The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers shoot and injure 2 Palestinians, including a child, and set a vehicle and a home on fire during a raid in ‘Asira al-Qibliya. Israeli settlers also assault 2 Palestinians and damage their vehicles after raiding their home in Kisan. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes and set a car on fire in Madama. Israeli settlers also demolish 3 structures in Susiya. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers set fire to a vehicle in Huwwara. Israeli forces shoot and injure 4 Palestinians during raid in Tell, al-Ram, Tammun, and Ramallah. Israeli forces also violently disperse a funeral procession in Biddu, injuring 2 people with baton rounds. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrest 27 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, Tubas, Tell, Deir Ghassana, ‘Azzun, and Arrabah. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian child succumbs to injuries sustained from Israeli forces on 2/11 in the Old City. Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, Khan Yunis, and Gaza City, killing at least 164 people, including at least 74 people in Rafah. Israeli forces also shoot and kill 7 and injure at least 14 others at the Nasser Hospital. 3 Israelis soldiers are killed in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb several places, killing 5 members of Hezbollah, including in a home in Chihine. Islamic Jihad says 2 of its fighters were killed by Israel near the Blue Line. In the Red Sea, Houthi fighters attack a cargo ship with naval missiles, saying it is U.S. owned. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/12; AJ, AP, HA, HA 2/13; AJ, AP, HA 2/14)

More than 28,340 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 11,500 children and 7,200 women, and around 67,984 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 387 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 99 children. More than 4,426 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, 227 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,326 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. 9 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. UNRWA Gaza chief Thomas White says there is an outbreak of hepatitis A and a very high number of Palestinians experiencing diarrhea. (AJ, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 2/12; UNOCHA 2/13)

Israel says it forces rescued 2 Israeli captives from a building in Rafah. Israel says the large-scale airstrikes on Rafah that killed at least 74 Palestinians were a diversion for the rescue mission. (HA, NYT 2/11; AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, UNOCHA, REU, REU 2/12; NYT 2/13)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas meets with Qatari emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha, discussing the possibility of a unity government in Palestine. (HA, WAFA 2/12)

Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah meets with Islamic Jihad secretary-general Ziad al-Nakhalah. (AJ, HA 2/12)

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich says, “the Egyptians bear considerable responsibility for October 7.” A spokesperson for the Egyptian Foreign Ministry says Smotrich is trying to divert attention from Israel’s own shortcomings. Foreign Minister Israel Katz and Interior Minister Moshe Arbel say UN special rapporteur on the Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese will be banned from Israel, citing her comments that the “victims of 7/10 were not killed because of their Judaism, but in response to Israel’s oppression.” U.S. representative to the UN Human Rights Council Michele Taylor accuses Albanese of having a “history of using anti-Semitic tropes.” (AJ, HA 2/12; AJ 2/13)

U.S. president Joe Biden meets with Jordanian king Abdullah II at the White House. Biden tells the press that Palestinians in Rafah need to be protected. Abdullah II says a lasting ceasefire is needed to protect Palestinians and an Israeli invasion of Rafah would be a catastrophe. (AJ, AX, HA, NYT 2/12; NYT, WAFA 2/13)

The UN Security Council meets to discuss the situation in Rafah and an Algerian draft resolution calling for a ceasefire. Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, says the UN will not play a part in Israel’s plans for evacuation of Rafah, saying “there is no place that is currently safe in Gaza.” ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan says he is deeply concerned about Israel’s plans in Rafah, adding “[a]ll wars have rules and the laws applicable to armed conflict cannot be interpreted so as to render them hollow or devoid of meaning.” Khan also says Israel has not changed its conduct in Gaza and “those who do not comply with the law should not complain later when my Office takes action pursuant to its mandate.” (AJ, HA, NYT 2/12; AJ, HA 2/13)

The U.S. Senate votes 70-29 to approve a bill which if approved by the House and President Biden would provide $95 billion in military aid to Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel, including $14 billion to Israel, ban funding of UNRWA, and provide $9.15 billion in humanitarian assistance to civilians in conflict zones, including in Gaza and the West Bank. Biden calls on the House to immediately approve the Senate bill, which he says, “provides Israel with what it needs to protect its people against the terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah and others.” Before voting in favor of the bill, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) says Israel is committing “textbook” war crimes in Gaza. (HA 2/12; AJ, AP, HA, HA, INT 2/13)

EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borell calls on the U.S. to suspend military aid to Israel saying, “if you believe that too many people are being killed, maybe you should provide less arms in order to prevent so many people being killed.” (AJ, AJ, HA, HA 2/12)

The UK government sanctions 4 Israeli settlers. The PA foreign ministry welcomes the measure but calls it insufficient. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 2/12)

A Dutch court orders the Dutch government to halt exports of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel. The Dutch government says it will appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 2/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers open fire at Palestinian shepherds near Kisan, forcing them to flee. Israeli forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinians with live ammunition during a raid in Bayt Rima. Israeli forces also assault a Palestinian child in Hebron. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians in Husan, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also issue notices that Israel has seized 154 dunams (38 acres) of land in Deir Istiya and Haris. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Nuseirat refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, al-Shati refugee camp, Nuseirat refugee camp, and Rafah, killing at least 165 people. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb near Yaroun, Zibqin, and Houla. Hezbollah attacks a site near Shtula. In Jordan, the U.S. says 3 U.S. service members are killed and 25 injured in a strike on a U.S. base near Syria, claiming the attack was carried out by Iranian-backed militant groups. Jordan says the base where the 3 U.S. soldiers are killed is in Syria. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claims responsibility. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/28; AP, AX, NYT, REU, REU 1/29; AP, AP, AP 1/30)

More than 26,422 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 10,600 children and 7,200 women, and around 65,087 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 366 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 92 children. More than 4,366 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, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 219 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,269 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 84 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah crossing. 30 Palestinians are buried in a mass grave inside the besieged Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. Al-Amal Hospital runs out of oxygen supplies, forcing the staff to suspend all surgeries. The Israeli military declares the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing a closed military zone to prevent further protests obstructing aid deliveries to Gaza, citing the ICJ ruling on 1/26 to allow aid to enter Gaza. (HA 1/27; AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 1/28; NYT, WAFA 1/29)

