The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers graze their sheep on Palestinian land in al-‘Awja, damaging wheat and barley crops. Israeli settlers also throw stones at Palestinian vehicles and block the road leading to the Huwwara checkpoint. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, causing damage. Israeli settlers also attack a Palestinian home in Khalayl al-Louz. Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians in Huwwara, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolish 6 commercial structures in al-‘Awja and issue a stop-work notice for a home in Deir Balut. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seize a tractor in Qarawat Bani Hassan. Israeli forces also close the entrance to Husan. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 25 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Tubas, Tulkarm, Aqraba, Hebron, and Bethlehem. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Dayr al-Balah, Rafah, Khan Yunis, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 63 people, including 7 aid workers of Palestinian, Polish, American, British, and Australian nationality from World Central Kitchen in Dayr al-Balah. Israeli forces also withdraw from al-Shifa Hospital after a 14-day siege, leaving it completely destroyed; witnesses say that hundreds of bodies are found in and around the hospital. The Gaza Media Office says that 400 Palestinians were killed during the attack on al-Shifa. In the Naqab, Israeli police arrest the sister of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who is an Israeli citizen, in Tel as-Sabi. A drone launched from Iraq damages an Israeli military building in Eliat; no injuries are reported. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq takes responsibility. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Rachaya Al Foukhar. In Jordan, protesters demonstrate near the Israeli embassy in Amman for the ninth day in a row. In Syria, Israeli forces target an Iranian consulate building in Damascus with airstrikes, assassinating Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp senior commander Mohammad Reza Zahedi and killing 11 others. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/1; AJ, AP, AP, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA 4/2; AP, UNOCHA 4/3; NYT 4/4)

More than 32,845 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,750 children and 8,900 women, and around 75,392 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 445 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 112 children. More than 4,700 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 254 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,520 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 190 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (AJ, HA, WAFA 4/1; AP, AP, NYT 4/2; UNOCHA, UNOCHA 4/3)

World Central Kitchen (WCK) suspends all operations in Gaza after 7 of its workers are killed in an Israeli airstrike (see above), returning 3 ships docked off the coast of Gaza carrying 240 tons of aid to Cyprus. The organization runs 68 community kitchens in Gaza and has sent some 1,700 truckloads of aid into Gaza. Several investigations into the Israeli bombing of the WCK aid convoy reveal that the 3 vehicles the aid workers were in were targeted in 3 strikes 1.5 miles apart. The 3 vehicles were clearly marked with WCK’s logo on the top of the cars. The Israeli narrative changes several times during the period after the attack, from saying an armed person was traveling with the vehicles to saying the clearly marked vehicles were misidentified. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls the attack “unintended” and “tragic” and says “[t]hese things happen in wartime.” UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese says the Israeli attack was a deliberate effort to starve the population of Gaza. Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese calls Netanyahu, expressing “anger and concern” at the killing of the Australian aid worker. U.S. president Joe Biden says he is “outraged and heartbroken,” adding Israel is not doing enough to protect aid workers. The White House claims that there is no evidence that the aid workers were killed deliberately. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres says 196 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since 10/7/2023. Refugees International president Jeremy Konyndyk calls the attack “a clear war crime.” Hamas labels the attack terrorism. (REU 4/1; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AX, AX, BC, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/2; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, AX, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 4/3; NYT 4/4)

The Israeli Civil Administration announces that it will seize 206.3 dunams (51 acres) of land in Jiftlik, adding it to the settlement council in the Jordan Valley and declare 170 dunams (42 acres) of Palestinian land south of Furaydis near the Etzion settlement bloc as state land. (AJ, PCN, WAFA 4/1; PCN 4/2)

The Knesset passes a law allowing the Israeli government to ban Al Jazeera in Israel in a 71-10 vote. Al Jazeera says Prime Minister Netanyahu, who called it a “terror channel,” is lying about the news organization to justify the killing of its employees. Minister for the development of the Negev (Naqab) and Galilee Yitzhak Wasserlauf calls for the resettlement of Gaza. (AJ, AP, AP, HA, NYT, REU 4/1; AJ 4/2)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas speaks with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken in a phone call, calling on the U.S. to stop the Israeli attacks on Gaza. The 2 also discuss the new PA government. PA ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour calls on the UN Security Council to schedule a vote on full Palestinian membership of the UN in April. The UN General Assembly voted to grant Palestine full membership in 2011 but the decision was never discussed at the Security Council. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 4/1; AP 4/2)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary Blinken hold a virtual meeting with Israeli national security advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, discussing Israel’s planned invasion of Rafah. A joint statement says Israel has agreed to take U.S. concerns into account. Reuters reports that the U.S. considering approving an arms transfer to Israel worth $18 billion, including 25 F-15 fighter jets. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre says the Biden administration is seeking more information from Israel about footage of executions at al-Shifa Hospital. Jean-Pierre also express concern over Israel’s push to ban Al Jazeera. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 4/1; AJ, AP, HA, NYT 4/2; AX 4/3)

At the UN Security Council, France circulates a draft resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, condemning Hamas’ attack on Israel on 10/7/2023, and demanding immediate access for aid into Gaza. (AP 4/2)

Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says Israeli failures in Gaza have led to Israel targeting the Iranian consulate in Damascus, calling for a serious international response. Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi says the attack will not go unanswered. Pakistan and Syria condemn Israel’s attack. Russia requests that the UN Security Council convene on 4/2 to discuss the attack. Axios reports that the U.S. tells Iran that it did not have any involvement in the attack. (AJ, HA, HA, NYT 4/1; AP, AX, HA, REU 4/2; AP, REU 4/3)

Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez tells reporters in Amman that he expects Spain will recognize the State of Palestine by July and that many other countries in the EU would do the same. (AJ, HA, HA, REU 4/2)

