The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, 2 apartments in Hebron belonging to the family of a Palestinian convicted for the murder of an Israeli in February were demolished by Israeli forces. In Salfit, Israeli forces raided and took measurements for demolition of a home belonging to the family of a Palestinian alleged to have attacked Israeli settlers in the settlement of Ariel on 3/17. The alleged perpetrator was killed by Israeli forces on 3/20. Israeli forces also violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum using live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, and tear gas, injuring 6. One French activist was arrested during the protest. In East Jerusalem, a soccer tournament in Bayt Safafa was shut down by Israeli police, claiming that it was organized by the PA. In Gaza, Israeli forces attacked 2 Hamas posts east of al-Bureij refugee camp after shots allegedly were fired at Israeli soldiers near the Gaza fence, causing damage, but no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also fired live ammunition, tear gas, and rubber-coated bullets at protesters partaking in the weekly Great March of Return protests, injuring at least 46 Palestinians. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. According to Israeli sources, an incendiary balloon was found on a beach near Ashqelon in Israel. Israeli authorities announced that it would institute a week-long closure between 4/19 and 4/27 of entry points to Israel from Gaza and the West Bank for the celebration of Passover. (HA, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/19; HA, MNA, WAFA 4/20)

In an interview with the Atlantic, the outgoing French ambassador to the U.S. Gérard Araud, in discussing the Trump administration’s “peace plan,” called Israel an apartheid state. He said, “They [Israel] have the West Bank, but at the same time they don’t have to make the painful decision about the Palestinians, really making them really, totally stateless or making them citizens of Israel. They won’t make them citizens of Israel. So they will have to make it official, which is we know the situation, which is an apartheid. There will be officially an apartheid state. . . . They are in fact already.” Araud also recounted a conversation between French president Emmanuel Macron and U.S. president Donald Trump, in which Trump said “I have given everything to the Israelis; the Israelis will have to give me something.” (AM 4/19; HA 4/24)

The U.S. envoy to the Middle East Jason Greenblatt rebuffed in a tweet speculations that part of the Trump administration’s “peace plan” includes transferring parts of Egypt’s Sinai to the Gaza Strip. (HA 4/19)

In the West Bank, the IDF temporarily shuts down all entrances into Hebron around midday without providing an official reason. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian youths throwing stones at a settlement nr. Ramallah, causing no injuries; and patrol nr. Hebron and Salfit. Israeli settlers uproot 310 olive trees outside Mukhmas village nr. Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces search Haram al-Sharif after arresting a Palestinian outside the sanctuary; and arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Silwan and the Old City. (MNA, WAFA 4/10; MNA 4/11; PCHR 4/13)

A Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained in a confrontation with Israeli forces nr. Jalazun r.c. on 3/23. (EI, MNA, WAFA 4/10; PCHR 4/13)

Sinai Province of the Islamic State fighters fire a rocket from the n. Sinai Peninsula into s. Israel, which hits a greenhouse in the Eshkol region, causing no serious damage or injuries. The launch comes hours after Israeli authorities announced the closure of the Taba border crossing from Israel to Egypt over suspicions about such an attack. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 4/10)

PA FM Riyad al-Maliki says that the Palestinians will be sending a high-level delegation to Washington in 2 weeks to prepare for PA pres. Abbas’s meeting with U.S. pres. Trump on 5/3. “The main goal here is to reach understandings that would make the president’s visit a success . . . with positive results that would serve the Palestinian cause,” he says. (WAFA 4/10)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats on 2 separate occasions (nr. Rafah and nr. alSudaniyya), causing no injuries or damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and wound a Palestinian driving through a checkpoint nr. Qalqilya. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm, and in Nablus, where clashes break out with residents, and 2 Palestinians are injured with live ammunition. During the day, the IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 village each nr. Jericho, Salfit, and Jenin. IDF troops also demolish a dairy factory in Hebron owned by the Islamic Charitable Society. (MNA, WAFA 9/2; PCHR 9/4)

 Wael Atiyeh, Egypt’s amb. to Palestine, says that no date has yet been set for a return to indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, and that an agenda for the meetings in Cairo also needs to be finalized. Meanwhile, Qais Abdel Karim, a mbr. of the Palestinian delegation, says that Israel’s shunning of talks would “render the cease-fire null and void,” responding to reports in the Israeli media that Netanyahu does not intend to resume cease-fire talks. (JP, MNA 9/2)

The U.S. State Dept. and the EU foreign affairs office both condemn Israel’s recent expropriation of 988 acres in the West Bank on 8/31. (HA, WAFA 9/2)

