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  • October 21, 2023

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers injured 5 Palestinians in Yasuf, including 3 with live ammunition and 2 with stones. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinians harvesting olives in Deir...

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  • February 13, 2023

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured 7 others during a raid in Nablus; 6 were arrested. An Israeli soldier was filmed assaulting the Palestinian human...

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  • September 21, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinian minors during a raid in Rumana; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians...

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  • May 12, 2021

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinians in Ma’in, causing light injuries. Israeli settlers also set fire to a Palestinian-owned vehicle in Rujeib. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers...

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  • November 15, 2020

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers used dogs to attack Palestinian farmers near Yatta. Israeli forces seized 4 Palestinian-owned tractors in al-Hadidyya. Israeli forces also fired tear gas at...

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  • July 10, 2020

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured 1 other near Kafr Haris. According to the Israeli military, the 2 had thrown a Molotov cocktail at the Israeli forces...

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  • April 15, 2019

    In the West Bank, for the 2d day in a row, Israeli forces fired tear gas in and around schools in Hebron, causing dozens of students and teachers to suffer from tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces...

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  • December 8, 2017

    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,...

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  • May 20, 2015

    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...

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  • May 18, 2015

    In n. Gaza, a mbr. of Hamas’s armed wing, Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades (IQB), dies in a tunnel collapse nr. Bayt Lahiya. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in and around...

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  • April 28, 2015

    IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, causing some damage but no injuries. Off the coast nr. al-Sudaniyya, Israeli naval...

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  • April 16, 2015

    IDF troops on the Gaza border arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel nr. Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, Israeli forces detain Nablus gov. Akram Rajoub briefly at a checkpoint nr. the...

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  • March 16, 2015

    In the West Bank, the IDF conducts a house search and raid in Jericho, arresting 2 Palestinians; patrols in Nablus, al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Jenin. Israeli settlers park a group...

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  • March 7, 2015

    IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. A Palestinian is moderately injured when he triggers Israeli...

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  • December 15, 2014

    In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian man during a late-night arrest raid in Qalandia r.c. nr. Ramallah. Clashes then break out in the camp, with residents throwing stones and...

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  • June 17, 2014

    In the Gaza Strip, the IDF launches 6 air strikes, destroying a blacksmith workshop and causing damage to vacant training sites belong to various armed groups. There are no injuries. In the West...

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  • May 27, 2014

    Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces arrest 3 fishermen. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 nearby villages, in Aida r.c...

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  • May 14, 2014

    In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion close to the border fence nr. Gaza City to level land. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-Fawar r.c...

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  • April 27, 2014

    In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night; patrols in Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Salfit in the morning, in 1...

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  • March 9, 2014

    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...

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  • February 6, 2014

    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...

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  • November 26, 2013

    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...

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  • September 12, 2013

    In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion along the border fence nr. Khan Yunis to level land, before withdrawing. In the West Bank, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians protesting...

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  • August 17, 2013

    In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians swimming off the coast of Bayt Lahiya. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Bethlehem and 2 nearby villages,...

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  • March 19, 2013

    The day before U.S. Pres. Obama arrives in Israel, the IDF and Israeli police raze 6 structures in 2 unauthorized Jewish settler outposts in the West Bank (Oz Zion and Ramat Migron). In...

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  • September 14, 2011

    Ross and Hale return to the region 9/14–15 to meet with Netanyahu and Abbas. They propose that the Palestinians drop their UN bid in exchange for “some attributes of a state” (e.g., getting aid...

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  • September 13, 2011

    EU foreign policy chief Ashton extends her regional visit through at least 9/15 for more talks with Palestinian, Israeli, U.S., and Arab officials regarding the Palestinian statehood bid at the UN...