Sri Lanka donates $1 million to UNRWA. (WAFA 4/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort raided Duma, setting cars on fire and attacking Palestinians. Israeli forces shot and injured a Palestinian with live ammunition who was trying to fend off the settlers. Israeli settlers also set fire to a tent near Kisan; the Palestinian couple who owned the tent were later reported missing. Elsewhere, an Israeli settler attempted to ram Palestinians on a street in Tuqu’. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling west of Jericho, causing damage. Israeli forces also shot and killed a Palestinian who allegedly attempted to ram soldiers at a checkpoint in Hebron using a tractor. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Arroub refugee camp, killing a Palestinian and injuring 1 other with live ammunition. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a funeral procession in Beit Umar, killing 1 person and injuring 5 with live ammunition and others with baton rounds and tear gas. Israeli forces also shot and injured 2 people with live ammunition and injured 12 others with tear gas in ‘Ayn Bus. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Huwwara, injuring 3 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Jalamah checkpoint, injuring 2 with live ammunition. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Bireh, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 3 with baton rounds. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at a checkpoint near Beit Furik, causing tear-gas related injuries. 40 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Tulkarm, Nablus, Salfit, Tubas, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Isawiya, injuring 1 with live ammunition. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed nearly 200 Palestinians and caused widespread destruction. Near Gaza, Palestinian militants attacked Kibbutz Sa’ad and Kibbutz Be’eri; no injuries were reported. Hamas fired rockets at Jerusalem, hitting targets around the city and in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc, saying it was retaliation for Israeli attacks on civilian targets. Near the Blue Line, mortar shells were fired from Lebanon toward Israel; no injuries were reported. Israel also said it had 3 killed gunmen entering Israel from Lebanon; Hezbollah denied having an active operation into Israel. Islamic Jihad later claimed responsibility. Israel later fired artillery shells at Marwahin and used combat helicopters to attack South Lebanon, killing 5 members of Hezbollah. 3 Israeli soldiers were killed and 5 injured by forces in Lebanon. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/9; AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 10/10; HA 10/11)

The Gaza Ministry of Health reported that as of 9:30 p.m. at least 687 Palestinians had been killed and 3,800 injured in Gaza, while 17 Palestinians, including 4 children, had been killed and 295 injured in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7. Israeli media reported more than 900 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 2,616 injured. Israel said it had hit 500 targets in Gaza overnight and 1,100 since 10/7. Hamas said Israeli airstrikes have killed 4 Israeli captives in Gaza. The UN reported that more than 187,518 Palestinians were displaced, including 137,427 sheltering in UNRWA facilities. 790 housing units were destroyed and 5,330 were damaged since 10/7. (AJ, ALM, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/9; ALM, AP 10/10)

The Israeli emergency rescue organization Zaka said that the bodies of 108 Israelis were found in Kibbutz Be’eri as were the bodies of Palestinian militants. Military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said the bodies of 70 militants were found in the town. (HA 10/10; AP 10/11)

Hamas’ Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson Abu Obaida said the Qassem Brigades would not negotiate the release of captives while Gaza was being bombarded. Earlier in the day Abu Obaida said Qassam Brigades would begin executing 1 Israeli captive each time Israel bombs a civilian target. There was no indication that the threat was carried out as civilian buildings were being bombed by Israel. Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk told Al Jazeera that Hamas is open to discussing a truce and all political dialogue. Hamas leader Ali Barakeh said only half a dozen members of Hamas planned the attack on Israel on 10/7 and none of its allies were informed but Hezbollah and Iran would join the battle if “Gaza is subject to a war of annihilation.” (AJ, REU, REU, REU 10/9; AJ, AP, HA 10/10)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, and Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman about the Hamas-Israel war. In a statement, bin Salman’s office said Saudi Arabia “continues to stand with the Palestinian people in their pursuit for their legitimate rights, striving for a dignified life, realizing their hopes and aspirations, and achieving a just and lasting peace.” (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/9)

Israeli military spokesperson Hagari said Israel had regained control in all communities surrounding Gaza but that Palestinian militants still could be in the area. (HA 10/9)

Reuters reported that Qatar was mediating a prisoner exchange that will see Israeli women and children released by Hamas in exchange for the release of 36 Palestinian women and children from Israeli prisons. Egyptian sources also said that Egypt was in close contact with Israel and Hamas to prevent further escalation, calling on Israel to exercise restraint and Hamas to keep the captives in good condition. (HA, REU, REU 10/9; HA, HA 10/10; HA 10/11)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant said that he had ordered that no power, water, food, or gas enters Gaza, saying “[w]e are fighting human animals and we act accordingly.” His office later said Gallant had ordered the intensity of the Gaza bombings to increase. Several Israeli politicians called for the formation of an emergency unity government, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who said the emergency government should “bring about the complete elimination of Hamas and the terrorist organizations in Gaza.” Benny Gantz’s National Unity party demanded that Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir not be part of the war cabinet and that no legislation unrelated to the war would be promoted. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 10/9; AP 10/10)

Axios reported that Israeli prime minister Netanyahu told U.S. president Joe Biden that Israel will invade Gaza. The Washington Post reported that the U.S. is preparing for a prolonged war in Gaza and is assessing Israeli diplomatic, political, and military needs. The White House briefed members of Congress that Israel will need replenishment for the Iron Dome, ammunition rounds, precision-guided missiles, and small-diameter bombs. Biden said in a briefing that 11 U.S. citizens have been killed by Hamas and that there likely are U.S. captives being held in Gaza. The U.S. also said Iran was complicit in the Hamas attack and warned Iran about getting involved in the fighting. Iran denied any involvement or knowledge. (ALM, HA, HA, REU, REU 10/9; HA, REU, REU 10/10)

Egyptian officials said they had warned Israel about an imminent attack from Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office denied having received warnings. (HA 10/9)

President Erdoğan spoke to Israeli president Isaac Herzog, urging him to end indiscriminate attacks on Gaza. (AJ, ALM 10/9)

The UN Security Council convened a meeting on the situation in Gaza without releasing a statement. Secretary-General Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and said 137,000 Palestinians were sheltering in UNRWA facilities. Guterres also said he was deeply distressed by Israel’s decision to prevent all power, food, and gas from entering Gaza. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 10/9; AJ, HA 10/10)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken deleted a tweet on X in which he said he “encouraged Turkey’s advocacy for a cease-fire.” The tweet was replaced by language that supported Israel’s “right to defend itself.” (HA 10/9)

Hungary, Bulgaria, and Poland evacuated hundreds of their own citizens and European and Israeli nationals from Israel. (HA, HA 10/9)

The U.S., Germany, the UK, France, and Italy issued a joint statement of support for Israel, saying the countries are coordinating to “ensure Israel is able to defend itself, and to ultimately set the conditions for a peaceful and integrated Middle East region.” (AP, REU 10/9; HA, HA 10/10)

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov condemned violence against Palestinians and Israelis and criticized the U.S. for its “destructive policy” of undermining the Quartet by monopolizing Israeli-Palestinian dialogue during a press conference with Arab League secretary-general Ahmed Aboul Gheit. (REU, WAFA 10/9)