A roadside bomb kills 11 Egyptian police officers nr. al-Wifaq in the Sinai Peninsula close to the Gaza border. (AP 9/2)

In the Gaza Strip, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops open fire on open land nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin, Nablus, and Salfit at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Salfit, and in Qalqilya and 1 nearby village in the afternoon, in 3 villages and al-‘Arub refugee camp (r.c.) nr. Hebron and 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night. (PCHR 2/20)

Palestinian Authority (PA) Pres. Mahmud Abbas tells a group of visiting Israeli students in Ramallah that he does not seek to “flood Israel” with millions of Palestinian refugees or to change the country’s “social composition.” Meanwhile, at an Al Jazeera event in Oxford, UK, Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat warns that Palestinians will call for a boycott of Israel and turn to international tribunals if the negotiations fail. (MNA, REU, YA 2/16)

In Egypt, a bomb explodes on a bus in Sinai, killing 2 South Korean tourists and the local driver, and wounding 12. Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis claims responsibility, and says that a suicide bomber executed the attack. (AP, REU 2/16; JTA 2/17; REU 2/18)

The Free Syrian Army (FSA) announces that it has replaced its leader, Gen. Selim Idriss, with Col. Abdelilah al-Bashir, a decision prompted by “the ineffectiveness of the command in the past few mos.,” according to an FSA statement issued following a meeting in Gaziantep, Turkey. Meanwhile, Syrian FM Walid Muallem accuses the U.S. of creating a “negative climate” for dialogue at the 2d round of talks in Geneva, as the Syrian delegation returns from Switzerland to Damascus. U.S. Secy. of State Kerry praises the opposition’s “seriousness of purpose,” and criticizes the Syrian govt. for stalling in Geneva and attacking civilians in Syria. On the Syria-Jordan border, 10 gunmen from Syria open fire on Jordanian troops as they patrol, according to a Jordanian military spokesperson. The soldiers return fire, wounding 7 and arresting 3, while suffering no injuries. (AP, REU 2/16)

Hizballah’s leader, Shaykh Hasan Nasrallah, says that his group intends to stay and fight in Syria because Lebanon is threatened by Takfiri groups. He also urges Arab nations to help a process of Syrian national reconciliation. (DS 2/16)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli troops clash with residents in Bayt Umar village nr. Hebron during a patrol, with 2 Palestinians wounded by shrapnel of a sound bomb and a bullet respectively. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Nablus in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Salfit and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and Ramallah at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces fire rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas at Al-Quds university students in Abu Dis after staff prevented soldiers from entering the campus. (MNA 9/8; PCHR 9/12)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry meets with Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas in London, their 1st such talks since direct negotiations recommenced. Earlier, Kerry holds talks with Arab League officials—including the FMs of Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia—in Paris, after which Kerry affirms the “commitment” of both sides to “continuing the talks.” The Arab League’s Peace Initiative Cmte. also expresses support for U.S. efforts to promote the direct talks. Meanwhile, Israeli officials protest Palestinian media leaks concerning the talks in complaints made to Washington. (AFP, JTA 9/8)

Following discussions in Paris, U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry says that Arab League ministers have agreed on the need for an international response to the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Asad regime. Kerry says that a number of countries immediately signed the statement produced at the G20 talks, but only names Saudi Arabia. (AFP 9/8)

Egyptian forces continue their Sinai offensive, killing 11 suspected Islamist fighters and arresting 10. (AP 9/8)

White House spokesperson Jay Carney says that the Obama administration is working to bring together Israeli and Palestinian officials in the coming weeks to discuss how to commence direct negotiations. Palestinian official Nabil Abu Rudeineh says that Israel is still blocking the path to formal talks, claiming that Pres. Abbas had agreed to send a delegation to Washington to continue lower-level preliminary discussions. Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers issue a statement welcoming Kerry’s announcement that an agreement had been reached (7/19) for establishing a basis for resuming direct negotiations. Palestinian pres. Abbas says that any future peace deal with the Israelis be put to a national referendum, while Israeli PM Netanyahu says that his govt. will pass a law requiring a referendum on any peace treaty. (AFP, JP, REU 7/22)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 1 rocket into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Separately, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion nr. al-Bureij r.c. to level land. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus, and 1 village each nr. Hebron and nr. Salfit at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 3 villages nr. Jenin, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 village each nr. Hebron, Salfit, and Tulkarm at night. (AFP 7/22; PCHR 7/25)

