The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed Palestinian-owned land in Khirbet Muafya and brought their sheep to graze on the land. Israeli settlers also razed Palestinian-owned land in as-Samu. Israeli forces issued stop-work orders for 1 water line, 2 agricultural structures, an agricultural road in Khirbet ar-Ras al-Ahmar, and an agricultural road in Atuf. 5 Palestinians were arrested in al-Mukassar. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Arroub refugee camp, Burqin, Ya’bad, and Birzeit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned house in Silwan. In Israel, 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel demolished his family home in Tayibe to avoid paying exorbitant demolition fees. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/11; PCHR 12/15; UNOCHA 12/22)

A UN Security Council report said that Israeli forces had crossed the Golan Heights ceasefire line with Syria on 7 occasions since August 2022. The report also stated that Israel has deployed Iron Dome batteries in the area, contravening the ceasefire agreement. (HA 12/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Arroub refugee camp; injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also demolished 1 fence in Jericho. 24 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwad, Beitin, Ein Yabrud, Bayt Rima, Qalqilya, Jaba‘, Dayr Abu Da‘if, Dheisheh refugee camp, and As-Samu; Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the raid in Dheisheh refugee camp, injuring 1 with live ammunition. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians in Jabel Mukaber held a general strike in protest against planned Israeli demolitions in the neighborhood. (WAFA, WAFA 3/10; PCHR 3/17; UNOCHA 3/25)

The Knesset passed a bill amending the citizenship law to ban Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza married to Israeli citizens from obtaining Israeli residency or citizenship. The bill passed 45–15, with the United Arab List and Meretz in the government coalition opposing it. Interior minister Ayelet Shaked who spearheaded the efforts to pass the bill called the passage a victory for Israel as a “Jewish and democratic state” rather than a “state for all its citizens.” (HA, JP, TOI, TOI, WAFA 3/10; AJ, AP, EI, HILL, MDW, MEMO, WAFA 3/11; HA, HA, MEMO 3/12; ALM, MEMO, WAFA 3/14; MEMO, WAFA 3/17)

Prominent Palestinian lawyer and activist Salah Hamouri was placed in administrative detention after arrest on allegations of being a member of the PFLP. Hamouri, who lives in East Jerusalem, was 1 of the 6 Palestinians who in November 2021 discovered that his phone was infected with Pegasus spyware from the Israeli NSO Group. (MEMO 3/8; HA 3/13; WAFA 3/28)

Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid met with Jordan’s king Abdullah II in Amman. King Abdullah II called for Israel to preserve the status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem and to establish a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as the capital along the 1967 borders. (ALM, AP, HA, MEMO, REU 3/10)

The U.S. Senate passed a $1.5 trillion omnibus spending bill, including $1 billion of “emergency” Iron Dome missile defense system funding to Israel. The House and Senate tried to pass the standalone bill for the Iron Dome funding to Israel, but the military aid was consistently blocked from being fast-tracked by senator Rand Paul (R-KY). Also in the omnibus spending bill was an additional $3.3 billion in military aid on top of the $1 billion for Iron Dome spending, and $500 million for missile-defense partnerships between the U.S. and Israel. Additionally, the bill included funding for the Israel Relations Normalization Act, $219 million in aid to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza via the Economic Support Fund, $40 million in security assistance to the PA, and $50 million for the Middle East Partnership Act. (AP, HA, MEMO 3/11)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler was shot and killed and 2 others wounded when 10 shots were fired at their car at the Homesh settlement outpost near Nablus. Israel’s public security minister Omer Bar-Lev called it “Palestinian terror,” despite not having identified a perpetrator. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles traveling near Jenin, causing damage. Israeli settlers also made roadblocks and threw stones at Palestinian vehicles in the Hebron area. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Huwwara and Nablus. Israeli forces physically assaulted 4 Palestinians, including 1 minor, in Hebron. Israeli forces also demolished 2 houses under construction in Jericho. Elsewhere, Israeli forces confiscated 1 tractor and 1 digger in Masafer Yatta. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters during a raid in al-Arroub refugee camp, injuring 2 minors with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silat al-Harithiya, Madama, Jericho, Beit Fajjar, and Hebron. (AP, HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/16; AJ, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 12/17; PCHR 12/23)

The PA health ministry said that it had identified 3 cases of the highly infectious strain of the COVID-19 virus, the Omicron variant. The 3 were said to have returned to the West Bank from abroad before testing positive. 1 of 3 Palestinians in the West Bank are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, and less than 140,000 have received a booster shot. (AP, HA, REU, WAFA 12/16)

Israel indicted a Palestinian taxi driver for having driven a Palestinian man from Qalqilya to the Damascus Gate plaza, before the man allegedly stabbed an Israeli and was subsequently executed by Israeli forces. The taxi driver is charged with negligence for not realizing that the man would commit an act of violence. (HA 12/16)

2 Palestinian men—1 a resident of Jaffa and 1 from Gaza—were charged with spying on behalf of Hamas by gathering information about the Iron Dome system and taking photos of Israeli soldiers in Ashkelon. (HA, MEMO 12/16)

In Syria, the Syrian military said Israeli missiles fired from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights had killed 1 Syrian soldier and caused damage in the south of the country. The Syrian military said its air defense system had intercepted most of the Israeli missiles. (AP 12/15; REU 12/16)

Israel’s environmental protection ministry said it had blocked a plan to allow oil tankers unloading crude oil from the UAE in the port of Eilat, which had been negotiated as part of the 2 countries’ normalization agreement. The plan would have seen the crude oil transferred from Eilat to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea. (REU 12/16)

The Times of Israel reported that the U.S. had shelved its plans to reopen a consulate to Palestinians in Jerusalem. ToI also said the Palestinian affairs unit at the U.S. embassy to Israel had begun reporting directly to the U.S. state department, rather than reporting to the U.S. ambassador to Israel, as had been the case since the Trump administration merged the consulate in Jerusalem with the U.S. embassy as part of its move from Tel Aviv. (TOI 12/15; MEMO 12/16; ALM 12/20)

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee announced it is launching 2 political action committees, which will allow the lobby organization to spend unlimited funds on political campaigns in the U.S. without having to report its spending to the U.S. government. (HA 12/17)

Meta Platforms Inc., the owner of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, announced that it had suspended some 1,500 fake accounts used to spy on people. The accounts are linked to 6 companies, including the Israeli companies Black Cube, Cognyte, Cobwebs Technologies, and Bluehawk CI. The 6 companies were said to have been targeting some 50,000 people. (HA 12/16; AJ 12/17; HA 12/21)

AP reported that the state of Oregon was exploring ways to divest $233 million of its employee retirement fund from Novalpina Capital, which owns a majority share in the Israeli spyware company NSO Group. NSO Group was blacklisted by the U.S. government in November for assisting in human rights abuses. The Oregon decision follows criticism from Oregon senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), who has been vocal about U.S. sanctions on NSO Group for abuses related to its Pegasus spyware. (AP 12/15; AP 12/17)

Ukrainian ambassador to Israel Yevgen Korniychuk said that Ukraine recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel during a speech at an event marking 30 years of relations between the 2 countries. Ambassador Korniychuk also said that he is seeking to open a branch of the Ukrainian embassy to Israel in Jerusalem. Israeli media speculated that Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky will open the embassy branch during a scheduled visit to Israel in 2022. (ALM, HA 12/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered stop-work notices for 1 agricultural structure, 1 residential structure, 1 water well, and 1 playground in Susiya. Israeli forces arrested 3 Palestinian farmers and seized their tractor in al-Rakiz. 6 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Biddu, Beit ‘Anan, Bethlehem, Kafr ad-Dik, and Qarawat Bani Hassan. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers fenced off houses in Sheikh Jarrah with barbed wire, set up surveillance cameras, and assaulted 1 member of the Salem family, the owners of the land; the family is threatened with forced eviction. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own 3 houses on a plot of land in Silwan, displacing 35. 2 Palestinians were arrested in Isawiya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/15; MEMO, PCHR 12/16)