The EU, Germany, and Austria said they suspended all aid to Palestinians in response to Hamas’ operation in Israel. None of the aid in question is delivered to Hamas. Later EU countries, including Ireland, France, Spain, and Luxembourg, objected to the EU Commission's decision and EU Crisis Management commissioner Janez Lanercic said the EU aid would continue. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, REU 10/9; AJ 10/10)

The Bank of Israel said it will sell $30 billion of foreign currency to maintain the shekel’s stability in light of the war with Hamas. The shekel had lost 10% of its value compared to the dollar in 2023 before the war. (AJ, ALM, HA, REU 10/9)

IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor outside the Gush Etzion settlement near Ramallah after he allegedly stabs and critically injures 2 Israeli settlers. One of the settlers succumbs to his injuries soon after the confrontation. IDF troops raid the alleged attacker’s home in Yatta village near Hebron late at night, taking measurements and threatening punitive demolition. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians and confiscate some property during raids near Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol near Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Hebron. Israeli settlers chase Palestinian shepherds from a field near Jericho. Settlers also congregate on the main Nablus-Ramallah road in the evening to protest the alleged stabbing attack near Ramallah earlier in the day. Some throw rocks at Palestinian vehicles in the area, causing minor damage. In East Jerusalem, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Palestinian minors throw stones at a bus carrying Palestinian prisoners in Qalandia refugee camp, sparking minor clashes with Israeli forces in the area; 2 Palestinian are injured and 2 are arrested. Late at night, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering to continue the Great March of Return for a 3d day in a row near Rafah and Khan Yunis; 1 Palestinian is injured. In northern Israel, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian-owned home in al-Ramla. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, PNN, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 9/16; JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 9/17; PCHR 9/20)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians demonstrating outside Ofer Prison near Ramallah in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners; there are no serious injuries (4 Palestinians are arrested). They also violently disperse Palestinians protesting U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/2017 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in al-Bireh; there are no serious injuries. The IDF arrests 12 Palestinians during raids near Salfit, Tulkarm, Jenin, and Ramallah; violently assaults and injures a Palestinian at a mobile checkpoint near Ramallah; and patrols near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli forces raze almost 50 dunams (approximately 12 acres) of Palestinian land planted with olive trees, clearing space for the extension of the separation wall near Jenin. Israeli settlers slaughter 20 sheep and steal approximately 70 more from a Palestinian shepherd working near Nablus. They also visit religious sites outside a village near Nablus, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents in the area; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a small Palestinian shop in Bayt Hanina and an agricultural structure and a house in Shu‘fat. They also arrest 5 Palestinian children as they are leaving school in Shu‘fat refugee camp. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian protesters congregating near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. They arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel near Jabaliya refugee camp In 2 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, injuring 1 fisherman. (HA, MNA, WAFA 2/21; MNA, PCHR 2/22; PCHR 3/1)

A Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained in border clashes with the IDF in Gaza on 2/16. (TOI, WAFA 2/21)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions. Although they initially stated that the crossing would remain open through 2/23, they close it after only a few hours. (JP, WAFA 2/21)

In a meeting of Israel’s security cabinet, IDF Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot says it was a “mistake” to return 2 Palestinian corpses to their families last week. He says that the protocol for returning such corpses has since been changed, but does not offer any details. (TOI 2/21)

The Jerusalem Municipality announces the construction of 3,000 new housing units for Israeli settlers between Gilo and the Gush Etzion settlement bloc. (WAFA 2/22; MEMO 2/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 5 bedouin Palestinian residential structures in the E1 area nr. Jerusalem, displacing 26 bedouins; begin leveling land s. of Bethlehem in preparation for the construction of a military tower. The IDF conducts late-night raids and house searches in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, Tulkarm r.c., and 1 village each nr. Salfit and Ramallah, arresting 10 Palestinians; patrols in 4 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police raid the International Comm. of the Red Cross office overnight, arresting 6 Palestinian activists who have been staging a sit-in in protest of the Israeli orders to deport 2 of them. Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes in Silwan; arrest a Palestinian at Haram al-Sharif; arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Jabal Mukabir and al-‘Izzariya. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian bedouin mosque in a so-called unrecognized village in the Negev. (HA, MNA 1/6; PCHR, WAFA 1/7; HA, MNA 1/8; PCHR 1/14)

The Israeli press reports that DM Moshe Ya’alon has approved, in recent weeks, the Gush Etzion settlement’s request to incorporate a nearby property into its municipality. (HA, JP, TOI 1/6)

Stabbing and alleged stabbing attacks continue in the West Bank and Jerusalem, leading to the deaths of 2 Palestinians. First, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian youth in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc nr. Bethlehem after he allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli settler (no Israelis are injured). E. of Tulkarm, an Israeli soldier shoots and kills a Palestinian at a checkpoint, claiming that she attempted to stab him. Finally, a Palestinian stabs and lightly injures an Israeli civilian in West Jerusalem. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian woman each in Hebron, outside a settlement nr. Nablus, and s. of Bethlehem, claiming that the women are carrying knives. A video of the Bethlehem incident will show IDF troops forcing the Palestinian woman to pick up a knife prior to her arrest. Late at night, Israeli troops raid the Nablus-area home of the Palestinian woman accused of planning a stabbing attack outside a nearby settlement earlier in the day. They detain and threaten her family. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA, 12/1; PCHR 12/3)

Elsewhere in the oPt, IDF troops chase, shoot, and injure 3 Palestinian youths in Hebron, alleging that they were preparing to throw Molotov cocktails at an IDF post. IDF troops also conduct late-night raids in 3 villages, al-‘Arub r.c. and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, ‘Askar r.c. nr. Nablus, and Dayr ‘Ammar nr. Ramallah, arresting 18 Palestinians and issuing an arrest summons to 1; patrol in 8 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Qalqilya. Palestinian youths throw stones at Israeli soldiers nr. Qalqilya, sparking clashes in which 4 Palestinians are injured and an errant tear gas canister causes minor fire damage to a nearby home. E. of Gaza City, IDF border troops open fire on Palestinian farmers, causing no injuries. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces patrol in al-Tur late at night, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; there are no serious injuries. They also conduct raids in Issawiyya and al-Tur, arresting 4 Palestinians and shooting tear gas canisters at a Palestinian hospital (several patients suffer burns and tear gas inhalation). Meanwhile, a Palestinian family demolishes their own home in the Old City on order from the Israeli authorities. Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian apartments in Bayt Hanina. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 12/1; EI, MNA 12/2; PCHR 12/3)

