The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Bayt Awa, Beit Umar, al-Twana, Nablus, and Birin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians at the Damascus Gate plaza, detaining and assaulting 2 and arresting 3 others. Former MK Yehuda Glick led a group of Israeli settlers touring the Haram al-Sharif compound. (WAFA 4/6; PCHR, WAFA 4/7; UNOCHA 4/23)

An Israeli court ordered a punitive demolition against the family home of 1 Palestinian in Silat ad-Dhahr accused of killing 1 Israeli settler on 20 December 2021. (WAFA 4/7)

3 Palestinian citizens of Israel were indicted on charges of smuggling pistols and hashish from Lebanon into Israel. According to the indictment, the 3 were going to sell the pistols to a man in Hebron. (HA 4/6)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with 15 conservative members of the UK Parliament in Ramallah. Prime Minister Shtayyeh called on the MP to recognize the State of Palestine, citing the UK’s historical responsibility for the current situation. Shtayyeh also asked the politicians to help facilitate elections being held in Jerusalem. (WAFA 4/6)

The 6 Palestinian rights organizations deemed terrorist organizations by Israel in October 2021—al-Haq, Addameer, Bisan Center for Research and Development, Defence for Children International – Palestine, the Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees, and the Union of Agricultural Work Committees—issued a joint statement calling for international help to have their terror designations rescinded. The organizations said that verbal condemnation of the designations had not helped their situation. (AHQ 4/6; MDW 4/12)

Idit Sliman of Yamina said she would leave the Israeli government coalition after striking a deal with former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Sliman’s departure from the coalition ended the coalition’s majority in the Knesset that is now split 60-60. Sliman commented that “the time has come to form a national, Jewish and Zionist government.” Sliman was promised, by Netanyahu, the role of health minister if he wins the next election. Joint List chairperson Ayman Odeh rejected calls for him and his party to join the government to restore the majority, saying that “we will not be a lifeline for [Prime Minister Naftali] Bennett and [Interior Minister Ayelet] Shaked.” (AJ, ALM, AX, CNN, GDN, HA, HA, HA, WSJ 4/6; MDW, TOI 4/7)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp to set tires on fire and otherwise continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them in the evening, injuring 1. After an incendiary balloon flown from Gaza sparks a small fire and damages a home in southern Israel, the Israeli Air Force conducts air strikes on 2 Hamas sites in central and southern Gaza late at night, causing major damage. In East Jerusalem, MK Yehuda Glick (Likud) leads a group of right-wing Jewish activists on a tour of Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 22 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. In the West Bank, Israeli forces uproot 50 olive trees from a Palestinian grove near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya and Nablus; and patrol near Qalqilya, Salfit, and Ramallah. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 2/27; HA, MNA, MNA, PCHR, YA 2/28)

The EU announces an €82 million (approximately $93.3 million) to support UNRWA’s core budget in 2019. (WAFA 2/27)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor approaching the border fence near Khan Yunis. They also open fire on Palestinian farmers and shepherds near Dayr al-Balah and al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no reported injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault and lightly injure a number of Palestinian farmers working near Hebron. Israeli forces demolish a number of structures on Palestinian farmland near Bethlehem and seize a tractor from a farm near Tubas. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Tulkarm, Ramallah, Nablus, and Jenin; and patrol near Qalqilya, Hebron, and Ramallah. An unexploded piece of Israeli ordnance detonates in the northern Jordan Valley, killing 4 Palestinian-owned cows. In East Jerusalem, Israeli MK Yehuda Glick (Likud) leads a group of right-wing Jewish activists on a tour of Haram al-Sharif. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during a raid in Hizma. (JP, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/28; MNA, MNA, TOI 1/29; PCHR 1/31)