UNRWA spokesperson in Gaza Adnan Abu Hasna says UNRWA only has funds to provide services in Gaza until the end of February. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres says any UNRWA staffer who may have taken part in Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on 10/7/23 will be held accountable, but pleads for countries that have suspended their funding for UNRWA to reverse their decisions. Japan and France follow 8 other countries in suspending funding for UNRWA. PA president Mahmoud Abbas issues a statement condemning the Israeli campaign against UNRWA, saying Israel is seeking to destroy the agency. Amnesty International calls the decisions by the countries that have suspend funding for UNRWA “sickening.” The WHO, OIC, Iran, Turkey, and Jordan call on countries to reverse their decisions.  (AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/28; AJ, NYT, WAFA 1/29)

Mossad director David Barnea, Shin Bet director Ronen Bar, CIA director Bill Burns, Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel meet in Paris, France, discussing a ceasefire. Progress is reportedly being made on a ceasefire deal that would last 2 months and see more than 100 Israeli captives released. During the first month women, elderly, and wounded Israeli would be released while in the second month Israeli soldiers and men would be released. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls negotiations for a hostage deal “constructive.” (NYT, NYT 1/27; AJ, HA, HA, REU 1/28; REU 1/29)

12 Israeli ministers, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and several MKs attend the Conference for the Victory of Israel – Settlement Brings Security: Returning to the Gaza Strip and Northern Samaria in Jerusalem, laying out plans for the reestablishment of 15 Israeli settlements and 6 new settlements in Gaza. The attendees are filmed dancing and celebrating the plans. Ben-Gvir tells the attendees that the “only humane solution for Gaza is the mass deportation of its inhabitants.” Smotrich says “Israeli soldiers waging war in Gaza will remain as settlers and rebuild settlements, we have come back to inherit the land.” Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi says in war “’voluntary’ is at times a state you impose [on someone] until they give their consent.” France condemns the conference. Germany calls it “totally unacceptable” and condemns the participation of “parts of the Israeli government.” U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby calls the language used by some ministers “irresponsible, reckless, incendiary.”  (AJ, HA, HA, REU, WAFA 1/28; AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 1/29; AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/30)

The Arab League holds an extraordinary session called by the PA to reach a “unified Arab stance” on the ICJ ruling from 1/26. (AJ, WAFA 1/28)

Former House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) tells CNN that the FBI should investigate links between protesters demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and Russian president Vladimir Putin. (NYT 1/28; AJ 1/29)

NBC News reports that the Biden administration is considering scaling down weapon sales to Israel to use it as leverage to get Israel to scale back its assault on Gaza. The White House denies the reports. (HA, REU 1/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers bring their cattle to graze on farmland in Deir Balut, causing damage to crops. Israeli settlers also fence off a tract of land and begin construction of a settlement road in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces fatally shoot 2 Palestinians and injure at least 3 others in Nur Shams refugee camp during the second day of its raid in Tulkarm, bringing the total number of casualties to 8 deaths and at least 26 injuries; Israeli soldiers also continue demolishing infrastructure, blow up 3 homes, and prevent medics from reaching wounded Palestinians. Israeli forces also shoot and injure 10 Palestinians, including 2 with live ammunition and 8 with baton rounds, during raids in al-Bireh and al-Am’ari refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces assault 4 Palestinians and injure others with tear gas during a raid in Husan. Israeli forces also demolish several homes and agricultural structures in Duma, displacing around 50 people. Israeli forces arrest 48 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hamala, Hebron, Deir al-Ghusun, Bayt Rima, Balaa, Nablus, Kafr ad-Dik, and Qalqilya. In Gaza, telecommunications services are down for the seventh day in a row. Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Rafah, Beit Hanun, Beit Lahiya, al-Nuseirat refugee camp, Jabalia refugee camp, Maghazi, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 172 people, including 16 in an airstrike on a home in Rafah and al-Quds TV news director Wael Fanouneh in an airstrike on Gaza City. Israeli forces also demolish al-Israa University in a controlled explosion after using it as a military base. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Aitaroun, Meiss Ej Jabal, Kfar Kila, and Odaisseh, causing damage. Lebanon’s National News Agency says Israel has used white phosphorus in Meiss Ej Jabal. In the Red Sea, the Houthi movement says it has attacked a ship 85 nautical miles off the coast of Yemen with “naval missiles,” causing damage. The U.S. military says it has bombed 2 anti-ship missiles ready to be launched in Yemen. In Iran, Pakistani forces bomb Baluchi separatists, killing 9 people, in what appears to be retaliation for an Iranian strike on Pakistan on 1/16. (NYT 1/17; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/18; AJ, AP, AP, NYT, REU, REU 1/19)

More than 24,620 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 10,600 children and 7,200 women, and around 61,830 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 361 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 90 children. More than 4,252 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, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 191 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,178 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 69,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 98 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah and Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossings. UNRWA says the population of Rafah has quadrupled to more than 1.2 million. (AJ, NYT, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 1/18; AP, HA 1/19)

Lebanese officials say Hezbollah has rejected a U.S. proposal to move its militants further north from the Blue Line to reduce tensions with Israel, but that Hezbollah remains open to U.S. diplomacy to avoid further escalation. (HA, HA, REU 1/18)

A Haaretz investigation reveals that no Palestinian community in Israel is listed as eligible to receive weapons from the National Security Ministry, even as some of the communities are closer to Israeli “borders” than Jewish communities that are deemed eligible. (HA 1/18)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will continue to control all territory between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean, saying “it contradicts the idea of self-rule [for Palestinians]. So what? I tell this truth to our American friends.” Netanyahu adds, “[t]his conflict is not about a lack of a state, but about the existence of a state.” U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller says in response that U.S. “support for Israel remains ironclad” despite disagreement on the issue. Miller also says that there is “no way” to solve Israel’s long-term security needs without the establishment of a Palestinian state. PA spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh says there will be no security and stability in the region without a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Saudi ambassador to the U.S. Reema bint Bandar Al Saud says any potential normalization agreement with Israel would be conditioned on a ceasefire and an “irrevocable” pathway for a Palestinian state. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, NYT, WAFA 1/18; AP, AP, NYT, REU 1/19)

The Israeli cabinet discusses whether to transfer the responsibility of disbursing the PA tax revenue to either Norway or the U.S. The plan, which was brought forward by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, is opposed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and is not voted on. Smotrich’s plan includes forcing the third-party country to also deduct tax revenue that is allocated to Gaza. (HA 1/19)

Israeli war cabinet minister Gadi Eisenkot tells Channel 12 that he helped prevent an Israeli “preemptive strike” on Lebanon on 10/11/2023 and says Israel will not be able to retrieve the captives held in Gaza alive without a deal with Hamas. The Times of Israel quotes National Security Minister Ben-Gvir as telling Israeli soldiers in the West Bank that “[w]hen your life is in danger or [you] see a terrorist – even if he does not endanger you – shoot.” Ben-Gvir’s office later says he told the soldiers to shoot “armed terrorists.”  (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 1/18; AP, AP, AP, NYT 1/19)

