REU 9/7)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians swimming off the coast of Bayt Lahiya. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Bethlehem and 2 nearby villages, and 2 villages nr. Jenin at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in Nablus and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. (PCHR 8/22)

The IDF fires a surface-to-surface missile at a Syrian army post after 3 shells land inside the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. The Israeli army retaliation destroys the Syrian military position but causes no casualties. (AFP, JP 8/17)

Egypt’s PM Hazem el-Bablawi proposes disbanding the Muslim Brotherhood. Meanwhile, clashes continue in Cairo between supporters of ousted Pres. Mohamed Morsi and security forces. On the border with the Gaza Strip, Egyptian authorities briefly open the Rafah crossing for“humanitarian cases” and stranded “international travellers.”(AFP, REU 8/17)

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton telephones new Iranian FM Mohammad Javad Zarif to congratulate him on his appointment, telling him that the P5+1 group—the 5 permanent mbrs. of the UNSC plus Germany — is ready to “work with the new Iranian negotiating team” as soon as they are appointed. (AFP 8/17, JP 8/18)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. IDF troops also conduct a raid in Nablus, storming university dorms and sparking confrontations with stone-throwing Palestinians, with 2 Palestinians subsequently injured. (MNA 7/10; PCHR 7/11)

Egypt’s Public Prosecutor Hisham Barakat orders the arrest of the Muslim Brotherhood’s Supreme Leader Mohamed Badie and other senior members of the organization. Meanwhile, Egypt opens its border with the Gaza Strip at the Rafah crossing for a few hours so patients needing medical treatment abroad, Egyptians, and foreign nationals can leave. (AP, REU, MNA 9/7)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct 2 limited incursions in the s. Gaza Strip to level land alongside the border fence. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Tulkarm in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Jenin at night; patrols in 3 villages nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night. IDF troops demolish agricultural facilities and residential sheds in 2 locations in the Jordan Valley. (PCHR 7/11; WAFA 7/8)

Egyptian soldiers kill some 50 pro-Morsi supporters camped outside the Republic Guard barracks in Cairo where the ousted president is believed to be held. The army claims that they opened fire having 1st been attacked. In the Sinai, an armed group attacks an army checkpoint nr. al-Arish and kills 1 Egyptian soldier. The Rafah crossing on the Gaza border remains closed, while the Egyptian army works to destroy cross-border tunnels. (Ahram, AP, MNA, REU, WAFA 7/8)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus, Bethlehem, 3 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and 2 villages nr. Ramallah; patrols in Hebron and 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers attack Palestinians and their property in the Hawara area nr. Nablus, and also in a separate incident s. of Hebron. (WAFA 7/6; PCHR 7/11)

In Egypt, violent clashes continue between supporters of ousted pres. Mohamed Morsi and his opponents and security forces. According to the Egyptian Health Ministry’s statistics, the recent clashes have left over 30 dead and more than 1,000 injured across the country. In the Sinai, unidentified assailants set off an explosion on a pipeline taking gas to Jordan. Meanwhile, the Rafah crossing on the Gaza border remains closed. U.S. Defense Secy. Chuck Hagel continues telephone conversations with the Egyptian military leadership, holding a 2-hour long discussion with Egyptian armed forces chief al-Sisi. Few details are revealed about the contents of the talk, though Pentagon spokesperson George Little says in a statement that Hagel emphasized the need for a peaceful civilian transition. (Guardian, MNA, NYT, REU, WP 7/6)

The Syrian National Coalition chooses Ahmad Jarba as its new president after a runoff vote that saw the triumph of a tribal leader from the e. province of Syria with Saudi connections. (REU 7/6)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus and Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Tulkarm 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, where there are 2 injuries from rubber-coated metal bullets and 1 injury from a tear gas canister. (PCHR 7/11)

