The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 3 Palestinians in Burqa and threw stones at vehicles and homes in the town. Israeli forces closed the main road between Nablus and Qalqilya, impeding Palestinian movement. Israeli forces also leveled 3 dunams (0.75 acres) of land planted with olive trees near Wadi Rahal. 24 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwad, Ramallah, Huwwara, Qalqilya, Ya‘bad, Yatta, Sa‘ir, and Bani Na‘im. In East Jerusalem, 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinians east of Khuza‘a and Maghazi; no injuries were reported. (MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/26; UNOCHA 6/4)

The PA announced it had finished its investigation into the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, concluding that Israel deliberately killed her. The PA findings are aligned with investigations made by AP and CNN, and with eyewitness accounts. Israel called the PA conclusion “a blatant lie.” The investigation found that the bullet that hit Abu Akleh was a 5.56 mm round used by NATO forces and that it was fired from 186 yards. The PA will not hand over the bullet to Israel, as Israel had requested. The PA handed a copy of its investigation to the U.S. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 5/26)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas appointed PA minister for civil affairs Hussein al-Sheikh the new secretary-general of the PLO Executive Committee. The position of secretary-general had been vacant since Saeb Erakat passed due to complications from the COVID-19 virus on 11/10/2020. (HA, MEE, WAFA 5/26)

Al Jazeera said it was preparing a file to be sent to the ICC pertaining to the Israeli killing of its journalist Abu Akleh and the Israeli bombing their offices in Gaza in May 2021. (AJ, MEE, REU 5/26; AP, HA 5/27)

The Iraqi parliament approved a law criminalizing the normalization of Israel, with 275 out of 329 votes in favor. The law applied to all Iraqi citizens, state and independent institutions, and foreigners working in Iraq. Violations of the law can be punishable by death sentences or life imprisonment. (AJ, HA, WAFA 5/26; NYT 5/27; MEMO 5/30)

83 Democrats in the U.S. house and senate signed a letter to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken urging him to intervene against Israeli plans to forcefully displace more than 1,000 Palestinians living in Masafer Yatta, an area Israel has converted into a firing zone. The letter underscored that the Israeli move “could further undermine efforts to reach a two-state solution” and contravenes international law. (ALM, HA 5/26; MDW, MEE, WAFA 5/27; TOI 5/31)

The U.S. company Meta, which operates Facebook, turned down an Israeli request to block a Facebook page Israel claims is “clearly linked to Hamas.” Meta said that the Israeli claim did not hold any merit. (HA 5/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 car wash in Anata. Israeli forces also razed Palestinian-owned land near Hebron. 13 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ya‘bad, Jenin, Nablus, Beitunia, Halhul, and Dura. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during raids in Issawiyya; clashes erupted during the raids. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level farmland east of Dayr al-Balah. Israeli forces also opened fire at agricultural lands east of Qarara; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/10; PCHR 11/12)

The secretary-general of the PLO Saeb Erakat succumbed to the COVID-19 virus after battling the infection since 10/8. Secretary-General Erakat was moved to a hospital in West Jerusalem on 10/18 and reported to be in critical condition on 10/19. PA president Mahmoud Abbas declared a 3-day mourning period. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, LAT, MEE, NBC, NPR, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WP 11/10)

1 Palestinian prisoner, 46 years old and suffering from throat cancer, died at an Israeli hospital. According to the Palestinian Human Rights Centre, medical neglect and a COVID-19 illness contributed to his early death. (PCHR 11/12; PCHR 11/11)

The Israeli Knesset approved the Bahrain normalization deal 62-14. All 14 nay votes were cast by members of the Joint Arab List. (HA 11/10)

Israeli claimed to have shot down a drone belonging to Hezbollah over Israeli airspace. (HA 11/10)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced that he had authorized the sale of 50 F-35 fighter jets, 18 Reaper drones, and air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions to the UAE, citing the normalization deal the country made with Israel. (AP, HA 11/10; DT 11/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers emptied sewage and wastewater on Palestinian agricultural lands in Dayr al-Hatab near Nablus. Israeli settlers also attacked 2 Palestinian journalists from WAFA as they were reporting on settler encroachment in Dayr Istya. Israeli forces demolished 1 residential structure and 1 water well, and seized 1 vehicle and 1 power engine near Tubas. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around al-‘Arub refugee camp, Bethlehem, Qalandia refugee camp, Qalqilya, and Izzariya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities issued demolition orders for 13 Palestinian-owned houses in Silwan inhabited by 76 people. 10 Palestinians were arrested in and around the Old City and Issawiyya, including 2 Waqf guards. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/19; PCHR 10/22)

Israel handed over control of 3 power stations to the PA. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh supported the deal and said the PA “seek[s] to establish a single Palestinian power company” that will be responsible for electric supply in all the West Bank. The PA took control of another power station in Jenin in 2017. At the same time, Israel granted the Israeli company Bezeq a license to operate in the West Bank, a move that the PA Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology condemned. The PA ministry said that the move impedes the development of Palestinian telecommunication development. (WAFA 10/19; HA 10/20)

Israel reported that PLO secretary general Saeb Erakat was in critical condition as he is being treated for COVID-19 at the Hadassah University Hospital in West Jerusalem. (AJ, HA, WAFA 10/19)

The Fatah Central Committee announced that its members had approved the understandings made with Hamas unanimously. (WAFA 10/19)

The UAE cabinet approved the Israel-UAE normalization deal. (HA, REU 10/19)