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In the West Bank, Israeli settlers injured 5 Palestinians in Yasuf, including 3 with live ammunition and 2 with stones. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinians harvesting olives in Deir Istiya and al-Khader. A Palestinian family of 16 fled their home in Khirbet ar-Ratheem, south of Hebron, after Israeli settlers raided the area, causing destruction to their property and threatening them with guns. Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian minor during a raid in Jericho. Israeli forces also shot and injured 10 Palestinians with live ammunition during raids in Askar refugee camp, Beita, and Deir as-Sudan. Elsewhere, Israeli forces punitively demolished the home of a Palestinian man in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp using explosives. Israeli forces also seized Hamas political bureau deputy leader Salah al-Arouri’s home in Bani Zeid al-Sharqiya, turning it in to a Shin Bet facility. Meanwhile, Israeli forces prevented Palestinians from harvesting olives in Duma, Burin, Zabbuba, and Sebastia. More than 120 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Aroura, Rantis, Bethlehem, Hebron, Deir Sammit, and Nablus. The Palestinian Prisoners Club said at least 1,070 Palestinians have been arrested in the West Bank since 10/7. In Gaza, around 250 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes. Rockets were fired at Israel; no new fatalities were reported. In Lebanon, anti-tank missiles fired at Israel wounded an Israeli soldier and Israel attacked Hezbollah-linked sites. Hezbollah said 19 of its members have been killed by Israel since 10/7, including 6 today. In Cyprus, a small homemade bomb exploded near the Israeli embassy in Nicosia with no damage or injuries reported; 4 Syrians were arrested. (AJ, HA 10/20; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/21; UNOCHA 10/22)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said as of 5 p.m. at least 4,385 Palestinians had been killed, including at least 1,524 children, and 13,561 had been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7, including 47 entire families consisting of 500 people. The UN said that about 70% of Palestinians killed in Gaza are children and women. It is estimated that hundreds are still trapped in rubble. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 84 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 26 children. More than 1,653 have been injured, including at least 360 with live ammunition. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals; 4,629 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1.4 million Palestinians, more than half the population in Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. At least 26,756 housing units have been destroyed and 139,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. At least 42% of all housing units have been either destroyed or damaged in Israeli airstrikes. 43 unidentified Palestinians were buried in a mass grave in Gaza City. It was the second time Palestinians in Gaza were buried in mass graves this week. The Palestinian Health Ministry said 37 medical personnel have been killed since 10/7 and 7 hospitals no longer are operational. The first trucks carrying aid to Gaza arrived through the Rafah crossing. About 35 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza. Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said fuel will not enter Gaza via the Rafah crossing. UNRWA said 17 of its staff members have been killed and 35 of its buildings damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. (AJ, HA 10/20; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, NYT, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/21; HA 10/22; HA 10/23)

Israel said it attacked several high-rise buildings in northern Gaza in recent days in preparation for a ground invasion. Israel also dropped leaflets over Gaza City, warning that Israel considers people who remain there collaborators with terrorists. (AJ 10/21; HA, HA 10/21; REU 10/22)

Hamas said it sought to release 2 additional captives for “humanitarian reasons,” but that Israel declined to receive them. Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh spoke with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. (AJ 10/20; AJ, AJ, HA 10/21)

A PA official told Haaretz that Israel only allowed the aid that arrived in Gaza today to enter because of the release of 2 captives on 10/20 and that future aid will depend on the release of more captives. The official said that the U.S. and European countries have been trying to link aid to the release of civilian captives. (HA 10/21)

5 UN agencies released a joint statement calling the situation in Gaza “catastrophic.” (HA 10/21; WAFA 10/22)

Leaders from the PA, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, South Africa, the UAE, UN, and EU, and senior government officials from Kuwait, Germany, France, Japan, Norway, Russia, and China met at the Cairo Peace Summit on Israel’s war on Gaza. Jordanian king Abdullah II said “[t]oday Israel is literally starving civilians in Gaza but for decades Palestinians have been starved of hope, of freedom and of future,” complaining that Israel is never held accountable and calling its actions in Gaza a war crime. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said Hamas’ attack does not justify “collective punishment of the Palestinian people.” PA president Mahmoud Abbas called on Hamas and Israel to release all captives and prisoners. The summit ended without agreement on a joint statement. Abbas met with Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez, EU high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borell, European Council president Charles Michel, Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni, Japanese foreign minister Yoko Kamikawa, and South African president Cyril Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the summit. (AJ 10/20; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/21)