UNESCO added Palestinian embroidery, tatreez, to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh thanked UNESCO for “protect[ing] our Palestinian identity, heritage and narrative, in the face of the occupation’s attempts to steal what it does not own.” Prime Minister Shtayyeh’s comment follows criticism of Miss Universe contestants dressing in Palestinian thobes while promoting Israel during events linked to the Miss Universe competition in Israel last week. (WAFA 12/15; AJ, WAFA 12/16)

The spokesperson for Christian churches in the Holy Land charged Israel with discriminating against Christian tourists by closing off Israel and the West Bank to foreign travelers due to the COVID-19 pandemic while at the same time allowing Jewish-only “Birthright” tourism. An official from the Catholic church called Israel’s discrimination shocking. (AP 12/15; DT 12/18; LT, TOI 12/19)

Al Monitor reported that Qatar and Israel had agreed to a bilateral agreement on allowing diamond trade between the 2 countries. The reporting suggested that Israeli diamond merchants will be allowed to enter Qatar and Qatari merchants will be able to enter Israel. Qatar and Israel have not had official ties since 2009. (ALM 12/15)

The Israeli supreme court criticized interior minister Ayelet Shaked for maintaining a ban on Palestinian family reunifications, despite the ban legally expiring in July this year. (HA 12/15)

U.S. senator Rand Paul (R-KY) blocked the passage of $1 billion in additional military aid to Israel, allegedly to replenish the Iron Dome arsenal. The Senate has been trying to pass the additional military aid to Israel through unanimous consent, but Senator Paul has blocked the 4 efforts. Senator Paul insists that the funding for Israel’s military should be deducted from aid earmarked for Afghanistan. (TOI 12/16; MEMO 12/18)

In the West Bank, some 60 Israeli settlers from the Yitzhar settlement threw stones at Palestinians harvesting olives in Burin. Israeli settlers from the Telem settlement also uprooted and vandalized some 100 olive seedlings in Tarqumiyah. Israeli forces razed land near al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians protesting the attack on their land; 1 was physically assaulted and 4 were injured by rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also razed land in al-Zawiya for the 2d day in a row and demolished 2 residential buildings in al-Zanbah. 8 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Tell, Zabbuba, al-Fara‘a refugee camp, and Aida refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians in the Old City. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during a raid in Isawiya and 1 at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/7; HA 10/11; PCHR 10/14)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke to Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi over the phone. (WAFA 10/7)

Members of the Israeli Labor Party met with Palestinian officials in Ramallah. (WAFA 10/8)

Haaretz reported that the Israeli military did not refer an incident to the Israeli police where an Israeli settler took an assault rifle from an Israeli soldier and shot at Palestinians on 6/26. The Israeli military said it had referred the case to the Israeli police, but the police denies it ever received notice of the incident. Palestinian eyewitnesses said that the Israeli soldier gave the settler the gun for him to shoot with. The Israeli military also refused to respond to Haaretz’s enquiry about an incident in May where a masked Israeli soldier shot and killed 1 Palestinian in ‘Urif. The soldier in question was also a settler and was not on duty when he shot and killed the Palestinian man, wearing only a face covering and army pants. (HA 10/7)

At Americans for Peace Now’s annual gala, Democratic senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) said that he and Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) are working to significantly increase the U.S. humanitarian aid to Gaza as the Senate is working on a bill to give Israel $1 billion in military aid, allegedly to replenish the Iron Dome missile defense system arsenal. Senator Sanders said giving Israel $1 billion in military aid without addressing the suffering of the people in Gaza “would be wrong and unconscionable.” Sanders explicitly called for the U.S. to condition its military aid to Israel, saying that “[i]t is totally appropriate for the United States to say what that aid may and may not be used for.” Sanders also said that he is unimpressed by the policies of Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett, saying that Bennett is pursuing the same policies as Benjamin Netanyahu when it comes to occupied Palestinian territories. Sanders called the current Israeli policy “a one-state reality in which one people enjoy perpetual political dominance over another.” (HA, MEMO 10/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers burned Palestinian-owned olive trees and stole olive harvests between Jurish and Qusra. Israeli settlers also stole olive harvests from a Palestinian farmer near Kafr Qalil. Israeli forces delivered a demolition order for a house in Susiya and a stop-work order for a house in Laseefer, near Yatta. 15 Palestinians were arrested, including 11 during late-night raids in Hebron, Tulkarm, Seida, ‘Urif, Sa‘ir, Beit ‘Anan, Biddu, and al-Shuyukh, and 4 during the day in the vicinity of Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, some 70 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 2 Palestinians were arrested in al-Tur and Isawiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of al-Shuka. (MEE, MEE, WAFA, WAFA 10/5; MEMO 10/6; PCHR 10/7)

In Gaza, Palestinians protested outside of the UNRWA headquarters against the 2-year working plan signed between the U.S. state department and UNRWA. The agreement conditions U.S. aid on monitoring of UNRWA aid recipients’ affiliation with militant groups and monitoring of school curriculum. (AJ 10/5)

The Israeli supreme court proposed that 3 Palestinian families living in Sheikh Jarrah under the threat of eviction become “1st generation protected tenants” in their homes. The status would protect them and their families from being evicted by Israeli settlers for 3 generations. A 4th family was offered to become 2d-generation protected tenants. Under this scheme, which the supreme court calls a compromise, the families still have a chance to prove to the Israeli court that they have ownership rights. The families would have to pay $750 a year in rent to the Nahalat Shimon settler organization. Both the Palestinian families and the Israeli settler groups trying to evict the families have expressed opposition to the proposal from the supreme court. If the Palestinian families accept the “compromise,” they would have to pay Nahalat Shimon’s court and legal fees in the amount of $9,300. The settler organization and the Palestinian families were told to respond to the proposal by 11/2. The Palestinian families have been living in their homes since 1956, when the Jordanian government and the UN built 28 homes in Sheikh Jarrah for displaced Palestinians. (HA, HA, MEMO 10/5; ALM 10/12)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with president of the World Bank David Malpass in Ramallah. (WAFA 10/5)

The Czech Republic announced that it will buy an air defense system from the Israeli state-run company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. The deal is worth $630 million and will provide the Czech Republic with the Spyder system. (AJ 10/5; MEMO 10/6)

U.S. senator Rand Paul (R-KY) delayed a vote in the Senate on the $1 billion bill providing additional military aid to Israel, allegedly to replenish the Iron Dome missile defense system. The bill would have passed immediately if all 100 senators agreed to pass it. Instead, it will have to go through the formal process before it can be passed. (HA, HA 10/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers leveled Palestinian agricultural land near Deir ‘Ammar before Israeli forces removed them from the area. Israeli forces sealed off Sabastia for the 2d day in a row and closed Palestinian stores. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jalazun refugee camp, Bani Na‘im, Bayt Awa, Ya‘bad, and Beit Sira. In East Jerusalem, some 600 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 6 Palestinians were arrested in Silwan, al-Tur, Isawiya, and at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land north of Beit Lahiya and east of Dayr al-Balah. Israeli forces also opened fire at Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis and Beit Hanun; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fisherman within 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/23; PCHR 9/30)