U.S. president Donald Trump said that the U.S. would remove Sudan from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism if Sudan paid $355 million to American victims of terror attacks in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998. The U.S. has been pressuring Sudan to normalize ties with Israel and some analysts believed that a normalization deal was being worked on despite Trump not mentioning it in his statements. (AJ, GDN, HA, REU 10/19; BBC 10/20)

Japan donated $4.3 million to food programming in Gaza. (WAFA 10/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling between Bethlehem and Hebron; 1 Palestinian child was injured by broken glass in his eye. Israeli settlers also uprooted dozens of Palestinian-owned olive saplings east of Yatta. Israeli forces opened fire at a vehicle with 5 Palestinians inside at a military checkpoint near Jenin, causing damage to the vehicle; no injuries were reported. 7 Palestinians were arrested in and around Hebron, Qalqilya, and Nablus; during a raid in Tammun, Israeli forces seized mobile phones, leading to confrontations with Palestinians; no injuries were reported. During a different raid in Sabastiyya, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces detained the secretary of Fatah in Jerusalem Yasser Darwish and banned him from entry to the West Bank for 3 months. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya, the Old City, and al-Tur. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of al-Shawka; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/8; WAFA 10/9; PCHR 10/15)

An Israeli court ruled that Israel can demolish 1 school east of Ramallah under the pretext that it was built without a permit. The school enrolls 50 students and was financed by donations from France, Finland, Luxembourg, Ireland, Spain, the UK, and Sweden. (WAFA 10/8; WAFA 10/9)

Secretary-general of the PLO Saeb Erakat said that he had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. (AJ, JP, TOI, WAFA 10/9)

Israel and Jordan signed a deal allowing airlines from each country to fly over each other’s airspace. (HA 10/8)

Lebanon’s former prime minister Saad Hariri, who resigned after prolonged protests at the end of 2019, said that he is a possible candidate to head the new Lebanese government. (REU 10/8; AJ 10/9)

The U.S. Trump administration announced new sanctions on Iran that effectively shuts off the country from the global financial system. The new sanctions are expected to halt flows of food, medicine, and humanitarian aid to Iran. (AJ, REU 10/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Tubas, Nablus, Jericho, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was shot and injured during a confrontation with Israeli forces that was sparked by a demolition of a 5-story Palestinian-owned building in Jabal Mukabir. In Gaza, incendiary balloons were sent toward Israel from Gaza, causing fires, and 1 rocket was launched at Israel. Israel fired missiles at Gaza near Rafah, Gaza City, Bayt Hanun, and Bayt Lahiya, causing damage; no injuries were reported. Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya on 2 occasions; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/18; AJ, HA, PCHR, WAFA 8/19)

The Gaza power plant stopped producing electricity as Israel stopped all deliveries of fuel to Gaza on 8/13. Palestinians in Gaza only have between 3-4 hours of electricity a day, as opposed to 8-12 hours, because of the power plant closure. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 8/18)

Secretary general of the PLO Saeb Erakat attacked the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for not condemning the UAE’s move toward normalization, violating the Arab countries’ consensus of not making agreements with Israel until Israel and Palestinians have negotiated a peace agreement. PA president Mahmoud Abbas called the UAE-Israel deal nonsense and said that the UAE “have turned their backs on everything: the rights of the Palestinian people, the Palestinian state, the two-state solution, and the holy city of Jerusalem.” At the meeting, attended by officials from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, Abbas praised the steps toward Palestinian organizational unity. (HA, REU, WAFA 8/18)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied reports that Israel would support U.S. sales of advanced weapons to the UAE as part of the normalization deal between the 2 countries. A spokesperson for the Sudanese foreign ministry said that Sudan is looking at normalizing relations with Israel; however, after Prime Minister Netanyahu welcomed the news and said the dialogue had been going on since 2/2020, the Sudanese foreign ministry walked back the announcement, saying that normalization had not been discussed. The prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan said that Pakistan would not recognize Israel until the establishment of a Palestinian state acceptable to Palestinians. (HA, HA, REU 8/18; AJ 8/20)

In the West Bank, 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 7 during late-night raids in and around Bayt Awa, Yatta, and Bethlehem; 1 at a flying checkpoint near Jenin. 1 Palestinian teenager was hospitalized after being beaten by Israeli forces during a daytime raid near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during daytime raids in the Old City and Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 12/1; PCHR 12/5)

Israel’s defense minister Naftali Bennett ordered the “planning processes to be advanced” for new settler housing in Hebron. The plan includes development of a closed fruit and vegetable market for settler housing. According to Defense Minister Bennett, the new settlement housing “will create territorial continuation from the Cave of the Patriarchs [al-Ibrahimi Mosque] to the Avraham Avinu neighborhood, and double the number of Jewish residents in the city.” PLO’s secretary general Saeb Erakat said in a tweet that Bennett’s announcement was the “first tangible result of the U.S. decision to legitimize colonization,” referring to U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo’s announcement from 11/18 that the U.S. no longer considers the Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law. Defense Minister Bennett also sent a letter to the Palestinian municipal government of Hebron demanding consent for the demolition of the fruit and vegetable market, threatening that Bennett would start legal proceedings to lift the municipality’s protected status over the site. (AJ, AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA 12/1; HA 12/8)