In Egypt, unidentified assailants kill 6 civilians and security officers in different attacks in Rafah and al-Arish in the Sinai. (AP, REU 7/22)

Chairman of the House of Representatives Intelligence Cmte. Mike Rogers says that the U.S. administration can move forward with plans to arm Syrian rebels, after some concerns were eased. Members of the Senate Intelligence Cmte. had previously voiced worries that arms could end up in the hands of radical Islamist groups, but according to a statement issued by Rogers the White House has since offered reassurances about the proposed supplying of rebels. (REU 7/22)

The EU designates the armed wing of Hizballah as a foreign terrorist organization, a decision welcomed by Israel but condemned by both the Lebanese group themselves, as well as Lebanese caretaker FM Adnan Mansour. The resulting sanctions will restrict Hizballah’s ability to use Europe as a financial conduit. (REU 7/22)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry, on his last day in the region, meets with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss reviving negotiations. Afterward, some sources say that Israel has agreed to silently adopt construction freeze outside of the major settlement blocs, while other Israeli government sources say that Israel has refused to adopt any confidence building measures at all prenegotiations. One anonymous Israeli official says that Netanyahu opposed Kerry’s proposal to resume talks based on initially discussing border and security issues only. (HA, YA 4/11)

A scheduled meeting between Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas and PM Salam Fayyad to discuss the latter’s 4/10 resignation is postponed under European and American pressure, according to Palestinian officials. An anonymous U.S. State Department official dismisses the idea that Fayyad is really resigning. (AFP, JP 4/11; HA 4/12)

IDF forces make a brief incursion into Gaza nr. Khan Yunis to level land and clear lines of sight. In the West Bank, the IDF shoots and injures a disabled Palestinian man in Hebron during an arrest operation in the city. The IDF shoots and injures 4 Palestinians with rubbercoated metal bullets in al-Khader nr. Bethlehem during clashes. Jewish settlers from Netzah Binyamin outpost nr. Efrat settlement seriously assault a Palestinian man working on his land in Silwad village, sparking clashes between residents and settlers. IDF forces violently disperse the Palestinians, shooting and injuring 1 Palestinian with rubbercoated metal bullets. Jewish settlers cut down or damage around 100 olive trees and grape vines on Palestinian-owned land nr. Hebron. The IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Jericho and Ramallah in the morning, 2 villages each nr. Jenin, and Ramallah, and 1 village nr. Salfit in the afternoon, and 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Salfit at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 each nr. Bethlehem and Hebron at night. (HA, MNA, WAFA 4/11; PCHR 4/18)

A delegation of Israeli security and diplomatic officials arrives in Egypt for discussions with their Egyptian counterparts on the situation in Sinai and indirect talks with Hamas. (MNA 4/11)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid to have the 1st discussions about forming a coalition. Lapid reportedly sets 2 conditions for joining a governing coalition: (1) a universal draft bill (see Quarterly Update in JPS 165) and (2) the resumption of peace talks with the Palestinians. Meanwhile, Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman says that domestic issues will be the priority of the next government. (HA, YA, JP 1/24)

Secy.-gen. of the PLO Executive Comm. Yasir ‘Abid Rabbuh says that Pres. Abbas wants to meet and talk with centrist mbrs. of the new Knesset in coming weeks, including newcomers such as Yair Lapid. (YA 1/24)

Nominated U.S. secy. of state John Kerry tells his Senate confirmation hearing that he intends to invest effort in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and hopes that the Israeli election can help restart talks. (JP 1/24)

Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes 4 homes in 2 communities in the n. Jordan Valley; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Salfit at night. The IDF also patrols in 3 villages nr. Jenin, 2 each nr. Jericho and Ramallah, and 1 nr. Tulkarm in the morning; in Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon; and in ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. nr. Jericho, 2 villages each nr. Jenin and Qalqilya, and 1 village each nr. Jericho and Ramallah at night. (MNA 1/24; PCHR 1/31)

The International Federation of Journalists condemns a week of arrests of journalists by Hamas security forces in the Gaza Strip, and calls for the release of 6 detained media workers. (MNA 1/24)

Israeli security agency Shin Bet announces that for the 1st year since 1973, there were no Israeli casualties from a Palestinian attack in the West Bank. The report covering 2012 says that there was an uptick in so-called popular terror in the West Bank, referring to stone-throwing and Molotov cocktails. The report notes that 10 Israelis were killed in security-related incidents during 2012, and that more than 2,500 rockets and mortar shells were fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel. However, Shin Bet reports that since Operation Pillar of Defense in November 2012, no rockets have been fired. The report also records that 8 rockets were fired at Israel from Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, and that there were 11 attempts to fire anti-aircraft weaponry at IDF planes, up from just 1 effort in 2011. (HA 1/24)