Stabbing and other small-scale violent incidents continue in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) and Israel. In Tel Aviv, 2 Palestinians armed with knives attack a group of Israelis at an office building, killing 2 and injuring 2. Israeli police arrest 1 of the attackers and the other flees. Later, IDF troops raid the Hebron-area home of 1 of the suspects, delivering punitive demolition orders and arresting 3. Nr. Bethlehem, a Palestinian driver opens fire in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc, injuring 10 settlers and killing 3 others, including a U.S. citizen. Israeli forces shoot at the driver, causing him to crash his car and killing 1 Palestinian bystander in the crossfire; they arrest the driver at the scene. In c. Hebron, Israeli forces fire tear gas and skunk water, blocking a number of Palestinian children from accessing their school, after a Palestinian allegedly throws a tear gas canister at an Israeli checkpoint and injures a soldier. Also, a Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained in clashes with the IDF on 11/11. (HA, MNA, NYT, WAFA, YA 11/19; PCHR 11/26)

Elsewhere, a number of Palestinian municipalities in Israel, including Nazareth, Rahat, and Sakhnin, go on strike in protest of the 11/16 outlawing of the Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement. In the West Bank, IDF troops and stone-throwers clash during raids in Dahaysha r.c. and patrols nr. Jenin, injuring 4 Palestinians and arresting 1, respectively. Israeli forces continue their string of late-night house searches and raids in the Hebron, Ramallah, Jalazun r.c., and Dahaysha r.c. areas, arresting 12 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 4; patrol during the day nr. Jenin, Tulkarm, Salfit, Hebron, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers leave racist graffiti and throw stones at Palestinian homes in a village nr. Ramallah late at night, causing minor damage. Israeli forces begin demolishing a synagogue in the Givat Ze’ev settlement nr. Jerusalem, pursuant to the Israeli govt.’s 11/16 compromise with settler leaders (the demolition will be completed by 12/10). In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with and violently disperse Palestinians at a checkpoint in Abu Dis, seriously injuring 1 Palestinian; arrest 4 Palestinians on raids in Issawiyya and Jabal Mukabir; assault a Palestinian youth in Ras al-Amud. (EI, HA, MNA, NYT, WAFA, YA 11/19; MNA, TOI 11/20; PCHR 11/26)

Israel’s Coordinator of Govt. Activities in the Territories (COGAT) Unit cmdr. Yoav Mordechai signs an agreement with the PA Minister of Civil Affairs Hassan al-Shaykh to grant Palestinian mobile phone users in the West Bank access to 3G high-speed data services. The new services are expected to be in place by mid-2016. (AP, HA 11/19)

The Israeli crackdown on the oPt continues amid the ongoing wave of violence. In the West Bank, Israeli forces punitively demolish the Hebron apartment of the Palestinian who stabbed an Israeli woman to death outside the Gush Etzion settlement nr. Bethlehem on 11/10/2014. Throughout the day, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting w. of Tulkarm and outside a settlement nr. Ramallah, injuring 3 Palestinians. The IDF conducts a raid in a village nr. Bethlehem, sparking clashes with stonethrowing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is injured with live ammunition. IDF troops also conduct late-night raids and patrol in other areas across the West Bank, arresting 21 Palestinians, including 1 senior Hamas official on charges related to incitement, and issuing arrest summons to 4. Israeli settlers burn tires and verbally confront Palestinians nr. Salfit. In East Jerusalem, a large group of Israeli settlers escorted by Israeli forces forcibly evict Palestinians from 2 homes in Silwan. The property was allegedly purchased by the Israeli settler association Ateret Cohanim. Later, Israeli forces raid the Jabal Mukabir home of 1 of the Palestinians who attacked a group of Israelis on a bus in East Jerusalem on 10/13 and the Old City home of the Palestinian who attacked a group of Israelis in Tel Aviv on 10/8, taking measurements and preparing for a possible punitive demolition. They also arrest 7 Palestinians on late-night raids in Abu Dis, Ras al-Amud, and Issawiyya. In West Jerusalem, Jewish Israelis attempt to assault a Palestinian man on his way home from work, but his boss intervenes. (HA, MNA 10/19; EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/20; PCHR 10/22)

Israeli PM Netanyahu orders the Israeli police to suspend their construction of a concrete barrier in East Jerusalem between Jabal Mukabir and the nearby Israeli settlement East Talpiot, responding to complaints from his cabinet about dividing Jerusalem. The police erected sections of the planned 300 m barrier on 10/18. (HA, TOI 10/19)

Israel’s Foreign Ministry summons the French amb. to Israel to a disciplinary meeting, during which Israeli officials criticize the French plans to push for the UNSC to sponsor an international observer force at Haram al-Sharif, as reported in the French press on 10/17. Meanwhile, U.S. secy. of state Kerry says that the U.S. opposes the French proposal for an international observer force. (HA, JP, TOI 10/19)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Dayr al-Balah and Jabaliya fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers and agricultural areas nr. the border fence, causing damage. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in and around Qalqilya, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, 1 village nr. Jenin, and Tulkarm, arresting 4 Palestinians; patrols in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Salfit. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians at a checkpoint nr. Jerusalem and 2 more at an entrance to the Gush Etzion settlement bloc. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to Palestinians in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Tubas; demolish a well, a wall, and 10 olive trees in a village nr. Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian woman as she is exiting Haram al-Sharif and 6 youth playing in the sanctuary. They also conduct house searches and raids in al-Jdayra, arresting 4 youth and sparking light clashes; arrest 2 Palestinian youths in Bayt Hanina. Israeli authorities issue demolition orders for 5 Palestinian-owned buildings in Silwan. (MNA, WAFA 3/23; MNA 3/24; PCHR 3/26)

Swiss amb. to the PA Paul Garnier visits Gaza to discuss a possible long-term cease-fire between Hamas and Israel. UN Special Coordinator Serry conducted similar meetings in Gaza on 3/2. (MNA 3/23; ALM 4/14)

Fearing that the continued tax revenue freeze could spark an uprising in the West Bank, Senior IDF officers say that the IDF has issued 10,000 permits for Palestinian laborers in the West Bank and has directed its troops to engage in clashes with Palestinian protesters less frequently. (TOI 3/23; YA 3/24)