U.S. president Joe Biden responds to a question about the efficacy of the U.S. attacks on Yemen saying “when you say working, are they stopping the Houthis? No. Are they going to continue? Yes.” (AP 1/18; AJ, AP 1/19)

Mexico and Chile refer Israel’s attacks on Gaza to the ICC over possible war crimes. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 1/18; AP, WAFA 1/19)

The European Parliament votes in favor of a permanent ceasefire on the condition that Hamas is dismantled and all captives are released, and for an acceleration of humanitarian aid to Gaza in a symbolic vote that pass 312-131, with 72 members abstaining. (AJ, AP, REU, WAFA 1/18)

Politico reports that U.S. officials have told Israeli leaders to restore telecommunications services in Gaza. (AJ 1/18)

The Financial Times, citing unnamed “senior Arab officials,” reports that Arab states will present a plan that will see normalization of Saudi ties with Israel in exchange for Palestine becoming a full member of the UN, irreversible steps toward Palestinian statehood, and Israel ceasing its attacks on Gaza. (AJ, FT, HA 1/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid Burin, setting fire to a vehicle and attacking homes. Israeli settlers also seize and occupy dozens of residential caves in Tuqu’, ‘Arab al-Rashayida, Kaysan, Za’atra, and Bayt Ta’mar. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling in Huwwara. Israeli settlers posing as soldiers also attack a school in Khallet al-Maiya. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers throw stones at a house in Turmus ‘Ayya and attempt to set fire to it, causing damage to the house, a solar panel, and several vehicles. Israeli forces fatally shoot 2 Palestinians and injure 9 others during a raid in Dura; a video shows that Israeli forces used a Palestinian man they took from his phone shop as a human shield. A video circulating on social media also shows 2 Israeli soldiers kicking a man lying on the ground during the raid. Israeli forces also fatally shoot a member of the PA security forces during a raid in Nur Shams refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man and demolish 2 homes and a barbershop, displacing 12 people during a raid in Qalqilya. Israeli forces also shoot and injure 8 Palestinians, including 2 children, at a checkpoint in Qalandia and in Bayt Liqya, Qiffin, and Nablus. Meanwhile, Israeli forces assault 2 Palestinians during raids in Dheisheh refugee camp and Beita. Israeli forces also demolish a greenhouse in al-Jalama. Israeli forces arrest 48 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bayt Awa, Dura, Bayt Rima, Jalazone refugee camp, Beitin, Zababdeh, and Nablus, including 25 students at an-Najah University in Nablus. In Ra’anana, Israeli police arrest 2 Palestinians from Hebron, saying they rammed and stabbed 13 Israelis, killing 1 of them. Israeli forces subsequently raid the family homes of the 2 Palestinians in Bani Na’im and Bayt ‘Amr, taking measurements for punitive demolitions; tear-gas related injuries are reported in both places as Palestinians resist the raids. In Gaza, telecommunications services are down for the fourth day in a row. Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Rafah, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Maghazi, killing at least 132 people. An Israeli soldier is killed in combat. Rockets are fired at Israel; no damage is reported. In Lebanon, Israeli forces conduct airstrikes on Maroun al-Ras. Rockets are fired at Israel; no damage is reported. In the Red Sea, Houthi forces attack a U.S.-owned container ship, causing damage. In Iraq and Syria, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps attack what it calls a Mossad espionage headquarters near Erbil with ballistic missiles, killing 4 and injuring 6 others and alleged ISIS perpetrators of terrorist operations in Iran in eastern Syria. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, 1/15; AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA 1/16; HA 1/18)

More than 24,100 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,870 women and children, and around 60,834 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 348 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 87 children. More than 4,197 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, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 186 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,113 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 69,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 108 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah crossing. (UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 1/15)

Hamas releases a video of the bodies of 2 Israeli captives it says have been killed in an Israeli airstrike. In another video a captive says she was injured in an Israeli airstrike. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU 1/15)

Israel’s military says it has withdrawn an army division from Gaza, leaving 3 combat divisions in the area. The military also transfers the Duvdevan unit from Gaza to the West Bank as Israeli military officials say the West Bank is “on the brink of an implosion.” (AJ, HA, HA 1/15)

The Knesset approves the extension of an emergency regulation allowing Israel to deny Palestinian prisoners meetings with their lawyers for up to 180 days and approves the first reading of an extension of the temporary order which allows poorer conditions for prisoners. The Israeli cabinet approves the 2024 budget, slashing funds earmarked for the development of Palestinian communities in Israel by 15% and allocating $80 million to the Settlements and National Missions Ministry. 5 members of Benny Gantz’s National Unity party vote against the budget. (AJ, HA, REU 1/15; AJ, AJ, HA, HA 1/16)

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid claims Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant are not speaking to each other. Gallant reportedly stormed out of a cabinet meeting this weekend after 1 of his aides was refused entry. (AJ, HA 1/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers shot and injured a Palestinian during a raid in Surif. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian child and injure 7 others during a raid in Bayt Rima. Israeli forces also shoot and injure 2 Palestinians with live ammunition during a raid in Balata refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a 12-year-old boy during a raid in Ya’bad. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian at a checkpoint near Nablus. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Jabalia refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Nuseirat refugee camp, and al-Bureij refugee camp, killing at least 162 people and attacking the Palestinian Red Crescent Society’s headquarters in Khan Yunis for the fourth day in a row. Israeli forces also withdraw from the Gaza City neighborhoods of Daraj and Tuffah after spending 10 days demolishing homes and cemeteries. Israel says it attacked more than 100 targets in Gaza overnight. Rockets fired from Gaza cause damage in Sderot. In Lebanon, 8 rockets are fired at Kiryat Shimona, no damage was reported. Rockets fired from Lebanon also target 2 Israeli military bases. Israeli forces attack Aita al-Shaab and Majdal Zoun. (AJ, AP, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/5)

More than 22,600 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 8,800 children and 6,300 women, and around 57,910 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 319 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 81 children. More than 3,949 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured since 10/7, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 173 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,020 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 12/23, at least 65,000 housing units had been destroyed and 290,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 80 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah and Karim Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossings. France and Jordan jointly airdrop aid to Gaza from 2 C-130 transport planes. UNRWA appeals for more basic supplies, saying it does not have diapers for babies being sheltered in its facilities. (AJ, AP, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 1/5)

UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator Martin Griffiths says in a statement that people in Gaza “are facing the highest level of food insecurity ever recorded” and that Gaza has “become a place of death and despair.” (AJ, AP, UNOCHA 1/5; HA, WAFA 1/6)

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh issues a video message to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken, saying he hopes the U.S. has learned lessons from its mistakes in the past 3 months and will working toward ending the occupation. Blinken arrives in Turkey, the first stop on his Middle East visit where according to the State Department he will work toward the protection of civilians in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank, freeing more captives, getting more aid into Gaza, ensuring Palestinians in Gaza are not forcibly displaced, deter Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, reduce tensions at the Blue Line, and takes steps toward creating a Palestinian state. (AJ, HA 1/5)

PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki speaks with UK foreign secretary David Cameron. According to a PA statement, Cameron condemns comments made by Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir in favor of the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza. Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf calls Smotrich and Ben-Gvir’s statements “the textbook definition of ethnic cleansing.” (AJ, HA, WAFA 1/5; AJ, HA 1/6)

Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah gives a speech warning that if Hezbollah does not respond to the assassination of Hamas deputy political leader Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut then all of Lebanon will be exposed to Israeli attacks. Nasrallah says Hezbollah has attacked Israel 670 times since 10/8. (AJ, AJ, HA, NYT 1/5)

The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reports that the PA is working with South Africa on the genocide case against Israel at the ICJ in which hearings will begin next week. (AJ 1/5)

Rwanda, Chad, and the Democratic Republic of Congo deny reports by the Israeli publication Zman Yisrael that they have discussed receiving Palestinians from Gaza. (AJ 1/5; AJ 1/6)

Family members of 6 Israelis held captive in Gaza meet with Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha, discussing the lack of progress in negotiating their release. According to Axios, Al Thani tells the families that Israel’s assassination of Saleh al-Arouri has made the negotiations harder. Al Thani also speaks with Lebanese caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati, discussing Israel’s effort to drag Lebanon into war with Israel. (AJ 1/5; AX 1/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles parked near Kifl Haris, causing damage. Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians, including 1 minor, and injured 3 others during a demolition raid in Kafr Dan. 2 homes belonging to families of Palestinians accused of killing an Israeli soldier on 9/14/2022 were punitively demolished during the raid. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor during a raid in Dheisheh refugee camp, 1 other Palestinian was injured by live ammunition. Elsewhere, Israeli forces issued stop-work orders for 8 houses, 1 agricultural structure, and 1 events hall in Deir Balut and 1 house under construction in Maeen in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also shot and injured 7 Palestinians with live ammunition during a raid in Bayt Rima. Meanwhile, Israeli forces fired tear gas at a funeral procession in Beit Umar, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also seized 1 excavator in at-Tuwani in the Masafer Yatta area. 24 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Bayt Rima, Ein ad-Duyuk al-Foqa, Hebron, Bethlehem, Za‘atra, Aida refugee camp, al-Am‘ari refugee camp, Turmus ‘Ayya, Nablus, Salfit, Iskaka, and ‘Azzun. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the homes of PA Jerusalem governor Adnan Ghaith and al-Aqsa imam Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, extending Governor Ghaith’s ban from entering the West Bank and meeting PA officials and banning Sheikh Sabri from entering the Haram al-Sharif compound and leaving East Jerusalem. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of Khan Yunis. (AJ, AN, AP, HA, MDW, MEE, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/2; AJ, HA, MDW, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA 1/3; PCHR 1/4; PCHR 1/5; HA 1/14; UNOCHA 2/16)

Israel informed the PA that about 1,000 Palestinians living in the Masafer Yatta area will receive eviction notices in the coming days and that they will be forcibly transferred to a different location. In May 2022, the Israeli Supreme Court ruled that Israel can forcefully transfer Palestinians living in Firing Zone 918 in the Masafer Yatta area. (BTselem 1/2; MEMO 1/3; AJ 1/4; WAFA 1/5)

Israel Hayom reported that the Israeli police officer charged with the killing of autistic Palestinian man Eyad al-Hallaq in East Jerusalem in May 2020 had signed up for 6 months of service in the police force after finishing his compulsory service. The trial against the police officer is still ongoing. (HA 1/2; HA, MEE 1/3)

The Syrian military said that Israeli airstrikes had killed 2 Syrian soldiers and forced the country to temporarily suspend flights to and from Damascus International Airport. (AJ, AP, DT, F24, HA, MEE, REU 1/2)

Israel’s foreign minister Eli Cohen said that the new Israeli government would “speak less publicly” about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and that he would speak with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on 1/3. (HA, TOI 1/2 HA, MEE, MEMO 1/3; AX 1/4)

In the West Bank, Palestinian militants handed the body of a Druze citizen of Israel to Israel after negotiations between the PA and the militant group. Islamic Jihad, Hamas, and the PA all called for the release of the body. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling west of Ramallah, causing damage. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinian students with live ammunition during a raid at the Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie in Tulkarm; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolished 3 agricultural structures in Kafr ad-Dik. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor before arresting him in Nil’in. Israeli forces also seized 2 caravans, demolished 1 agricultural structure, and razed land in Atara. 14 Palestinians were arrested, including 12 during late-night raids in al-Mughayyir, Bayt Rima, Qaddura refugee camp, ‘Anata, Arab ar-Rashayida, Beit Umar, Dura, Khirbet Qilqis, Azzun, and Huwwara. 2 were arrested at a flying checkpoint near the Halamish settlement. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian fisherman west of al-Sudaniyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired tear gas at agricultural lands east of Gaza City and Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 3 Palestinians from Hebron were kidnapped in Yarka by Druze citizens of Israel seeking revenge for the kidnapping on 11/22 (see above). The 3 Palestinians were hospitalized after they were released. (HA, HA 11/23; AP, CNN, HA, HA, MEMO, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/24; ALM, MEMO, UNOCHA 11/25; MEMO 11/27; PCHR 12/1; UNOCHA 12/16)