A number of Fatah leaders who fled the Gaza Strip during the Fatah-Hamas fighting in 2007 return to the territory, including former PA preventive security service head in Khan Yunis, Nasser al-Saqq. (MNA 1/24)

UN special rapporteur on human rights and counterterrorism Ben Emmerson announces that the UN is launching an inquiry into the impact on civilians of drone strikes that will focus on 5 locations, including the Palestinian territories. The other 4 are Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, and Yemen. (BBC 1/24)

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

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

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

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

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

The IDF assassinates Hamas commander Ahmad Jabari and his bodyguard and separately kills 7 other Palestinians in a number of air strikes on military and civilian targets across the Gaza Strip, leaving around 90 wounded. The dead include 2 children and an elderly man. Code-named Operation Pillar of Cloud in Hebrew (a Torah reference) and renamed Operation Pillar of Defense for foreign audiences, the Israeli military attacks are described as the ‘‘beginning’’ of an effort to increase deterrence and remove Hamas’s rocketlaunching capabilities. The IQB warns that Israel has ‘‘opened the gates of hell’’ with Jabari’s assassination, and fires dozens of rockets and mortars into Israel. They are joined by the DFLP, Islamic Jihad, PFLP, and PRCs, all of whom claim responsibility for rocket and mortar fire. In total, over 90 projectiles hit Israel from the Gaza Strip, causing 4 injuries. The Iron Dome rocket-defense system intercepts 30 rockets. Overnight, the IDF undertakes air strikes on around 100 sites across the Gaza Strip. U.S. pres. Obama calls Israel PM Netanyahu to express his support for Israel’s military operation and the country’s right to selfdefense. Obama also calls Egyptian pres. Mohamed Morsi to stress the importance of de-escalation and to pledge to stay in close touch. Egypt strongly condemns Israel’s military assault, and UN secy.-gen. Ban Ki-moon calls for a cease-fire. The UNSC holds an emergency meeting but takes no action. (Guardian, REU 11/14; JP, MNA 11/15)

Unidentified assailants fire 4 rockets from Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula into Israel, landing nr. an agricultural community and causing no injuries. (HA 11/14)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jericho in the morning, in 1 village nr. Salfit in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Jericho and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Balata r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Palestinians across the West Bank demonstrate to mark the day before the 24th anniversary of the PLO’s declaration of independence, blocking roads nr. Bethlehem, Jericho, and Ramallah, and clashing with soldiers at checkpoints in Atara (nr. Ramallah) and Bethlehem. (AFP, PCHR 11/14)

Israeli DM Barak says that almost all the villages nr. the border with the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights are now controlled by the Syrian opposition. (AP 11/14)

On a 2d day of violent protests in Jordan against price hikes and in general opposition to King Abdullah’s regime, unidentified gunmen attack 2 police stations, and ensuing clashes leave 1 protester dead—the 1st fatality in Jordanian demonstrations in 2012. (AP 11/15)

Egypt suspects that Islamist militants who were persecuted under the Mubarak regime staged the 8/6 attack on the n. Sinai border and vows a swift response and reassertion of government control over the Sinai Peninsula. Egyptian pres. Morsi and SCAF head Field Marshal Tantawi make a joint visit to El-Arish in a show of unity. Israeli and Egyptian brigadier generals meet at Kerem Shalom to discuss their investigations of the incident. Israeli PM Netanyahu issues a formal statement of condolences, stating, ‘‘It is clear that Israel and Egypt have a common interest in maintaining a quiet border.’’ (NYT, WP 8/7)

Israel allows 54 Gazans with family members in Israeli jails to visit their relatives. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jericho before dawn; conducts late-night patrols in Jericho, Qalqilya (firing tear gas and stun grenades at stone-throwing youths who confront them, causing no injuries), Salfit and 1 nearby village, and 1 village nr. Ramallah; and conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Kafr Qaddum and Salfit. (PCHR 8/9; OCHA 8/10)

