The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, 3 British-Israeli settlers, including a minor, were killed and 1 Palestinian man was wounded near Furush Beit Dajan in what was first described as a traffic accident but later called a shooting. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Ramallah, al-Khader, Furush Beit Dajan, Nablus, Huwwara, Deir Sharaf, and Tuqu’, causing damage. Israeli settlers also set fire to greenhouses in Furush Beit Dajan. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians and arrested 4 others during a raid in Beit Umar. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 6 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 10 with tear gas. Israeli forces also raided Burqin, injuring 2 Palestinians with live ammunition and others with tear gas. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler shot at Palestinians who allegedly fired fireworks at Israeli settlement housing in al-Tur, no injuries were reported. Israeli police raided the Haram al-Sharif compound and arrested 15 worshippers it claimed had been waiving “terror flags,” referring to the Palestinian flag and Hamas’ flag. In Gaza, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes in Gaza City and Dayr al-Balah, causing damage, including to the Al Dorra children’s hospital. In Tel Aviv, 1 Palestinian man hit 8 people with his car, all tourists from Italy and the UK, before being shot and killed by Israeli police. It was unclear if the ramming was intentional. 1 Italian tourist was killed under circumstances that were not clear as Israeli media claimed he was hit by the Palestinian man and died of his injuries while eyewitness reports said he was shot by Israeli police. (AJ 4/6; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, MEE, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/7; AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 4/8; REU 4/9; GDN, MDW, REU 4/10; WAFA 4/11; PCHR 4/13; UNOCHA 4/20)

The Israeli military’s chief of staff Herzl Halevi ordered the mobilization of Israeli reserve forces from the Israeli Air Force. (HA 4/7)

The World Bank approved a $10 million grant to support the PA health sector. (WAFA 4/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted and stole 190 olive saplings in Qusra belonging to 4 Palestinian families. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles near Nablus, damaging 1. Israeli forces confiscated 1 Palestinian-owned cargo truck in Atuf. Israeli forces also delivered a demolition order for a house under construction in Khirbet Ras al-Ahmar. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Hebron, Yatta, Jenin, and Atuf. In East Jerusalem, 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 protesting the razing of land in Silwan and 1 in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Abasan, Dayr al-Balah, al-Bureij refugee camp, Khuza‘a, and north of al-Sifa; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 1/10; WAFA 1/11; PCHR 1/14)

The PA said it will receive its 1st doses of COVID-19 vaccines in March from the company Astro-Zeneca. The PA foreign ministry also said in a statement that Israel is “ignoring its duties as an occupation power and committing racial discrimination against the Palestinian people, depriving them of their right to health care . . . The search by the Palestinian leadership to secure the vaccines from various sources doesn't exempt Israel from its responsibilities towards the Palestinian people in providing the vaccines.” Many human rights organizations, Amnesty International amongst them, have maintained that it is Israel’s responsibility to provide vaccines to the Palestinian people it occupies, a responsibility Israel denies, citing the Oslo Accords. Israel has been vaccinating Palestinian citizens of Israel and Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem along with Israeli settlers in the West Bank. (AI 1/6; ALM 1/8; AJ, HA, JP, REU, WAFA, WAFA 1/10; AJ 1/11)