An estimated 30 people die across Egypt as supporters of deposed pres. Mohamed Morsi protest the military takeover. Twelve die in clashes in Alexandria, with 5 dead in Cairo as supporters and opponents of the Muslim Brotherhood fight in c. neighborhoods. Meanwhile, 5 police officers die in 3 separate attacks in the n. Sinai town of al-Arish, and gunmen also open fire on a military intelligence building in Rafah. The Egyptian authorities close the Rafah crossing on the border of the Gaza Strip due to the security situation. Separately, the Ansar Bayt al-Maqdes group says that it fired 2 rockets at Eilat from the Sinai, after Eilat residents report hearing 2 blasts—though searches by Israeli security forces find nothing. (AFP, AP, JP, MNA, REU 7/5)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 2 villages nr. Jenin at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the morning and in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm at night. (PCHR 5/23)

Kidnappers release 7 Egyptian security officialsin the Rafah area of the Sinai, following talks mediated by Bedouin tribal leaders. Subsequently, Egyptian authorities reopen the Rafah crossing. (MNA, REU 5/22)

The U.S. House of Representative’s Foreign Affairs Cmte. unanimously approves the “Nuclear Iran Prevention Act of 2013” which both strengthens existing sanctions on Iran and imposes new sanctions. It is expected to pass the full 435-member chamber where it already has over 300 cosponsors. Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports that Tehran is pressing ahead with the construction of a research reactor in Arak. U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Patrick Ventrell responds to that report with the claim that Iran is “advancing its enrichment programme in blatant violation of its international obligations.” (AP, REU 5/22)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian teenager in al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah during a demonstration in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners. An IDF spokesperson says that soldiers targeted a protester holding a Molotov cocktail; Palestinian witnesses say that the 13-year-old was walking with school friends when targeted. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, as well as 1 village each nr. Tubas and Tulkarm at night. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 4 Palestinian-owned residential buildings. (HA, MNA 5/21; PCHR 5/23)

The Israeli military announces that Palestinian fishermen will now be able to fish up to 6 miles off the coast of the Gaza Strip, extending the previous limit of 3 miles that was set in 3/2013. Meanwhile, an official from Hamas’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that the govt. is willing to close smuggling tunnels once a commercial crossing opens. (HA, MNA 5/21)

The Syrian army and Israeli forces have a brief exchange of fire over the cease-fire line in the Golan Heights. Damascus claims responsibility for firing at Israeli troops, damaging an army jeep but causing no injuries, with the IDF returning fire, reportedly destroying an army post but causing no injuries. IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz warns the Syrian govt. not to conduct any further attacks. (AFP, HA, REU, WP 5/21)

Egyptian forces conduct raids in the n. Sinai as the search continues for the kidnapped security officials. Egyptian authorities also keep Rafah crossing closed for the 5th consecutive day. (MNA 5/21)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels attack Palestinian fishermen at sea nr. Bayt Lahiya, arresting 2. In the West Bank, between Ramallah and Dayr Jarir, Israeli forces attack Palestinians attempting to unblock a road closed by the Israeli military the day before, causing no injuries. IDF troops also attack Palestinians demonstrating in al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah in solidarity with prisoners, injuring 3. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Bethlehem, 2 villages nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Nablus at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night. (MNA 5/19; PCHR 5/23)

Egyptian police keep the Rafah crossing closed for a 3d consecutive day, and also close the al-Awja border crossing, used to transfer goods between Egypt and Israel, in protest at the kidnapping of security officers by suspected Islamists. The kidnappers post a video online which shows their 7 captives and urges the govt. to meet their demands. (AP, MNA, REU 5/19)

Nr. Damascus gate in East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces attack Palestinians protesting against Israeli violations at al-Aqsa mosque. There are arrests but no serious injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in the Old City of Hebron, 1 village nr. Bethlehem and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin, and 1 village each nr. Qalqilya, Ramallah and Tulkarm at night. (MNA 5/18; PCHR 5/23)

Egyptian pres. Mohamed Morsi orders the minister of defense to prepare operations in the Sinai to free kidnapped security officials, held by a group seeking the release of Islamist militants. Meanwhile, Egyptian police continue to keep Rafah crossing closed. (MNA, REU 5/18)

