The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians, including a child, during a raid in Fawwar refugee camp. Israeli forces also raided Nur Shams refugee camp for 9 hours using 40 armored vehicles, demolishing 3 homes. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 5 homes in Furush Beit Dajan, displacing 70 people. 55 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Nablus, Tubas, and Tulkarm, including former PLC member Khalida Jarrar. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities forced 3 Palestinian families to demolish their own homes in Jabel Mukaber and Shu’fat. In Gaza, telecommunications were down throughout Gaza. Israeli forces bombed Khan Yunis, Rafah, al-Bureij refugee camp, Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza City, and Maghazi, killing dozens of people, including at least 100 in Maghazi. Israeli forces also directly hit the Palestinian Red Crescent Society’s headquarters in Khan Yunis, causing damage. Israel said it had assassinated Hamis al-Najar, a member of the Hamas Legislative Council, in an airstrike in Khan Yunis that also killed his wife, 2 children, and several of his grandchildren. 3 Israeli soldiers were killed in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces attacked several sites and Hezbollah injured 9 Israeli soldiers using anti-tank missiles. In the Red Sea, a drone was shot down near Dahab, Egypt. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/26; AJ, AJ, HA, HA 12/27; AJ 12/28 AJ 12/29)

More than 20,915 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 8,000 children and 6,200 women, and around 54,918 have been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 298 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 76 children. More than 3,800 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured since 10/7. 162 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 874 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 12/23, at least 65,000 housing units had been destroyed and 290,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 83 trucks carrying aid and 7 ambulances entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing. Israel said the Karem Abu Salam (Kerem Shalom) crossing was closed due to “logistical constraints.” (AJ, UNOCHA 12/26)

Israel returned the bodies of 80 Palestinians Israeli soldiers had seized in northern Gaza during its ground invasion. The bodies were buried in a mass grave in Rafah. The Gaza media office said Israel stole organs from the bodies. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA 12/26)

An Israeli soldier reportedly died of a fungal infection he had been exposed to in Gaza while 10 were sick with the infection. (HA 12/26; HA 12/27)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas gave a speech calling the events in Gaza greater and more horrific that the Nakba. Abbas said Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan was to rid historic Palestine of all Palestinians and said he would continue to work toward Palestinian political reconciliation. PA ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour wrote a letter to the UN Security Council president, saying Israel has ignored Security Council Resolution 2720, adopted on 12/22. (AJ 12/26; AJ 12/27)

The UN appointed former Dutch minister Sigrid Kaag as the Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, a position created by the UN Security Council on 12/22. (AJ, HA, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA 12/26; AP, HA 12/27)

Israel said it would no longer grant visas to UN employees automatically, instead judging applicants on a case-by-base. Government spokesperson Eylon Levy said the UN had failed to condemn Hamas for operating out of schools and stealing aid, both charges that Hamas has denied. (AP 12/26)

Israeli minister of strategic affairs Ron Dermer met with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Washington D.C., discussing Israel’s plans after its war on Gaza. (AJ, REU 12/26; HA 12/27)

Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani spoke with U.S. president Joe Biden about the situation in Gaza and efforts to mediate a ceasefire. (HA 12/26)

The French government issued a statement reiterating its call for an “immediate truce leading to a ceasefire,” and condemned the “systematic bombing that has again left many civilian victims in recent days.” (AJ 12/26)

Cuban president Miguel Diaz-Canel said Israel was a “terrorist state” that commits genocide against Palestinians. (AJ 12/27)

Israel announced that it had granted Intel Corporation $3.2 billion to build a new chip plant in Israel worth $25 billion. The deal also commits Intel to buy goods and services from Israeli providers worth $16.6 billion over the next decade. (AJ, HA, REU 12/26; NYT 12/27; HA 1/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up tents on land near Deir Sharaf. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Duma, injuring 2 Palestinians and damaging a car. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinians with pepper spray near Jamma’in, injuring 1. Israeli forces uprooted 70 olive trees in Khallet al-Qutun near Tuqu’. Israeli forces also leveled land near Qaryut in preparation for settlement expansion. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the home of 16 Palestinians who had previously been imprisoned by Israel, seizing cash, several vehicles, and jewelry, claiming that the Palestinians had received payments from the PA. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/26; PCHR 7/6; UNOCHA 7/8)

The Israeli military alleged that a rocket was launched from the Jenin area at Israel before exploding within the West Bank, causing neither damage nor injuries. (HA, JP, TOI 6/26)

An Israeli parole board denied an early release petition for Palestinian prisoner Walid Daqqa, who the Israeli prison service acknowledge is terminally ill with cancer. Daqqa, who has been imprisoned by Israel for 39 years, has already completed his original sentence but was sentenced to an additional 2 years for allegedly helping smuggling cellphones into prison. (WAFA 6/26; HA 6/27)

In Lebanon, 1 Israeli drone was shot down by Hezbollah militants near Zibqin. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, REU 6/26)

The Israeli Higher Planning Council approved 5,700 settlement housing units and retroactively approved the Palegi Maim, HaYovel, and Nof Harim settlement outposts. 818 housing units received final validation including 359 in Elkana, 381 in Revava, 29 in Givat Ze’ev, 42 in Carmiel, and 7 in Hermesh. 4,915 housing units were approved for deposit, including 1,563 in Eli, 98 in Ariel, 714 in Givat Ze’ev, 340 in Ma ‘ale Adumim, 312 in Beitar Ilit, 310 in Adora, 264 in Etz Efraim, 152 in Ma ‘ale Amos, 78 in Asfar, and 754 in the 3 settlement outposts. Peace Now reported that more than 13,000 housing units had been approved in the first half of 2023. The French foreign ministry and the UN issued a statement condemning the settlement approval and the recent Israeli settler violence. The U.S. said it was “deeply troubled by Israel’s decision.” (HA 6/25; AJ, ALM, ALM, AP, BBC, HA, HA, PCN, REU, WAFA, WAFA 6/26; WAFA 6/27; UN 6/28; NYT 6/29)

The Palestinian Legislative Council in Gaza announced that it had filed a complaint against Israel with the ICC over the Israeli blockade of Gaza. (MDW 6/29)

Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had told a Knesset committee that his government is ready to help the PA financially to prevent it from collapsing but that the Palestinian “ambitions for the establishment of a state must be eliminated.” (NA, QDS 6/26; MEMO 6/27; QDS 6/29)

The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs counted 570 Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians and Palestinian property between 1 January and 26 June, raising the number of attacks counted by the UN from 71 in 2022 to 95 incidents in the first half of 2023. (HA 7/1)