The Israeli cabinet approved an allocation of 40 million shekels ($11.5 million) for construction of 1st-aid stations and security in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The chairperson of the Joint Arab List Ayman Odeh subsequently sent a letter to the Israeli attorney general demanding an examination of the constitutionality of the allocation, saying that the approval “raise[s] a grave suspicion of a budget allocation in exchange for a political favor.” (HA 12/1)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. president Donald Trump spoke on the phone and, according to Prime Minister Netanyahu, the 2 discussed recognizing the Jordan Valley as Israel’s official eastern border in addition to a defense pact and Iran. (HA, TOI 12/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces began demolishing 13 apartment buildings housing 70 apartments in Wadi Hummus, located in Areas A and B on both sides of the separation wall. The highly publicized demolitions had 700 Israeli police officers and 200 Israeli soldiers involved and drew condemnation from many different international organizations and countries. During the demolitions, several Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces while protesting the demolitions. Israeli forces also detained the Palestinian owner of 1 of the buildings for several hours; upon his release he was banned from the neighborhood until 7/25. Israeli forces also arrested 16 Palestinians in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Nablus, Jenin, and Qalqilya. In Israel, a Palestinian man from the West Bank was shot by Israeli police after allegedly having pulled out a gun when stopped by the police officers. (AJ, AMNESTY, AP, BBC, EU, HA, HA, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/22; HA, WAFA 7/23)  

At a press conference, PLO secretary general Saeb Erakat said that the Palestinian leadership had decided to cancel all agreements with Israel in light of the demolitions in Wadi Hummus. Erakat further said that a request for a meeting at the United Nations Security Council about the demolitions had been made. (WAFA 7/22)

The UNRWA announced that it had received a $2.18 million contribution from Austria for UNRWA health programs. (MEMO, WAFA 7/22

In the West Bank, 3 Israeli activists were detained by Israeli soldiers near an Israeli military base in the Jordan Valley. The 3 activists were looking for a Palestinian shepherd arrested by Israeli soldiers earlier in the day. Israeli forces also arrested 21 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hizma, Hebron, Nablus, Urif, Salfit, Tulkarm, and Jenin. Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned agricultural structure near Bethlehem. (WAFA 5/27; WAFA 5/28; HA 6/2)

PLO secretary general Saeb Erakat tweeted that China and Russia told him that the 2 countries would not attend the 1st stage of the U.S. peace summit in Bahrain in June. (HA 5/27)

The Greek Orthodox, Catholic, and Armenian churches said in a joint statement that they agreed to a multi-million-dollar project to restore the foundations and flooring of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in East Jerusalem. King Abdullah of Jordan and the Vatican pledged to help finance the restoration project. (HA 5/30)

Israel struck targets in Syria and Lebanon. An Israeli drone 1st struck a surveillance system in Lebanon. Later, Israel struck a target in Quneitra after an anti-aircraft missile was launched from Syria at an Israeli jet that was flying over Syrian airspace. 1 Syrian was killed and 2 others were injured. (AJ 5/27; HA 5/28)

Approximately 1,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s northern shore to continue the Great March of Return and to cheer on 20 Palestinian boats sailing in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade. IDF troops and Israeli naval forces violently disperse the demonstrations; 23 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). The Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza states that the critically injured Palestinian was a farmer working in the area, and not a protester. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers chase a number of Palestinian shepherds off their land near Jericho. IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin, Hebron, Ramallah, and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron and Bethlehem. Israeli forces dismantle and confiscate 2 makeshift Palestinian residential structures near Bethlehem. (WAFA 1/29; PCHR 1/31)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops opened fire on protesters along Gaza’s border fence on 1/25. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 200. (MNA, WAFA 1/29; PCHR 1/31)

PA prime minister Rami Hamdallah submits on behalf of his government his resignation to PA president Mahmoud Abbas. “[Hamdallah and his government] will continue to serve our people wherever they are and shoulder all its responsibilities until a new government is formed,” according to a PA statement. Abbas later accepts Hamdallah’s resignation, requesting that he continue to serve until a new government is formed. It’s unclear when that will be. (JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 1/29; MNA 1/30)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the first of 2 planned days. They have largely kept the crossing closed since 1/5. (ALM 1/31)

One day after Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his intention not to renew the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH)’s mandate, PLO secretary-general Saeb Erakat calls on the UN to deploy a permanent international force in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The UN should “guarantee the safety and protection of the people of Palestine” until “the end of Israel’s belligerent occupation,” he says. Separately, Norway’s Foreign Minister Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide says that Netanyahu’s “one-sided” decision to not renew the TIPH’s mandate is “worrying” and that if could “mean that the implementation of an important part of the Oslo Accords is discontinued.” (AP, YA 1/29; TOI 1/30)

Widely seen as one of the greatest challenges to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former head of the IDF Benny Gantz officially launches his campaign ahead of the 4/9 Israeli elections. “Under my leadership, the government will strive for peace and will not miss an opportunity to bring about regional change,” he says, pledging to strengthen the “settlement blocs and Golan Heights” and build a “united Jerusalem.” Netanyahu later criticizes Gantz’s speech as just “another speech by [Yesh Atid leader Yair] Lapid. Whoever says he’s neither right nor left, is left.” (HA 1/29; YA 1/30)

A senior Japanese official pledges $341,348 in support of 4 humanitarian projects in Gaza. (MNA 1/31)