Israel revoked 200 of the 15,500 work permits for Palestinians in Gaza, saying that a laborer had admitted that he planned to plant a bomb on a bus on behalf of Islamic Jihad. The man was arrested on 10/30. (REU 11/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinians in al-Zubeidat. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor using live ammunition during a confrontation in al-‘Arub refugee camp. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Husan, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Jenin, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Palestinian protests were also held in Qabatiya and Rumana. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 7 during late-night raids in Dayr Abu Mash‘al, Jenin, Jericho, and Bayt Rima; 1 was arrested while in a park in Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers raided the Bab al-Rahma cemetery at the Haram al-Sharif compound. 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in al-Tur, the Old City, and Silwan. In Gaza, 13 Palestinians were killed, including 2 children, and dozens were injured, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 203 to 216, including 62 children and 2 pregnant women. The casualties included: 1 in an air strike on a house in Jabaliya; 1 while driving a car near Gaza City; 4 by an Israeli air strike near a seaside café west of Gaza City; 2, including 1 child, in an air strike on an apartment building in Gaza City; 1 child, and 1 child was wounded during an air strike at a house in Dayr al-Balah; 1, and 1 injured in an air strike in Abasan; 2, and 2 injured in a drone strike in Bayt Lahiya; 1 succumbed to wounds sustained on 5/13 during an air strike on the American Hospital west of Bayt Lahiya; 1 Palestinian was found in rubble from a massive air strike that killed 43 in Gaza City on 5/16, raising the death toll from that strike to 44. Israel also conducted large-scale air attacks on al-Bureij, Nuseirat refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City, and Khan Yunis, causing extensive damage and injuries; among the buildings damaged was the Gaza COVID-19 vaccination center and a large bookstore. It was reported that several power lines had been destroyed, making the electricity supply to Gaza even worse. In Israel, 1 Jewish-Israeli man was killed by Palestinian-Israeli stone-throwers in Lydda. Israel said 6 rockets were fired from Lebanon toward Israel, but landed in Lebanese territory; Israel subsequently attacked areas of Lebanon. (AP, HA 5/16; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, MEE, MEE, PCHR, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/17; PCHR 5/18; HA, MEE 5/19; PCHR 5/20; MEE 5/21; NYT 5/26)

The Fatah central committee called for a general strike to protest evictions of Palestinians from East Jerusalem and the Israeli attacks on Gaza on 5/18. A similar call was made by the High Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel on 5/16. (MEE, WAFA 5/17)

PA civil affairs minister Hussein al-Sheikh, general intelligence chief Majid Faraj, and advisor for the president on diplomatic affairs Majdi Khaldi met with U.S. deputy assistant secretary for Israel and Palestinian affairs Hady Amr in Ramallah. The trio urged the U.S. to pressure Israel to stop its attack on Gaza and evictions of Palestinians in East Jerusalem. Deputy Assistant Secretary Amr also met with PA president Mahmoud Abbas and PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/17)

U.S. president Joe Biden called for a ceasefire during a phone call with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (AJ, AX, NPR, REU 5/17; AJ, AP, HA 5/18; AP 5/19)

Amnesty International said Israel’s attacks on Gaza must be investigated as war crimes, given their targeting of residential homes. (AI 5/17; WAFA 5/19)

Along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. Later, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian approaching the border fence nearby and violently disperse Great March of Return protesters gathering near Jabaliya refugee camp and Khan Yunis (2 Palestinians are injured). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp on two separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and moderately injure a Palestinian during clashes sparked by a raid in Bayt Rima near Ramallah. They arrest 13 Palestinians on further raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. (WAFA 6/3; MNA 6/4; PCHR 6/7)

Israeli PM Netanyahu orders his deputies to establish a mechanism to withhold from the monthly Israeli transfers of tax revenues to the PA an amount equal to that which is necessary to compensate the farmers living in southern Israel whose crops have been destroyed by incendiary kites sent from Gaza. Israel’s Tax Authority has said that approximately $1.4 million in damages have been caused by kite attacks since 3/2018. (TOI 6/3)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. al-Maghazi r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis. Neither attack causes damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to a mosque under construction nr. Bethlehem and close the iron gate leading to Nabi Salih village nr. Ramallah (the punitive village closures nr. Ramallah on this day and on 12/18 stem from the IDF’s killing of a Palestinian in Bayt Rima village on 12/18).

IDF troops arrest 18 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Nablus, and Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Shu‘fat r.c., sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 5 Palestinians are arrested and there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Silwan. (MNA, WAFA 12/20; PCHR 12/22)

An Israeli sniper shoots and kills a Palestinian youth during major clashes sparked by an IDF raid overnight in Bayt Rima village nr. Ramallah. The IDF temporarily shuts down entrances to the village after the clashes. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. Israeli forces begin building a road leading to a settlement outpost nr. Nablus. Late at night, armed Palestinians allegedly shoot and injure an Israeli settler driver nr. Rantis village nr. Ramallah. Israeli forces then close the entrances to Rantis and 3 other villages in the area (Rantis and Shuqba village will be reopened on 1/13). In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids nr. the Old City and in Shu‘fat r.c., arresting 4 Palestinian youths and shutting down several shops. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c. and later nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA 12/18; MNA, WAFA 12/19; EI 12/20; PCHR 12/22; MNA 1/13)

Residents of the illegal Amona settlement outpost, which had been ordered evacuated and demolished by 12/25, vote to accept a new version of a compromise relocation plan proposed by Israeli PM Netanyahu and Edu. Min. Bennett on 12/12, days after they had rejected a previous version. The proposal will allow 24 of the 40-odd families to relocate to nearby plots of land on the same hilltop. The new deal is contingent on Israel’s High Court permitting a 1-mo. stay of its evacuation order for Amona. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 12/18; JP 12/19)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 2d of 3 planned days. (JP, MNA 12/18; MNA 12/19)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, the IDF blocks off roads leading to Bayt Rima and Dayr Abu Mash‘al villages nr. Ramallah, which are nr. the site of the alleged settler-involved shooting on 12/14. IDF troops arrest Palestinians during latenight raids nr. Hebron and Salfit, and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Hizma overnight, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; several Palestinians are injured. Later in the day, Israeli forces block Hizma’s main entrance (it will remain blocked through at least 12/18). (MNA, WAFA 12/15; MNA 12/18; PCHR 12/22)

The UNRWA employees’ union in Gaza announces that it will escalate its protests against the agency in response to its failure to fill teaching job vacancies this year. UNRWA claims that negotiations are still ongoing, but the union says that they failed to reach an agreement and that the agency decided to end negotiations. (MNA 12/16)

In Tunisia, a Hamas-affiliated flight engineer specializing in drone technology is shot and killed in his car in the city of Sfax. The Tunisian press will report that Israel’s Mossad is responsible. (YA 12/16)