2 Palestinians who had been missing after going fishing on 9/3 off the coast of Gaza were reported detained at a prison in Egypt. (MEE 9/23)

The PA commission of detainees’ affairs said in a statement that 1 39-year-old Palestinian who died of leukemia 7 months after being released from an Israeli prison perished because of medical neglect while he was incarcerated by Israel. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 9/23)

The PLO rejected an agreement made between the U.S. and UNRWA to keep the U.S. providing funds to the agency, saying that the agreement is an attempt to abolish the Right of Return for Palestinian refugees. (WAFA 9/23)

It was reported that Sudan had seized a number of companies and bank accounts belonging to Palestinians. According to the reporting, the assets belong to Hamas as a means to generate revenue for the organization. Later, on 9/24, Hamas said that it did not have links to the companies and individuals targeted by Sudan. 1 day later, on 9/25, the PA urged Sudan to hand over the assets to the PA. A Hamas official said the seizing of the funds by Sudan was a way for the new government to win the support of the U.S by slandering Hamas. (HA, REU, TOI 9/23; AA, HA, MEMO, REU, TOI, WAFA 9/25; ALM 9/30)

The U.S. house of representatives passed a bill 420-9-2, providing Israel with another $1 billion of military aid to allegedly restock Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system after Israel’s attack on Gaza in May. The $1 billion was removed from a stopgap government-funding bill on 9/21, prompting Democratic majority leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) to present the funding as a stand-alone bill. The 9 representatives to vote against the bill were Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), André Carson (D-IN), Marie Newman (D-IL), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), Cori Bush (D-MO), And Thomas Massie (R-KY). Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Hank Johnson (D-GA) voted present. Representative Tlaib gave a speech before the vote calling Israel an apartheid state, drawing ire from several pro-Israel Democrats, including Ted Deutch (D-FL) who said that calling Israel an apartheid state was anti-Semitic. Later, Israel’s envoy to the UN Gilad Erdan said that the 9 representatives who voted against the bill were “either ignorant or antisemitic.” It is estimated that the deployment of the Iron Dome during May cost Israel a maximum of $120 million. (AJ, AP, FOX, FOX, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, NYT, REU, TOI 9/23; CNN 9/24; WAFA 9/25; HA 9/26; HA 9/27; JCUR, MEE 9/28)

Also in the house of representatives, representative Andy Levin (D-MI), supported by more than 24 Democrats, introduced the Two-State Solution Act, aimed at preserving the feasibility of a 2-state solution. Among its provisions, the bill aims at distinguishing between Israel and occupied Palestinian territory, defined as the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. The authors of the bill want the U.S. to label products from occupied Palestine as such and not as Israeli products. It also aims at pushing the U.S. administration to reopen the PLO mission in D.C. and U.S. consulate to Palestinians in Jerusalem. Lastly, the authors want the PA to end its payments to Palestinian prisoners and their families convicted of terrorism by Israeli military courts. (POL 9/22; AJ, HA, JP, MEE 9/23; TOI 9/24)

Texas’s state comptroller Glenn Hegar said that Ben & Jerry’s had been added to the state’s list of companies that boycott Israel and that Texas will start to divest from the company. Texas is the 4th state to divest from Ben & Jerry’s over its decision to stop selling ice cream in West Bank settlements and to move its franchise regional office from Israel. (NWK 9/23; JP 9/24)

Denmark and the PA signed an agreement for Denmark to provide $72 million in grants over the next 5 years to help development in, among other areas, local government, agriculture, and civil society. (WAFA 9/23; MEMO 9/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized 1 Palestinian-owned truck in al-Khader. Israeli forces also issued an order that it will seize around 50,000 dunams (12,355 acres) of land in and around Kisan. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Husan. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian demolished 2 rooms added to his house in Jabel Mukaber. 6 Palestinians, including 4 minors, were arrested in the Old City and Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Hamas security forces raided al-Azhar University, assaulting students for wearing the keffiyeh. Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian shepherds near Beit Hanun; no injuries were reported. (PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 9/21; PCHR 9/23; ALM 9/28)

Israel closed al-Ibrahimi Mosque for Palestinian worshipers until midnight on 9/24, citing the Sukkot holiday. (WAFA 9/22; MEMO 9/23)

Hamas’s official in charge of prisoner affairs Zaher Jabarin said that Hamas had made a new proposal for a prisoner swap with Israel. According to the Lebanese newspaper Al Akhbar, 1 proposal included swapping 2 Israeli prisoners and the remains of 2 Israeli soldiers held by Hamas in exchange for the 6 Palestinians who escaped Gilboa prison on 9/6 and were later rearrested, along with all women and children held by Israel. A 2d proposal included providing information about the 2 Israelis held by Hamas in exchange for the release of women, children, and some of the Palestinians rearrested after a prisoner swap in 2011, followed by the release of thousands of Palestinians and the release of the Israelis held in Gaza. (HA, JP, MEMO 9/21; ALM 9/22; MEMO 9/23)

A new poll by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research found that 78% of the 1,270 Palestinians surveyed in the West Bank and Gaza wanted PA president Mahmoud Abbas to resign. The poll also found that 63% of the people polled believe that the PA or PA security leaders ordered the murder of Nizar Banat in order to silence his criticism of the PA. Lastly, the poll found that Marwan Barghouti has the most support of the potential presidential candidates brought up by the pollsters. (AP, HA 9/21; MEMO 9/22)

Progressive members of the Democratic Party in the house of representatives opposed adding $1 billion to funding of the Israeli Iron Dome to a stopgap government funding bill. Half the members of the progressive caucus said they would vote no on the bill if the Iron Dome funding was not removed, citing a need for transparency in military aid. The $1 billion, an addition to the $3.8 billion that Israel receives in military aid each year, will likely pass later either as a stand-alone bill or as an addition to the 2020 Defense Appropriations bill. House majority leader Steny Hoyer spoke to Israel’s foreign minister Yair Lapid, assuring him that Israel would receive the extra billion from the U.S, calling the issue a technicality. (MEMO 9/20; AA, AX, HA, HILL, POL, REU 9/21; AP, HA, HA, JP, JP, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, TOI, TOI, TOI, TOI 9/22)

At the UN general assembly, U.S. president Joe Biden said that his administration supports a 2-state solution with “a viable, sovereign, and democratic Palestinian state,” but that “[w]e are a long way from that goal at this moment.” Biden also said that the U.S. would reenter the Iran nuclear deal if Iran does. Qatar’s emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani criticized Israel’s policy of Judaizing Jerusalem and its assault on Gaza in May. (AA, HA, JP, MEE 9/21; TOI 9/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces razed agricultural land in Qusra and Kisan, razed 10 dunams (2.5 acres) of land planted with grape and olive saplings in Burin, and demolished 1 Palestinian home in al-Walaja and 1 car repair shop south of Hebron. Israeli forces also dispersed Palestinian protesters near Beita using tear gas; no injuries were reported. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Beit Fajjar, Husan, Hebron, al-Arroub refugee camp, Abu Dis, and Beita. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in Silwan. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian man shot by Israeli forces during a protest by the Gaza fence on 8/21 succumbed to his injuries; 1 Palestinian child remains in critical condition after being shot during the same protest. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters east of Khan Yunis, injuring 5 with live ammunition, 2 with rubber-coated bullets, and 7 with tear gas. In Israel, the Palestinian Israeli member of Knesset for the Ra’am party Said al-Harumi died of a heart attack at the age of 49. Al-Harumi was the chairman of the Knesset’s interior and environmental committee. (AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, HA, HA, JP, JP, MEE, MEE, MEMO, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/25; AJ, MEMO, PCHR 8/26)