The Taub Center for Israel Studies at New York University made available documents from the Israeli archives showing that the Israeli military poisoned Palestinian land around Aqraba in 1972 to ensure that Palestinians could not cultivate the land as Israel established the Gitit settlement on land confiscated from the town’s residents. The Israeli military estimated that they had caused property loss from the spraying of the land amounting to $25,000. (HA 6/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided the home of Hassan Yousef, a member of the PLC for Hamas, in Beitunia and arrested him. Israeli forces also raided Rummana, dispersing Palestinians protesting the raid with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered a demolition order for a house under construction in Nahalin. Israeli forces had arrested and severely beaten a man during a late-night house raid in Qalqas; the man was later admitted to a hospital in Beersheba. 2 others were arrested during late-night raids. In East Jerusalem, 20 Israeli settlers vandalized 12 Palestinian-owned vehicles in Bab al-Zahara. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Isawiya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Jabalia refugee camp and 6 nautical miles north of Rafah; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/12; MEMO 12/13; PCHR 12/16; MEE 1/2)

In Lebanon, 4 people were killed and 7 injured during a shootout in the Burj el-Shemali refugee camp. The event unfolded during the funeral procession for 1 person who was killed during an explosion in the camp on 12/10. There were differing reports of the events, including 1 that said the shooting was between Hamas and Fatah members. Hamas claimed that the killings were ordered by the PA. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 12/12; HA, MEMO 12/13)

Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett arrived in the UAE for meetings with UAE foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and later, on 12/13, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This marked the 1st time an Israeli prime minister visited the UAE, planned since the normalization deal between the 2 countries in 2021 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (AJ, AP, HA, HA 12/12; REU 12/13)

The Washington Post reported that Israel had conducted air strikes in Syria on 3/5/2020 and 6/8/2021, allegedly to counter Syria’s chemical weapons program. (TOI, WP 12/13; HA, MEMO 12/14)

Administrator of USAID Samantha Power said during a speech at a gala hosted by the Alliance for Middle East Peace that aid to Palestinians suffers under politicization, which makes it controversial. Administrator Power said that aid to Palestinians had broad consensus for decades but that that consensus had been waning. (HA 12/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers started building structures on Palestinian land near ‘Ayn al-Auja. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles driving in Turmus ‘Ayya, injuring 1 minor. Israeli forces demolished 1 house under construction in Khirbet Ma‘in, displacing 8, including 6 minors. Israeli forces also seized 3 agricultural tents in Ras al-Tin, 1 bulldozer in Deir Balut, and 1 residential structure in ‘Ayn Samia, displacing 8, including 6 minors. Elsewhere, Israeli forces razed 500 meters of newly paved road and placed 7 dirt mounds on the road near ‘Asirah al-Shamaliyah. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Beitunia, al-Mughayyir, al-Bireh, Biddu, Bethlehem, Jaba‘, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 3 buildings, displacing 6 Palestinians in Wadi Hummus. 1 Palestinian was arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of Gaza City. In West Jerusalem, 5 Israelis attacked 1 Palestinian man after hearing him speaking Arabic at the site of the Mamilla Cemetery, which now serves as a park; the man suffered multiple fractures and was treated at Hadassah Hospital for his injuries. (MEMO, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/23; BTselem, WAFA 11/24; HA, PCHR 11/25)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi, Russia. Members of Fatah said that President Abbas was seeking more Russian involvement in the peace process as part of his push to move from U.S. mediation to international conferences. (MEMO, WAFA 11/23; ALM 11/24)

The Jerusalem Media and Communications Center released a survey conducted in October with 715 participants from the West Bank and East Jerusalem and 485 from Gaza. The survey found that support for a 2-state solution had dropped from 39% in April to 29% and support for a 1-state solution had increased from 21.5% to 26%. A large discreptency was found between the West Bank and Gaza. In the West Bank, 30% supported a 1-state solution—more than the support of a 2-state solution—while in Gaza, 20% supported a 1-state solution and 38%, a 2-state solution. The survey also found 70% of respondents wanted a new date for general elections and 42% said that they did not plan to participate. 34% would vote for Fatah at PLC elections (highest among Palestinians in Gaza), 10% for Hamas, and some 34% said that they would not vote. Support for PA president Abbas was down to 35% from 50% in April. (JMCC 11/23; JP 11/25; MEMO 11/26)

Israel’s president Isaac Herzog met with UK prime minister Boris Johnson in London. During their meeting, Prime Minister Johnson said that the UK’s decision to designate all of Hamas as a terrorist organization “was a difficult and controversial decision,” but right. (HA 11/23)

The tech company Apple said it had filed a lawsuit against NSO Group and its parent company OSY Technologies for its hacking of Apple users’ phones with the Pegasus software. It was reported on 11/22 that NSO Group is at risk of defaulting on $500,000,000 worth of debt. (AP, HA, HA, NYT 11/23; MEMO, MEMO 11/24)

The German Development Bank signed an agreement worth $11.2 to support infrastructure projects in the West Bank. (WAFA 11/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to large swaths of farmland and attacked 3 houses in Burin. Israeli settlers also set up a settlement outpost near Beita. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians trying to prevent the settlers from setting up a mobile home on their land near al-Buqa‘a, beating them and using pepper-spray. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles driving near Turmus ‘Ayya, leading to 1 injury and causing damage. Israeli forces demolished 1 residential structure in al-Khadir and 1 car wash in Bayt Jala. Israeli forces also seized 1 dunam (0.25 acres) of land in Tuqu‘ and delivered a stop-work order for 1 agricultural structure near Dura. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Tarqumiyya, Surayf, Bayt Umar, Turmus ‘Ayya, and Aqraba. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Shaykh Jarrah, spraying skunk water and physically assaulting several protesters; 6 Palestinians were injured, including 2 who were taken to a hospital, and 3 were arrested. 5 others were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/4; AJ, AJ, ALM, HA, MEE, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 5/5; PCHR 5/6)

The leader of the Hamas military wing Mohammed Deif warned Israel against evicting Palestinians from their homes in Shaykh Jarrah, saying Hamas will respond to the Israeli aggression. (AJ, AP, HA 5/5)

Member of Hamas’ politburo Mahmoud al-Zahar called on Palestinian factions to reactivate the Palestinian parliament, calling it the only legitimate Palestinian institution. (MEMO 5/5)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s mandate for forming a government expired, leaving Israeli president Reuven Rivlin to choose another candidate or seeing if the Knesset members can choose a candidate. (AJ, AP, AX, MEE 5/4; HA 5/5)

Israel and Lebanon resumed U.S.-mediated indirect talks over their maritime border dispute after talks last stalled in October last year. (AJ, AP, HA, MEMO, REU 5/4)