White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough clarifies the Obama admin.’s response to Israeli PM Netanyahu’s campaign rhetoric and subsequent attempts to defend himself from international criticism in a speech at the annual J Street conference. “After the election,” McDonough says, “the PM said that he had not changed his position, but for many in Israel and in the international community, such contradictory comments call into question his commitment to a 2-state solution, as did his suggestion that the construction of settlements has a strategic purpose of dividing Palestinian communities and his claim that conditions in the larger Middle East must be more stable before a Palestinian state can be established.” (YA 3/23; HA, TOI 3/24)

In Geneva, the UNHRC holds its scheduled debate on Israeli violations of Palestinian rights in the oPt. Israel is absent, pursuant to its longtime boycott of the council, but so is the U.S. Israel’s FM denies a Reuters report claiming that the U.S. absence stems from the Obama admin.’s recently announced reassessment of its policy on defending Israel in international institutions. Later, U.S. amb to the UNHRC Keith Harper confirms that the U.S. has joined the Israeli boycott due to the UNHRC’s focus on Israel. (JP, REU, TOI 3/23; JP 3/24)

In Gaza, Israeli authorities close both the Kerem Shalom and the Erez border crossings. In 2 separate incidents, IDF troops stationed e. of Gaza City fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers approaching the border fence, causing damage. Later, IDF troops stationed along the n. border open fire on a group of Palestinian farmers, causing damage to a car but no injuries. They also arrest 2 Palestinians nr. the border fence e. of al-Maghazi r.c. Unknown assailants set fire to a car belonging to the spokesperson of Gaza’s union of civil servants in Gaza City. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Bethlehem, and Ramallah, arresting 2 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 1; patrols in 4 villages nr. Hebron, and in and around Tulkarm; evacuates and demolishes the “Gate of Jerusalem” protest tent camp in Abu Dis for the 11th time, forcing hundreds of Palestinian and international activists to leave the area and detaining 7. Israeli forces demolish a marble factory nr. Jenin. Israeli settlers poison a Palestinian family’s water tank in Hebron, but it is discovered before anyone is hurt; assault 2 Palestinian farmers outside a town nr. Jenin, injuring both; throw stones at Palestinian vehicles outside a village nr. Jenin, causing damage. A Palestinian drives his car into a group of IDF troops in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc, injuring 1; the man is arrested. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians in Haram al-Sharif. They also conduct house searches and raids in Bayt Hanina, Issawiyya, Ras al-Amud, and al-Tur, arresting 8 Palestinians. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/17; PCHR 3/19)

National elections are held in Israel to determine the makeup of the 20th Knesset. Despite early exit polls predicting a close result, the Likud Party wins 30 seats, making it the largest bloc. During the day, Israeli PM Netanyahu attempts to increase voter turnout among his supporters by saying that Palestinian citizens are voting in “droves” and that their participation will lead to a victory for the left-wing factions. (AFP, BBC, HA, JP, NYT, TOI, YA 3/17; HA, JTA, WAFA 3/18)

The PA announces that it will operate under an emergency budget for 2015 starting on 4/1, as the economic crisis precipitated by Israel’s ongoing tax revenue freeze continues (over $400 m. is currently being withheld). Employees will continue to receive only partial salaries and govt. offices will receive 50% less funding than in 2014. (REU, TOI 3/17)

Reps. of the U.S. and Iran continue their negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program for a 2d day in a row and reportedly discuss the open letter that 47 Republican senators sent to Iran’s leaders on 3/9. (AFP, AP, JP, TOI 3/17)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian man during a late-night arrest raid in Qalandia r.c. nr. Ramallah. Clashes then break out in the camp, with residents throwing stones and Israeli soldiers injuring around 30 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets and stun grenades. In response to Palestinian youth who were throwing stones and empty bottles at Israeli settlers’ vehicles nr. Nablus, IDF troopssurround a school and fire tear gas into its yard, causing no injuries. Israeli forces deliver stop-work notices in 2 villages nr. Hebron, both of which are outside the Gush Etzion settlement bloc. Shortly after, the soldiers clash with stone-throwing Palestinian youth in the area, dozens of whom suffer from tear gas inhalation. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Bethlehem, Jenin, Salfit, Tulkarm, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces deliver a demolition order to the Silwan home of the Palestinian man who is suspected of shooting right-wing Jewish activist Yehuda Glick on 10/29 and was killed on 10/30 by Israeli security forces. They had previously delivered an order to punitively demolish the home on 11/19, but the Israeli High Court of Justice froze the order. They also deliver a demolition order to a 19-person residence in the Old City. Separately, Israeli police detain 3 Palestinian children at Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, WAFA 12/15; HA, WAFA 12/16; PCHR 12/18)

Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with U.S. Secy. of State Kerry in Rome to discuss the rival draft UNSC res. being prepared by the Palestinians and the French. Netanyahu opposes both, saying, “We will not accept attempts to dictate to us unilateral moves on a limited timetable.” Kerry then meets with French FM Fabius, UK Foreign Secy. Hammond, German FM Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and EU foreign affairs chief Mogherini in Paris. Separately, Arab League secy.-gen. Nabil Elaraby meets with Fabius in Paris. Fabius hopes to persuade the Palestinians and the Arab League to back the French draft as a compromise, avoiding a U.S. veto. (AFP, HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 12/15)

Iranian and U.S. diplomats hold bilateral talks over Iran’s disputed nuclear program ahead of negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 on 12/17. The 2 sides agreed to a 7-mo. extension to the talks on 11/24. (AFP 12/15)

In the Gaza Strip, Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 2d day in a row. Off the coast nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on a Palestinian fishing boat, causing no injuries or damage. In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and critically injure a Palestinian woman after she fights with an Israeli settler nr. Gush Etzion settlement, and they later raid the woman’s home in Bayt Fajjar and arrest her father. Nr. the Jabara checkpoint s. of Tulkarm, IDF troops open fire on several Palestinians attempting to climb the security fence and enter Israel. A Palestinian hits and critically injures an Israeli settler with his car nr. Nablus. The IDF closes the nearby Hawara and Zatara checkpoints while they search for the driver. The IDF later conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Hebron, Nablus, and Bethlehem. Late at night, PA security forces clash with residents in al-Am‘ari r.c. nr. Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a home under construction in Issawiyya. In West Jerusalem, a Jewish Israeli man attacks a Palestinian taxi driver with pepper spray, lightly injuring him. (HA, MNA, WAFA 12/1; IMEMC, MEMO, MNA 12/2; PCHR 12/4; MNA 12/16)