During the 1st of a 2-day visit to Washington D.C., Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett met with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken, secretary of defense Lloyd Austin, and national security advisor Jake Sullivan. Prime Minister Bennett, who is scheduled to meet President Joe Biden on 8/26, also met with AIPAC’s CEO Howard Kohr and President Betsy Berns Korn. Secretary of Defense Austin said that the Biden administration was working fulfil Israel’s request of $1 billion to replenish the Iron Dome missile defense system after Israel’s attack on Gaza in May. (AJ, AP, HA 8/25; AJ, ALM, MEE, MEMO 8/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers from the Yitzhar settlement raided ‘Asira al-Qibliya but were repelled by locals before causing any damages. Israeli forces shot and killed 4 Palestinians during a late-night house raid in Jenin refugee camp; 3 others were injured by live ammunition. PA presidential spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh condemned the killings and called on the international community to intervene. Israeli forces also shot and injured 3 Palestinians using live ammunition during a raid in Tammun. Elsewhere, Israeli forces also seized solar panels in Baziq and Yarzeh, demolished 1 room in Deir Balut, razed 1 road in Atuf, and uprooted olive trees in Bardala. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work orders for 2 houses and 1 agricultural structure in Masafer Yatta and a warehouse in Haris. Israel said it had arrested 1 armed Palestinian man dressed as an Israeli soldier near Qaryut. 7 others were arrested during late-night raids in and around Qusra, Kafr Qallil, Abu Nujaym, Aida refugee camp, and Hebron. In Gaza, 1 rocket was launched at Israel before being intercepted by the Iron Dome. Hamas denied responsibility. (AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, GDN, HA, HA, HA, JP, MDW, MEE, MEMO, REU, REU, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/16; AA, HA, HQ 8/17; PCHR 8/19)

Israel confiscated 23 tons of chocolate bars headed for Gaza, claiming the chocolate would benefit Hamas economically. The confiscation order was signed by Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz. (JP 8/16; AA, MEE, MEMO 8/17; ALM 8/24)

Hamas’s political leader Ismail Haniyeh congratulated the Taliban on taking over most of Afghanistan as the organization entered Kabul after the U.S. removed most of its forces. Chaotic scenes were filmed in the Kabul airport as foreigners and many Afghan people desperately sought to flee the country. (MEMO 8/17; ALM 8/19)

The UNRWA warned that 30,000 Palestinian refugees were at risk in southern Syria after fighting between the Syrian government and local militias intensified in Daraa in late July. (MEMO 8/4; WAFA 8/16; AA, MEMO 8/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers from the Yitzhar settlement vandalized 150 olive trees in Burin. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian shepherd leading a herd of sheep near the Yitzhar settlement. Israeli forces also demolished 1 agricultural structure and delivered 2 demolition orders in Nabi Samwil, demolished 11 residential structures in al-Qabbun, and seized 1 tractor, water tanks, and solar panels. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrested 33 Palestinian students from Birzeit University after detaining 45 students who were visiting the family who were victims of an Israeli punitive demolition in Turmus ‘Ayya on 7/8; 12 of the 45, all females, were released the same day. 16 other Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Beita, Tulkarm, al-Far‘a refugee camp, and Tuqu’; during the raid in al-Far‘a refugee camp, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians, injuring 1 with live ammunition. (HA, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/14; AP, HA, MEE, MEMO, PCHR, WAFA 7/15; HA 7/20)

The UAE inaugurated its embassy to Israel in Tel Aviv as agreed to in the 2 countries’ normalization deal from 2020. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, REU 7/14)

A spokesperson for Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party said that President Erdoğan and Israel’s president Isaac Herzog agreed to improve the 2 countries’ ties, including on trade and tourism, in a phone conversation on 7/12. The 2 countries still do not have ambassadors in each other’s countries after they were expelled in 2018. (AJ, HA 7/12; ALM 7/13; AJ, MEMO, REU 7/14; HA, TOI 7/15)

The Israeli military said that its Iron Dome missile defense system almost shot down a fighter jet, mistaking it for a rocket during Israel’s assault on Gaza in May, dubbed Operation Guardian of the Walls. During the operation, the Iron Dome system also shot down an Israeli military drone. (HA 7/14)

Germany contributed $17.7 million to the UNRWA and the World Food Programme in support of Palestinians in Gaza. (WAFA 7/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 10 structures in a Bedouin community north of Jericho. 10 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, Birzeit, Jalazun refugee camp, al-Khadir, Bayt Fajjar, and al-‘Arub refugee camp; during the raid in al-Khadir, 2 minors who were arrested were injured by rubber-coated bullets. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own house in Jabal Mukabir, displacing 5. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in the Old City and Shu‘fat. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/7; PCHR 6/10)

A settler leader moved his office to the Evyatar settlement outpost near Beita after Israel told the settlers they would have to leave the outpost within 8 days. 42 Israeli settler families have moved to the outpost since 5/3. 1 member of the Knesset from Shas, Moshe Arbel, also brought construction materials to the settlement outpost. (HA, HA 6/7)

Israel’s attorney general Avichai Mendelblit said he would not intervene in the eviction case against Palestinian families in Shaykh Jarrah. PeaceNow called Attorney General Mendelblit’s decision “a cynical attempt to evade responsibility,” and said the evictions are based on “laws that [discriminate] between Israelis and Palestinians.” (AJ, HA 6/7)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with the emir of Qatar Shaykh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in Doha. (WAFA 6/7)

The Knesset passed a bill that would allow the Shin Bet to place citizens of Israel in West Bank prisons, in the 1st of 3 votes. The Association for Civil Rights in Israel criticized the bill for being unconstitutional and for the Knesset to pass legislation about the West Bank. Joint List lawmakers warned that the bill only would apply to Palestinian citizens of Israel. (HA 6/10)

Israel’s ambassador to the U.S. and UN, Gilad Erdan, visited the Associated Press headquarters in New York, meeting with AP’s president and CEO Gary Pruitt “to restore the relations between Israel and the Associated Press” in the wake of Israel’s air strike demolishing AP’s offices in Gaza on 5/15. Ambassador Erdan justified the air strike that demolished the high-rise by alleging that Hamas was using an office in the 14-story building to jam the Iron Dome missile defense system. AP said it had not been shown any evidence to back Israel’s claim. Hamas denied the Israeli claim, saying, “Israel is trying to whitewash its black image.” (ALM, AP, HA, REU 6/8; MEMO 6/10)

Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) asked secretary of state Antony Blinken, during a house foreign affairs committee hearing, where victims of Israeli crimes should seek justice, if the U.S. opposes investigations by the ICC. Secretary Blinken said in his response that Israel does provide the mechanism of accountability without further elaborating. (AJ, AP, HA 6/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort toured Kafr Haris, closing off parts of the town to Palestinians. Israeli forces closed off parts of Sabastiyya in anticipation of a settler tour. 12 Palestinians were arrested, including 11 during late-night raids in and around Salem, Aida refugee camp, Sa‘ir, Yatta, and Ramallah, and 1 was arrested on the street in Hebron; a video of the arrest shows Israeli forces beating him with their rifles and kneeling on his neck. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler rammed her car into 1 Palestinian near the Dung Gate in East Jerusalem; the Palestinian was hospitalized for his injuries. Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian minor for painting Palestinian flags on Palestinians near Shaykh Jarrah. 1 other Palestinian was arrested in the vicinity of the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian woman succumbed to her injuries from an Israeli air strike in Gaza City on 5/16 and 1 Palestinian man also succumbed to injuries sustained during the Israeli attacks in Gaza City on 5/15, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 263 to 265, including 67 children and 3 pregnant women. In Israel, unknown assailants fired shots at 1 Palestinian Israeli journalist’s home and car in Taibeh; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/3; WAFA 6/4; PCHR 6/10; HA 6/16)