The IDF continues operations in Khan Yunis, reinforcing troops, killing 5 Palestinians (3 resistance mbrs.; 2 civilians, including 1 mentally handicapped man), wounding 13, begins bulldozing Palestinian homes. The IDF also fatally shoots a Palestinian teenager hanging campaign posters for Mustafa Barghouthi in Tal al-Sultan r.c. nr. Rafah; fatally shoots a Palestinian teenager hunting birds nr. the Rafah-Egypt border; imposes 1-day curfews on, conducts arrest raids and house searches in Dayr Ghassana, Qarawat Bani Zayd, and Kafr ‘Ayn (all nr. Ramallah); conducts arrest raids, demolishes 2 Palestinian homes nr. Ramallah; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Bayt Omar, Hebron; fires on residential areas of Rafah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police raid Abbas’s campaign headquarters, photographing the offices, employees; tear down campaign posters hung around town by various candidates. (VOI, VOP 12/30 in WNC 1/1; NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 12/31; PM 1/1; PR 1/5; PCHR 1/6)

The IDF fires shells at a group of Palestinians that enters a closed military zone nr. the Gaza-Egypt border, killing 4 Palestinians, arresting 2 (1 of whom later dies in an Israeli hospital); demolishes a Palestinian home in East Jerusalem; bulldozes several bedouin tents and shacks in Bir Nabala northwest of Jerusalem for construction of the separation wall; raids a PA Health Min. clinic in Bethlehem; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis; conducts arrest raids in Bayt Rima, Burkin nr. Jenin, Qarawat Bani Zayd. The IDF detains and beats PA presidential candidate Mustafa Barghouthi and his bodyguards at a checkpoint into Jenin, preventing him fr. campaigning in the city; the IDF disputes the account, says Barghouthi refused to show ID, was never hit, was finally allowed to pass when he showed ID. Palestinians fire an antitank rocket into Gaza’s Nisanit settlement, causing no damage or injuries. (AP, PM 12/8; VOI, VOP 12/8 in WNC 12/10; PCHR, WP 12/9; JAZ, VOI, VOP, YA 12/9 in WNC 12/11; NYT 12/10; NYT 12/11; WP 12/12; PR 12/15)

Abbas, Qurai‘ meet with Lebanese pres. Emile Lahoud, PM Omar Karami, parliamentary speaker Nabih Birri in Beirut, marking the 1st visit by the Palestinian leadership to Lebanon since Arafat withdrew to Tunis in 1982. Abbas, Qurai‘ visit Shatila r.c., Sidon, and Rashidiyya r.c. (a Fatah stronghold) where they are greeted by 1,000s of refugees, pledge to uphold the right of return. They do not visit nearby ‘Ayn al-Hilwa r.c. (AFP, WT 12/8; VOP 12/8 in WNC 12/10; AP 12/9; al-Quds, VOP 12/9 in WNC 12/11; NYT 12/13; Daily Star, alNahar, al-Safir 12/13 in WNC 12/16; PR 12/15)

The IDF shells residential areas of Khan Yunis, killing 2 Palestinian youths; fires on residential areas of al-Brazil r.c., al-Mughraqa; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Askar r.c., ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c., Bayt Rima, al-Khadir, Nablus. The IDF also issues a military order prohibiting Palestinians fr. construction 300 m east and 100 m west of the 1948 truce line; moves a checkpoint fr. the Green Line in the n. Jordan Valley south toward Bardala village, well inside the occupied West Bank, raising suspicions that Israel is still actively considering construction of a wall through the Jordan Valley. Jewish settlers fr. Hebron kidnap, hold for 12 hrs. 2 14-yr.-old Palestinians grazing animals nr. a settlement. (VOI, VOP 11/5 in WNC 11/9; NYT 11/6; PRCS 11/11)

The IDF withdraws fr. Khan Yunis in the morning but shells residential areas in late in the evening, killing 1 Palestinian; fires on residential areas and agricultural lands nr. Rafah, killing a Palestinian farmer working in his field; demolishes a Palestinian home in Hebron; conducts arrest raids, house searches in ‘Azun, Dayr Ghassana, Hebron, Yamun. Late in the evening, the IDF sends troops into Bayt Hanun, shells residential areas, begins bulldozing wide tracts of land. A Jewish settler fr. Yitzhar shoots a Palestinian shepherd in nearby Ourif village nr. Nablus; other settlers bar an ambulance fr. reaching the scene, allowing the man to bleed to death. (HA, MM, PRCS 10/26; VOI, VOP 10/26 in WNC 10/28; PR, PRCS 10/27; PCHR 10/28)

The IDF shells residential areas of Rafah while Palestinians are going to dawn prayers, killing 1 Palestinian; fatally shoots a 2d Palestinian in Rafah who attempts to attack an IDF post; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis; conducts arrest raids in Nablus. In al-Hatab nr. Nablus, 18 internationals escort Palestinian farmers who have obtained IDF permits to harvest their olive groves; within minutes of starting work, IDF soldiers order the group to leave the area, take the ID card of 1 Palestinian, attempt to arrest him; when the internationals intervene, the soldiers beat several, throw 1 Swedish peace activist to the ground, put a gun to his head, threaten to pull the trigger. Israel also reportedly expels 2 Palestinian prisoners (1 fr. Bayt Rima, 1 fr. Nablus) to Jordan; no explanation is given. A Jewish settler seriously injures 3 Palestinian girls (ages 13–15) in a hit-and-run incident nr. Hawara. A Palestinian dies of injuries received in Jabaliya on 10/5. (International Solidarity Movement press release, PRCS 10/20; JAZ, MA, VOP 10/20 in WNC 10/22; PCHR 10/21; PR 10/27; PCHR 10/28)

The IDF tightens roadblocks btwn. Jerusalem, Ramallah; imposes a curfew on Silwad nr. Ramallah; shoots, wounds a mentally handicapped Palestinian who strays into a closed military zone nr. Morag; conducts arrest raids, house searches in and around Hebron, and in Aida r.c., Balata r.c., Bayt Rima and Dayr Ghassana nr. Ramallah, Madama nr. Nablus, Salfit; begins work on new segments of the separation wall running s. of Hebron and btwn. East Jerusalem and the Qalandia checkpoint s. of Ramallah, bulldozing 500 d.; reportedly bulldozes large areas in Wadi al-Malih in the n. Jordan Valley. Palestinians in Nablus report that the IDF is digging a trench 3 m deep and 4 m wide to encircle Salim, Azmut, Dayr Hatab, Bayt Dajan, and Bayt Furik villages (combined population 30,000); 3 km have been completed. Armed Palestinians calling themselves the Fatah Fighters kidnap the PA’s security dir. for the Rafah checkpoint Saad al-Sayfan, accusing him of corruption. 15 armed Palestinians occupy the Khan Yunis governate building for 2 hrs., demand that the PA compensate local Palestinians who have lost their homes to IDF bulldozing. Palestinians fire 5 mortars at Gush Katif, causing no damage or injuries. A PA court in Gaza opens a trial against 7 alleged collaborators, including Muhammad and Rami Abu Qaynas, accused of providing Israel with information used to assassinate Hamas leader ‘Abd al-‘Aziz Rantisi on 4/17/04. ( JAZ 9/5; MENA 9/5 in WNC 9/7; VOI 9/6 in WNC 9/8; PR 9/8; PCHR 9/9; PR 9/15)