Prime Minister Meloni arrived in Israel for meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog. HA 10/21)

U.S. forces shot down 2 drones flying near Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq. The U.S. deployed a THAAD missile defense system battery and multiple Patriot missile batteries in the Middle East to “increase force protection for U.S. forces in the region, and assist in the defense of Israel,” according to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III.  (AJ 10/21; HA, NYT 10/22)

The U.S. introduced a draft UN Security Council resolution, saying Israel has a right to defend itself, Iran needs to stop exporting arms to “militias and terrorist groups,” and calling for unhindered aid and protection of civilians. (HA 10/21)

AP said, based on videos, its experts have determined that it was likely an errant rocket that caused the explosion at al-Ahli Arab Hospital on 10/17. French and Canadian intelligence also suggested that an errant rocket fired by Palestinian militants caused the explosion. Investigations by UK Channel 4, Al Jazeera, and Forensic Architecture have concluded that it was likely an Israeli airstrike or artillery fire that caused the explosion. (AJ 10/20; AJ, AP 10/21; AJ, HA, HA 10/22)

Thousands of demonstrators attended pro-Palestinian rallies in many major cities throughout the world, including more than 100,000 in London. (AJ 10/20; AJ, AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured 7 others during a raid in Nablus; 6 were arrested. An Israeli soldier was filmed assaulting the Palestinian human rights activist Issa Amro in Hebron. A video of the incident was circulated by New Yorker journalist Lawrence Wright, who was given a tour of Hebron by Amro at the time of the assault. The Israeli soldier was later sentenced to 10 days in military jail, despite receiving support from Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwad, al-Mazra‘a al-Gharibiya, Jaba’, Dura, Ein as-Sultan, and Dheisheh refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian 13-year-old allegedly stabbed and killed 1 Israeli soldier at a checkpoint in Shu’fat refugee camp before being shot and injured by a settler. 1 Israeli minor was also stabbed and injured in the Old City; Israeli police later arrested a 14-year-old Palestinian who was said to be a suspect. Israeli authorities demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in Jabel Mukaber; 25 Palestinians were injured by baton rounds and 5 by tear gas while protesting the demolition. 4 Palestinians were arrested in Silwan and Jabel Mukaber. In Gaza, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes in Beit Hanun and Khan Yunis, causing damage. (AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/13; AJ, BBC, HA, MEE 2/14; AN, PCHR, TOI 2/16; UNOCHA 2/21)

National Security Minister Ben-Gvir ordered the Israeli police commissioner Kobi Shabtai to increase the frequency of Palestinian home demolitions in East Jerusalem. (HA 2/14)

Israelis protested throughout Israel against the first committee reading in the Knesset of the bill that seeks to weaken the judicial branch of the Israeli government. (ALM, AP, HA, HA, HA, IN, MEE, REU 2/13)

EU high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borell met with Saudi foreign minister prince Faisal bin Farhan and Arab League secretary-general Ahmed Aboul Gheit in Brussels to discuss the Middle East peace process. (WAFA 2/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinian minors during a raid in Rumana; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians during a raid in al-Arroub refugee camp, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces razed farmland and olive trees in al-Zawiya to make room for water pipes connecting 2 Israeli settlements. Israeli forces also seized 1 bulldozer and construction equipment in Artas, seized 1 mobile home in Duma, and demolished 2 residential structures near Kafr Malik, displacing 17. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Dura, Hebron, Dheisheh refugee camp, Kafr Ni‘ma, and Tulkarm. In the Naqab, Israeli authorities demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in al-Buqei‘a Bedouin community, displacing 14. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/21; PCHR 9/22; UNOCHA 9/30)

The PA security forces and local militant factions in Nablus reached an agreement to end tensions in the city. The PA security forces reportedly promised not to arrest Palestinians in Nablus on behalf of Israel and that the PA would release many of those arrested on 9/20 during the unrest that followed the arrest of Hamas member Musab Ashtaya. (HA 9/22)