Israeli PM Netanyahu presents fin. min. and leader of the Yesh Atid party Lapid with 5 conditions to meet to stay in the ruling coalition, which include supporting Netanyahu’s “nation-state” bill and continued construction in Jerusalem. Lapid rejects the terms. Earlier in the day, Netanyahu had warned if harmony within his ruling coalition was not preserved, he would hold new elections, 2 years ahead of schedule. (JP, TOI 12/1; HA, REU 12/2)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries or damage but arresting 2 fishermen. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and wound 1 Palestinian during a raid in al-Fara‘a r.c. Also, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin and 1 nearby village, 1 village nr. Nablus and al-Am‘ari r.c. nr. Ramallah; patrols in 3 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 4 villages nr. Tulkarm, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 village nr. Jericho. Furthermore, IDF troops demolish 7 structures used for residential and agricultural purposes nr. Hebron. Meanwhile, Palestinians throw a Molotov cocktail at a bus of Israeli settlers in the c. West Bank, causing minor injuries to the driver. (MNA, YA, WAFA 9/1; PCHR 9/4)

The British and French govts. condemn the 8/31 Israeli announcement to expropriate 988 acres of land in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc. UN Secy.-Gen. Ban also criticizes the expropriation, saying the “seizure of such a large swathe of land risks paving the way for further settlement activity.” (REU, UN 9/1)

An anonymous Palestinian officials tells the media that Israel seized 200 m. Israeli shekels (around $55 m.) from monthly tax revenues it collects on behalf of the PA, to cover unpaid debts (such as those of the Palestinian electricity company). (MNA 9/1)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian farmers close to the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no injuries. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and 1 village and Balata r.c. nearby, and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, in 3 villages each nr. Jenin, 2 villages nr. Qalqilya and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers attack Palestinians nr. Bayt Umar in the s. West Bank, causing no injuries. In Israel, police shoot and wound a Palestinian worker during a pursuit of Palestinians without work permits. (MNA, WAFA 1/26; PCHR 1/30)

Israel’s Supreme Court rejects an appeal against the construction of a highway set to cut in half the Palestinian East Jerusalem neighborhood Bayt Safafa. The court’s rejection of the residents’ appeal removes an obstacle for the highway to go ahead, which will link Jerusalem to the Gush Etzion settlement bloc. (HA 1/26)

Gunmen attack Egyptian soldiers in Sinai, killing 4 and wounding 11. Meanwhile, interim pres. Mansour goes on television and says that the country will hold a presidential vote before parliamentary polls. (AP, MNA 1/26)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces kill a senior Islamic Jihad operative in an air strike on Jabaliya r.c., wounding 2 (including a child). The Israeli military claims the targeted operative was responsible for rocket fire. Two other Israeli air strikes cause some damage but no injuries. Islamic Jihad say that strikes on Gaza may lead to the end of the cease-fire broadly observed since 11/2012. Separately, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian farmers close to the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no injuries. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Ramallah, Jenin and 1 nearby village, and in Nablus at night; patrols in 3 villages nr. Jenin in the morning, and in Hebron and 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nearby, and in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm at night. (MNA, REU 1/19; PCHR 1/23)

Israel’s Justice Minister Livni and Special Envoy Yitzhak Molcho depart for Washington to meet with U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry, to discuss details of his draft framework for a peace agreement. Other attendees of their meeting include Israeli amb. to the U.S. Ron Dermer and U.S. mediator Martin Indyk. Meanwhile, Israeli radio reports that Netanyahu has told Kerry that he intends to annex a 4th bloc of settlements, adding Beit El-Ofra-Psagot to the Etzion, Ma’ale Adumim and Ariel blocs. (AFP, HA, JP 1/19)

UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon says that he invited Iran to the Syria peace talks in Switzerland and held discussions with Iranian FM Zarif about the constructive role the country could play. In response, the U.S. says the invitation should be withdrawn unless Tehran states its support for the 2012 agreement establishing a Syrian transition govt. (i.e., the 6/30/12 Geneva Communiqué). Meanwhile, the Islamic Front opposition alliance rejects participation in the talks. (AP, HA, REU 1/19)

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)

Obama gives a major address to the American Israel Public Affairs Comm. (AIPAC). While he restates his belief that discussion of final borders should take the 1967 lines as the starting point for negotiations, he clarifies that agreed land swaps would be necessary and would certainly result in “a border that is different than the one that existed on June 4, 1967,” stating that any controversy over his 5/19 speech was “not based on substance.” (JTA, NYT, WP, WT 5/23)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah and 1 nr. Jericho; patrols in al-Jarushiyya village nr. Tulkarm, randomly stopping cars and checking IDs; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around al-‘Arub r.c. and nr. Tulkarm; searches the home of Hamas politburo mbr. Aysha Dar Suleiman in ‘Arura village nr. Ramallah, arresting her. Jewish settlers heavily damage a Palestinian home located between the Gush Etzion and Efrat settlements nr. Bethlehem. Jewish settlers fr. Tafuh settlement s. of Nablus attack 3 Palestinian women traveling on the Nablus–Ramallah road. Jewish settlers fr. Keddumim settlement uproot 70 olive trees fr. neighboring Kafr Qaddum village. (PCHR 5/26; OCHA 5/27)

The Israeli govt. approves construction of up to 500 West Bank settlement housing units in Ariel, Gush Etzion, Kiryat Sefer, Ma’ale Adumim, Mod’in Ilit (large settlements Israel expects to keep under final status) in retaliation for the killing of 5 settlers on 3/11 by suspected Palestinians, with PM Netanyahu telling relatives of the victims: “They murder and we build.” The U.S. expresses “deep concern,” saying “continued Israeli settlements are illegitimate and run counter to efforts to resume direct negotiations.” Meanwhile, the IDF continues searches in Awarta, raiding and searching several homes and turning a few into observation posts. At least 16 attacks on Palestinians and their property by armed Jewish settlers exacting revenge for the Itamar murders are reported in Qalqilya (10), Salfit (3), Nablus (2), and Ramallah (1). Incidents involved: setting up a new outpost on Palestinian land (1); rampaging through Palestinian areas (9); attacking Palestinian homes (4, including firing on Palestinian homes, shooting fireworks at Palestinian homes, and attempting to break into houses); and stoning and vandalizing cars (8). The IDF also patrols in Dayr Istya nr. Salfit, photographing several old buildings; raids ‘Anin village nr. Jenin, searching several stores and rounding up patrons for questioning, but making no arrests; patrols in Tulkarm and 3 villages nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon; conducts late-night patrols, arrest raids, house searches in 3 villages nr. Salfit and 1 nr. Ramallah. (WP, WT 3/14; PCHR, WJW 3/17; OCHA 3/18; JPI 3/24)