Israel said it had finished its campaign to arrest people suspected of participating in violence inside of Israel during the assault on Gaza, dubbed Operation Law and Order. 2,142 people were arrested, 91% of whom were Palestinian Israeli. 285 were indicted for a crime. Israel has been criticized for targeting a disproportionate number of Palestinian Israelis. (HA 6/4)

Yesha council chairperson David Elhayani said that Naftali Bennett of Yamina (Rightwards) and Gideon Sa’ar of Tikva Hadasha (New Hope) had promised him that the new government will not freeze settlement expansion in the West Bank. (TOI 6/4)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz met with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken, U.S. secretary of defense Lloyd Austin, and national security advisor Jake Sullivan to discuss restocking the Iron Dome missile defense system, and ways forward for Israel to allow aid to enter Gaza. (AP 6/3; HA 6/4)

Haaretz reported that declassified Israeli documents prove, contrary to Israeli claims, that Israel had plans to conquer the territories it occupied after the 1967 War. According to the documents, the Israeli plans were drawn up starting in 1961. (HA 6/3)

Honduras’ president Juan Orlando Hernández said his country will open an embassy to Israel in Jerusalem later in June. (ALM 6/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to more than 100 hay bales south of Hebron. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian using live ammunition during a raid in Ya‘bad; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces demolished 1 residential tent and 2 agricultural tents, and seized solar panels in al-Samou. Israeli forces also razed a tract of land near Khirbet Umm al-Khawas in the Masafer Yatta area for settlement expansion. 21 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, Tulkarm, Jenin, Tubas, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Qatanna. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a house raid in Silwan. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/1; WAFA 6/2; PCHR 6/3)

The Israeli Jerusalem affairs ministry told a Jerusalem court that it had frozen plans by settler organization Ateret Cohanim to open a Yemeni Jewish heritage center in Silwan as part of its plans to Judaize East Jerusalem. (HA 6/2)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas extended the COVID-19-related state of emergency by 30 days. (WAFA 6/1)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with Omani officials in Muscat and the Kuwaiti prime minister Sabah al-Khalid al-Sabah in Kuwait. (WAFA, WAFA 6/1)

The PA summoned representatives from Austria, the Czech Republic, the UK, and Bulgaria to express dissatisfaction with the countries’ votes in favor of protecting Israel from investigations at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on 5/27. (WAFA 6/1)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, during the ceremony for Mossad’s new chief David Barneam that if he had to choose between “[f]riction with the United States and eliminating the Iranian threat—eliminating the existential threat wins.” (AP, HA 6/1)

Israel summoned the ambassador of Argentina to Israel because of the country’s vote at the UNHRC on 5/27 to investigate potential Israeli war crimes. In the past couple of days, Israel has also summoned the ambassadors of Mexico and the Philippines over their votes at the UNHRC. (JP 6/1)

During a trip to Israel, senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) told Fox News that Israel is planning to ask the U.S. for $1 billion in military aid to “replenish the Iron Dome batteries” after the 11 days of escalation of violence last month, which Israel dubbed “Operation Guardian of the Walls.” (HA, HILL, REU 6/1; AJ 6/2)

17 Democratic U.S. senators led by Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) signed a letter to secretary of state Antony Blinken urging him to pressure Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel is conditioning the allowance of much of the humanitarian aid into Gaza on a number of demands to Hamas, including releasing 2 Israeli citizens and the bodies of 2 soldiers. The senators also called on Secretary Blinken to see that aid to Palestinians be raised to the same amount as before former president Donald Trump slashed it. (AX 6/1; HA 6/2)

According to the Financial Times, almost 200 Facebook employees have asked the company to set up a task force to investigate claims that the company suppresses pro-Palestinian voices on its social media platforms. (AJ 6/2; WAFA 6/4)

EU representative to Palestine Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff said, during a press conference held in front of the ruins of the al-Jala high-rise in Gaza City, that reconstruction of Gaza required Israel lifting its blockade of the area. (WAFA 6/1)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinians near Nablus by throwing stones and physically assaulting them, causing their hospitalization. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint in Za’atra and injured 1 other; Israeli forces claimed that 2 were in a car and refused to stop at the checkpoint. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protesters at a checkpoint north of Ramallah, injuring 9 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed protesters at the Qalandia checkpoint, injuring 37 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Jenin, injuring 1 with live ammunition while others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters, injuring 2 using live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Tulkarm, injuring 1 with live ammunition; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 7 with live ammunition and 10 with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also injured 1 with a tear gas canister in Bethlehem. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Huwwara checkpoint, injuring 5 with rubber-coated bullets. 14 Palestinians were arrested, including 13 at checkpoints in Tulkarm, Huwwara, and Jenin, and 1 was arrested during a late-night raid in Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed a sit-in protest against evictions in Shaykh Jarrah, spraying skunk water at protesters and arresting 3 residents. 6 other Palestinians were arrested, including 4 at a checkpoint in Issawiyya and 2 during late-night raids in Silwan and al-Tur. In Gaza, 10 Palestinians, including 1 child, were killed in Israeli air strikes, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 20 to 30, including 10 children. The casualties included: 2, and 2 injured in an air strike on a 7-story building in al-Shati camp; 6, and at least 8 injured in 3 air strikes on apartment buildings in Gaza City; and 2 in an air strike near a chicken farm southwest of Dayr al-Balah. Additionally, Israeli air strikes damaged or destroyed dozens of buildings, including 1 14-story residential and commercial building, the Hanadi Tower west of Gaza City, 1 ice cream factory south of Gaza City, 1 health clinic and police station in Bayt Lahiya, 1 large school in Dayr al-Balah. Hamas reported that Israeli air strikes had destroyed all police buildings in Gaza. In Israel, 5 were killed by rockets from Gaza, including 2 Palestinian citizens of Israel, who were killed by a rocket fired from Gaza near Lydda, and 2 Jewish-Israelis and 1 Indian national in Ashkelon and Tel Aviv. 1 rocket fired from Gaza also damaged an Israeli pipeline in Ashkelon, igniting a large oil fire. A state of emergency was also declared in Lydda after a synagogue and some 30 cars were set on fire as Jewish-Israelis and Palestinian citizens of Israel clashed. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian-Israelis in Lydda after a protest erupted following a funeral of 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel who was killed by a Jewish-Israeli on 5/10; 12 Palestinian-Israelis were injured by stun grenades and rubber-coated bullets. Clashes also ensued in Ramla and a synagogue, a marketplace, and a Muslim cemetery were set on fire. In Acre, 1 police station and 1 restaurant were set on fire. 19 Palestinian citizens of Israel were arrested after trash bins were set on fire and stones were thrown at Israeli police in Haifa. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian-Israeli protesters in Jaffa, arresting 3; 2 police officers were reportedly injured. Clashes between Jewish-Israelis and Palestinian-Israelis were also reported in Beersheba. Israeli forces said that the Iron Dome had intercepted 85-90% of around 850 rockets fired from Gaza since 5/10. (AJ 5/10; AJ, AJ, AX, CBS, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, NYT, PCHR, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/11; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, BBC, CNN, CNN, HA, HA, HA, JP, MEMO, PCHR, PCHR, REU, REU, TOI 5/12; HA 5/18; WAFA 5/19; PCHR 5/20; MEE 5/21; NYT 5/26)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas canceled Eid al-Fitr celebrations to mourn for the Palestinians killed by Israel in the last couple of days. (MEMO 5/12)