An elderly Palestinian woman dies of complications related to a heart attack at Haram al-Sharif (Israeli forces reportedly prevented an ambulance from reaching her in time to administer the proper treatment). In the West Bank, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of a Palestinian home in al-Amari refugee camp near Ramallah, sparking clashes with residents of the area; at least 56 Palestinian are injured. The home belonged to the Palestinian responsible for fatally injuring an Israeli soldier during clashes in the camp on 5/24. IDF troops shoot, injure, and arrest a Palestinian minor who was allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at Israeli settler vehicles outside Ramallah earlier in the day. They also arrest 13 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Salfit. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Nablus; 1 Palestinian is injured and there are no reports of serious damage. In 4 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City and Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 fishermen is injured and 3 are arrested. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA 12/15; EI 12/18; PCHR 12/20)

Australian prime minister Scott Morrison announces that the Australian government has decided to recognize West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. He also says that Australia will not move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem until a final peace agreement is reached. Morrison’s announcement draws criticism from Israelis and Palestinians alike. PLO secretary general Saeb Erakat calls on Arab and Muslim countries to sever all ties with Australia. Numerous senior Israeli officials criticize Morrison for recognizing only West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. (AJ, AP, CNN, HA, TOI 12/15)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s separation wall, occupation, and settlements, as well as U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in Hebron, Jericho, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, 2 areas near Nablus (Beita village and the Huwwara checkpoint), 5 villages near Ramallah (al-Janiya, al-Bireh, Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin, and Bil‘in), and along Gaza’s border near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp. At least 31 Palestinian are injured and 2 are arrested. In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and injure 3 Palestinian minors during clashes sparked by an IDF raid near Nablus. IDF troops also arrest 3 Palestinians and assault 1 during late-night raids near Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers throw stones at, and open fire on, Palestinian homes in Burin village near Nablus, causing no major damage or injuries. The attack sparks minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In 4 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, NYT, WAFA, YA 2/23; PCHR 3/1)

The U.S. State Department announces that the new U.S. embassy in Israel will open in Jerusalem in 5/2018, implementing President Trump’s 12/6/17 pledge to move the embassy from Tel Aviv. The embassy is set to open with ambassador David Friedman and a skeleton staff working out of an existing U.S. facility in the Arnona neighborhood. “This decision will turn the 70th anniversary of Israeli independence into an even bigger celebration,” says Israeli PM Netanyahu. “Thank you, President Trump, for your leadership and your friendship.” Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) secretarygeneral Saeb Erakat says, “The U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and now to move its embassy on the eve of marking 70 years since the Nakba [. . .] shows the determination of the U.S. administration to violate international law, destroy the 2-state solution, and provoke the feelings of the Palestinian people, as well as of all Arabs, Muslims, and Christians around the globe.” (AP, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 2/23)

For a 2d day in a row, Palestinians gather across the oPt to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli forces violently disperse them in al-Bireh, Hebron, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Ramallah and nearby Nabi Salih, Nablus, Tulkarm, across East Jerusalem (Issawiyya, al-Tur, and the Old City), and along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Rafah, and Gaza City; 2 Palestinians are killed, approximately 100 are injured (including 4 journalists), and at least 20 are arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot, injure, and arrest a Palestinian at the entrance to al-Bireh near Ramallah. Israeli soldiers also arrest 1 Palestinian, assault a 2d, and issue an arrest summons to a 3d during a late-night raid near Hebron; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. In 3 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (AP, HA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 12/8; EI, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/9; PCHR 12/14)

Unidentified parties fire 3 rockets from Gaza toward Israel: 1 falls short of the border fence; 1 is intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system; and 1 lands in Sderot, damaging a number of cars. The IAF launches air strikes on 4 Hamas and PIJ sites in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza City, and Jabaliya refugee camp, killing 2 Hamas fighters and injuring at least 20 Palestinians, including a 6-month-old child. (EI, HA, MNA, REU, TOI, WAFA 12/9)

PLO secy.-gen. Saeb Erakat says that the Palestinians have decided not to engage in any talks with the U.S. until Pres. Trump reverses his 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. He also says that they are still evaluating what other steps to take in response. (AJ, TOI 12/8)

The UNSC convenes a special session to discuss Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. UNSC members England, France, Italy, Bolivia, Uruguay, Senegal, China, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, and Russia jointly reject the new U.S. policy on Jerusalem. Later, PA pres. Abbas welcomes “the international consensus condemning Trump’s announcement, as was apparent at the [UNSC] session this evening.” (HA, WAFA 12/8)

The Czech Foreign Ministry denies rumors that Pres. Zeman intends to move the Czech embassy to Jerusalem and reaffirms Czech commitment to European Union (EU) policy regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, including the issue of Jerusalem. Later, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini confirms that the Czech Republic intends to conform to the EU’s position on Jerusalem. (HA, WAFA 12/8)

Hundreds of Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, the IDF expands its crackdown on the Ramallah region in the wake of the 12/25 shooting; they set up mobile checkpoints and impose closures around at least 9 villages. IDF troops also arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Jenin and Hebron, and patrol during the day nr. Nablus, Hebron, and Salfit. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Dayr al-Balah, causing no serious injuries. (MNA 12/26; PCHR 12/29)

PLO secy.-gen. Erakat announces that the Palestinian leadership plans to follow up on the 12/23 UNSC res. condemning Israeli settlements with other measures, including lawsuits against Israel at the ICC and new efforts in other UN agencies. (WAFA 12/27)

Several hundred right-wing Israelis gather at the illegal Amona settlement outpost nr. Ramallah, anticipating the outpost’s evacuation, which was ordered to take place by 12/25. They stay in camps at the outpost through the night. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli settlers demolish a Palestinian home under construction nr. Nablus overnight. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids in Jenin and nr. Hebron and Ramallah, and patrol during the day nr. Nablus and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest a Palestinian in Bayt Hanina after finding weapons in his car. Israeli forces also arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya, Hizma, and Silwan. (MNA 12/10; HA, MNA 12/11; PCHR 12/15)