In Lebanon, residents of Beirut complained about low-flying Israeli jets, which is said to become more frequent. On 1/8, an Israeli fighter jet flew over Lebanese air space for 6 hours. UNIFIL has said the Israeli violation of Lebanese air space is a near daily occurrence. (AA, BB, HA 1/10)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver at a checkpoint near Jericho. The IDF claims that he refused to pull over when border security ordered him to and that he attempted to ram his vehicle into several Israeli soldiers. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli settlers chase Palestinians shepherds off their land near Jericho, sparking a minor confrontation between the settlers and Palestinian activists; IDF troops arrest 4 shepherds and 2 activists. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron, Jenin, and Qalqilya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian minor approaching the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp. It’s unclear why they opened fire. Late at night, after unidentified Palestinians launch a rocket and fly an incendiary balloon into southern Gaza, causing no damage or injuries, the Israeli Air Force conducts air strikes on several Hamas sites in northern Gaza and Dayr al-Balah, causing extensive damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolishes their own home in Jabal Mukabir to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/9; HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 3/10; PCHR 3/14)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 48 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 207. Late at night, after a projectile is fired from Gaza into southern Israel, causing no damage or injuries, the Israeli Air Force conducts air strikes on several Hamas sites across Gaza, causing extensive damage. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians armed with knives and attempting to cross into Israel near Rafah. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Dayr al-Balah and Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries (4 fishermen are arrested and their boat is confiscated). In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya and Bayt Sira near Ramallah; 8 Palestinians are injured. They also patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, after the Israeli authorities decided to re-seal al-Rahma Gate at Haram al-Sharif, approximately 40,000 Palestinians gather to pray and protest at the sanctuary. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Jabal Mukabir. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/8; HA, MNA, MNA 3/9; PCHR 3/14)

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

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

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

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

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops stationed along the border fence violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and Rafah; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 6 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 195. In the evening, unidentified Gazans launch a rocket into southern Israel, where it lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Hours later, the Israeli Air Force responds with an air strike on a Hamas site in Dayr al-Balah, causing moderate damage to the site and several surrounding buildings. Separately, Israeli police find and dismantle several balloons and kites lashed with incendiary devices in Sdot Negev Regional Council, marking the first attack of its kind since Hamas cracked down on the incendiary balloon and kite attacks weeks ago; no damage or injuries are reported. Around the same time, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Rafah, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Bil‘in near Ramallah; there are no injuries reported. IDF troops also arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids near Dayr al-Balah, Hebron, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Israeli settlers assault and injure a Palestinian in central Hebron. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/28; HA, JP, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA 12/29; PCHR 1/3)

Breaking the hours-old cease-fire in Gaza, the IAF conducts air strikes on a number of sites across Gaza reportedly used as staging areas for incendiary kite and balloon attacks; 6 Palestinians are injured. The IDF says that it detected mortar fire from Gaza overnight, and that the renewed air strikes were a response to Palestinians breaking the cease-fire. Israeli drones strike 3 more sites in near Bayt Hanun and Rafah later in the day, injuring 3 Palestinians. Throughout the day, unidentified Palestinians fly incendiary kites and balloons across the border fence into Israel, sparking at least 17 fires. Meanwhile, an explosion in Gaza City kills 2 Palestinians and injures 3 others. One of the deceased was the commander of a rocket unit in al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, an armed group affiliated with Fatah, sparking rumors that Israel was responsible for the explosion. The Palestinian press reports the explosion as a “work accident.” Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Dayr al-Balah and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces place two new iron gates at the entrances to Khan al-Ahmar, the Bedouin village near Jerusalem slated for evacuation and demolition. They also demolish 2 rooms in Palestinian-owned buildings near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during morning raids in Jalazun refugee camp near Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians (4 Palestinians are injured). They also arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Jenin, and Salfit; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Hizma and clash with stone-throwing Palestinian minors during a raid in al-Ram. (AHR, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/15; MNA 7/16; PCHR 7/19)

Israeli sources say that the cease-fire reached on 7/14 includes a stipulation that Hamas and PIJ will gradually stop the incendiary kite and balloon attacks. “If in the past, 50 balloons were flown every time, for example, then now 20 balloons will be flown, tomorrow 10, and the next day less,” the source says. “That’s the agreement, and that is what has been decided between the sides.” Later, Netanyahu denies the report. “I heard it being said that Israel has agreed to a cease-fire that would allow the continuation of terrorism by incendiary kites and balloons; this is incorrect,” he says. “We are not prepared to accept any attacks against us, and we will respond appropriately.” Hamas officials say that the cease-fire covers rockets and mortars, but not incendiary kites and balloons. (JP, WAFA, YA 7/15)