30 Palestinians held on administrative detention announced that they would start an open-ended hunger strike, demanding their freedom. The mass hunger strike is scheduled to begin on 9/25. (AJ 9/25)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas held meetings with leaders of the UK, Libya, Malta, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Norway at the sidelines of the annual UNGA meeting. President Abbas also met with president of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari at the UN building. (WAFA 9/21; WAFA 9/22)

UK prime minister Liz Truss told Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid, during a meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA, that she is considering moving the UK embassy of Israel to Jerusalem. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Truss told reporters that Truss’s government is reviewing the current location of the embassy. The PA condemned the news, saying that “opening an embassy in Jerusalem amounts to complicity in Israel’s illegal annexation of the city.” Prime Minister Lapid also met with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and UN secretary-general António Guterres. (ALM, NAT 9/21; AJ, DM, GDN, HA, IN, JP, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 9/22; MEE 9/23; MEMO 9/24)

Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and EU high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borell convened a meeting with representatives from 25 countries, including the U.S. and the PA, to find ways to revamp the Arab Peace Initiative. (AX 9/21; WAFA 9/22)

The foreign ministers of Egypt, France, Jordan, and Germany held a meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA, focused on revamping the Middle East peace process. The 4 countries released a statement calling on resuming direct negotiations. (WAFA 9/22; WAFA 9/23)

In an interview with French media, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he was “in shock” over Israel’s refusal to supply air defense systems to Ukraine to help the country in its fight against the occupying Russian forces. (TOI 9/23; JP, MEE, REU 9/24; AJ 9/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinians in Ma’in, causing light injuries. Israeli settlers also set fire to a Palestinian-owned vehicle in Rujeib. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling between Jenin and Nablus. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinians in Burin, demolished parts of a house, and set fields on fire. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian child during a late-night raid in Tubas and injured 1 other by running him over. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in al-Fawar refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint near Huwwara, claiming he had tried to attack 2 Israeli soldiers. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 2, including 1 with live ammunition. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Yatta, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 2 with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Umar, injuring 1 minor with live ammunition and 3 others with rubber-coated bullets. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Bethlehem, Harmala, al-Khadir, and Dayr Sharif, resulting in tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 3 using rubber-coated bullets. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Tulkarm, injuring 3 with live ammunition. 40 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, al-Fawar refugee camp, Nablus, Tulkarm, Tubas, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 2 Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian with a sharp tool, slicing her face as she was leaving the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Tur, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet; others suffered tear-gas related injuries and 2 were arrested. 6 other Palestinians were arrested during house raids in the Old City, Jabal Mukabir, Silwan, and Shu‘fat. In Gaza, 34 Palestinians were killed, including 6 children, and dozens injured, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 30 to 64, including 16 children. The casualties included: 4 in a drone strike on a car east of Bayt Lahiya; 8, including 3 children, in 3 air strikes on apartment buildings in Gaza City; 1 child in an air strike on a butcher in Gaza City; 6 in a drone strike on a car in Gaza city, including 3 inside the car and 3 passersby; 1, and 1 wounded, in another air strike on a vehicle in Gaza City; 1 in an air strike in Khan Yunis; 1 in an air strike on agricultural lands near Khuza‘a; 4, and 2 injured, in a drone strike on Nuseirat refugee camp; 2, and 1 child injured, in an air strike on a liquefied petroleum gas distribution vehicle in Khan Yunis; 2, and 3 wounded, including 1 child, in an air strike on a house in Khan Yunis; 2, and 2 wounded, all children, after a helicopter fired missiles at a gas station in al-Fukhari; and the body of 1 Palestinian was found in rubble near Bayt Hanun, it was assessed that he was killed in an air strike on 5/10; the body of 1 Palestinian was found near a mosque in Rafah, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights said it was unclear if he had been killed by debris from an intercepted rocket or in an Israeli air strike. Hamas reported that the interior ministry and the passport office along with other government buildings had been hit by Israeli air strikes. Israeli air strikes also demolished 2 high-rise buildings, the 10-story al-Jawhara building, and the 14-story al-Shorouq building, which housed news outlets and other offices, and the headquarters of the interior ministry and UNRWA schools. In Israel, 1 Israeli soldier was killed and 2 injured from an anti-tank missile fired from Gaza and 1 child succumbed to injuries sustained in Sderot, raising the Israeli death toll to 7. Dozens of rockets were also fired at Israel from Gaza, most of them intercepted. A mob of Jewish-Israelis pulled 1 Palestinian-Israeli out of his car and beat him while tv cameras were rolling in Bat Yam; the man was said to be in serious condition. A mob of Jewish-Israelis also raided a number of Palestinian-owned businesses in Tel Aviv, causing severe damage. 1 Jewish-Israeli man was attacked by 5 Palestinian-Israelis in ‘Akka; he was said to be in serious condition. Jewish-Israelis also attacked a tent set up to mourn the death of 1 Palestinian-Israeli who was shot by a Jewish-Israeli on 5/10 in Lydda, throwing stones at the mourners. Elsewhere in Lydda, 1 Jewish-Israeli was shot and injured and 2 more were injured in stabbings, 21 Palestinian-Israelis were injured, including 1 by gunshot. Israeli police announced a nighttime curfew in Lydda from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. 1 Palestinian-Israeli man was injured when rammed by a car­ and beaten near Or Akiva. 1 Palestinian-Israeli was lightly injured by a mob of Jewish-Israelis while driving in Tiberias. 1 Jewish-Israeli was injured in a stabbing incident in Tamra. A mob of Jewish-Israelis also attacked 1 Palestinian-Israeli in Haifa. (AJ, NYT 5/11; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AP, BBC, CNN, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, PCHR, REU, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/12; AP, CNN, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 5/13; PCHR 5/14; TOI 5/16; HA 5/18; WAFA 5/19; PCHR 5/20; MEE 5/21; HA, NYT 5/26; HA 5/27)