The IDF continues bulldozing operations in Khan Yunis, pulling out early in the morning; imposes a daylong curfew on Wadi al-Hussein nr. Hebron, also transforms an empty Palestinian house into an observation post; conducts arrest raids, house searches in al-Aza r.c. nr. Bethlehem, Dayr Ghassana nr. Ramallah. A Palestinian dies of injuries received on 8/19 in Brazil r.c. (PRCS 8/20; PCHR 8/26)

IDF undercover units assassinate local AMB mbrs. Hani Awayda, Mahdi Tanbur in Tulkarm, opening fire on them as they sit in an outdoor caf´e, also killing 4 bystanders, wounding a 3d AMB mbr. IDF helicopters rocket a Gaza City building (the IDF claims it is a Hamas workshop, Palestinians say it is the home of a Hamas mbr.) twice during the day, wounding 4 Palestinians, destroying the building. The IDF also expands operations in Bayt Hanun, searching homes and a medical clinic (temporarily detaining some patients and staff), bulldozing 300 dunams; fatally shoots a 50-yr.-old mentally handicapped Palestinian woman who enters a closed military zone nr. Rafah (the same woman was wounded in a similar incident in the area on 9/8/02); begins digging a trench around the Rafah border crossing; fires on residential areas of Bayt Rima, Khan Yunis; bulldozes 5 farm buildings, 5 dunams of land nr. Khan Yunis. Palestinians fire a mortar, an antitank rocket at Gaza’s Neve Dekalim settlement, slightly wounding 6 Israeli children. Jewish settler leaders rally 10,000s of Israelis (organizers say 200,000, police say 70,000; mostly settlers, ultra-Orthodox) to form a human chain stretching 56-mi. fr. Nisanit settlement in n. Gaza to the Western Wall in Jerusalem to protest plans for an Israeli withdrawal fr. Gaza. (JAZ, VOI, VOP, YA 7/25 in WNC 7/27; HA, MM, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 7/26; VOP 7/26 in WNC 7/28; PR 7/28; PCHR 7/29)

The IDF closes the Rafah crossing to Egypt indefinitely, citing security concerns; conducts an overnight raid into Saida nr. Tulkarm, firing on residential areas, rounding up residents for questioning, exchanging fire with Palestinian gunmen, killing 2 wanted Palestinians; conducts house searches in Bizariyya in the West Bank, causing a 57-yr.- old Palestinian woman to suffer a fatal heart attack; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Askar r.c., ‘Azun nr. Qalqilya, Bayt Rima, al-Khadir, al-Mughraqa; fires on Palestinians waiting to cross a checkpoint in the al-Mawasi area of s. Gaza, wounding 5; fires on residential areas of Rafah; bulldozes large areas of agricultural land, demolishes 2 civilian cars in Bayt Hanun. A 4-yr.-old Palestiniandies of injuries received in Rafah on 7/7. (VOP 7/18 in WNC 7/21; PR 7/21; PCHR 7/22)

Outside the PC headquarters in Gaza, Fatah mbrs. continue to protest against Musa Arafat’s appointment. In the evening, some 150 armed AMB mbrs. attack the PA military intelligence headquarters in Rafah, using a bulldozer in an attempt to break into the complex, exchanging gunfire with security guards, leaving 18 Palestinians (including at least 3 AMB mbrs., several bystanders) wounded. AMB mbrs. also attack the PA military intelligence building in Khan Yunis, setting 2 offices ablaze, stealing weapons, freeing some detainees, wounding a security guard in an exchange of fire; staging marches in Nussayrat r.c. Navy security chief Juma Ghali, an Arafat loyalist, resigns his position to protest the Musa Arafat appointment. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/19; SA 7/19 in WNC 7/21; AYM 7/19 in WNC 7/24; PR 7/21; WP 7/22)

Hamas fires 5 Qassam rockets into Sederot, killing an Israeli man and a 3-yr.-old boy, seriously injuring the boy’s mother in the 1st fatal Palestinian rocket attack inside Israel. Sharon convenes his security cabinet, which declares that the IDF will respond with “harsher measures than in the past” in Gaza. During the day, the IDF blows up 2 abandoned 5-story apartment buildings in al-Qarara hiding the entrance of the tunnel to the IDF post attacked on 6/27; bulldozes 21 Palestinian homes, 101 dunams of agricultural land; demolishes a cement factory. The IDF also fatally shoots a mentally handicapped Palestinian who enters a closed military zone nr. Rafah; rockets the empty al-Jil press office in Gaza City, injuring 2 bystanders; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis, Rafah. Late in the evening, IDF tanks roll into Bayt Hanun in n. Gaza, launching Operation Active Shield, allegedly meant to prevent Qassam rocket fire. In the West Bank, the IDF destroys 80 wells in Yamun nr. Jenin; fires on residential areas of Jenin town and r.c.; conducts arrest raids nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Ramallah. An Israeli businessman who frequently travels to the West Bank is found fatally shot in Bayt Rima nr. Ramallah; the AMB claims responsibility, alleging that he conducted illegal business with corrupt PA officials. (MM 6/28; VOP, MA, VOI 6/29 in WNC 7/1; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/29; MM, PR 6/30; PCHR 7/1; MEI 7/9)