A Spokesperson for the U.S. national security advisor said chief of Palestinian affairs at the U.S. embassy in Israel George Noll had delivered a letter from U.S. president Joe Biden to PA president Mahmoud Abbas. The spokesperson would not say what the letter was about, saying it was part of the administrations outreach to “the Palestinian leadership.” (HILL, WAFA 5/11)

The Arab League secretary-general Ahmed Aboul Gheit said Israel was responsible for the escalation between Hamas and Israel, stating that “Israeli violations in Jerusalem . . . is what led to the ignition of the situation in this dangerous way.” Secretary-general Gheit’s comments came after a meeting of Arab League foreign secretaries discussing the situation. (AJ, REU 5/11)

Haaretz reported that Palestinian and Egyptian sources said that talks to end the escalation between Hamas and Israel had ended due to opposition from Islamic Jihad and Israel. Leader of Hamas Ismail Haniyeh said that the escalation was started by Israel and that Hamas is ready for “an escalation and ready for calm, on the condition that they end the aggression against al-Quds.” Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Hamas and Islamic Jihad have paid—and will pay—a heavy price for their aggression . . . It will take time. We’ll restore security for the citizens of Israel.” (AJ, HA, MEMO 5/12)

It was reported that the U.S. was delaying a UN security council (UNSC) statement addressing the Israeli aggression in Jerusalem, and escalation of the conflict between Hamas and Israel. A UNSC emergency meeting was called on 5/9 by Tunisia and 9 other countries. The state department spokesperson Ned Price said secretary of state Antony Blinken, national security advisor Jake Sullivan, and deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman had talked to their Israeli counterparts and unnamed Palestinian officials. The White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said that President Joe Biden’s “support for Israel security, for its legitimate right to defend itself and its people is fundamental and will never waver . . . We condemn ongoing rocket attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups, including against Jerusalem.” (HA, HA, REU 5/11; AP, HA 5/12)

The 57 members of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation released a joint communiqué after an emergency meeting, calling Israeli attacks on the Haram al-Sharif compound “barbaric” and said the nations consider Israel’s attacks a “serious violation of international law.” (HA 5/11)

The U.S. treasury department sanctioned 7 Lebanese people for transferring $500 million on behalf of Hezbollah. (AJ, AP, REU 5/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stormed Kafr Haris, closing the area to Palestinians. Israeli settlers also uprooted 20 olive saplings in Kisan. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers and Israeli forces forced 4 families of Palestinian-Israelis picnicking near Jibiya to leave the area saying they were not allowed to be in the area; 1 of the settlers Zvi Bar Yosef has been filmed harassing Palestinians in the area before. Israeli settlers also hid metal rods in a road in Kafr Malik puncturing the wheels of a tractor. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor with live ammunition near Ramallah. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protesters in Kafr Qaddum, Hebron, Bayt Dajan, and Dayr Jarir, leading to tear-gas related injuries; 1 Palestinian minor was taken to a hospital after being hit with a rubber-coated bullet during the protest in Kafr Qaddum. 2 Palestinians were arrested while riding a motorcycle in Ya‘bad. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces seized tents sheltering a family who’s house was demolished on 2/21 in Issawiyya. 3 Palestinians were arrested in Silwan and al-Tur. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Israeli police violently dispersed a protest in Umm al-Fahm against gun violence in the Palestinian-Israeli community; several people were reported injured, including the mayor of Umm al-Fahm, MK Yousef Jabareen, and 1 Israeli police officer. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/26; WAFA 2/27; HA 3/2; PCHR 3/4)

All checkpoints to Gaza and the West Bank were closed by Israel for the Purim holiday. Closures are expected to last until the evening of 2/28. (HA 2/25)

1 Palestinian man who is a resident of Israel and Gaza was indicted by Israel for providing intelligence about locations of Israeli Iron Dome batteries to Hamas. (HA 2/26)

The U.S. released a declassified report that concluded that Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman is responsible for the murder of U.S. resident and journalist Jamal Khashoggi on 10/2/2018. Despite publishing that the administration had reaching that conclusion the Biden administration said it would not move to punish Mohammed bin Salman. President Joe Biden said during his presidential campaign that he would hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its actions after the Saudi royal family had been shielded by the Trump administration. (CNN, CNN, NPR, NYT, NYT 2/26; AJ, GDN 1/3)

European members of the UN security council, Estonia, France, Ireland, Norway, and the UK, issued a joint statement expressing deep concern “at the recent repeated demolitions and confiscation of items, including of EU- and donor-funded structures carried out by Israeli authorities at Humsa Al-Baqaia in the Jordan Valley.” (AJ 2/27; WAFA 2/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers emptied wastewater on Palestinian agricultural lands, damaging crops in Luban al-Sharqiyya. 23 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Jenin, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Tubas; during a raid in Jenin, 1 Palestinian was shot in the foot before being arrested. In Gaza, Israeli authorities claimed that 2 rockets were launched at Israel from Gaza, 1 being intercepted by the Iron Dome. Israel then fired rockets at Nuseirat refugee camp and Khan Yunis, causing damage; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also opened fire on agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 10/22; AJ, TOI, WAFA 10/23; PCHR 10/29)

Sudanese government sources told Reuters that the prime minister of Sudan’s transitional government, Abdalla Hamdok, is ready to proceed with normalization of relations with Israel if the transitional parliament approves. The transitional parliament has not yet been formed. (HA 10/23)

Lebanese president Michel Aoun designated Saad Hariri as prime minister to form a new government. Hariri resigned 1 year ago as prime minister after prolonged protests in Lebanon against nepotism and corruption. (AJ, GDN, HA, REU 10/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided Surayf, leading to clashes with Palestinians; 1 Palestinian minor was shot in his chest and taken to a hospital. Israeli forces also uprooted dozens of Palestinian-owned olive trees in Husan and demolished 3 rooms, 1 residential tent, 2 shacks, and 1 oven east of Yatta. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bayt Umar, Hebron, Bayt Fajjar, and Jalazun refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 2 Palestinian-owned houses in Ras al-Amud. 5 Palestinians were arrested in and around the Old City, al-Tur, and Bayt Hanina. Israel also summoned PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Gheith for questioning. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/30; PCHR 10/1)

The U.S. received the 1st of 2 Israeli-made Iron Dome missile defense batteries purchased in 2019. (HA 9/30)

The EU contributed $12.31 million to the PA budget to help the PA pay for pensions and salaries for civil servants for August. The EU also called on Israel to hand over its owed taxes to the PA without any conditions. (WAFA 9/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized a Palestinian-owned car during a late-night raid in Salfit. Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed at the entrance to al-‘Arub refugee camp, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 2 Palestinians were arrested during the confrontation. Another 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in and around Hebron and 1 at a flying checkpoint near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces seized a Palestinian-owned vehicle in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Bayt Hanun. In Israel, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was rushed offstage during a speech in Ashqelon after a rocket was fired from Gaza; the rocket was intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system. (WAFA, WAFA 12/25; CNN, HA, PCHR 12/26; HA, HA 12/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 10 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Ramallah. In Ramallah, Israeli forces also stormed an office of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, seizing documents, and stormed several stores, seizing surveillance cameras. The raids in Ramallah led to confrontations with local residents; no injuries were reported. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces uprooted 250 olive trees and destroyed 5 water wells near Tammun. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces entered a mosque in Issawiyya and fired tear gas canisters inside, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Kaft ‘Aqab. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. According to Israeli forces, machine gun fire in Israel activated the Iron Dome system which fired a rocket, ultimately landing in Israel. Reporting was unclear from where the machine-gun fire emanated. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/12; PCHR 9/19)