U.S. president Joe Biden expressed support for UAE’s normalization deal with Israel in a phone call with UAE crown prince Shaykh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan. (HA, REU 5/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Israeli activist trying help Palestinians who had complained about the settlers encroaching on their privately-owned land; a video of the incident shows 1 settler beating the Israeli activist with a club. Israeli settlers also attacked 1 Palestinian woman and her child in Hebron. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers assaulted the mayor of Sabastiyya after he intervened as they were harassing a Palestinian minor; nearby Israeli forces did not intervene. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured his wife as they were stopped at a flying checkpoint in Bir Nabala. Israeli forces claimed that the 2 had tried to ram the soldier; however, the injured wife said they had come to a complete stop and turned off the ignition until the solders motioned for them to proceed when the soldiers opened fire. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians who attended the funeral for the Palestinian man killed in Bir Nabala earlier in the day. 5 Palestinians were arrested in and around Bethlehem, Bayt Umar, and Tulkarm; including 1 Palestinian candidate for the upcoming elections. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided a hotel in Shaykh Jarrah, where Palestinians were discussing the upcoming elections; 2 Palestinians were arrested. Israeli forces later summoned 2 Palestinian candidates of the upcoming elections for questioning. (AJ, AP, HA, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/6; WAFA, WAFA 4/7; HA, MEMO, PCHR, TOI 4/8; PCHR 4/10; HA 4/11; HA, PCHR 4/15; AP 4/23)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz said that Israel will not interfere in the Palestinian elections but will not be working with Hamas if the party gains more influence. Defense Minister Gantz’s statement is contradicted by Haaretz, reporting that the Shin Bet director threated PA president Mahmoud Abbas to cancel the elections and that Israel has been arresting Palestinian candidates it does not want to see in the Palestinian parliament. (HA 4/6)

Israeli president Reuven Rivlin picked Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be the 1st to try to form a government. President Rivlin said that none of the candidates had a real chance of forming a government but that he had picked Netanyahu because he had received the most endorsements. Netanyahu’s mandate to form a government ends after 28 days. (AJ, ALM, AP, AX, HA 4/6; ALM 4/7)

An Iranian cargo ship was hit by a limpet mine in the Red Sea between Yemen and Eritrea. According to the New York Times, the ship was deployed as a military ship for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to combat pirates in the area. The New York Times also reported that Israeli officials had notified U.S. officials that they would carry out the attack on the Iranian ship prior to the explosion. (NYT, REU 4/6; ALM, AP, AX, HA, REU 4/7; AP, HA, HA 4/8)

The U.S. said that indirect talks between it and Iran, mediated by the EU and Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action signatories, had been constructive and would resume on 4/9. (AJ, REU 4/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed a Land Day rally in Sabastiyya, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 10 Palestinians were arrested, including 8 during raids in and around Yasuf, Qarawat Bani Hasan, Jenin, Ramallah, and Hebron, and 2 were arrested at a checkpoint near Jenin refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the home of a former Palestinian prisoner released on 3/29, after 20 years in prison, and assaulted his relatives who were preparing for a reception in celebration of his release; the Israeli forces arrested the former detainee again, and he was rereleased on 3/31 and warned not to hold a reception. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire and sprayed water at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya, causing damage to 1 boat; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/30; PCHR 4/1)

Azzam al-Ahmad and Ahmad Majdalani of the PLO executive committee said that the upcoming Palestinian legislative elections could not be held without participation of Palestinians in East Jerusalem. (WAFA 3/30)

The U.S. state department released its annual report on human rights abuses and continued the Trump administration’s practice of not referring to the Palestinian territories as occupied in the section on Israel. Instead, the section was called “Israel, West Bank and Gaza.” A state department official said the language reflected the department’s “practices generally. We also believe it is clearer and more useful for readers seeking information on human rights in those specific areas.” (ALM 3/31)

EU representation in Jerusalem said that Israel is delaying granting visas to EU election observers for the Palestinian legislative council elections. It said that it had sent the request to the Israeli foreign ministry on 2/8. (WAFA 3/30; JP 3/31)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 1 Palestinian-owned agricultural structure in Kafr al-Dik. Israeli forces delivered demolition orders for 7 Palestinian-owned homes in Ma‘in. 17 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around al-Khadir, Husan, Hebron, Nablus, Tulkarm, Abu Dis, ‘Azun, Beita, Ramallah, al-Bireh, Sabastiyya, and Jenin refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces seized, for a 2d time, tents sheltering a family whose house was demolished in Issawiyya. 11 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya, Shu‘fat refugee camp, and al-Tur; confrontations erupted during the raids in Issawiyya, leading to tear-gas related injuries and damage to property. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/4; PCHR 3/11)

Israeli authorities allowed changes to the structure of al-Ibrahimi Mosque, allowing the construction of an elevator to the designated Jewish area of the mosque. (WAFA 3/4)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas extended the COVID-19-related state of emergency for another 30 days. (WAFA 3/4)

According to Haaretz reporting, the Shin Bet has been threatening some Palestinian activists with administrative detention if they run in the Palestinian Legislative Council elections. Haaretz confirmed that at least 1 Palestinian activist was arrested and put in administrative detention for 4 months after announcing that he would run in the elections. (HA 3/4)

Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen and Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss a joint COVID-19 plan. Prime Minister Frederiksen had, prior to the trip, praised Israel’s vaccination campaign and said that Denmark is considering opening a vaccine factory with and/or in Israel, leading her own left-wing coalition to denounce her trip. The EU expressed dismay at the 2 European leaders’ trip, saying that cooperation on COVID-19 response was an EU issue 1st and foremost. (POL, POL 3/1; GDN, HA, REU 3/2; GDN, POL 3/3; AP, DR.DK, HA, POL, REU, TOI 3/4)

U.S. vice president Kamala Harris spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss the ICC investigation into Israel. Vice President Harris expressed support for the normalization deals between Israel, the U.S., and several Arab and African countries during the Trump administration. (REU 3/4; AJ, HA, TOI 3/5)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz told FOX News that Israel is constantly updating preparations to strike Iran. Defense Minister Gantz also said that Hezbollah has hundreds of thousands of missiles. (AP, AJ, FOX, HA 3/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized a tractor near Jericho and assaulted its 2 Palestinian owners as they tried to prevent the seizure, leading to hospitalization of 1 and arrest of the other. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 with sponge grenades. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Hizma and al-Shuyukh. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Silwan and Issawiyya; during the arrest in Silwan, Israeli forces also confiscated 1 Palestinian-owned vehicle. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian lands east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 2/20; PCHR 2/25)

UNRWA announced that it will unify its food basket system in Gaza, canceling double portions for the most vulnerable families to expand its services to another 60,000 people. The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights warned that the move will harm the poorest people in Gaza and that UNRWA needs to enhance its food program. (PCHR 2/21)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas signed a decree banning police pursuits and detentions based on “reasons related to freedom of expression and political affiliation.” The decree also said prisoners held because of political affiliation or for voicing opinions should be released. President Abbas also signed a decree allocating a minimum of 7 seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council to Palestinian Christians. (AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA 2/20; WAFA 2/21)