In the West Bank, the IDF shoots and injures a number of Palestinians in various clashes. Outside al-Jalazun refugee camp (r.c.) nr. Ramallah, Palestinians throw stones over the perimeter fence in the direction of the Beit El settlement, and IDF troops shoot and wound 9 with live ammunition, none seriously. In the Abu Dis neighborhood of East Jerusalem, Palestinians open a small hole in the separation wall during protests marking Nakba Day (5/15), and IDF troops respond by opening fire with rubber-coated metal bullets, causing a few, non-serious injuries. In al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, IDF troops shoot and wound 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets after residents throw stones at an army patrol. In Bayt Umar village nr. Hebron, the IDF shoots and wounds 1 Palestinian with a rubber-coated metal bullet, in clashes sparked by an army patrol. In addition, there are also clashes between Jewish settlers and Palestinians, after the settlers set fire to lands of Nablus area villages. Separately, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron in the morning and patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Israeli soldiers also attack regular demonstrations by Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and the occupation in al-Shakara area and 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, Budrus, Ni‘lin), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), causing no serious injuries. (MNA 5/17; AFP 5/18; PCHR 5/23)

Egyptian police close the Rafah crossing with the Gaza Strip in protest at the abduction of 3 of their colleagues along with 4 soldiers the previous day (5/16). (MNA 5/17)

Palestinians protest in Bethlehem, Hebron and Ramallah in solidarity with hunger-striking prisoners in Israeli jails. In al-Khader village nr. Bethlehem, Palestinians demonstrate by Route 60, until they are violently dispersed by Israeli soldiers. The IDF also clashes with Palestinians nr. al-‘Arub r.c. north of Hebron, shooting 1 Palestinian in the leg; 1 IDF soldier is moderately injured. Palestinians throw stones in Hebron and on Highway 446 nr. Ramallah; no one is injured in these clashes. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in Bethlehem and 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the coast of northern Gaza, wounding 2. (HA, MNA 2/18; PCHR 2/21)

The PA’s director of custom taxes and VAT Ahmad al-Hilou says that Israel is still withholding tax revenues from the PA, a step taken in 11/2012 as a response to the successful UN bid (see JPS 167). A meeting between PA and Israeli officials to discuss transferring 1/2013 tax revenues is set for 2/28. (MNA 2/18)

Egyptian security officials say that a delegation from Cairo will visit Israel for talks on the Gaza cease-fire and border restrictions, and will present a demand for Israel to allow commercial goods to enter Gaza via the Rafah crossing. The visit comes a day after an Israeli delegation visited Cairo. (MNA 2/18)

The Turkish media report that Israel has supplied electronic warfare systems to the Turkish military, the first such exchange since the deadly attack on the Mavi Marama in 5/2010. An Israeli defense source says that the deal came about after American pressure and due to an Israeli desire to improve relations with Turkey. (HA 2/18)

European Union foreign ministers announce that the sanctions regime against Syria will remain the same, with the addition of an amendment allowing for the supply of ‘‘non-lethal support and technical assistance for the protection of civilians’’—wording intended to further aid rebels, but stopping short of a push by Britain and France to make support for the rebels more explicit. (AP 2/18)

Israel’s Channel 2 television station reports that Israel and Hamas are conducting indirect negotiations through Egyptian mediators on issues pertaining to easing the blockade of the Gaza Strip, including the possible opening of the Rafah crossing to construction materials and other staple items. (JP 2/15)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Jericho and Ramallah in the morning, and in 3 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village each nr. Jericho and Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem and Qalqilya at night. Hundreds of Palestinians protest outside Ofer prison nr. Ramallah in solidarity with prisoners on hunger strike. PC mbr. Mustafa Barghouti, Palestinian MK Ahmad Tibi, and Islamic Movement in Israel leader Shaykh Raed Salah attend Friday prayers outside the jail. (MNA 2/15; PCHR 2/21)

Israeli media reports that Jordan is in secret talks with officials from Israel’s Tamar natural gas field about exporting Israeli gas to power a potash plant on the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea. (HA 2/15)