Unidentified persons launch a rocket from Gaza into central Israel. It strikes an Israeli home north of Tel Aviv, injuring 7 Jewish Israelis and causing damage. The Israeli Air Force then retaliates with dozens of air strikes on Hamas sites all across Gaza, causing extensive damage and injuring at least 3 Palestinians. Palestinians in Gaza respond, firing at least 50 projectiles into southern Israel and setting of hours of cross-border attacks. An hour after an Egyptian- and UN-backed cease-fire is supposed to go into effect, 30 projectiles are fired into Israel from Gaza. Most are intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. The rest land in open areas, causing no damage or injuries. The Israeli Air Force then continues its air strikes across Gaza, bombing at least 15 targets in and around Jabaliya refugee camp and causing extensive damage. (EI, HA, HA, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, YA, YA 3/25; HA, MNA, YA 3/26; PCHR 3/28)

After a rocket from Gaza strikes an Israeli home near Tel Aviv (see above), Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces that he is cutting his trip to the U.S. short. He still meets with President Donald Trump at the White House, but he skips his planned address at the annual AIPAC conference. At their meeting, Trump signs a formal declaration conveying U.S. recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, codifying his 3/21 pledge. Meanwhile, the Israeli authorities decide to indefinitely shut down the Erez and Kerem Shalom border crossings, blocking all traffic of persons and good in and out of Gaza. (EI, HA, HA, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, YA, YA 3/25; HA, MNA, YA 3/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers spray-paint racist anti-Palestinian graffiti on Palestinian vehicles and buildings near Jerusalem. They also puncture the tires of 28 Palestinian vehicles. Separately, settlers chop down a number of olive and almond trees in a Palestinian grove near Hebron. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to 2 Palestinian homes under construction near Hebron and a water well under construction near Tubas. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron and Ramallah; and patrol near Salfit and Qalqilya. An unexploded piece of Israeli ordnance detonates near Bethlehem, injuring 3 Palestinian minors. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-Tur, Jabal Mukabir, Hizma, and Silwan. (MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/25; PCHR 3/28)

Unidentified Palestinians launch a number of projectiles from Gaza into southern Israel late at night. Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system intercepts at least 6 and the rest land open areas, causing no damage or injuries. Afterwards the Israeli Air Force conducts air strikes on approximately 100 Hamas sites across Gaza; at least 4 Palestinians are injured and extensive damage is wrought. Earlier in the day along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel near Rafah and a 6th who attempts to cross near Khan Yunis armed with a knife. Meanwhile, Hamas security forces violently disperse Palestinians gathering in Gaza City to demonstrate against the high cost of living and the restrictions on imports to Gaza; several protesters are injured. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids near Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, approximately 150 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Israeli forces arrests 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. (MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/14; HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA, YA 3/15)

After the rocket fire from Gaza late at night, the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza condemns the attack. “We are following up on the firing of rockets from Gaza against the national consensus and the ministry will take measures against the violators,” a ministry statement reads. Hamas’s military wing, for its part, denies responsibility for the rocket attack, claiming that the projectiles were fired when senior Hamas officials were meeting with a delegation from Egypt. (TOI 3/14)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 21 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Ramallah, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers cut down 2 olive trees in a Palestinian grove near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during a raid in Silwan. Along Gaza’s coast, IDF troops violently disperse a few hundred Palestinians gathering near al-Bureij refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return for a 3d day in a row; 1 Palestinian minor is injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries (1 fisherman is arrested). In Israel, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home for the 2d time in Lod. (MNA, WAFA 1/20; MNA, MNA 1/21; PCHR 1/24)

A Qatari diplomat says that the $15 million that was supposed to be transferred to Gaza last week is set to go through this week, following a relatively quiet day of protests on 1/18. “Due to the violence on the border, the Israeli government postponed it,” he says. “The agreement is subject to there not being too much violence, so last Friday they approved to do the third tranche.” (HA, JP, REU, TOI, YA 1/20)

YNet reports that PA prime minister Rami Hamdallah formally informed U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo that the Palestinians have decided to reject future U.S. financial assistance, including that which supports the PA security forces, in response to the Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act, which the U.S. passed into law in 10/2018 (see *S. 2946 of 5/24/18 at congressionalmonitor.org for details). That law, which is set to go into effect at the end of the month, forced the Palestinians to either accept future U.S. aid or open themselves up to terrorism lawsuits from individual U.S. citizens, inter alia. (JP, TOI, YA 1/20)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu lands in Chad to renew the diplomatic ties between Israel and Chad that were severed in 1972. At a joint press conference with Netanyahu, Chad’s President Idriss Déby says, ‘The purpose of your visit is to bring our two countries closer and to cooperate.” Netanyahu calls it the renewal of ties a “breakthrough” and a sign of Israel’s “rising standing” in the Muslim world. (HA, JP, TOI, TOI 1/20)

After unverified reports of Syrian air defenses intercepting an Israeli air strike near Damascus, several ground-to-ground projectiles are fired from Syria into northern Israel. They are all intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. Late at night, Israeli forces strike approximately 10 government weapons depots, intelligence sites, and other targets in Syria, killing 21 people, including 12 member of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. An IDF spokesperson says that Iranian forces were responsible for the projectile launched into Israel earlier in the day. “This was planned in advance as an attempt to deter us from continuing to act against them,” he says. (HA, JP, TOI, YA, YA 1/20; JP, TOI 1/21; HA 1/22)

Unidentified Palestinians fire a rocket from Gaza into southern Israel overnight, and Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system intercepts it near Ashqelon. In response, the Israeli Air Force conducts air strikes on 2 Hamas sites near Bayt Lahiya, reportedly destroying 1 property and damaging another in the vicinity of both. Also along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land near Dayr al-Balah and Bayt Lahiya and open fire on Palestinian farmland near Rafah, causing no damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor at a checkpoint near Nablus. An IDF spokesperson says she was acting suspiciously, ignoring the soldiers’ orders and warning shots, and that the incident is suspected to be an attempted “suicide by cop.” IDF troops also shoot and injure 3 Palestinians during clashes sparked by an arrest raid in al-Bireh; arrest 13 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. (HA, HA, JP, JP, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 1/7; PCHR 1/10)

There are reports in the Israeli and Palestinian press that the 3d transfer of Qatari money into Gaza, which was planned to go forward this week, is being delayed indefinitely. Some reports indicate that the Israeli authorities ordered the delay in response to the rocket fire today. The Israeli authorities previously allowed 2 transfers of $15 million each, on 11/8/18 and 12/6/18. They previously agreed to allow 6 total monthly transfers of $15 million to help pay the salaries of civil servants working for the Hamas-run government and to support families in urgent need in Gaza. In the evening, UN special coordinator Nickolay Mladenov reportedly informs Hamas that the transfer is set to go forward within 48 hours, so long as the relative calm in Gaza holds. (JP, MEMO, TOI, TOI, YA 1/7; C10, JP, JT 1/8)