Palestinian and Western officials say that the PA is planning a senior-level delegation to the U.S. next week, led by Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) secy.-gen. Saeb Erakat, to discuss bilateral relations and push for U.S. support for a Palestinian-backed UNSC res. condemning Israel’s settlements. (HA, JP, MNA 12/10)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 1st of 3 days, allowing passage in both directions. (MNA, WAFA 12/10; OCHA 12/15)

Both the ongoing wave of small-scale violence and the Israeli crackdown in the oPt continue. Israeli border police shoot and kill a young Palestinian woman nr. al-Ibrahimi Mosque in c. Hebron after an Israeli officer says he sees her with a knife. Palestinian witnesses dispute the claim. Israeli soldiers assault a Palestinian driver at a checkpoint nr. Nablus. Palestinians throw stones at an Israeli settler’s car nr. Jerusalem, then 1 of them stabs the settler when he exits his car, causing moderate injuries. An Israeli settler shoots and seriously injures a Palestinian youth nr. the Gush Etzion settlement bloc nr. Hebron. After the incident, IDF troops conduct raids in a nearby village, sparking clashes with stone-throwers and injuring 7 Palestinians. A Palestinian stabs and moderately injures an Israeli settler outside the Ariel settlement. Other Israeli settlers then attack and stab the Palestinian and, hours later, the IDF raids a nearby village, arresting the injured Palestinian. Across the West Bank, the IDF conducts patrols, late-night raids, and house searches, arresting 17 Palestinians. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct late-night raids in Issawiyya, accidentally detonating an improvised explosive device; 1 border police officer is injured in the blast. They also issue 3 Palestinian youths arrest summons on late-night raids in Silwan. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/25; EI, MNA 10/26; PCHR 10/29)

At the Palestinian embassy in Cairo, PLO secy.-gen. Erakat announces that the PLO and the Arab League are preparing a proposal for the UNSC to set a deadline on ending the Israeli occupation. (NYT 10/25; HA, TOI 10/26)

Further exacerbating Palestinian fears over the Judaization of Jerusalem, the Israeli press reports that PM Netanyahu recently proposed at a cabinet meeting the possibility of revoking the residency status of around 80,000 Palestinians in East Jerusalem who live in neighborhoods on the West Bank side of the separation wall, such as Shu‘fat r.c. According to sources present at the meetings, the cabinet did not discuss the proposal, and Netanyahu called for a separate meeting to discuss it further. Netanyahu will confirm that he made the proposal, on 10/26. (HA, TOI 10/25; JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/26)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian during a raid in c. Nablus. Less than an hour later, they shoot and injure a Palestinian photojournalist attempting to cover the story. The IDF also conducts raids in a village nr. Jenin, confiscating property and arresting 2 Palestinians; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho and 1 nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 13 Palestinians on raids in the Old City and Ras al-Amud. (HA, MNA, WAFA 7/23; PCHR 7/30)

Israeli chief negotiator, Dep. PM Shalom meets with PLO secy.-gen. Erakat for “trustbuilding” talks in Amman. They present initial proposals for restarting peace negotiations. The meeting will be 1st reported on 7/26. (MNA, TOI 7/26; HA, MNA 7/28)

Israel’s Civil Admin. grants permits for the construction of 1,065 new residences in various settlements around the West Bank, including infrastructure developments that will connect 296 residences to utilities in the Beit El settlement. (HA, TOI, YA 7/22; PCN 7/23; MNA 7/24)

UNRWA issues an urgent appeal for contributions, reaffirming that it is running at a budget deficit of around $100 m. and that if it does not receive sufficient pledges, UNRWA schools will be forced to close throughout the Middle East. (AFP, UNRWA 7/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shut down a major checkpoint nr. Nablus; patrol during the day in 3 villages nr. Hebron, 2 nr. Ramallah, and 1 nr. Jericho; conduct late-night raids in Hebron and 1 nearby village, as well as 1 village nr. Bethlehem, arresting 4 Palestinians. IDF troops also violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists gathering in Kafr Qaddum village nr. Qalqilya to protest the Israeli occupation; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activists throw stones at Palestinian vehicles, injuring 1 woman. Palestinian youths in the area clash with the Jewish activists; there are no serious injuries. (MNA 7/4; JP, MNA 7/5; PCHR 7/9)

PA pres. Abbas appoints Saeb Erakat secy.- gen. of the PLO, replacing Yasser Abed Rabbo, who Abbas fired on 6/30. The secy.-gen. is the 2d most powerful position in the PLO. Erakat will take office on 7/13. (JP 7/4)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man in al-Tur after he drives his car into a crowd, injuring 2 border police guards. Israeli forces demolish a 3-story building in Ras al-Amud claiming it was built without a license. In the West Bank, Israeli forces close the entrance to a village nr. Nablus after a Palestinian throws a Molotov cocktail at a settler’s car. The IDF also conducts late-night raids in and around Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus, and in Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, arresting 14 Palestinians; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah during the day. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 5/20; MNA, PCHR, WAFA 5/21; PCHR 5/28)

Following public criticism and consultation with DM Moshe Ya’alon, Israeli PM Netanyahu orders the suspension of the new 3-mo. pilot project restricting Palestinian travel, initiated on 5/19. Ya’alon says he will continue his efforts to reduce the number of Palestinians entering Israel illegally. (HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 5/20) 