According to al-Arabiya, the Israeli government has asked Egypt to help negotiate a prisoner release with Hamas. (HA 2/20)

1 Israeli navy ship entered Lebanese territorial waters. (WAFA 2/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in al-Mughayyir, injuring 1 Palestinian with rubber-coated bullets and 1 Palestinian with tear gas canister shrapnel; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian man using live ammunition at a checkpoint near Qusra. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Twana and Kafr Qaddum; 5 were injured by rubber-coated bullets in Kafr Qaddum and tear-gas related injuries were reported during both protests. Israeli forces also sealed off al-Twana. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya and al-Tur. In Israel, Palestinian citizens of Israel protested in Umm al-Fahm against the Israeli police’s inaction in dealing with violence in their community. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/15; PCHR 1/21)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas signed a presidential decree setting dates for Palestinian elections. The elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council are scheduled to be held on 5/22 and presidential elections on 7/31. The decree was signed after weeks of meetings between chairman of the Palestinian Central Election Committee Hanna Nasser and Hamas and Fatah leadership. It remains unclear how the elections will be carried out given the Israeli-controlled physical barriers between Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank. Elections for the PLO National Council are scheduled for 8/31. Hamas welcomed the presidential decree. (AJ, HA, HILL, NYT, WAFA 1/15; AP, GDN, HA, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WSJ 1/16; AJ, SG, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/17; WAFA, WAFA 1/19)

An Israeli court froze the bidding process for an Israeli settlement in East Jerusalem after a petition by Palestinian residents and Ir Amim. The residents and human rights organization complained that 40% of the planned housing would be for Israeli citizens only, forbidding Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem from buying the property. At the same time, the Israeli ministry of housing and the Israel land authority opened the bidding process for the construction of 1,257 new settler units in the Givat Hamatos settlement in East Jerusalem. (HA, PCN 1/15; TOI 1/19 MEE 1/20)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest several Palestinians allegedly attempting to cross into Israel near Rafah. They also open fire on Palestinian shepherds and farmland near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol near Hebron, Qalqilya, and Salfit. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian family’s home in Lod, displacing 11 Palestinian citizens of Israel. (MNA 2/28; MNA 3/1; PCHR 3/7)

Israel’s Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announces his intention to indict Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust, pending a hearing. Netanyahu later responds in a televised speech, pledging to “continue serving” for “many years.” The indictments are widely expected to hurt Netanyahu’s chances in the upcoming election on 4/9. (HA, JP, NYT, TOI, WP, YA 2/28)

The Israeli authorities release Palestinian Legislative Council member Khalida Jarrar (PFLP) from prison, having kept her in detention since 7/2/17. (MNA, WAFA 2/28)

A commission empaneled by the UN Human Rights Council publishes a report concluding that there are “reasonable” indications that the IDF committed war crimes in violently dispersing Great March of Return protests last year. According to the report, 154 of protesters killed were unarmed. (CNN, HA, WP 2/28)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian driver after he allegedly attempts to ram a group of Israeli settlers at Huwwara checkpoint. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian car repair shop near Nablus. Israeli settlers assault and injure a Palestinian shepherd working his land near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, a number of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Lahiya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/26; PCHR 12/27; PCHR 1/3)

PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki says that he plans to initiate an application for the State of Palestine to obtain full membership at the UN during his next visit to New York City in 1/2019. The application, if accepted by the UN Security Council, would see Palestine’s status upgraded from non-member observer state. Later, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon says that Israel and the U.S. are already working together to “stop the [new Palestinian] initiative.” (JP, WAFA 12/26; TOI 12/27)

PA security forces seal off the entrances to the Palestinian Legislative Council building in Ramallah, preventing Hamas officials from holding a planned press conference. A PA official says that although Hamas claims they were attempting to hold a press conference, their true intention was to open a session of the PLC in protest of the 12/22 announcement of a new round of PLC elections. (JP, TOI 12/26)

The High Planning Committee of Israel’s Civil Administration meets for a 2d day to discuss proposals to expand Israel’s West Bank settlements. Between today and yesterday, they have advanced plans for 2,191 new residences in various settlements, 3 new industrial zones, and the retroactive authorization of 2 illegal settlement outposts. Separately, Israel’s Civil Administration announces plans to put together a new proposal for as many as 2,500 new settler residences at the site of the Givat Eitam outpost near Bethlehem, which is within the municipal boundaries of the Efrat settlement, but not contiguous to any of that settlement’s buildings. According to the Israeli NGO Peace Now, an expanded Givat Eitam would “block Bethlehem from the south, and prevent any development in the only direction that has not yet been blocked by settlements.” (HA, PCN, TOI 12/26)

Haaretz reports that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the IDF to declare an end to Operation Northern Shield, but to continue detecting and demolishing the cross-border tunnels allegedly built by Hezbollah. Some senior defense sources say that Netanyahu no longer has a political reason for a formal operation in the north now that he is running for re-election. Meanwhile, the IDF announces that it has uncovered and demolished a 5th cross-border tunnel and the Knesset votes to dissolve itself, officially triggering snap elections. (HA, JP, TOI 12/26; MNA 12/27)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in al-‘Arub refugee camp near Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the area; there are no serious injuries. They arrest 18 Palestinians during further raids near Ramallah, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli MK Yehuda Glick leads more than 100 right-wing Jewish activists on a tour of Haram al-Sharif. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in the Old City. (MNA, WAFA 12/23; PCHR 12/27)

PLO secretary general Saeb Erakat says that the decision, announced on 12/22, to dissolve the Palestinian Legislative Council “goes hand in hand with efforts of transition from the period of the Palestinian Authority to into the State of Palestine period.” (MNA 12/23)

In 4 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem; and patrol near Nablus and Hebron. (PCHR 12/27)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops opened fire on protesters gathering along Gaza’s border on 12/21. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 194. (AFP, MNA, TOI 12/22; PCHR 12/27)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas announces that the Palestinian Constitutional Court has issued an order to dissolve the Hamas-controlled Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) and hold new elections within 6 months. He also says he is committed to implementing the court’s decision, clarifying a plan he first alluded to on 12/8. In response, Hamas releases a statement calling the move an “invalid political decision.” Hamas also calls on Egypt to “block Abbas’s measures that are a fatal blow to the Egyptian endeavors aimed to achieve the Palestinian reconciliation.” The PLC is the PA’s legislative body, but it has not met regularly since Hamas won a majority of the body’s seats in the last election, which was in 2006. (MNA, TOI 12/22; AJ 12/23)

In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolishes their own 2 homes in Silwan in order to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid in Silwan. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in and around Bethlehem and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron. (WAFA 12/8; PCHR 12/13)