Palestinian ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour says that the effort to submit the State of Palestine for full membership at the UN is on hold until “obstacles” are no longer in the way, alluding to the U.S. veto at the UN Security Council. Earlier this month, PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki said he intended to file the paperwork for another full membership bid before the end of 1/2019. (AP, TOI 1/29)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces that his government does not intend to renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), an international civilian group that has been monitoring “efforts to maintain normal life” in Hebron since it was established as part of the Hebron Protocol in 1997. The TIPH’s mandate, which has been renewed every 6 months since then, is set to expire on 1/31. A PA spokesperson calls the move “unacceptable.” “We call on the countries sponsoring this agreement to take a clear stance from this grave Israeli position and to immediately act to pressure the Israeli government to continue implementation of the agreement as agreed and not to treat Israel as a state above the law.” (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 1/28; MNA, TOI 1/29; FMEP 2/1)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s north coast to continue the Great March of Return and to cheer on approximately 30 Palestinian boats sailing in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade. IDF troops and Israeli naval forces violently disperse the demonstrations; at least 30 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion across Gaza’s border fence to level land near Dayr al-Balah and open fire on a Palestinian bird-hunter approaching the border fence near Bayt Hanun. In East Jerusalem, Israeli MK Yehuda Glick leads a group of 40 right-wing Jewish activists on a tour of Haram al-Sharif. A Palestinian demolishes his storehouse, parking area, and staircase in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes and a sheep barn in Fasayil village near Jericho. IDF troops shut down the main street in Bayt Umar while they conduct raids in the village, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no reported injuries. They also arrest 20 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, Tubas, Hebron, Nablus; and patrol in and around Nablus, Jenin, and Hebron. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/3; MNA 12/4; PCHR 12/6)

The IDF launches a major military operation, dubbed Operation Northern Shield, aimed at exposing and demolishing tunnels stretching from southern Lebanon into northern Israel. Hezbollah has reportedly built a network of such tunnels since 2006. Kicking off the operation, Israeli forces uncover a tunnel stretching 40 meters into Israel and booby-trap it to prevent anyone from entering from the Lebanese side. (HA, JP, JP, TOI, YA 12/4)

Hours before the launch of Operation Northern Shield, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo in Brussels to discuss recent developments in the Middle East, including Iran’s nuclear program. Netanyahu reportedly tells Pompeo about Operation Northern Shield and asks him to tell the Lebanese government that they need to stop Hezbollah from acquiring precision-guided missiles. (HA, JP, TOI, TOI 12/3)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a junction near Salfit after he allegedly attempts to stab several of the soldiers. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli settlers flood with wastewater parts of Khan al-Ahmar, the Jerusalem-area Bedouin village slated for evacuation and demolition. Later, Palestinian and international solidarity activists block the roads leading into the village, sparking clashes with the Israeli forces attempting to prepare for the demolitions; 7 Palestinians are injured and 4 activists are arrested. Separately, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering in al-Lubban near Nablus to protest the recent closure of the village’s school; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 20 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids near Bethlehem, Ramallah, Tulkarm, Hebron, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Salfit; and patrol near Nablus and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers assault and moderately injure a Palestinian harvesting olives near Nablus. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering near Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return and to cheer on a number of Palestinian boats sailing offshore in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade; at least 24 Palestinians are injured. Separately, an Israeli aircraft bombs a Hamas post near Rafah after 2 Palestinians detonate a small explosive along the border fence in the area, causing minor damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli MK Yehuda Glick tours Haram al-Sharif, performing prayers with an Israeli police escort. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 10/15; MNA, MNA 10/16; PCHR 10/18)

In response to the recent threats of a full-scale IDF operation in Gaza, Hamas puts out a statement: “The threats serve as an incentive for increased participation in the Great March of Return, its continuity and its development.” (JP 10/15)

The Australian press reports that Australian prime minister Scott Morrison recently told Israeli prime minister Netanyahu that he is considering following the U.S. lead and moving the Australian embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. “I am saying I’m open to considering it,” Morrison reportedly said. (HA, HA, YA 10/15)

The Syrian authorities re-open the Qunaytra border crossing in the Golan Heights, allowing UN peacekeepers to travel between Israel and Syria for the first time in 4 years. The Syrian army recaptured the territory surrounding the crossing in 7/2018. (AP, HA, TOI, YA 10/15)