Bulgaria expels 3 Hamas-affiliated PC mbrs. on a publicized visit to the country, stating that they represent ‘‘a serious threat to national security.’’ This is unrelated to the recent claims (2/5) by the Bulgarian government regarding alleged Hizballah involvement in the 7/2012 Burgas bombing. (AP 2/15)

srael holds parliamentary elections, dealing a significant setback to current PM Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu joint ticket. The next Knesset will be almost evenly split between the right-wing/religious bloc and centrist/center-left blocs, with the headlines dominated by the rise of centrist party Yesh Atid (‘‘There Is a Future’’) and its leader Yair Lapid. The final tally gives 31 seats to Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu, 19 to Yesh Atid, 15 to a resurgent Labor party, 12 to Naftali Bennett’s Jewish Home, 11 to Shas, 7 to United Torah Judaism, 6 each to Meretz and Tzipi Livni’s party Hatnuah, 4 each to United Arab List and Hadash, 3 to Balad, and 2 to Kadima. Voter turnout overall is high, with the estimated turnout for Palestinian citizens of Israel at 56%, according to figures cited by Army Radio. At the end of the night, Netanyahu says that he sees ‘‘many partners’’ for his ‘‘goals’’ and will seek to assemble ‘‘the broadest’’ coalition possible. (REU, AP 1/22; JP 1/23; JP 1/24)

British foreign secretary William Hague warns that it is almost the last chance to bring about a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and condemns Israeli settlement construction. (REU 1/22)

Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, Jewish settlers begin work to expand Halamish settlement nr. Ramallah. The IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in al-Bireh at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 1 village each nr. East Jerusalem and Ramallah at night. (MNA, WAFA 1/22; PCHR 1/23)

Malaysia’s PM Najib Razak visits the Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing. Pres. Abbas criticizes the visit as enhancing the Fatah-Hamas division. (MNA, NYT 1/22) 

The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate and the PLO’s Information and Culture Department condemn today’s arrest of journalists in the Gaza Strip by Hamas authorities. Most of those detained are affiliated with Fatah. (JP 1/22)

PM Salam Fayyad says that the PA is in ‘‘extreme jeopardy’’ due to an unprecedented financial crisis caused by Israel’s withholding of tax revenues and the subsequent failure of Arab countries to send promised funds. Meanwhile, the union of government employees in the West Bank says it will continue its partial strike to protest salary delays; part of 11/2012’s salaries are still outstanding. (AP, MNA 1/6)

Sixty-two truckloads of gravel enter the Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing, part of a shipment from the Qatari government intended to help reconstruction. It is the 2d such delivery since 2007, following the entry of building materials via Rafah on 12/30. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jericho in the morning, in 1 village nr. Jericho in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Ramallah, al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, and Hebron at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem, Tubas, Nablus and 1 nearby village, and 1 village nr. Hebron. (MNA 1/7; PCHR 1/10)

Jailed Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti says that Palestinians should use mass popular protest to help end the split between the governments in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, calling for sit-ins in front of Hamas and Fatah party buildings in Palestine and internationally. (MNA 1/6)

Talks continue among PLO leaders, the Free Syria Army, and Syrian regime forces about Yarmuk r.c., without concluding a deal. PLO representatives are demanding that all armed groups, including Palestinian gunmen, withdraw from the camp; that authorities allow food and fuel to enter for residents; and that all parties to respect the neutrality of the camp. (MNA 1/6)

Israeli PM Netanyahu vows to build a fortified fence along the border with Syria in response to claims that radical Islamist groups have taken over the area alongside the occupied Golan Heights. (AP, REU 1/6)

Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the coast of Gaza nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. The IDF also opens fire on a group of Palestinians working their lands nr. the border fence e. of Khan Yunis, seriously wounding 1 farmer. In the West Bank, the IDF fires tear gas at stone-throwing Palestinian youths nr. the entrance of Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, hitting 1 child in the leg with a tear-gas canister. The IDF patrols in Jenin and in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem in the morning and in Nablus, nearby Balata r.c., and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Jenin, and Nablus at night. (PCHR 12/20)

Abdul Salam Siyam, cabinet secy.- gen. of Hamas’s government in Gaza, says that Egyptian authorities have pledged to end a blacklist of Gaza Strip residents who cannot use the Rafah crossing. (MNA 12/16)