An IDF spokesperson announces that Israeli forces have discovered another Hezbollah-built cross-border tunnel in the context of Operation Northern Shield. “The tunnel is booby-trapped right now in a manner that would endanger the life of anyone attempting to enter it from the Lebanese side,” the spokesperson adds. Earlier in the day, IDF troops stationed along the Israel-Lebanon border fire warning shots at 3 people approaching the border fence from the other side. “Troops fired towards the suspects following fire procedures. The 3 fled, and work [to dismantle the tunnels] continues,” an IDF spokesperson later says of the incident. (HA, HA, JP, TOI, YA 12/8; AP, JP 12/9)

In a speech at a conference in Ramallah, PA president Mahmoud Abbas outlines his plans for reforming his relationships with Israel, the U.S. and Hamas. “For the Israelis, we told them that we want to amend or cancel the Paris Agreement. They responded, ‘We will give you the answer after 2, 3 or 4 days.’ Two days later, [DM Avigdor Lieberman], who we were talking to, resigned and now we do not know who we are talking to.” The U.S., Abbas says, asked the Palestinians not to join international organizations. “But after the U.S. decision on Jerusalem, we decided to gradually accede to these organizations, and indeed we acceded to the Universal Postal Union.” Regarding Hamas, Abbas says that “there are a lot of issues between us that we will follow in order to ensure the interests of our people.” He also announces plans to dissolve the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), the PA’s parliament. The announcement is widely seen as Abbas’s latest effort to marginalize Hamas, which won 74 of the PLC’s 132 seats in the most recent election, in 2006. (MNA, REU 12/8; TOI, WAFA 12/9)

Concluding 2 days of talks in Cairo, representatives of Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, reaffirm the 10/12 reconciliation agreement (see JPS 47 [2]), emphasize the need for the PA to take control of Gaza, and call for a new round of elections for the PA presidency, the Palestinian Legislative Council, and the Palestinian National Council by the end of 2018. They do not reach a resolution on the issue of Hamas’s military wing, however. (TOI, WAFA 11/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes under construction in Batir village near Bethlehem, a residential structure and an animal barn in Jiftlik village near Jericho, and a residential building in Bayt Dajan village near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in Issawiyya and another in Shu‘fat, and arrest 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid in Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on and then arrest 2 Palestinians as they are attempting to cross into Israel near Bayt Lahiya (1 Palestinian is injured). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA 11/22; PCHR 11/23; PCHR 11/30)

An Israeli youth succumbs to injuries she sustained in a bombing attack on a bus stop in Jerusalem in 3/2011. (HA, TOI 11/22)

The Arab press reports that PA pres. Abbas has refused a phone call from senior advisor to U.S. pres. Trump Jared Kushner, apparently implementing the Palestinians’ threat, reported on 11/21, to cut off communication with the U.S. in response to the Trump administration’s threat to close the PLO office in Washington. Instead of taking the call, Abbas reportedly referred Kushner to the PLO office in Washington. (HA, TOI 11/22; HA 11/23)

In the West Bank, DFLP activists erect a new memorial in Jenin to Khaled Nazzal, the party leader assassinated by Mossad agents in 1986, hours after IDF troops came under fire while removing the original on 6/30. Late at night, IDF troops rearrest Khalida Jarrar, a leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) mbr., during a raid of her home in Ramallah. She was released from Israeli prison on 6/3/2016, having served 12 mos. on charges related to her PFLP membership. IDF troops arrest 6 more Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolishes its own home in Issawiyya to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya for the 2d day in a row, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian reportedly attempting to cross into Israel in search of a job. Meanwhile, Hamas forces bar a Fatah Central Comm. mbr., Ahmad Halas, from leaving Gaza. Fatah then accuses Hamas of acting “against national [Palestinian] values.” (MNA, WAFA 7/1; HA, MNA, TOI 7/2; MDW 7/4; PCHR 7/6)

For the 6th time this week, errant mortar fire from Syria lands in an open area in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage. The IDF returns fire at the source of the mortar. (MNA, TOI 7/1)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian school in Burin village nr. Nablus, causing no injuries or damage; uproot around 90 grapevine seedlings outside Bethlehem; and assault a Palestinian taxi driver nr. Jerusalem. The IDF patrols nr. Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Dep. Knesset Speaker Moshe Feiglin tours Haram al-Sharif with a group of right-wing Jewish activists in the morning. In West Jerusalem, 2 Jewish Israelis assault and moderately injure a Palestinian taxi driver. In s. Israel, Israeli forces demolish a home in the Bedouin community Umm Batin nr. Beersheba. (MNA, WAFA 3/16; MNA 3/17; PCHR 3/23)

Ahead of his 2d meeting with U.S. envoy Greenblatt this week, Israeli PM Netanyahu says, “We are in the midst of a process of dialogue with the White House and our intention is to reach an agreed-upon policy regarding settlement construction. Agreedupon for us, of course, not just for the [U.S.] side.” Netanyahu and Greenblatt then make progress on the issue, pledging to continue contacts next week, according to a joint statement. Separately, Greenblatt meets with leaders of the Yesha Council, an umbrella organization for settlement municipalities. (HA, JP 3/16; JP 3/17)

Hamas announces the formation of a new comm. to administer Gaza. It will comprise mbrs. of the Hamas-affiliated Palestinian Legislative Council bloc and other senior officials. “Hamas has not formed a substitute govt. to replace the [PA] consensus govt.,” according to senior Hamas official Salah Bardawil. “A governmental administrative comm. was formed, not an actual govt. [The comm.] aims to organize the work of state institutions, and any minister from Ramallah is welcome to come to Gaza and do his job, and the comm. will be at his service,” he adds. (ALM 3/22)

Israeli DM Lieberman names the Palestinian National Fund a terrorist organization due to its “continuous and sustained support of entities responsible for serious terrorist activity against Israel.” The PA fund is primarily used to disburse payments to Palestinians imprisoned in Israel on terrorismrelated charges, and to assist prisoners’ families. PA pres. Abbas calls the move “an Israeli attempt to impede, destroy, and belittle” the ongoing U.S.-led peace-making effort. (JP, TOI 3/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish part of a classroom in a bedouin community nr. Jerusalem, and 6 residences and 9 sheep barns in the n. Jordan Valley. IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians, including 1 Palestinian Legislative Council mbr., during raids and house searches nr. Jenin, Tulkarm, and in and around Hebron; and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron during the day. Palestinian youths throw Molotov cocktails at an Israeli settler’s vehicle late at night nr. Ramallah, injuring 1 settler. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 3 residential buildings in al-Tur and Bayt Safafa. Israeli forces continue targeting Shu‘fat r.c., raiding the camp for the 5th day this week and arresting 6 residents. They arrest 6 more Palestinians during raids in Abu Dis, Qalandia r.c., Jabal Mukabir, and Issawiyya. (MNA, WAFA 9/27; MNA 9/28; PCHR 9/29)