Armed fighters in Gaza launch 28 rockets and other projectiles into Israel. Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system intercepts several of the projectiles; 1 lands in the yard of a kindergarten in the Eshkol Regional Council, causing minor damage and no injuries. The attack reportedly comes in response to the deadly Israeli air strikes in Gaza on 5/26 and 5/28. The IAF then conducts air strikes on a number of Hamas and PIJ sites in Khan Yunis and Dayr al-Balah, causing major damage. Hours later, armed Palestinians in Gaza launch another round of projectiles into Israel; 1 Israeli civilian is injured. Parts of 1 rocket fall near a school in Sderot, causing no major damage. Meanwhile, senior Israeli defense officials meet in Tel Aviv and decide on a limited retaliation. The IAF conducts another wave of air strikes, hitting at least 30 Hamas and PIJ sites across Gaza and destroying a tunnel reaching approximately 900 meters into Israeli territory. The strikes cause extensive damage and an unclear number of casualties. Intermittent rocket fire and retaliatory air strikes continue into the night. Shrapnel injures 3 IDF soldiers. One Israeli home in the Eshkol Regional Council is heavily damaged. Late at night, Egyptian diplomats broker a limited cease-fire. (AP, BBC, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 5/29; MNA, WAFA 5/30)

In the West Bank, IDF troops open fire on 2 Palestinians allegedly attempting to enter a home in the Har Brakha settlement near Nablus; 1 is injured and arrested while the other flees. They also arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah and Hebron, and patrol near Hebron and in Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 11 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/29; PCHR 5/31)

A boat carrying 25 injured or ill Gazans, as well as a number of activists, sets sail from Gaza for Turkey in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade. Approximately 30 more boats set sail alongside it, forming a protest flotilla. Organizers describe the flotilla as part of the ongoing Great March of Return. After the lead boat exits the nine nautical mile fishing zone off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces surround it and arrest everyone on board. (AJ, HA, JP 5/29)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on a Palestinian landfill near Dayr al-Balah and at a group of farmers and shepherds near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. They also violently disperse Great March of Return protesters near Rafah; 1 Palestinian is injured. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians marching through Bethlehem to commemorate the Nakba and protest the U.S. embassy’s impending opening in Jerusalem; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 3 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Qalqilya and Hebron, and patrol near Jenin, Tulkarm, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during a raid in Silwan. (WAFA 5/10; PCHR 5/17)

Breaking with Israeli policy not to take responsibility for any strikes in Syria, Israeli officials acknowledge the extensive attacks on Iranian infrastructure on 5/9. “If Iran hits us with rain—we will hit them with a deluge,” says Israeli DM Lieberman. He also says that the IAF destroyed “nearly all” of Iran’s military infrastructure in Syria. (JP, NYT, TOI 5/10)

The U.S. Treasury announces new sanctions on 9 Iranian individuals and entities deemed complicit in an “extensive currency exchange network” that funneled millions of U.S. dollars to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. (AFP, TOI 5/10)

An explosion in Dayr al-Balah kills 6 members of Hamas and injures 3 others. The circumstances of the blast are unclear. Hamas accuses Israel of assassinating the men. The Israeli authorities deny any involvement. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure 6 Palestinians approaching the border fence and allegedly throwing stones near al-Maghazi refugee camp. They also open fire on Palestinian paramedics working near Dayr al-Balah, injuring 1. Hours later, the IAF conducts an air strike on a Hamas site near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing an unclear amount of damage and injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian, assault a 2d, and issue an arrest summons to a 3d during late-night raids near Hebron, Nablus, and Salfit; and patrol near Nablus and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during a raid in Issawiyya. (WAFA 5/5; HA, JP, YA 5/6)

Unidentified parties fire a rocket into Israel. It lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Late at night, the IAF conducts air strikes on several Hamas military sites in Bayt Hanun and Bayt Lahiya, causing damage and no injuries. (TOI 2/1; HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 2/2)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel armed with knives and a grenade. In 4 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in Bayt Dajan village near Nablus, and patrol near Hebron. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling south of Nablus, causing minor damage to some. (MNA, WAFA 2/1; PCHR 2/8)