EU foreign policy chief Mogherini meets with Netanyahu in Israel, who says he is still committed to the 2-state solution and he proposes a new round of peace negotiations with the Palestinians with the specific goal of establishing borders for Israel’s West Bank settlement blocs (the news of his proposal will not break until 5/26). Also, Mogherini reportedly tells Netanyahu that the European campaign calling for labeling of products from Israeli settlements is unstoppable. The PM’s office will deny that they discussed the labeling campaign when the news breaks on 6/2. Mogherini also meets with PA pres. Abbas and chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat in Ramallah. (HA, JP, YA 5/20; WAFA 5/21; HA, REU, TOI 5/26; HA 6/2)

Norwegian FM Børge Brende meets with Netanyahu in Jerusalem and tells him that international pressure on Israel regarding its treatment of the Palestinians will likely resume after the P5+1 (the 5 permanent mbrs. of the UN Security Council plus Germany) reach a comprehensive agreement with Iran by their 6/30 deadline. (LF 5/19; EI, HA, 5/20; HA, YA 5/21)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah, and in Jenin r.c. at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Salfit. The IDF demolishes 3 homes in Aqraba village nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities continue restrictions on access to al-Aqsa mosque compound, denying entry to Palestinian men under 40. (MNA, JP 11/3; PCHR 11/6)

An Israeli govt. comm. advances plans for 500 residences in the East Jerusalem settlement Ramat Shlomo. PM Netanyahu approved the move on 10/27. The U.S. State Dept. criticizes the move, as it did on 10/28. In Washington along with PA intelligence chief Majid Faraj, PLO chief negotiator Erakat meets with U.S. Secy. of State Kerry and urges the U.S. to support the PA’s plan to seek a UNSC res. that will set a timetable for the end of the Israeli occupation. (AP, HA, JP 11/3)

In the West Bank, the IDF closes the entrance to Burin village nr. Nablus after Palestinians throw Molotov cocktails at Israeli settlers’ cars nearby. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin, 2 nearby villages, and Hebron; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Jenin and Ramallah, and in 1 village nr. Jericho. Israeli settlers set up 2 new outposts nr. Aqraba in the n. West Bank. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 6 Palestinian structures in al-Tur, including 3 homes. (AFP, MNA 10/21; PCHR 10/23)

PLO chief negotiator Erakat says that if the U.S. vetoes the Palestinians’ draft UNSC res. for a timetable to end Israeli occupation, then the Palestinian leadership will seek membership in hundreds of international organizations, in addition to the ICC. (MNA 10/21)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. alSudaniyya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries or damage, but arresting 2 fishermen. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and wound a wanted Fatah activist during a raid in Nablus, then arrest him. The IDF patrols in Tulkarm and the nearby Nur Shams r.c., as well as 1 village nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Bayt Hanina. (MNA 9/3; PCHR 9/4)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with PLO chief negotiator Erakat and senior PA official Faraj for 2 hours in Washington to discuss the Israeli expropriation of 988 acres of West Bank land, the planned negotiations in Cairo, and other issues. Later, Kerry speaks with Israeli PM Netanyahu over the phone regarding the 8/31 expropriation announcement. (AFP, AJ, YA 9/3)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas, Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, and 1 village nr. Hebron; patrols in 4 villages nr. Salfit and in Jenin. Unknown assailants throw 2 improvised pipe bombs at Israeli settlers’ vehicles nr. Nablus, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian with a sponge-tipped bullet during clashes nr. the Old City. The teenager’s relatives deny he was involved. (MNA 8/31; PCHR 9/4)

Israeli authorities announce the expropriation of 988 acres of private Palestinian land nr. Bethlehem. PLO chief negotiator Erakat urges diplomatic action against Israel in response to the announcement. (MNA 8/31)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 1 nearby village, in Nablus and 1 nearby village, and 1 village nr. Jenin; patrols in Qalqilya and 1 nearby village, and in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Tulkarm and in Jenin at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse dozens of Palestinians planting trees on their land in Anata that had been confiscated, causing no serious injuries. (MNA 3/9; PCHR 3/13)

Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat says that the U.S. gave a commitment that Israel will release 30 Palestinian prisoners, as planned, on 3/29. Erekat speaks on his return from Washington, where he says that ideas were discussed with U.S. Special Envoy Martin Indyk. Erakat also emphasizes that the Palestinians will not take any unilateral action at the UN for the duration of the 9-mo. schedule for talks, which ends 4/29. Meanwhile in Cairo, Arab League FMs meet and release a statement endorsing PA Pres. Abbas’s rejection of the Israeli demand for recognition as a Jewish state. Speaking to Israeli media, PM Netanyahu says that should both sides accept a U.S.-proposed set of principles for the continuation of talks, negotiations would last at least another year. (HA, REU 3/9)

EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton, on a visit to Tehran, says that reaching a longterm nuclear deal with Iran would be “difficult and challenging,” remarks made at a press conference alongside Iranian FM Zarif. Ashton is in Iran for a 2-day visit, the 1st by an EU foreign affairs chief since 2008.