The Israeli police deploy heavily across East Jerusalem ahead of the Jewish High Holidays, issuing a temporary security alert and installing road blocks. (MNA 9/27)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces return the bodies of 2 Palestinians killed in confrontations with Israeli forces on 3/8 and 10/17/2015. They also arrest 6 other Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya and Kafr ‘Aqab; detain a Palestinian youth nr. the Old City after he allegedly stabs and lightly injures an Orthodox Jew. Outside the city, Israeli forces disassemble 12 EUdonated mobile homes nr. al-‘Izzariya, displacing approximately 90 bedouin Palestinians. In the West Bank, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops conduct latenight house searches and raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah, arresting 3 Palestinians (including 1 mbr. of the Palestinian Legislative Council); and patrol during the day nr. Hebron, Jenin, Salfit, and Qalqilya. They also violently disperse Palestinian youths throwing stones nr. Ramallah, injuring 1. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 5/16; HA, MNA 5/17; PCHR 5/19)

The Israeli crackdown on the oPt amid the ongoing wave of violence continues. IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinians outside a settlement nr. Ramallah and along Gaza’s border e. of Khan Yunis, injuring 4. Meanwhile, the IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Jerusalem and Jenin, sparking clashes with stone-throwers (2 Palestinians are injured with live ammunition); conducts raids around Jenin and patrols across the West Bank. Masked assailants assault Palestinian Legislative Council mbr. Mustafa Barghouti in Ramallah, shouting “let the intifada protect you” and causing minor injuries before fleeing the area. The PA then launches an investigation into the attack. Israeli settlers continue assaults on Palestinians and their property, damaging a Palestinian greenhouse nr. Jenin; setting fire to a car in East Jerusalem and leaving price-tag graffiti nr. the scene. A Palestinian family demolishes its own home in Bayt Hanina, responding to the Israeli police’s 4/2015 order giving them until today to destroy the building or accept a fine of NIS 60,000 (around $15,430). Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians on raids in the Old City, al-Tur, al-Suwana, Silwan, Shu‘fat, and Issawiyya. In Israel, an Israeli rabbi succumbs to injuries sustained on 11/18/2014 when 2 Palestinians attacked a synagogue in West Jerusalem, bringing the number of Israelis killed in the attack to 6. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 10/24; HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 10/25; PCHR 10/29)

After meeting with PA pres. Abbas and Jordan’s King Abdullah in Amman, U.S. secy. of state Kerry announces that they and Israeli PM Netanyahu have reached a series of understandings, including an Israeli-Jordanian agreement to install cameras at Haram al-Sharif to broadcast live 24 hours a day. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 10/24; HA, JP 10/25)

In the West Bank, an Israeli man from Beersheba goes missing nr. Hebron. IDF troops conduct a number of searches in surrounding villages and set up numerous mobile checkpoints in an effort to find the man and his alleged kidnappers. The man is found alive 10 hours later nr. Hebron, having staged the kidnapping for “romantic purposes.” Nr. Salfit, Israeli forces demolish 120 olive trees. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in 2 villages nr. Jenin, arresting 1; patrols in 6 villages nr. Hebron, 2 nr. Ramallah, and 1 nr. Qalqilya. They also arrest Palestine Legislative Council (PLC) member and PFLP activist Khalida Jarrar in al-Bireh nr. Ramallah for allegedly violating restrictions on her movement. (She will be ordered to serve 6 mos. administrative detention on 4/5) A Palestinian man stabs an Israeli soldier nr. Nablus after IDF troops detain him and 5 other Palestinians attempting to cross over the separation wall. Israeli settlers throw stones at 2 Palestinian houses in a village nr. Nablus, then Israeli troops arrive and arrest the 2 homeowners. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 4/2; JP, MNA 4/3; EI, MNA 4/5; HA 4/6; PCHR 4/9)

On a visit to Hebron, PA PM Hamdallah says that Israel has still not transferred the recently unfrozen tax revenues to the PA as the Israeli PM’s office announced it would on 3/27. PA Pres. Abbas threatens to lodge a complaint with the ICC if the Israeli govt. does not transfer the funds. (MNA 4/2; TOI 4/3)

Israel’s Supreme Court rules in favor of Palestinian petitioners hoping to avert an Israeli plan to extend the separation wall through their land nr. Jerusalem. The plan, which has been contested since the IDF ordered it in 2006, would have expropriated of 3,000 dunams of private Palestinian and Vaticanowned land. (AP, MNA, TOI, YA 4/2)

Israeli PM Netanyahu and Energy and Water Minister Silvan Shalom authorize a $500 m. deal between the Delek Group and Noble Energy (energy companies in control of Israel’s offshore Tamar natural gas field) and 2 Jordanian companies that would ship 1.87 b. m3 of natural gas to Jordan over the next 15 years. (TOI 4/3)

In Lausanne, Switzerland, reps. of the P5+1 and Iran extend their 3/31 deadline, then agree on “key parameters” for a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in their negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. They will continue to negotiate on technical details ahead of their 6/30 deadline for a JCPOA. Pres. Obama says he will begin talks with congressional leaders to find a way for Congress to play a constructive oversight role in the implementation of the agreement. (AFP, BB, GDN, HA, NYT, POL 4/2; HA, TOI, YA 4/3)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of al-Maghazi fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids targeting Hamas in Nur Shams r.c. and Tulkarm r.c., arresting 7 Palestinians; also conducts house searches and raids in and around Nablus, in Balata r.c., and Hebron, arresting 6 Palestinians, including a PA security officer; patrols in and around Jenin; confiscates a garbage truck and a tractor nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers uproot over 500 olive trees outside Hebron. In Abu Dis, Israeli soldiers enter the rebuilt “Gate of Jerusalem” protest tent camp (see 2/16) to take pictures and prepare for another round of raids, demolitions, and evacuations. The PA security forces (PASF) raid the office of 2 Palestinian Legislative Council mbrs. in Ramallah, arresting the office manager. In East Jerusalem, 58 Israeli settlers escorted by 20 Israeli soldiers tour Haram al-Sharif. (AFP, MNA, WAFA 2/18; MNA, PCHR, WAFA 2/19; PCHR 2/26)

Israel’s Supreme Court overturns the Central Election Comm.’s (CEC) 2/12 decision to bar MK Haneen Zoabi (Balad) from participating in the 3/17 election. (AFP, HA, TOI, YA 2/18; WAFA 2/19)