With the completion of a section of the separation wall bordering Shu’fat r.c. in East Jerusalem, the IDF closes its Shu’fat checkpoint into Jerusalem and redirects traffic to a new modern checkpoint (begun in 2009 to serve as a future international crossing into Jerusalem). The move leaves more than 50,000 Palestinians living in Shu’fat r.c. and several surrounding Jerusalem suburbs (Ras Shihada, Ras Khamis, al-Salam, and part of ‘Anata) who hold Jerusalem IDs completely isolated fr. Jerusalem. In the West Bank, the IDF clashes with mourners taking part in the funeral for Palestinian activist Mustafa Tamimi (see 12/10), causing no serious injuries; conducts daytime patrols in 3 villages nr. Salfit, 2 nr. Qalqilya, and 1 nr. Jenin; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around Hebron, in Bethlehem, and in Tulkarm; conducts late-night patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya. (PCHR 12/12, 12/15; OCHA 12/16; JPI 12/23)

The Israeli cabinet unanimously approves $160 m. for the next stage of construction of the security fence along the border with Egypt, expansion of detention centers, and increased policing of companies that hire illegal workers. Since 1/2006, nearly 50,000 illegal workers, mostly fr. Eritrea and Sudan, have entered Israel via the Sinai, raising concerns among Israelis that the mounting influx of illegal African workers could undermine Israel’s Jewish character. (NYT, WP 12/12)

Unidentified assailants armed with heavy weapons and explosives enter s. Israel fr. the Egyptian Sinai and stage coordinated attacks on a bus, several cars, and an IDF patrol, killing 7 Israelis (1 IDF soldier, 6 civilians) and wounding up to 40, marking the deadliest attack on Israel since 3/2008. The attacks begin at midday with gunfire on a bus nr. Elat carrying mostly soldiers fr. a nearby army base; when an IDF unit arrives on the scene, it is quickly ambushed and hit with explosive devices. Within the hour, at least 3 reports of mortar fire fr. Egypt and attacks on civilian vehicles with antitank weapons are reported in the Elat area. Israeli security forces engage in firefights with the infiltrators over the next several hours, killing at least 7 attackers, noting that 3 of the bodies were booby trapped. At one point, IDF troops pursue the attackers into Egypt and clash with Egyptian border guards, killing an Egyptian military officer and 2 Egyptian border police and injuring 2 others. Israel accuses Hamas of sending terrorists fr. Gaza through the Rafah smuggling tunnels into Egypt and then on to Israel, and criticizes Egypt’s inability to secure its borders. The IDF quickly launches 12 air strikes on s. Gaza in retaliation, primarily targeting the Popular Resistance Committees (PRCs)—an umbrella group comprising mbrs. of all Gaza factions, including Fatah and Hamas. In total, 7 Palestinians (including 2 children) are killed and at least 23 Palestinians (including 7 children, 6 women) are wounded. Among the dead are 5 senior PRC members who were targeted for assassination, including PRC leader Kamal Abu Abed al-Nairab, PRC chief military cmdr. Imad Hamad, and a PRC rocket expert. Later in the evening, gunfire erupts again in Elat, killing 1 Israeli border policeman and critically injuring another. The PRCs fire 4 rockets (including at least 1 manufactured Grad rocket) fr. Gaza into Israel, where at least 3 are intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system; no damage or injuries are reported. By late evening, the Israeli DMin. reports no further fire, but says assailants may still be on the loose. Hamas and the PRCs deny any part in the attacks. Egyptian and American analysts (e.g., NYT, WT 8/19) say that “it is not a remote possibility for [Egypt’s radical militant elements] to cross the border and launch attacks against Israeli targets. It makes a lot of sense” given Egypt’s recent crackdown on al-Qa‘ida-inspired Islamist militants in the n. Sinai (see 8/13). (AHR, AP, HA, IFM, JP, JTA, MNA, REU, WAFA, YA 8/18; NYT, OCHA, WP, WT 8/19; al-Masri al-Yawm 8/20; JAZ 8/21; PCHR 8/25; OCHA 8/26)

Meanwhile, in the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Bayt Liqya nr. Ramallah during the day and in Jenin, Jericho, and 2 villages nr. Ramallah and Salfit. Jewish settlers fr. Beit El nr. Ramallah enter nearby Dawar al-Qare’ village and set fire to 2 cars. (PCHR 8/25)

Israel refuses Egypt’s request to deploy additional forces in the Sinai. (JP 2/7; WJW 2/10) (see 1/30)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Bayt Hanun fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers who stray nr. the border fence, forcing them to flee; fire warning shots at Palestinians scavenging for construction materials nr. the border e. of Gaza City, wounding 1. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin, 2 nr. Salfit, 1 nr. Ramallah, and 1 nr. Tulkarm; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around Jenin r.c. and nr. Salfit. (PCHR 2/10; OCHA 2/11)