The Palestine Chronology

Israel releases 26 Palestinian prisoners, prompting celebrations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, Jerusalem municipality approves 942 settlement units for Gilo. (AFP, AP 8/13)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 2 rockets with one falling within the territory and the other landing in s. Israel but causing no damage or injuries. In response, the IDF launches an air strike at night, with no reported injuries or damage. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, injuring 3. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 villages nr. Nablus, and 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night. (JP, PNN 8/13; PCHR 8/15)

Israel releases 26 Palestinian prisoners, prompting celebrations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, including fireworks and small rallies. Eleven of those released are welcomed by Pres. Abbas in his presidential compound in Ramallah, while 15 were released directly to the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, the Jerusalem municipality approves 942 settlement units for Gilo. (AFP, AP 8/13)

Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas asks caretaker PM Rami Hamdallah to form a new govt., a task he has 5 weeks to complete. (MNA 8/13)

An Iron Dome anti-missile battery successfully intercepts a rocket launched from the Sinai apparently targeting Eilat. (HA 8/13)

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip fire 6 rockets into s. Israel at night, causing no damage or injuries, with 2 intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system. In response, the Israeli Air Force strikes 4 targets in the Gaza Strip belonging to Islamic Jihad, causing 1 injury and property damage. The Israeli military also closes the Kerem Shalom and Erez crossings. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus, 2 villages nr. Hebron, 1 village each nr. Tulkarm, Nablus, Ramallah, Jenin, and Jenin r.c. at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night. In East Jerusalem, suspected Jewish extremists vandalize 2 dozen cars in Bayt Hanina, leaving “price-tag” slogans. (HA, MNA 6/24; PCHR 6/27)

Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas accepts the resignation of PM Rami Hamdallah, after failing to persuade him to remain in the post during talks over the weekend. Hamdallah is, however, subsequently designated head of an interim govt., until a replacement can be found. Reports indicate that Hamdallah’s unhappiness over his role in the govt. focused on a dispute with Mohammed Mustafa and Ziad Abu Amr, who had been appointed by Abbas as deputy prime ministers. (HA, JP, REU 6/23)