Unidentified persons shoot and kill an Israeli settler driving near Nablus. After the shooting, the IDF imposes a partial lockdown on the Nablus region, setting up mobile checkpoints and conducting raids in nearby villages. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles in the area, lightly injuring 4 Palestinians. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering in al-Bireh and along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital; 1 Palestinian is injured. Two more Palestinians are injured in unrelated clashes in Tuqu‘ near Bethlehem. IDF troops also arrest 3 Palestinians during raids near Hebron and Jenin, and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron throughout the day. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, injuring 1 Palestinian (6 fishermen are arrested and 2 boats are confiscated). Along Gaza’s border, the IAF sprays herbicides on Palestinian farmlands near Khan Yunis and Dayr al-Balah, and Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian near Rafah. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/9; EI, HA, MNA 1/10; PCHR 1/11)

Israeli forces conduct air strikes and fire ground-to-ground missiles at a Syrian army depot near Damascus overnight, according to the Syrian army. Syrian defense systems prevent a number of additional strikes, but the attack still causes moderate damage. (HA, TOI 1/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shut down the north entrances to al-Bireh and Ramallah, sparking minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids near Nablus, Bethlehem, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Biddu and Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near Dayr al-Balah, causing no serious damage. (WAFA 12/31; PCHR 1/4)

The IAF conducts air strikes on several Hamas sites in southern Gaza, causing moderate damage. This is the 2d round of IAF strikes in Gaza in response to rocket fire on 12/29. Meanwhile, Israel’s Labor Party leader Avi Gabbay criticizes PM Netanyahu for failing to stop the rocket fire from Gaza. (TOI, YA 12/30; WAFA 12/31; PCHR 1/4)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained in clashes with IDF troops along Gaza’s border on 12/29. (HA, MNA, TOI 12/30; PCHR 1/4)

For an 11th consecutive day, Palestinians across Israel and the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli forces violently disperse them in Tulkarm, al-‘Arub refugee camp near Hebron, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp and Gaza City; 5 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, Israeli forces raze 500 dunams (approximately 123 acres) of Palestinian land near Nablus and cut down dozens of Palestinian trees near Hebron. Israeli border police arrest a Palestinian carrying pipe bombs into an Israeli military court near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Dayr al-Balah and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/17; PCHR 12/21)

Unidentified parties fire 2 rockets into Israel; 1 lands in an open area and the other explodes in the yard of a home near Ashqelon, causing minor damage. The IAF conducts air strikes on 6 Hamas sites in northern Gaza, causing damage and no injuries. (HA, WAFA, YA 12/18)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 2d of 4 planned days, allowing passage in both directions. (WAFA 12/17)

Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories reopens the Kerem Shalom crossing. The Israeli authorities closed it and the Erez border crossing on 12/13. (TOI 12/17)

For a 2d day in a row, unknown Gazans fire a rocket toward Israel. It lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. IAF jets then launch air strikes on Hamas military sites nr. Dayr al-Balah and Khan Yunis late at night, causing substantial damage. Meanwhile, IDF troops stationed along Gaza’s border open fire on agricultural fields nr. Khan Yunis, causing damage. In the West Bank, armed Palestinians fire at an Israeli settler’s car nr. Ramallah, causing damage. Israeli forces assault and detain 4 Palestinians as they are being released from an IDF detention center nr. Jenin. IDF troops conduct house searches and raids in Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Nablus, Jenin r.c., and Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, arresting 9 Palestinians and confiscating personal property; patrol in al-‘Arub r.c., al-Fawar r.c. and 6 villages nr. Hebron, as well as 2 areas nr. Salfit. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish a home in a Palestinian village nr. Jerusalem, sparking clashes between dozens of Palestinian residents and the Israeli police; 5 Palestinian citizens of Israel are arrested. The Israeli authorities say that the house was 1 of 7 in the area built on land zoned for agriculture. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 1/24; HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/25; PCHR 1/28)