Palestinian PM Salam Fayyad calls for West Bank residents to boycott all Israeli products. (REU 12/16)

Israeli FM and dep. PM Lieberman resigns over corruption charges filed against him on 12/14, saying that he hopes to take ‘‘the briefest possible leave.’’ He remains chair of Yisrael Beiteinu and 2nd on the joint electoral list with Likud. (AP 12/16)

The Syrian air force bombs Yarmuk r.c. nr. Damascus, killing an estimated 23 persons, all civilians, and sending thousands of Palestinian refugees fleeing the camp for safety. (Guardian, MNA 12/16)

Israel announces that it will build 3,000 new settlement housing units as a response to the successful Palestinian UN vote, as well as advance plans for thousands more units in occupied East Jerusalem and the area known as E1, between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim settlement. White House spokesperson Tommy Vietor says the Israeli decision is ‘‘counterproductive’’ and makes ‘‘it harder to resume direct negotiations or achieve a two-state solution.’’ Palestinian pres. Abbas says he has no immediate plans to take Israel before the ICC in The Hague, but suggests it could be a future option. (AFP, YA, HA, JP 11/30)

U.S. secy. of state Hillary Clinton praises the PA in a speech at Brookings Institutions’ Saban Forum 2012 in Washington, D.C., for ‘‘building a security force that works every single day with the IDF’’ and being ‘‘nationalistic—but largely secular.’’ (HA 12/1)

The Palestinian Ministry of Public Works in the Gaza Strip announces that the Hamas government will sign an agreement with Egypt next week to enable construction materials to enter the territory via the Rafah crossing. (MNA 12/1)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF fires on Palestinian civilians and farmers close to the border fence in separate incidents nr. Jabalya, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij r.c., and Bayt Hanun; a total of 10 Palestinian civilians are injured. The IDF also mortally wounds 1 Palestinian civilian nr. Rafah when Israeli forces open fire on dozens of Palestinians nr. the border fence; he dies on 12/1. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, 1 village each nr. Jericho and Hebron in the afternoon, and in Hebron and 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jericho, Ramallah, and Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah at night. Israeli soldiers violently disperse weekly nonviolent demonstrations held by Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, al-Nabi Salih) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara). There are no serious injuries, except in Bil‘in, where 1 Palestinian is shot in the hand with a rubber-coated metal bullet, and another Palestinian is wounded in the leg by a tear-gas canister. (PCHR 12/6)

PA pres. Mahmud Abbas addresses the UNGA in New York, announcing as expected that his government will seek non-member observer state status for Palestine (see Doc. B4 in JPS 166). Abbas also refers to current Israeli policies as ‘‘ethnic cleansing,’’ singling out settlement construction and home demolition for particular criticism. Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) criticize the speech for not offering anything new, but Fatah praises it as ‘‘historic.’’ Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu also addresses the assembly, notably literally drawing a ‘‘red line’’ on a cartoon of a bomb to illustrate his claim that Iran would be capable of making a nuclear weapon within a year. In contrast, U.S. officials play down the notion that Iran is on the brink of achieving a nuclear weapon. Meanwhile, Reuters reports that Iran is making progress in building a research reactor capable of potential weapon material, and Israeli media describe the Netanyahu government as urging the EU to impose further sanctions on Iran in light of the economic damage achieved by sanctions to date. (AP, HA, MNA, REU, ToI 9/27)

Israel approves a proposal to allow 5,000 additional entry permits for Palestinian construction and agricultural workers, bringing the total number of work permits issued by Israel to West Bank Palestinians to over 45,000. Israel also allows, for the 1st time since 2007, 3 truckloads of furniture to be exported from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank, destined for PA-run schools. This marks the 3d time in 2012 that Israel permitted the passage of goods from Gaza to the West Bank. Meanwhile Egypt informed Palestinian officials of their intention to ease travel through the Rafah crossing over coming days. (JP, MNA 9/27)