1 Palestinian prisoner suspended a 56-day-long hunger strike as Israel promised not to renew his administrative detention after 7/17. (WAFA 5/12)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas discussed the current situation with EU high representative Josep Borrell, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Iraqi president Barham Salih. A White House statement also said that U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke with President Abbas and they discussed “the violence in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, and the Secretary expressed his condolences for the lives lost as a result. The Secretary condemned the rocket attacks and emphasized the need to de-escalate tensions and bring the current violence to an end.” (HA, WAFA 5/12)

At a security cabinet meeting, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other ministers decided not to accept a potential ceasefire and continue its attack on Gaza for the time being. (HA 5/13)

Israeli president Reuven Rivlin condemned what he called a “pogrom” by “an Arab mob” on 5/11, despite the majority of the violence in Israel being perpetrated against Palestinian-Israelis. (HA 5/12)

Turkey said that its president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Russia’s president Vladimir Putin had discussed the situation in Jerusalem and Gaza, and that Turkey had called for international action against Israel. (AJ, AP, REU 5/12)

U.S. president Joe Biden said, during a press conference, that he believes that “Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying in your territory,” and that his “hope is that we’ll see this coming to conclusions sooner than later.” President Biden also spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu, where he gave his “unwavering support for Israel’s security and for Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself and its people, while protecting civilians,” according to the readout. The Biden administration also dispatched deputy assistant secretary of state for Israel and Palestine Hady Amr to Israel for talks with Palestinian and Israeli officials. The White House said that senior officials have had more than 25 calls with officials from Israel, the PA, Qatar, Tunisia, Jordan, and Egypt about the situation. (HA 5/12; NYT 5/13)

25 house democrats signed a letter circulated by Marie Newman (D-IL) and Mark Pocan (D-WI) urging secretary of state Antony Blinken to condemn the planned evictions of Palestinian families from Shaykh Jarrah. (HA 5/13)

ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said that she was following the situation in Gaza and Jerusalem with concern. (MEE, REU, WAFA 5/12)