Palestinians fire 2 Qassam rockets fr. Gaza toward Israel (1 lands inside Gaza), causing no damage or injuries. Late at night, an IDF drone fires 2 missiles into the market area of Nussayrat r.c., destroying a parked car and damaging 4 businesses and 12 apartments, causing no serious injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in al-Bireh, 2 villages nr. Jericho, 2 nr. Ramallah, and 1 nr. Tulkarm. Palestinians (sometimes accompanied by Israeli and international activists) hold weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the separation wall, land confiscations, and settlement expansion in Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih/Dayr Nizam. IDF soldiers fire rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at the protesters, injuring 5 Palestinians (including 2 children). Jewish settlers fr. Gush Etzion nr. Bethlehem dump raw sewage and construction waste onto more than 20 d. of Palestinian agricultural land in nearby Artas village that the IDF has declared a closed military zone; the IDF observes but does not intervene. Nr. Jenin, 5 Jewish settlers on motorcycles enter 2 Palestinian villages and race around the streets to intimidate residents. Jewish settlers fr. Emanuel settlement nr. Qalqilya stone passing Palestinian vehicles. (IsRN 3/6; PCHR 3/10; OCHA 3/18)

IDF troops on the n. Gaza border fire warning shots at Palestinians scavenging for construction materials in the fmr. settlement sites, wounding 1. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late-night patrols in Zayta village nr. Tulkarm, detaining 2 Palestinian men for questioning, but releasing them when they withdraw hrs. later. In an act of reconciliation, rabbis fr. the Gush Etzion settlement bloc, escorted by the IDF and PASF, bring new Qur’ans to the Bayt Fajjar mosque burned on 10/4, saying they are “sorry and ashamed” by the arson. A PA security court in Ramallah sentences IQB mbr. Alaa Hisham Diab to 20 yrs. in prison for his participation in a 5/09 shootout in Qalqilya that left 3 PASF officers and 2 IQB mbrs. dead. Hamas denounces the verdict, saying that the apparent “lack of legality of the courts that issue these verdicts” and the timing of “these verdicts . . . while there is talk of coming closer to reaching internal reconciliation” are disturbing. (AFP, MNA 10/5; UNSCO, WP, WT 10/6; PCHR 10/7; OCHA 10/8)

IDF troops on the Gaza border fire on Palestinian agricultural areas e. of Khan Yunis, sparking a fire that destroys a wheat field; discover, disarm a roadside bomb nr. the former Kissufim crossing e. of Khan Yunis. The Israeli navy fires on Palestinian fishing boats off the Bayt Lahiya coast, forcing them to return to shore. In the West Bank, the IDF makes a predawn raid on Nablus, firing on residential areas and exchanging fire with Palestinian gunmen who confront them, shooting and wounding a pregnant Palestinian woman inside her home, causing her to lose her baby; 2 armed Palestinians, 1 IDF soldier are also wounded. The IDF also conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Bethlehem (targeting the AMB) and in Balata r.c., Tulkarm; issues stop-work orders for 10 Palestinian homes, a mosque in villages nr. Negohot settlement w. of Hebron that would constrain eventual expansion of the settlement. Israel’s Jerusalem Construction and Planning Comm. approves plans to build 3 new ultra-Orthodox settlements on the outskirts of occupied East Jerusalem to create territorial unity btwn. Jerusalem and Gush Etzion s. of Bethlehem and btwn. Jerusalem and Beit El n. of Ramallah; the plans call for 20,000 housing units in the new settlements, plus 500 new units for settlers in Abu Dis. Abbas deploys 3,000 PA security forces under his control in Gaza City and n. Gaza as part of a new, high-profile “law and order” campaign meant to undermine Hamas. In Bureij r.c, unidentified gunmen fatally shoot a Fatah mbr. in a drive-by attack on a Fatah base. Unidentified assailants ambush, kidnap a PA colonel driving in Nussayrat r.c.; no group claims responsibility. (PLONAD 5/10; MM, NYT 5/11; OCHA 5/16; PCHR 5/17)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Dayr al-Balah fire on a Palestinian shepherd who strays nr. the border fence, wounding him. In the West Bank, the IDF halts a Palestinian school bus nr. Bethlehem, arrests 15 schoolchildren and detains them at detention facilities at Gush Etzion (no cause is reported); forces Palestinian stores in the Hebron market to close; sends troops into ‘Azun for a 2d day, firing on stone-throwing Palestinian youths, wounding 1; conducts arrest raids, house searches in and around Nablus, in Hebron, and nr. Bethlehem, Ramallah, Tulkarm. Sporadic Palestinian demonstrations against Israel’s construction at the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount occur in Jerusalem, the West Bank; no injuries are reported. (NYT, WP, WT 2/11; MM 2/12; OCHA 2/14; PCHR 2/15)

An IDF undercover unit enters Jenin, fatally shooting Islamic Jihad mbr. Azmi Abu Khalil, arresting a 2d, while a 3d Islamic Jihad mbr., Ali Abu Hizma, detonates an explosive device as troops move in, killing only himself. The IDF also shells the n. Gaza no-go zone, causing no injuries; conducts arrest raids, house searches in and around Tulkarm and nr. Bethlehem, Ramallah. The IDF arrests 5 Jewish settlers who attack troops dismantling an unauthorized settlement outpost nr. Gush Etzion. Jewish settlers fr. Avraham Avino angry over IDF plans to evacuate settlers from the Hebron market and fr. the northern West Bank unauthorized outpost of Amona (established ca. 1997; 25 families) set fire to 2 Palestinian homes, damage 2 Palestinian cars in Hebron. AMB gunmen fire on the Ramallah home of PA Interior M Nasr Yusuf, the PC building; 1 body guard, 2 family mbrs., 1 attacker are wounded in the exchange. Separately, 3 AMB gunmen conduct a drive-by shooting on the Interior Min. headquarters in Ramallah, causing no injuries; PA police pursue their vehicle, arrest them. (AP, HA, IMEMC, JAZ 1/12; IMEMC, NYT 1/13; HA 1/15; PCHR 1/19)