In the West Bank, Jewish settlers fr. Beitar Ilit settlement nr. Bethlehem dump sewage water on agriculture lands in the Fukin valley. Jewish settlers fr. Brakha settlement nr. Burin village s. of Nablus cut down over 60 olive trees. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning; patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon; patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 1 village nr. Tulkarm (firing sound bombs), and 1 village nr. Hebron at night; conducts a house raid and summons in Qalqilya in the morning and house raids in 1 village nr. Hebron at night (beating 2 residents, arresting another 2, and firing tear-gas canisters at homes) at night. (PCHR 10/4)

U.S. and Lebanese government officials allege that Hizballah has sent military advisers to help the Asad government in Syria. UNRWA estimates that the total number of refugees fleeing Syria will reach 700,000 by the end of 2012. (REU, WP 9/27)

Egypt partially reopens the Rafah crossing for Palestinian travel. Smuggling tunnels along the Rafah border remain closed; Palestinians report that costs of construction materials in Gaza have spiked 20%–30% since 8/5 because of tunnel closures. Israeli bans on fuel imports also continue, forcing Gaza’s power plant to shut down 2 turbines for lack of fuel, causing rolling blackouts across the Strip to increase fr. 12 hrs./day to 16 hrs./day. Palestinians (accompanied by Israeli and international activists) hold weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the separation wall, land confiscations, and settlement expansion in Bil‘in, Kafr Qaddum, al-Ma‘sara, al-Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin. IDF soldiers fire live ammunition (al-Nabi Salih only), rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at the protesters; 1 Palestinian is moderately injured by a rubber-coated steel bullet (Kafr Qaddum) and several demonstrators are beaten by IDF soldiers in al-Ma‘sara. (PCHR 8/16; OCHA 8/18)

As many as 35 unidentified gunmen attack an Egyptian checkpoint near the Rafah border, fatally shooting 16 Egyptian security officers and wounding 3. Some of the assailants then steal 2 armored personnel carriers, which they pack with explosives and drive toward Kerem Shalom commercial crossing, where the borders of Egypt, Israel, and Gaza meet. The IDF calls in an air strike on the vehicles as they breach the border, killing at least 3 assailants. No group takes responsibility. Egypt seals the Rafah border crossing into Gaza as a precaution. Israel shuts the Israeli-Egypt side of Kerem Shalom and halts fuel shipments to Gaza through the Israel-Gaza side, but otherwise continues to allow limited imports of goods from Israel to Gaza. Hamas authorities in Gaza deny any Palestinian involvement, call the attack ‘‘terrorism,’’ and close smuggling tunnels from their side as well, stating that ‘‘Palestinian resistance factions are committed to fighting only against the Israeli occupation, and they launch their operations only from the Palestinian territories.’’ (MNA, NYT, WP 8/6; NYT 8/7)

An Israeli warplane makes an air strike on Rafah targeting 2 Tawhid and Jihad mbrs. as they ride a motorcycle through Rafah, assassinating Eid Oukal and wounding Ahmad Said Isma‘il; Israel accuses the men of being behind the 6/18 Sinai attack that killed an Israeli Palestinian worker and of plotting other crossborder attacks on Israeli civilians; no mention is made of the Sinai attack earlier in the day. Later, unidentified Palestinians fire 2 Qassam rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF responds by directing artillery fire and shooting from helicopters at the demolished Dahaniyya airport site and open areas e. of Rafah for several hours, causing no reported injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, and Ramallah. (NYT, PCHR 8/6; PCHR 8/9; OCHA 8/10)

The PA cancels plans to host a meeting in Ramallah of foreign envoys representing the Non-Aligned Movement to express solidarity with the Palestinians, stating that Israel has refused to grant entry permits to the representatives of Algeria, Bangladesh, Cuba, Indonesia, and Malaysia on the grounds that their countries do not recognize the State of Israel. The PA reportedly (NYT 8/6) intended to announce plans to revive its UN statehood effort at the opening of the next UNGA session in 9/2012. The group was also expected to release a ‘‘Ramallah Declaration’’ denouncing Israeli settlement expansion. (NYT, WP 8/6)

Iran airs the confessions of more than a dozen alleged conspirators to the killing of 5 nuclear scientists since 2010, claiming that the suspects were trained in Israel by the Mossad. (WP 8/6)