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing damage but no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 4 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers attack Burin village nr. Nablus, throwing stones at schoolchildren, and assaulting a Palestinian man. Israeli forces arrive and fire rubber-coated metal bullets at villagers, causing no injuries. Meanwhile, Jewish settlers destroy 700 newly planted olive tree saplings nr. Ramallah, and in another incident, Jewish settlers demolish a Palestinian-owned agricultural shed nr. Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 30 Palestinian-owned vehicles nr. Bayt Safafa are vandalized, with racist “price tag” graffiti left at the scene. (MNA, WAFA 2/19; PCHR 2/20)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with PA Pres. Abbas in Paris to discuss the ongoing peace negotiations. The meeting was attended by Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat, PA spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudayna, and PLO Amb. to France Hayel Fahoum. State Dept. spokesperson Jen Psaki says that the “few hours” spent together were focused on “narrowing the gaps between the parties on a framework for negotiations.” State Dept. dep. spokesperson Marie Harf also says that Kerry expresses concern in the meeting about recent remarks made by Erakat about a potential boycott of Israel. Both before and after the meeting, Palestinian officials sound pessimistic about the prospects for a breakthrough, with an unnamed official describing the talks as facing a “real crisis.” While in Paris, Kerry also meets with Jordanian FM Nasser Judeh. (JP 2/18; AFP, AP, JP, YA 2/19)

On the 2d day of talks in Vienna, Dep. FM Abbas Araghchi tells Iranian media that representatives of Iran and the P5+1 countries have agreed on an agenda for negotiations and will meet again in Vienna at some point during the 2d half of 3/2014. Earlier, the U.S. State Dept. describes the 2d day of talks as “constructive and useful.” Meanwhile, Israeli media reports that a U.S. delegation will visit Israel to brief the Israeli govt. on the ongoing talks with Iran. (HA, REU 2/19)

Two suicide bombers attack the Iranian cultural center in Beirut, killing 8 and wounding dozens more. The attack is claimed by the al-Qa‘ida-linked Abdullah Azzam Brigades, which says the bombing was a response to Hizballah’s involvement in the Syrian conflict on the side of the govt. (AP, DS, REU 2/19)

In the Gaza Strip, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops open fire on open land nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin, Nablus, and Salfit at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Salfit, and in Qalqilya and 1 nearby village in the afternoon, in 3 villages and al-‘Arub refugee camp (r.c.) nr. Hebron and 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night. (PCHR 2/20)

Palestinian Authority (PA) Pres. Mahmud Abbas tells a group of visiting Israeli students in Ramallah that he does not seek to “flood Israel” with millions of Palestinian refugees or to change the country’s “social composition.” Meanwhile, at an Al Jazeera event in Oxford, UK, Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat warns that Palestinians will call for a boycott of Israel and turn to international tribunals if the negotiations fail. (MNA, REU, YA 2/16)

In Egypt, a bomb explodes on a bus in Sinai, killing 2 South Korean tourists and the local driver, and wounding 12. Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis claims responsibility, and says that a suicide bomber executed the attack. (AP, REU 2/16; JTA 2/17; REU 2/18)

The Free Syrian Army (FSA) announces that it has replaced its leader, Gen. Selim Idriss, with Col. Abdelilah al-Bashir, a decision prompted by “the ineffectiveness of the command in the past few mos.,” according to an FSA statement issued following a meeting in Gaziantep, Turkey. Meanwhile, Syrian FM Walid Muallem accuses the U.S. of creating a “negative climate” for dialogue at the 2d round of talks in Geneva, as the Syrian delegation returns from Switzerland to Damascus. U.S. Secy. of State Kerry praises the opposition’s “seriousness of purpose,” and criticizes the Syrian govt. for stalling in Geneva and attacking civilians in Syria. On the Syria-Jordan border, 10 gunmen from Syria open fire on Jordanian troops as they patrol, according to a Jordanian military spokesperson. The soldiers return fire, wounding 7 and arresting 3, while suffering no injuries. (AP, REU 2/16)

Hizballah’s leader, Shaykh Hasan Nasrallah, says that his group intends to stay and fight in Syria because Lebanon is threatened by Takfiri groups. He also urges Arab nations to help a process of Syrian national reconciliation. (DS 2/16)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 3 rockets into s. Israel, causing no damage or casualties. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion nr. Khan Yunis to level land. Israeli forces at the border fence also open fire on land nr. al-Qarara village, causing no injuries. There are also 3 separate incidents of Israeli naval vessels opening fire on Palestinian fishermen off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF opens fire with live ammunition on al- ‘Arub r.c. residents during clashes sparked by a raid, wounding 1. Meanwhile, IDF troops uproot around 120 palm trees nr. Jericho because they were not allowed to be planted in Area C. Separately, the Red Cross announces it has suspended the supply of tents to Palestinians displaced by Israel in the Jordan Valley, in protest at the IDF’s confiscation of the materials. The IDF patrols in 4 villages nr. Tulkarm in the morning, in Hebron and nearby al-‘Arub r.c., and 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Nablus at night. Jewish settlers attack Palestinian farmers in Qusra village nr. Nablus, causing no injuries. (JP, MNA, WAFA 2/6; PCHR 2/13)

Palestinian chief negotiator Erakat meets with U.S. envoy Martin Indyk in Jericho, but no details about the contents of discussions are made public. Meanwhile, EU foreign affairs chief Ashton expresses “deep concern” about Israel’s decision to build 558 new settlement housing units in East Jerusalem. (HA, MNA 2/6)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron in the afternoon, and in Jenin and 1 nearby village, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and nearby Nur Shams r.c., and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, and Nablus at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the morning, in Hebron in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Qalqilya, Salfit, and Tulkarm at night. (PCHR 2/6)