What the IDF describes as an Israeli “special police unit” operating outside Jenin ambushes, assassinates wanted Islamic Jihad military cmdr. Nahid Abu Ghanim, seriously wounds a bystander. Hrs. later, the AMB kills 3 Jewish settlers, wounds at least 5 in drive-by shootings outside Gush Etzion settlement nr. Bethlehem and Eli nr. Nablus; the IDF seals Bethlehem and Hebron, bars Palestinian traffic in those areas, says arrest raids will increase; YESHA settlers council calls on Sharon to close all West Bank roads to Palestinian traffic. During the day, the IDF also handcuffs and severely beats a Palestinian shepherd nr. Tulkarm for no apparent reason; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Kafr Qalil nr. Nablus. Late in the evening, the IDF launches arrest raids that continue overnight in villages around Hebron, Jenin, Ramallah, Tulkarm. An unnamed IDF spokesman confirms that the IDF has sent undercover officers who can pass as Arabs into the weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the separation wall in Bil`in to encourage Palestinians to throw stones; troops then use force to disperse crowds. Jewish settlers cut down 30 Palestinian olive trees in Salim. (HA, PCHR 10/16; NYT, PM, WP, WT 10/17; CSM, HA 10/18; PCHR 10/20)

The IDF for no apparent reason severely beats 3 Palestinians in 3 separate incidents at checkpoints in Hebron; beats, detains a 50-yr.-old Palestinian at a checkpoint outside Tulkarm after a prolonged interrogation; issues military orders for 40 residents of Nahalin village nr. Bethlehem to vacate their 4,000 d. of land nr. the Gush Etzion bloc within 45 days for construction of the separation wall. An Israeli guard patrolling a separation wall construction site near Bayt ‘Awwa fires on, injures a Palestinian who accidentally strays too close to the area. Jewish settlers fence off a piece of Palestinian land in Silwad nr. Ramallah for expansion of Ofra settlement. (IMEMC 3/27; OCHA, PR 3/30; PCHR 3/31)

Israeli-Palestinian violence continues to escalate, leaving 1 Israeli civilian, 1 Jewish settler, at least 6 Palestinians dead. A package bomb planted by a Jewish vigilante group called Revenge of the Innocent Babes (in reference to the 3/2 Beit Israel attack) explodes on a playground at a Palestinian school in East Jerusalem, injuring 2 teachers, 24 children. In response to the 3/4 AMB attack in Tel Aviv, IDF F-16s rocket Palestinian targets across Gaza and in Bethlehem, Nablus, Ramallah, Tulkarm; helicopters fire a missile at a car in Ramallah, killing 3 Palestinians, including 2 wanted AMB members, Muhannad Abu Halawa and Fawzi Murrar. The IDF also makes incursions into Palestinian areas nr. Bayt Lahia, Jabaliya, Khan Yunis, Tamun; direct shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bethlehem, al-Khadir, Qalqilya; demolishes greenhouses in Issawiyya. Nr. Gush Etzion settlement, Palestinian gunmen fire on a Jewish settler vehicle, killing 1 settler. A Palestinian suicide bomber detonates a devices on a bus in Afula, Israel, killing 1 Israeli. Palestinians also launch 2 Qassam-2s fr. Gaza into Israel, for the 1st time hitting an apartment building in Sederot, injuring 2 children. Jewish settlers attack a PSF post in Qalqilya, stone a Palestinian car nr. Ramallah. (HP, MM 3/5; XIN 3/5 in WNC 3/6; LAW, MM, NYT, PCHR, PMC, WP, WT 3/6; MA 3/6 in WNC 3/7; AYM 3/7 in WNC 3/8; MEI 3/8; JP 3/15)

     Sharon convenes his inner cabinet, then his full cabinet to discuss how to respond to the 3/4 Tel Aviv attack. Participants reportedly debate launching massive "mopping-up" operations in refugee camps, incursions into a list of villages in areas A and B, escalating attacks on Ramallah (including removing Arafat). The cabinet gives the IDF "free rein to further intensify military pressure on the PA, especially in Ramallah," bars all Palestinian vehicular traffic in the West Bank. (MM 3/5; NYT, PMC, WP, WT 3/6) quote in PMC 3/6

Israeli-Palestinian violence continues to escalate, leaving 2 Palestinians, 1 Israeli civilian. Fatalities include a critically ill Palestinian woman who dies at a checkpoint nr. Ramallah after being held there for 2 hrs. and denied passage to a hospital, and an Israeli fatally shot by a Palestinian in a West Bank market. The PFLP detonates 2 remote-controlled car bombs in Yehud, inside Israel; 4 Israelis are treated for shock. The IDF begins work on a new settlement bypass road nr. Bethlehem; bulldozes 100s of dunams of Palestinian land nr. Gush Etzion where a new settlement enclave was set up 1 mo. ago; confiscates 5 dunams of Silwad land for a helipad serving Ofra settlement; sets up a new checkpoint outside Jinin; tightens roadblocks around Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Tulkarm. Jewish settlers set fire to 5 Palestinian cars in Hebron; burn olive trees nr. Ramin. (HP, MM 7/2; NYT, PMC, WP, WT 7/3; MM 7/4; MEI 7/13)

The U.S. convenes a special mtg. of the trilateral security comm.; reprimands the PA for not doing enough to rein in violence, Israel for resuming "targeted killings." (AP 7/2; NYT, WP, WT 7/3; NYT 7/5)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. A 2d, ailing Palestinian dies at an IDF checkpoint after soldiers bar him fr. crossing to reach a hospital in Ramallah. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire on residential areas of Hebron, Qalqilya, Tulkarm. Jewish settlers bulldoze Palestinian land around Ashkalot settlement, place new caravans on the site. Settlers are also reportedly moving boundary fences, adding trailers, bulldozing Palestinian land around Beit Hagay, Gush Etzion, Karme Tzur, Nahal Najhout, Tene settlements. (HP 2/26; HJ 2/26 in WNC 2/27; LAW 3/1)

U.S. Secy. of State Powell meets with Sharon in Israel, PA head Yasir Arafat in Ramallah (marking only the 2d time Israel has allowed Arafat into the West Bank since 9/28/00); urges them to halt violence, resume security cooperation, improve Palestinian economic conditions in the West Bank, Gaza; ensures Sharon that the U.S. commitment to Israel's security will remain solid under the Bush administration. Powell then stops in Amman to meet King Abdallah of Jordan, heads on to Kuwait for celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of the end of the Gulf War. (AP, HA, REU 2/25; MM, NYT, WP 2/26; JT, MA 2/26 in WNC 2/27; AYM 2/26 in WNC 3/5; HA 2/27; MM 2/28; QA 2/28 in WNC 3/1; MA 3/1, SA 3/4 in WNC 3/5; JP, MEI 3/9)