White House and State Dept. spokespersons confirm that the U.S. is not passing complete information to Israel about the contents of the negotiations between Iran and the P5+1, saying Israel is inaccurately “characterizing our negotiating position.” Meanwhile, over 20 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives sign on to a letter to Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) asking him to postpone Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress until after the Israeli elections on 3/17. (POL 1/28; AP, HA, YA 2/18; AFP, HI 2/19)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a junction between Bethlehem and Hebron, later alleging that the man was attempting to steal a car. The IDF raids the home of 2 PA security officers nr. Nablus, and Palestinian officials call it a provocative step. On a late-night arrest raid in Jenin r.c., Israeli soldiers shoot and injure a Palestinian man with rubber-coated metal bullets and arrest 4 others, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents and arresting 1 more. Hours after unknown assailants shoot at an Israeli military vehicle nr. Abud village n. of Ramallah, Israeli forces conduct house-to-house raids in the village, fire stun grenades and flares, and shut down a road leading to a nearby monastery. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Salfit and Hebron; demolishes 1 Palestinian home and 2 animal shelters in a village nr. Ramallah; arrests a Palestinian outside the Gush Etzion settlement nr. Bethlehem. Separately, an Israeli settler runs over with his car 2 sheep belonging to a Palestinian nr. Nablus. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli authorities reopen the Erez border crossing, having closed it on 1/8. IDF troops e. of Rafah open fire on agricultural land nr. the border fence, causing damage. Dozens of employees of the Hamas-run govt. protest outside the PA unity govt.’s headquarters in Gaza City, calling for their full salaries to be paid for the 1st time since 6/2. In East Jerusalem, unknown Israelis vandalize 11 Palestinian-owned vehicles in Bayt Safafa, puncturing tires and leaving racist pricetag graffiti. Israeli forces conduct a house search in al-‘Izzariya, arresting 2 Palestinians. In s. Israel, an Israeli police officer shoots and kills a 22-year-old Palestinian with live ammunition during an arrest raid in Rahat in the Negev, sparking clashes between the police and local Palestinians. Separately, Israeli forces demolish several steel structures in the nearby Palestinian bedouin village al-‘Araqib. This is the 80th time Israeli authorities have ordered demolitions in the village since 2010, when it was 1st targeted. (JP, MEE, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 1/14; MNA, PCHR, WAFA 1/15; EI 1/16; PCHR 1/22; OCHA 1/23)

Hamas reactivates Gaza’s separate Palestinian Legislative Council and convenes a session of the body, a move that contravenes the national reconciliation deal that was announced on 4/23. No other parties attend the session. The decision comes after 2 weeks of increased tension between Hamas and the PA unity govt. (AFP, MNA, NYT 1/14; MNA 1/15)

PA Pres. Abbas meets with Egyptian pres. al-Sisi in Cairo to discuss Abbas’s proposed resubmission of the draft UNSC res. and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. (MNA, REU, WAFA 1/14)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with Iranian FM Zarif in Geneva to discuss the negotiations over Iran’s disputed nuclear program. Kerry says he is hoping to “accelerate the process to make greater progress,” but he will not participate in the coming 3 days of bilateral talks or the broader talks between reps. of Iran and the full P5+1 on 1/18. (ALM 1/17)

In the Sinai Peninsula, the Sinai Province of the Islamic State kills 3 bedouins suspected of collaborating with Israel. (MNA 1/15)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli jets conduct a series of mock raids. IDF troops along the s. border open fire on agricultural lands, causing damage but no injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian-owned barn in Hebron and several shops in a village nr. Bethlehem. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron. An Israeli settler kills 16 sheep owned by Palestinians in Aqraba village, s. of Nablus, by spraying pesticides in sheep-grazing areas. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activists enter Haram al-Sharif with an escort of Israeli security forces. (MNA, WAFA 1/5; AP, MNA 1/6)

In Gaza City, reps. of Islamic Jihad and Hamas discuss the PA’s accession to the ICC, the failed UNSC res., and the conditions for Palestinians in Gaza. Later, Hamas condemns the possible resubmission of the failed res., with spokesperson Abu Zuhri saying, “such a step would be political foolishness.” Meanwhile, the U.S. State Dept., the EU Delegation to the Palestinian Legislative Council, and Israeli pres. Rivlin all criticize the Israeli govt.’s 1/1 decision to freeze the transfer of tax revenues in response to the PA’s accession to the ICC. (AFP, AP, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/5)

The IDF continues its aerial assault on the Gaza Strip with strikes on 46 targets, killing 5 Palestinians and injuring dozens more. The armed Palestinian groups launch approximately 130 projectiles into Israel, killing 1 Israeli child nr. Sderot, wounding 8, and causing damage across s. Israel. (One of the wounded Israelis, an IDF sgt., will succumb to his injuries on 8/29.) Meanwhile, Hamas executes 18 suspected collaborators with Israel, as the group’s crackdown on informants continues. PA Pres. Abbas’s office denounces the execution, calling it “extrajudicial.” In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and wound a Palestinian as they violently disperse Palestinians protesting OPE in Bethlehem. Additional clashes break out at demonstrations across the West Bank, including Qalandia, Ofer prison, Jalazun r.c., and Bayt Furik, where 10 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops conduct house searches and raid in Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Qalqilya, 2 nr. Hebron, 2 nr. Ramallah, and 1 nr. Dura, arresting 3, including a mbr. of the Palestinian Legislative Council. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at a weekly demonstration against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Nil‘in), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries, except in Kafr Qaddum, where 1 is wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet. In East Jerusalem, clashes break out in al-Tur when Israeli forces patrol the neighborhood. No injuries or arrests are reported. (YA 8/22; HA 8/23; PCHR 8/28)

For a 2d day of talks, PA Pres. Abbas meets with Qatari emir Bin Hamad al-Thani and Hamas leader Mishal to discuss the continued Israeli assault and possible future cease-fire negotiations. The 2 Palestinian leaders make a statement calling on the UN to create a “timetable” for an end to the Israeli occupation. (MEMO, Yahoo! 8/22; AFP, HA, MNA 8/23)

Following the death of the Israeli boy early in the day, PM Netanyahu says that “Hamas will pay a heavy price” and that the “IDF and the Shin Bet will intensify their operations.” (HA 8/23)

In the Gaza Strip, armed Palestinians fire 4 rockets into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF responds with 8 air strikes in the Gaza Strip, targeting military training sites belonging to Hamas’s Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, Islamic Jihad’s al-Quds Brigades, and the Popular Resistance Comms. (PRC) in the c. Gaza Strip, Rafah, and Khan Yunis. Damage is sustained, and 2 civilians are wounded when they are hit by shrapnel in separate attacks. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. Meanwhile, a 10-year-old boy dies, succumbing to injuries sustained in an Israeli air strike on 6/11. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Ramallah and 8 villages nearby, Nablus and 4 villages and ‘Askar r.c. nearby, Tulkarm and 3 villages and Nur Shams r.c. nearby, Tubas and 1 village and al-Fara‘a r.c. nearby, Jenin and 1 nearby village, Jericho and ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. nearby, 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Jerusalem, and al-Bireh at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho, 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Jewish settlers stone Palestinian vehicles nr. Nablus, injuring 3 and causing damage. Separately, Jewish settlers throw stones at Palestinians and their homes in Susia nr. Hebron. (HA, JP, MNA 6/14; PCHR 6/19)