Israeli PM Netanyahu confirms that his govt. will allow the settlers who were forcibly evicted from 2 homes in c. Hebron on 1/22 to return once their proper paperwork is in order. He also says he will form a ministerial comm. to deal with related issues, acquiescing to a request from Education Minister Naftali Bennett (his proposal will be approved on 1/25). (HA, JP, TOI, YA 1/24)

The IDF conducts approximately 100 strikes on targets across the Gaza Strip, killing 14 Palestinians in Bayt Hanun, Rafah, Khan Yunis and Dayr al-Balah. Hospitals in Gaza report a serious shortage of medicines and equipment, particularly for trauma injuries. Palestinians fire around 100 rockets and mortar shells into Israel, causing damage and seriously wounding 2 children in the bedouin village of Lakia. Iron Dome batteries intercept 15 of the projectiles. In addition, al-Qassam Brigades fly a drone into s. Israel along the coast nr. Ashdod, and the Israeli Air Force (IAF) shoots it down. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a 22-year-old Palestinian civilian in clashes nr. Hebron. In Bayt Umar nr. Hebron, IDF troops shoot and injure 2 Palestinians in another confrontation. Separately, IDF troops detain 11 Hamas parliamentarians in Nablus, Jenin, and Salfit. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/14; PCHR 7/15)

Following a meeting of Arab League FMs in the evening, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry proposes a cease-fire to start the next day, followed by talks in Cairo. The Arab League welcomes the proposal. An Israeli official says that PM Netanyahu will discuss the proposal the following day with his security cabinet. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/14)

A rocket launched from inside Lebanon hits n. Israel, causing no damage or injuries, the 4th such attack in recent days. IDF troops respond with artillery shells. (REU 7/14)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces shoot and wound a Palestinian nr. Dayr al-Balah close to the border fence after an explosion targets an Israeli military jeep, causing no injuries. Separately, Israeli forces open fire on farmland nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries, and in another incident, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion nr. Bayt Hanun and search the area adjacent to the border fence before withdrawing. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin and in Tulkarm in the morning, 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in 6 villages nr. Jenin and 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a total of 4 Palestinian homes, 2 each in the al-Isawiyya and Bayt Hanina neighborhoods. (AFP, MNA 1/27; PCHR 1/30)

A dispute escalates between Israeli PM Netanyahu and Economy and Trade Minister Naftali Bennett, with Netanyahu condemning his colleague for “irresponsible” comments, a reference to Bennett’s reported attack on the PM’s suggestion Israeli settlers could live under Palestinian rule. (HA, ToI 1/27)

The Israeli Air Force attacks a warehouse of S-300 missile launchers in the Syrian city of Latakia, according to Syrian opposition groups cited in Israeli media. The Syrian govt. neither confirms nor denies the alleged strike. (JP 1/27)

Egypt’s Supreme Council of the Armed Forces gives DM Sisi approval to run for pres., an election he is widely expected to win. (REU 1/27)

The IDF raids, searches a Qalqilya hospital (including emergency and operating rooms), looking for wanted men, leaves without finding any; sends tanks and bulldozers into Rafah in response to the mortar fire at Gush Katif on 9/23, sparking an exchange of gunfire with local Palestinians, killing a 14-yr.-old Palestinian boy, wounding 14; occupies a kindergarten in Khan Yunis as a military post; fires on residential areas of Dayr al-Balah, Khan Yunis; demolishes 3 Palestinian homes in Rafah (seriously damaging another 18), 2 nr. Khan Yunis, 1 nr. Jenin, 1 in Kfar Rantis; 13 greenhouses, 9 dunams of land are also bulldozed in Khan Yunis. 27 retired and reserve Israeli air force pilots sign a letter to the air force cmdr. saying they will not participate in operations in the occupied territories, which they term “illegal and immoral”; 1 of the 27 is Brig. Gen. Yiftach Spector (res.), who took part in the 1981 bombing of Iraq’s Osiraq nuclear reactor. (AFP, HA, PCHR, PR 9/24; VOP 9/24 in WNC 9/26; HA, MM, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 9/25; MM 9/26, 9/29; PR 10/1; PCHR 10/2)