The UN security council held a 2d meeting in 3 days to discuss the escalation of the conflict between Palestine and Israel. (TOI 5/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers used dogs to attack Palestinian farmers near Yatta. Israeli forces seized 4 Palestinian-owned tractors in al-Hadidyya. Israeli forces also fired tear gas at Palestinians trying to enter Israel near al-Midya. The Nablus governate was placed on a partial lockdown for 5 days after a rise in COVID-19 cases. The PA asked residents to stay inside between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. 2 Palestinians were arrested; 1 during a late-night raid in Hebron and 1 at a military checkpoint near Nablus. In Gaza, Hamas launched 2 rockets at Israel, both landing in open areas, and Israel fired missiles at Gaza, causing damage near Rafah, Bayt Hanun, and Khan Yunis. A source from Hamas said that the rockets were launched by mistake due to lighting and that Hamas does not seek an escalation of violence. Israel later said it believed the claim that the rockets were launched by mistake. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/15; HA, PCHR 11/19)

The Israeli Lands Authority issued tenders for construction of a new settlement, Givat Hamatos, in East Jerusalem, dubbed the doomsday settlement as it would cut East Jerusalem off from Bethlehem and cut Bayt Safafa off from its surrounding towns. Tenders for a total of 1,257 settler units were issued. Israel’s plans drew condemnation form the PA, and the international community. The Israeli anti-occupation organization Peace Now called the plans a “lethal blow” to the 2-state solution. The EU high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borrell said in a statement that he was “deeply worried” about the decision and that “Israel should instead show vision and responsibility and reverse these negative decisions at this critical and sensitive time.” The UN envoy for the Middle East peace process Nickolay Mladenov also condemned the plans, saying “settlement construction is illegal under international law and I call on the authorities to reverse this step.” (AJ, EEAS, HA, PCN, REU, WAFA, WAFA 11/15; AJ, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/16; WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/17; SG, WAFA 11/18; WAFA 11/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured 1 other near Kafr Haris. According to the Israeli military, the 2 had thrown a Molotov cocktail at the Israeli forces; the governor of Salfit said that the 2 had done nothing wrong and were hanging out with friends when they were attacked. During the funeral procession for the deceased Palestinian man, Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed in Kafr Haris; 1 Palestinian was hospitalized after being hit by a rubber-coated bullet to the neck. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum and Asira; 2 people were injured by sound bomb canisters in Asira, leading to fractures and an amputation of 1 finger; in Kafr Qaddum, 1 Palestinian was hit by a rubber-coated bullet; tear-gas related injuries were also reported. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work orders for 2 homes under construction in al-Khadir. 2 Israeli soldiers were injured by Israeli settlers while dismantling an Israeli settlement outpost near the Yitzhar settlement. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during late-night raids in and around Yatta, Hebron, and Jalazun refugee camp; and 3 at checkpoints near Nablus and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was closed to curb the spread of COVID-19; no date was set for its reopening. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a house raid in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/10; PCHR 7/16)

According to the Saudi Arabian news channel al-Arabiya, 1 senior member of Hamas, Mohammed Omar Abu Ajwa, defected and fled to Israel for which he allegedly had been spying on Hamas for more than 10 years. Hamas denied al-Arabiya’s report. (HA 7/12; HA 7/14)

In a letter to the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, the foreign ministers of Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, and Sweden demanded that he accelerate the process of formulating possible responses to Israel annexation. The 1st request for Foreign Policy Chief Borrell to do so was made on 15 May at an unofficial meeting. (HA 7/14)

In the West Bank, for the 2d day in a row, Israeli forces fired tear gas in and around schools in Hebron, causing dozens of students and teachers to suffer from tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces arrested 12 Palestinians in late-night raids in and around the West Bank Jerusalem district, Bayt Ula, Hebron, Nablus, Salfit, and Ramallah. (WAFA, 4/15; WAFA 4/16)

The hunger strike organized by Palestinian prisoners in Israel ended after 8 days when the Israeli Prison Service (IPS) agreed to install public phones, allowing prisoners to make calls to relatives up to 3 times a week. An Israeli security official said that Palestinian prisoners promised to hand over all smuggled cellphones to the IPS. (HA, WAFA 4/15; EI 4/16; MDW 4/17)