Leader of the messianic Temple Mount movement and ultranationalist MK Yehuda Glick (Likud) and MK Shuli Moalem-Refaeli (Jewish Home) visit Haram al-Sharif under heavy police protection. Their visit follows Israeli PM Netanyahu’s decision to temporarily lift his ban on MKs and ministers visiting the sanctuary for 1 day only (Netanyahu initially imposed the ban in 10/2015 amid escalating violence across the oPt; see JPS 45 [2, 3]). Israeli forces plan to assess today’s visit and to make a recommendation about the ban’s future. A spokesperson for the Islamic Waqf says the decision to lift the ban is “unacceptable” and shows that “extremist right-wing entities are in control of the Israeli occupation’s government.” Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian in the Old City and another during a raid in Abu Dis. In the West Bank, IDF troops escort hundreds of Israeli settlers to visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths from nearby Balata refugee camp; 2 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol in and around Qalqilya and Hebron. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian Bedouin homes near Hebron, causing minor damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/29; TOI 8/30; PCHR 9/1; PCHR 9/14)

Israeli ambassador to Egypt Govrin flies to Cairo to resume his post. Along with 8 staffers, he will work out of his home rather than in the Israeli embassy, which was evacuated due to security concerns in 12/2016. (AP, TOI 8/29)

Hundreds of Palestinians march through al-Suwana, East Jerusalem, to mourn Ali Abu Gharbiyeh, the Palestinian whose body washed ashore at Lake Tiberias on 6/30. Israeli forces fire stun grenades at protesters “shouting slogans” and “acting disorderly,” according to an Israeli police spokesperson. At least 35 Palestinians are lightly injured in the ensuing clashes. It is still unclear how Abu Gharbiyeh died. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct a raid in al-Mughayyir village nr. Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 9 Palestinians during raids in and around Qalqilya, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol nr. Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian protesters gathering nr. Jabaliya r.c. and Khan Yunis; there are no serious injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya for the 3d day in a row, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 7/2; WAFA 7/3; PCHR 7/6)

Israeli PM Netanyahu announces a temporary suspension of his ban on Israeli MKs and ministers visiting Haram al-Sharif, following a petition from MK Yehuda Glick, leader of the messianic Temple Mount movement and ultranationalist mbr. of Likud. The trial period is set to span 7/23–27. Netanyahu 1st implemented the ban amid rising tensions at the site and across the oPt in 10/2015. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/2; JTA 7/3)

A delegation of senior Hamas officials departs Gaza for Cairo to build on previous negotiations that the delegation held in the Egyptian capital 6/4–12. The trip comes amid signs of growing ties between Hamas and the Egyptian govt. (MNA 7/2)

In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with Palestinians in Aida r.c. after the funeral of a Palestinian boy killed by the IDF on 10/5, injuring 10. In protest of the killing, Palestinian businesses and schools in Bethlehem observe a general strike. IDF troops also raid the Nablus-area homes of the 5 Palestinians suspected in the 10/1 shooting that killed 2 settlers, taking pictures and threatening punitive demolitions. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian stone-throwers in the Jenin, Ramallah, and Bethlehem areas, injuring at least 44 Palestinians and 1 Israeli soldier. Nr. Hebron, Israeli forces close off the main entrance to a village following overnight clashes, and they arrest 18 Palestinians during raids, house searches, and patrols around the city. Israeli settlers continue retaliatory attacks against Palestinians and their property throughout the West Bank, injuring 2 Palestinians in the Hebron area and clashing with Palestinians who had organized a local patrol to ward off settler attacks nr. Nablus (there are no serious injuries). In Israel, hundreds of Palestinians gather in Jaffa to protest the recent escalation of violence in the oPt; Israeli police attempt to disperse the crowd after some of the protesters start throwing stones and blocking traffic, sparking minor clashes (6 police are injured and 6 Palestinians are arrested). (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/6; HA, MNA 10/7; PCHR 10/8)

Israeli forces punitively demolish 2 Palestinian homes in the Jabal Mukabir neighborhood of East Jerusalem. First, they demolish the home of 1 of the 2 Palestinians who attacked a West Jerusalem synagogue on 11/18/2014, and they later demolish the nearby home of the Palestinian who rammed an excavator into a bus on 8/4/2014, killing 1 Israeli and injuring others. Similarly in Silwan, they seal a room in the residence of the Palestinian who was shot and killed on 10/30/2014 after allegedly attempting to assassinate Yehuda Glick, the leader of the messianic Temple Mount movement. (MNA, WAFA 10/6; PCHR 10/8)