After PA security forces withdraw from the Rafah border crossing in the morning, Hamas security forces retake control of the Gaza side of the crossing. The Egyptian authorities then announce that the crossing “will be limited to only the arrival of individuals and the entry of goods” into Gaza. An Egyptian official in Cairo says he does not expect the crossing to be closed completely, despite widespread rumors and speculation to the contrary. “Egypt recognizes the importance of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the Rafah crossing is an important access point for Palestinians,” he adds. The PA announced the withdrawal on 1/6 amid a week of escalating tensions between Hamas and Fatah. Later, Fatah Central Committee member Azzam al-Ahmad says that the withdrawal is only the first step in Fatah’s plan to return the PA to power in Gaza. “There will be other measures… to annihilate the authority of division and status quo,” he says. Separately, a Fatah spokesperson accuses Hamas of detaining more than 1,000 Fatah members in Gaza, including 500 who were allegedly arrested in the past 24 hours. He alleges that the arrests are meant to undermine Fatah’s planned 54th anniversary celebration in Gaza this month. (AFP, EI, TOI, TOI, WAFA 1/7; JP, REU, TOI 1/8)

The Hamas-run Interior Ministry in Gaza announces the arrest of 45 Palestinians alleged to have collaborated with Israel. (JP, TOI 1/8)

During an undisclosed operation in southern Gaza, undercover Israeli special forces open fire on Hamas fighters from a moving car in Khuza‘a, sparking an exchange of heavy fire; 1 Israeli soldier and 1 Hamas fighter are killed and another Israeli soldier is critically injured. While the Israeli special forces are still in Gaza, the Israeli Air Force targets armed Palestinian fighters near Khuza‘a with a number of air strikes, killing 6, including a senior member of Hamas’s military wing. After the strikes, unidentified Palestinians launch at least 17 rockets and other projectiles into southern Israel. Three are intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system; the rest land in open areas, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli artillery and aircraft then strike more than 50 sites across Gaza, causing dozens of Palestinian injuries and extensive damage. Separately, dozens of right-wing Israeli activists block the road leading to the Kerem Shalom border crossing, preventing trucks bearing basic commodities and fuel to enter Gaza for hours in protest of the violence at the border protests on 11/9. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse dozens of Palestinian students at a rally commemorating the late Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat in Hebron; there are no reported injuries. They also arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Bethlehem; deliver stop-work orders to a Palestinian school under renovation in Hebron; and patrol in and around Qalqilya and Hebron. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 11/11; HA, HA, JP, JT, MNA 11/12; PCHR 11/15)

After a night of air strikes in Gaza, unidentified Gazans fire 5 rockets at southern Israel. Four are intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system; the 5th lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. The Israeli Air Force then conduct air strikes on sites near Jabaliya refugee camp and Khan Yunis, causing damage. In the West Bank, an IDF driver rams 2 Palestinians during a patrol near Qalqilya, causing moderate injuries to both. Separately, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem and Tulkarm; and patrol near Hebron. (HA, MNA, WAFA 10/27; PCHR 11/1)

An IDF spokesperson claims that Islamic Jihad in Palestine (PIJ) was responsible for the rocket fire on 10/26 “with clear guidance from Iran and the Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force in Syria.” A PIJ spokesperson then says that the group has reached a new agreement to end the violence in Gaza, thanks to Egyptian mediation. “After contacts between the Islamic Jihad leadership and the brothers in Egypt, it was agreed that a comprehensive cease-fire will begin immediately,” he says. (HA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, YA 10/27)

A day after Israeli prime minister Netanyahu visited Oman, Omani foreign minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah says that the Omani government is “very optimistic” about the Trump administration’s Palestinian-Israeli peace efforts. “We are not mediators in Israel-Palestine, but we offer facilitation and ideas to help 2 parties to come together,” he adds. “We are not saying that the road is now easy and paved with flowers, but our priority is to put an end to the conflict and move to a new world.” (AFP, HA, REU, TOI, YA 10/27)

The World Bank announces that it has increased its annual allotment of aid to the Palestinians from $55 million to $90 million this year. The organization’s new strategy, adopted in 12/2017, has a “very strong focus on job creation and private sector development,” according to a World Bank spokesperson. (WAFA 10/27)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse protestors near Jabaliya refugee camp, Rafah, and Gaza City; 5 Palestinians are killed and at least 200 are injured. The killings bring the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 184. Hours after the protests conclude, unidentified Palestinians launch 34 rockets from Gaza into southern Israel; 17 are intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system and the rest land in open areas, causing no damage or injuries. The Israeli Air Force then conducts a wave of air strikes across Gaza, targeting more than 90 sites and causing extensive damage to many buildings, including a hospital in Gaza City. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Friday protests against the Israeli occupation and the settlements in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, central Hebron, and 2 villages near Ramallah (Bil‘in and al-Mazra‘a); 2 Palestinians are killed, 8 are injured, and 1 is arrested. Three Israeli soldiers are also injured in the clashes today. IDF troops also assault and arrest 1 Palestinian, arrest 3 others, and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Tulkarm, Bethlehem, Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. (EI, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA 10/26; MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/27; HA 11/29; PCHR 11/1)

Hours before the protests, killings, and air strikes in Gaza, Al-Hayat reports that the Egyptian officials who have been shuttling back and forth between Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza over the past 2 weeks have brokered an understanding between Hamas and the Israeli government. Hamas reportedly agreed to end all violence along the border, including acts of violence perpetrated during Great March of Return protests and all incendiary balloon and kite attacks, in exchange for Israel lifting certain restrictions on Gaza. Separately, Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman says he is “hopeful” that this coming weekend will pass without major clashes along Gaza’s border fence.  He also says that he will need to see a month of calm before implementing any more major changes. “We need to see what happens at least until the end of 11/2018, and then we can reach conclusions one way or another.” (AH, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, TOI 10/26)

Along Gaza’s border fence, unidentified Palestinians open fire on Israeli troops across the fence near Gaza City, injuring 1 Israeli soldier. In response, Israeli artillery shell a Hamas observation post in the area and the IAF conducts a number of air strikes on Hamas posts in central and southern Gaza; 3 Palestinians are killed and 1 more is injured. Late at night, Hamas launches 9 rockets and mortars into Israel. One is intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system; the rest fall in open areas, causing no damage. Meanwhile, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land along the border fence near Gaza City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a kindergarten and women’s center in the Jabal al-Baba Bedouin community near Jerusalem. They also destroy a water pipeline leading into Ras al-Ahmar village near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Hebron, and Qalqilya; and patrol in and around Hebron. In southern Israel, Israeli forces demolish the Bedouin village al-‘Araqib for the 131st time since 2010. (JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 7/25; HA, JP, MNA, PCHR, WAFA 7/26; PCHR 8/2)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, Jabaliya refugee camp, Rafah, and Khan Yunis; more than 120 Palestinians are injured. Amid the protests, Hamas snipers shoot and kill an Israeli soldier on the other side of the border fence. After the killing, Israeli forces carry out extensive air strikes and artillery shelling across Gaza; 3 Hamas fighters are killed in strikes near Khan Yunis and 1 more Palestinian is killed in Rafah. An IDF spokesperson says that 68 Hamas targets were hit and the attacks “eliminated about 60 buildings and infrastructures and revoked significant military and command and control capabilities.” Amid the attack, unidentified Palestinians launch 3 rockets into Israel; 2 are intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, and 1 lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 3 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during raids near Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, unidentified persons attach an incendiary device to a balloon and fly it from Bayt Jala into the Har Gilo settlement, marking the first use of such devices in the city, but causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 7/20; HA 7/21; PCHR 7/26)

Following the extensive Israeli strikes in Gaza, Hamas and Israel agree to a cease-fire mediated by Egyptian and UN officials. A senior Hamas official says that the agreement provides for the “cessation of all forms of military escalation,” including air strikes, mortars, and rockets. However, he says that incendiary balloons and kites are not part of the agreement (a senior Israeli official will dispute this on 7/21). The Egyptians reportedly threatened to impose their own restrictions on Gaza should Hamas not end the incendiary kite and balloon attacks on Israel. (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 7/21)