Unnamed U.S. officials tell the Jerusalem Post that negotiations will likely require more time than previously anticipated, with the 9-mo. deadline scheduled to end in 4/2014 looming. Palestinian chief negotiator Erakat says that in a recent meeting with Kerry, no progress was made and no date set for a framework agreement to be finalized. (JP, MNA 2/3)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces open fire on a Palestinian close to the border fence nr. Bayt Lahiya, seriously wounding him. The military claims that it targeted a suspect planting an explosive device. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 3 villages nr. Hebron and in Nablus and Askar r.c. at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Meanwhile, a Palestinian stabs an Israeli policemen at Jab’a junction nr. Ramallah, wounding him. (HA, JP, MNA 12/23; PCHR 12/26)

Palestinian chief negotiator Erakat rules out extending peace talks beyond the 9-mo. deadline, claiming that contradictory statements attributed to him had been misunderstood. Erakat also says that there had been no direct peace talks in several weeks, with the sides meeting separately with the Americans to advance the process. (AP, JP, ToI 12/23)

In the West Bank, IDF troops kill 3 Palestinians in a raid on Yatta village nr. Hebron. The Israeli military claims that the dead men were suspected of planning an attack in the coming days and belonged to a Salafist terror cell. Palestinian factions in Hebron declare a day of mourning. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 1 nearby village at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in 5 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Also in the West Bank, Jewish settlers attack a Palestinian home with Molotov cocktails in Burin village nr. Nablus, causing property damage but no injuries. In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops shoot and wound 1 Palestinian man nr. the border fence. (JP, MNA 11/26; PCHR 11/28)

Senior Palestinian official Nabil Shaath says that the Palestinian leadership is preparing to join international bodies and ratify agreements such as the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, due to the lack of progress in the peace talks. Shaath also confirms that Saeb Erakat’s resignation (11/13) was not accepted by Pres. Abbas, and thus Erakat continues in a caretaker role. (MNA 11/26)

Israel and the EU finalize an agreement to allow Israel’s participation in the Horizon 2020 scientific research project. Following lengthy talks between Israeli justice minister Tzipi Livni and EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton, a compromise formula is reached. This includes the publication of an appendix stating the applicability of the EU’s funding guidelines approved in 7/2013, which renders ineligible entities based in West Bank settlements, accompanied by an Israeli appendix stating the govt.’s opposition to those guidelines. (HA, REU, ToI 11/26)

Gen. Salim Idriss, leader of the FSA, tells Al Jazeera that his group plans to shun the peace conference that UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon announced on 11/25, claiming that “conditions are not suitable” for the talks. Meanwhile, the Syrian National Coalition (SNC) issues a statement saying it wants to see progress on the ground through the establishment of humanitarian corridors and a release of political prisoners, before it decides whether to attend the talks. (AP, REU 11/26)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry addresses Congress in a video message, and places the onus on Iran to prove that their nuclear program is peaceful. In an effort to reassure lawmakers who criticized the 6-mo. interim deal as being too soft on the Iranian govt., Kerry affirms that, should the agreement fall apart, Tehran would face “even tougher sanctions.” Meanwhile, marking his 1st 100 days in office, Pres. Ruhani says in a TV interview that Iran’s enemies were now “isolated” following the deal. (AP 11/26; JP 11/27)

Egyptian armed forces kill Mohammed Hussein Muhareb, the leader of a militant group in the Sinai Peninsula, nr. Shaykh Zuweid. Muhareb was wanted for various attacks on state security forces. (AP 11/26)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF kills 4 mbrs. of Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades in 2 separate incidents. First, IDF troops working to close a tunnel on both sides of the border are targeted by an explosion, wounding 5 soldiers. Returning fire, they kill 1 Palestinian. Subsequently, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) bombs another tunnel, killing 3 Palestinians who were inside. In addition, IDF troops along the border nr. Jabaliya r.c. open fire on an open area, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Palestinian gunmen open fire on a settler vehicle close to Hawara checkpoint nr. Nablus, causing no injuries. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village each nr. Nablus and Jenin at night; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Jenin and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon. Jewish settlers vandalize around 300 olive trees nr. Qalqilya. Meanwhile, suspected Jewish settlers attack a Palestinian truck driver, as well as 2 Israeli soldiers at the entrance to Bet Ayn settlement. (HA, MNA ToI, YA 10/31; PCHR 11/7)

Reports emerge that Palestinian negotiators Saeb Erakat and Mohammed Shtayyeh have handed in their resignation letters to PA Pres. Abbas, in response to what the 2 describe as Israel’s lack of commitment to the peace process. However, PLO official Wassel Abu Yousef denies that any such resignation had taken place. At a meeting of the PLO executive cmte, Abbas says that the Palestinian leadership will take steps in response to Israeli settlement construction, but without specifying exactly what. (HA, JP, MNA, ToI 10/31)

The IAF attacks a shipment of missiles located at a Syrian military base, a strike confirmed by an anonymous Obama administration official. The air strike targets missiles at a base nr. Latakia thought to be en route to Hizballah. Meanwhile, the OPCW announces that Syria has met a deadline in the internationally mandated disarmament program, with equipment and production facilities rendered inoperable. (AP, REU 10/31)

U.S. VP Joe Biden and other administration officials work to convince lawmakers to hold off from passing further sanctions targeting Iran, to let the current efforts to secure a negotiated solution have some breathing space. Comments by sens. emerging from the private briefing with Senate Democratic leaders and Republican and Democratic mbrs. of the Senate Banking Cmte. indicate that the Obama administration had done enough to convince many of the need to wait. (AP, REU 10/31)