While visiting a settlement, Israeli PM Netanyahu says that the IDF will install cameras along roads across the West Bank to provide evidence of future Palestinian attacks. Netanyahu and DM Ya’alon also meet with 18 settler leaders and reportedly announce that the govt. will not be authorizing new settlement construction in response to the recent violence, explaining that increased pressure from the U.S. and EU would likely endanger settlers more than a temporary construction freeze. (JP, TOI 10/6; JP, TOI 10/7)

Off Gaza’s coast nr. Dayr al-Balah, Israeli naval forces fire warning shots at 1 Palestinian fishing boat, then confiscate 8 nets. In the West Bank, Israeli forces destroy hundreds of trees in a nature reserve nr. Tubas; demolish the remaining grocery stands set up along bypass road Route 60 (several stands were confiscated on 6/15). IDF troops conduct 3 raids in Jenin r.c., arresting 1 Palestinian on each and destroying their property. They also conduct raids in Aida r.c. and 1 village nr. Bethlehem, and 2 villages each nr. Hebron, Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Nablus, arresting 12 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 3; patrol in 4 villages nr. Hebron, 2 nr. Ramallah, and 1 nr. Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest 5 Palestinians as they exit Haram al-Sharif, and more than 50 right-wing Jewish activists tour the sanctuary. Israeli forces conduct a late-night raid in Issawiyya, sparking clashes with stone- and firework-throwing residents; 5 Palestinians are injured. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian on a night raid in al-‘Izzariya. In n. Israel, the IDF declares a section of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights a closed military zone to nonresidents in response to recent fighting on the Syrian side of the border. (JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 6/16; PCHR 6/18)

Hamas sources say that Israel and Hamas have been holding an indirect exchange through various Arab, Turkish, and European channels about the prospect of agreeing to a 5–10-year cease-fire, and that elements under discussion relate to easing the blockade, including the possible construction of a seaport, and the entry of materials into Gaza in exchange for quiet. (AFP, HA, MNA, TOI 6/16; MNA 6/17)

At a meeting of the Fatah Revolutionary Council in Ramallah, PA pres. Abbas says that he intends to dissolve the PA consensus govt. and form an entirely new cabinet within the next few days. Hamas official Basem Naim speculates that Abbas was caught “off guard” by today’s reports of indirect talks between Hamas and Israel, and they prompted him to make this decision. However, other reports say that conversations about dissolution have been going on for mos. (HA, MNA, NYT 6/16)

Israel’s Defense Ministry announces a series of loosened restrictions on Palestinians’ movement during Ramadan this year (the holy mo. begins the evening of 6/17). The Israeli High Court of Justice rules to seal the East Jerusalem room of the man accused of shooting right-wing Jewish activist Yehuda Glick on 10/29/2014. The State’s prosecutors argued for the court to approve the punitive demolition of the whole home, as was initially ordered in the wake of the shooting. (JP, MNA, TOI, YA 6/16; HA 6/17)

Off the coast of Gaza nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF floods an olive grove outside Bethlehem during a drill. The IDF also conducts house searches and raids in 1 village each nr. Tubas, Nablus, and Jenin, arresting 2 Palestinians and sparking clashes nr. Jenin; arrests 5 Palestinians in a village nr. Bethlehem; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron, 5 nr. Ramallah, and 2 each nr. Jericho and Qalqilya. A group of Palestinian youth affiliated with Fatah steal a Tnuva milk truck and dump its contents in the middle of al-Manara Square in Ramallah. Tnuva is 1 of the 6 Israeli companies targeted by the boycott initiated by the National Comm. against Israeli Punitive Measures on 2/9. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in the Old City and al-‘Izzariya, arresting 5 Palestinians and issuing summons to 3. In n. Israel, Israeli police arrest 68 Palestinian workers who have been sleeping and laboring in Israel without permits. (MNA, WAFA 3/2; MNA 3/3; PCHR 3/5; HA 3/9)