The IDF blocks all branch roads leading to the main Jerusalem–Ramallah road; fires on stone-throwing Palestinians in Qalandia r.c., fatally shooting a wheelchair-bound Palestinian; fatally shoots a Palestinian in a cemetery nr. Gaza’s Neve Dekalim, suspecting he might attack; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis (seriously wounding a Palestinian woman inside her home), Rafah r.c.; raids Balata r.c., firing on houses, stonethrowing youths who confront troops, injuring 4; begins work on a new segment of the separation wall around Jerusalem nr. Salfit; conducts arrest raids in Balata r.c., Dayr Ghassana nr. Ramallah, Nablus, Tamun nr. Jenin. Palestinians detonate a roadside bomb nr. an IDF patrol in central Gaza, causing no damage or injuries. Jewish settlers in Hebron raze a 1.5 dunam Palestinian garden nr. the Ibrahimi Mosque/Tomb of the Patriarchs. Jewish settlers fr. Gil’ad nr. Qalqilya fire on a herd of Palestinian sheep, killing several; the IDF arrests 2 Palestinians who confront the settlers in protest. An Israeli court sentences Fatah’s Barghouti to 5 life terms plus 40 yrs. for conspiracy and membership in a “terror” organization (see 5/20). (XIN 6/6; MENA, VOI, VOP 6/6 in WNC 6/8; NYT, WP, WT 6/7; MA, VOI, VOP 6/7 in WNC 6/9; HA 6/8; PR 6/9; PCHR 6/10; MEI 6/11)

Sharon’s cabinet endorses (14-7) his revised Gaza disengagement plan to withdraw fr. all settlements in Gaza, 4 in the West Bank in 4 stages, each requiring cabinet approval. (HA 6/6; al-Quds 6/6, ITAR-TASS 6/7 in WNC 6/10; NYT, WP, WT 6/7; VOI 6/7 in WNC 6/9; PR 6/9; MM 6/10; Forward 6/11)

The IDF fires on residential areas and the main market of Balata r.c. (wounding 4) and on residential areas of Bayt Rima nr. Ramallah, Khan Yunis; conducts house searches, arrest raids in Kafr ‘Ayn nr. Ramallah, Yamun nr. Jenin. (PCHR 1/15)

The IDF launches a major operation on Tulkarm city and refugee camp (r.c.), sending in 10s of tanks before dawn, imposing a closure, conducting house-to-house searches, arresting 3 International Solidarity Movement (ISM) activists, 2 AMB mbrs. The IDF also fatally shoots an armed Palestinian attempting to sneak into Israel nr. Bayt Hanun; places curfews on Bayt Rima and Dayr Ghassana, begins demolishing caves there; bulldozes 5 Palestinian homes, 56 dunams of land nr. Khan Yunis; demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Rafah; fires on residential areas of Balata r.c. citing “security reasons,” Israel announces plans to banish to Gaza indefinitely 3 West Bank Fatah mbrs. being held in administrative detention. (HA 5/24; WT 5/25; HP 5/26; PR 5/28; LAW, PCHR 5/29)

The IDF fatally shoots a mentally disabled Palestinian riding a donkey nr. Tulkarm when he refuses orders to halt; the man had been detained, released by IDF soldiers in the area on numerous occasions. Asked why they fired on someone known to be mentally handicapped, the soldier says, “That’s not our problem. We told him to stop and he didn’t.” The IDF also fires on a taxi driving nr. Nablus after dark, during a curfew, killing a Palestinian woman, wounding her husband, 3d passenger; fires on a UNRWA school bus, injuring 1 Palestinian student; fires rubber-coated steel bullets at Palestinians waiting to cross the Qalandia checkpoint, the Abu Hualy roadblock; demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Rafah r.c; conducts arrest raids, searches in Bayt Furik, Bayt Rima, Khan Yunis, al-Qarara, Tulkarm. A 3d Palestinian dies of injuries received on 9/24/02. (NYT, WP 12/10; LAW, PCHR, PR 12/11)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue at the same low level. However, 2 serious incidents are apparently staged by Palestinians: a mortar is fired at Netzarim settlement, causing no injuries; assailants attempt to deliver a bomb by donkey, but the bomb does not go off. In the 3d such incident in a wk., an ailing Palestinian dies en route to a Nablus hospital when his family's car is detained at an IDF checkpoint for 30 mins. before being turned back, halted at a 2d checkpoint for 40 mins., turned back again, and forced to take a 3d route. The IDF also confiscates, begins bulldozing 3,500 dunams of land btwn. Ramallah, Nablus owned by 43 Palestinian families; fires teargas into a school in Silwan; shells residential areas in Bayt Rima, Khan Yunis. Jewish settlers bulldoze Palestinian land nr. Salfit, move prefabricated houses onto the land to create a new settlement enclave. (YA 1/31; LAW 2/3; ADM 2/5)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The military imposes curfews on Nusayrat, Beach, Jabalya, Burayj, and Rafah camps in order to prevent demonstrations on the anniversary of Sabra and Shatila massacre. Curfew for Khan Yunis enters 5th straight day [FJ 9/18].

Other Countries: Sec. of State Shultz states that neither the establishment of a Palestinian state nor the continued Israeli occupation of Arab territories will resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict [WP 9/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Beach camp soldiers shoot, wound 2 Palestinians during demonstration; in Gaza City 2 Palestinians are shot, wounded; In Bayt Rima 4 Palestinians are shot, wounded [FJ 8/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A general strike is observed on W. Bank and the Gaza Strip marking the beginning of 9th month of the intifadah [NYT 8/10, FJ 8/14].

Arab World: Assistant Sec. of State Richard Murphy meets with officials in Jordan and Egypt, declines to meet with Palestinians; two Palestinians he was to have met are close to PLO chairman Yasir Arafat. [WP 8/10]. In an interview in al-Sharq al-Awsat PLO chairman Yasir Arafat refuses to state whether he supports Palestinian government-in-exile [NYT 8/10]. In Damascus George Habash, leader of Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, endorses formation of Palestinian government-in-exile [NYT 8/10].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Troops shoot, kill 14-year-old in Qalqiliyyah [NYT 8/10, FJ8/14]. In Qalqiliyyah 8 others are shot, 9 seriously affected by tear gas [FJ 8/14]. In Jenin 4 Palestinians are shot; in Bayt Rima 5 Palestinians are shot, in Gaza 5 Palestinians are shot [NYT 8/10]; in Jenin 2 Palestinians are shot [FJ 8/14]. In Tel Aviv 2 Palestinians are killed, 1 injured after the shack they were sleeping in was set afire [FJ 8/14]. At Beach camp 13 Palestinians are treated for exposure to tear gas [FJ 8/14]. Demonstrations occur in Tulkarm, Khan Yunis, Jabalya, Nusayrat, and Beach camps and Gaza City, Hebron, Dayr Ghassanah.

Arab World: Israeli Air Force bombers attack positions in S. Lebanon knocking out radio station used to broadcast PLO messages to the territories; 3 people are killed, 5 wounded. It was the 12th Israeli air raid into Lebanon this year; police estimate that over 60 people have been killed, 120 wounded [NYT 8/10]