Israeli PM Netanyahu announces that the Israeli govt. holds the PA responsible for the fate of the 3 missing Israeli teenagers, since “the terrorists originated from Palestinian territory.” Anonymous PA officials tell the media that Abbas has instructed his security services to help in the manhunt. Meanwhile, the IDF continues intensive sweeps of the s. West Bank, and wideranging arrest raids, which pick up 80 Palestinians, including 4 mbrs. of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC). The IDF also imposes a closure on the s. West Bank, from Bethlehem to the Hebron region. IDF sources tell the media that the working assumption is that the youth are alive. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 6/15)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinians collecting scrap metal close to the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun, wounding 1. In the West Bank, the IDF wound 1 Palestinian during clashes in Nablus during a patrol designed to protect the movement of Jewish settlers. IDF troops demolish 2 houses in al- ‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, prompting clashes with residents. Three are injured by rubber-coated metal bullets. IDF troops also fire tear gas into the grounds of 2 schools in al-Khadir, nr. Bethlehem. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 nearby villages, and in 1 village nr. Jenin at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron, in Tulkarm and 1 nearby village, and 1 village nr. Jericho at night. In Israel, a car owned by a Palestinian citizen is vandalized, the 6th such hate crime in the town over the last mo. Meanwhile, residents of Furaydis hold a general strike to protest the “price tag” attack on 4/29, where racist graffiti was sprayed on a mosque. Israeli PM Netanyahu condemns the attack and says that the govt. is tackling those responsible. (HA, MNA, WAFA 4/30; PCHR 5/8)

Senior Palestinian official Shaath says that the Palestinian leadership will look to take action at the international level, in light of the breakdown in negotiations he says were foiled by Israel. (WAFA 4/30)

Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmad says that PA Pres. Abbas will issue a presidential decree to convene the Palestinian Legislative Council— which has not convened since 2007—while elections will not take place for another 6 mos. Hamas and Fatah officials reactivate a subcmte. on civil liberties, as part of the implementation of the reconciliation agreement. Topics for the new subcmte. to deal with include the end of a ban on West Bank newspapers in Gaza. Meanwhile, around 1,000 Hamas supporters march through Ramallah, marking the return of the remains of 2 Hamas fighters killed by Israel in 1998. Speaking to mourners by telephone, Hamas leader Khalid Mish‘al affirms that the organization’s “path is resistance and the rifle,” and that Palestinians were in need of a joint, unified strategy to secure the “liberation of our lands and holy sites.” (AFP, JP, MEMO, MNA, REU 4/30)

Israeli leaders defend the 11/21 Gaza cease-fire in the face of strong criticism from politicians like Yesh Atid’s Yair Lapid and Kadima’s Shaul Mofaz, who believe that the operation had not successfully restored ‘‘deterrence.’’ DM Barak asserts that ‘‘it is still not time to enter Gaza in a very wide operation and conquer it.’’ Barak also reveals that Israel dropped 1,000 times as many explosives on the Gaza Strip as landed on its soil. FM Lieberman (Yisrael Beiteinu) states that Israel will ‘‘eventually need to overthrow the Hamas regime.’’ (INN, JP, REU, YA 11/22)

In Gaza, Palestinian factions organize a major rally in Gaza City to celebrate the cease-fire and call for national reconciliation. On a rare visit to Gaza since the Hamas takeover in 2007, Fatah Central Comm. mbr. Nabil Shaath tells the crowds that Israel failed to isolate them from the West Bank. PM Ismail Haniyeh tells the rally that the ‘‘resistance fighters changed the rules of the game’’ but that the fighters should ‘‘guard’’ the truce ‘‘as long as Israel respects it.’’ (AP, MNA 11/22)

Meanwhile, the toll of Operation Pillar of Defense continues to climb: an Israeli soldier dies from injuries sustained by a Palestinian rocket attack during the operation, becoming the 2d soldier and 6th Israeli to die in the fighting. In the Gaza Strip, rescue workers pull the bodies of 2 more Palestinians from the rubble of the Dalou family home (bombed on 11/18), raising the Palestinian toll to 160. Though the ceasefire generally continues to hold, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians who protest at the border fence nr. Khan Yunis, injuring 1 man. (AP, MNA 11/22; PCHR 11/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli authorities transfer 30 Palestinian prisoners to administrative detention, apparently because of their involvement in solidarity events for Gaza. (MNA 11/22)

The IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm in the afternoon; conducts house searches and arrests in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning and in Qalqilya, al-Bireh, Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, 3 villages nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jenin, 1 village nr. Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Tulkarm, Nur Shams r.c. nr. Tulkarm, 1 village nr. Ramallah, and Bethlehem, 4 nearby villages, and Dahaysha r.c. and al-Azza r.c. (both nr. Bethlehem) at night. Those detained overnight include at least 5 mbrs. of the Palestinian parliament affiliated with Hamas. Right-wing Jewish extremists chop down 300 olive trees belonging to Palestinians nr. Hebron, leaving graffiti nearby reading ‘‘price tag’’ and ‘‘regards from Beersheba and Tel Aviv.’’ (MNA 11/22; MNA, ToI 11/23; PCHR 11/29)

The European Parliament passes a resolution expressing support for ‘‘Palestine’s bid to become a UN nonmember observer.’’ (EJP 11/22)

The Lebanese army disables a rocket aimed at Israel and say 2 others were fired but fell short of the border. No group claims responsibility. (REU 11/22)

Palestinian newspaper al-Quds alArabi reports that PA pres. Abbas has sent letters to world leaders, including U.S. pres. Obama and the heads of EU mbr. states, to ask that they back the Palestinian bid for non-member status at the UNGA. (JP 10/28)

The Israeli military carries out an air strike nr. Khan Yunis, killing 1 armed Palestinian, wounding another. PRC mbrs. fire a Grad rocket that lands nr. Beersheba, causing no injuries. Unidentified Palestinians fire another 2 rockets into Israel late at night, causing no injuries. A smuggling tunnel under the Rafah border collapses, killing 3 Palestinians. An estimated 160 Palestinians have died in the tunnels since 2006. In the West Bank, the IDF arrests the secy.-gen. of the Palestinian parliament, Mahmud al-Ramahi, at the Huwwara checkpoint nr. Nablus; he had been released from Israeli jail less than 4 mos. before. (MNA 10/27; JP, REU 10/28)