Israeli state prosecutors tell the High Court of Justice that they are no longer pursuing the punitive demolition of the Silwan home of the Palestinian alleged to have shot and injured right-wing activist Yehuda Glick, leader of the messianic Temple Mount movement, on 10/29/ 2014. The prosecutors argue, instead, for the man’s room to be blocked off. (TOI 3/2)

UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry meets with Hamas officials in Gaza and proposes a 3–5-year hudna, or truce. (AFP, HA 3/2; HA 3/9)

In Washington, Israeli PM Netanyahu addresses the AIPAC conference, saying he has a “moral obligation” to warn the U.S. Congress on 3/3 of the dangers of a potential deal with Iran. Hours later, U.S. Pres. Obama tells Reuters that Netanyahu’s trip to the U.S., and the way it was organized, is a distraction, but not “permanently destructive” to the U.S.-Israel relationship. (NYT, YA 3/2; HA 3/3)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with Iranian FM Zarif and Iran’s atomic energy chief Ali Akbar Salehi in Montreux, Switzerland, for 3-day negotiations over Iran’s nuclear weapons program. (TOI 3/1; REU 3/2)

While in Switzerland, Kerry speaks in front of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva and urges its mbrs. to end their “unbalanced focus” on Israel. (AP, JP, NYT, TOI 3/2)

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, unknown Palestinians fire shots toward IDF troops nr. the Erez crossing, causing no injuries. In 2 separate incidents, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF informs residents nr. Jenin that 1,000s of dunams of land in the area will be seized; delivers demolition orders for 8 structures to Palestinians in a village nr. Hebron. Elsewhere, a Palestinian throws a Molotov cocktail at a settler nr. Hawara village s. of Nablus, and IDF troops impose a curfew on the village. The IDF conducts arrest raids and house searches nr. Hebron, Nablus, Qalqilya, and in Jenin r.c. Clashes break out with residents nr. Nablus, injuring 4 Palestinians in ‘Askar r.c. Late at night, a group of settlers, accompanied by IDF troops, enters a village e. of Ramallah and tries to burn a Palestinian’s home, but residents stop them. An Israeli settler attempts to run over 3 Palestinians with his car s. of Hebron, causing no injuries or damage. In East Jerusalem, municipal authorities and IDF troops deliver a demolition order to the Silwan home of the Palestinian who was suspected of shooting right-wing Jewish activist Yehuda Glick on 10/29 and was killed hours later by Israeli security forces. (See QU in JPS 174 for more.) In Israel, police arrest a U.S. citizen, saying that he has been living in Israel illegally for 18 mos., he possesses illegal weapons, and that he is planning attacks on Haram al-Sharif with his roommate, an IDF soldier. (MNA, WAFA 11/19; IMEMC, MNA, PCHR 11/20; PCHR 11/27; AFP, JP, HA 12/9)

Israeli authorities announce that the bodies of the 2 Palestinians who attacked a synagogue in West Jerusalem on 11/18 will not be returned to their families. Following the announcement, clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces break out in the East Jerusalem neighborhoods of Jabal Mukabir, where the men were from, Sur al-Bahir, Silwan, Issawiyya, and al-Tur; 12 Palestinians are injured by rubber-coated metal bullets. (HA, TOI 11/19; MNA 11/20)

Palestinian bus drivers working for Egged continue their strike for a 2d day, protesting the death of a driver on 11/16. (IMEMC 11/19)

Israeli authorities approve the construction of 78 new homes in 2 settlements in East Jerusalem. (AA, REU 11/19)

For the 2d day in a row, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with Oman’s FM Alawi in London to discuss the negotiations between reps. of Iran and the P5+1 over Iran’s disputed nuclear program. (AP 11/19)

Jordan’s govt. formally condemns the attack on the West Jerusalem synagogue on 11/18. The Jordanian parliament holds a moment of silence for the 2 Palestinians who were killed by Israeli police after perpetrating the attack, and Jordanian PM Abdullah Ensour sends a letter of condolence to the men’s family. (TOI 11/21)