In a letter to EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, 37 former European officials called on the EU to reject any U.S. peace proposal that does not create a sovereign, territorial contingent, and economically viable Palestinian state. (HA, WAFA 4/15)

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)

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 n. Gaza, a mbr. of Hamas’s armed wing, Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades (IQB), dies in a tunnel collapse nr. Bayt Lahiya. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in and around Hebron, al-‘Arub r.c., 2 villages nr. Jenin, 1 nr. Bethlehem, and al-Fara‘a r. c. near Tubas, arresting 15 Palestinians and issuing an arrest summons to 1. Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian agricultural lands nr. Hebron, destroying 250 olive trees. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority security forces (PASF) conduct raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Tubas, arresting 4 Palestinians affiliated with Hamas and issuing arrest summons to 3 others. In East Jerusalem, an Israeli police officer assaults a Palestinian tour guide after an argument at Haram al-Sharif. Late at night, Israeli forces demolish 3 Palestinian-owned stores and a home under construction in Silwan. (MNA 5/18; JP 5/19; PCHR 5/21)

The Israeli PM’s office confirms that Dep. PM Silvan Shalom has been appointed to oversee any resumption of negotiations with the Palestinians. Former justice min. Tzipi Livni (Zionist Union) filled this role in the previous govt. (AFP, HA, JP, TOI 5/18; AFP 5/19)

PA pres. Mahmoud Abbas’s spokesperson calls PM Netanyahu’s 5/17 remarks about Jerusalem a clear violation of UN res. and states that there will be no peace in the Middle East unless the Palestinians have a capital in East Jerusalem. (HA, TOI 5/18)

After a meeting of the European Union (EU) FMs in Brussels, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini says that the EU is “ready and willing” to play a major role in a new round of peace negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians. Mogherini will be traveling to the region to meet with Netanyahu and Abbas on 5/20–21. (JP, REU 5/18; TOI 5/19; HA 6/7)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, causing some damage but no injuries. Off the coast nr. al-Sudaniyya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boasts, causing no injuries. Also off the coast, IAF jets fire flash bombs nr. Palestinian fishing boats. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a home nr. Ramallah. IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinians in c. Hebron and nr. Nablus, causing a number to suffer from tear gas inhalation. The IDF also conducts raids in a village nr. Hebron, arresting 9 Palestinians; patrols in and around Tulkarm, as well as 1 village each nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. An Israeli settler rams his car into a Palestinian child s. of Hebron, injuring him. Also, Israeli settlers damage water pipes leading to Palestinian homes in c. Hebron, causing minor flooding. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities ban 4 Palestinians from entering Haram al-Sharif for varying amounts of time after 3 are arrested in the sanctuary. In Tel Aviv, thousands of Palestinian citizens of Israel gather in Rabin Square to protest the housing shortage and home demolitions in their communities. Also, Palestinians across Israel conduct a general strike, responding to a call from the Arab High Follow-Up Comm. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 4/28; HA, MNA, PCHR 4/29; HA 4/30; PCHR 5/7)

Fired from Syria, 2 mortar shells land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no injuries. The IDF describes them as “spillover” from the Syrian conflict. (HA, MNA, YA 4/28)

In a letter to EU foreign policy chief Mogherini, 59 mbrs. of the European parliament call for the release of PLC mbr. Jarrar, who was placed in administrative detention by the IDF on 4/2. (WAFA 4/29)

IDF troops on the Gaza border arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel nr. Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, Israeli forces detain Nablus gov. Akram Rajoub briefly at a checkpoint nr. the city; confiscate 2 cranes from a construction site s. of Nablus. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting outside Ofer Prison nr. Ramallah ahead of Prisoners’ Day on 4/17, injuring 1. The IDF also conducts house searches and raids in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Hebron, arresting 2 Palestinians; patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 nr. Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot out the eye of a Palestinian with a sponge-tipped bullet during clashes sparked by a raid in Issawiyya. The man will lose his eye. (JP, MNA, WAFA 4/16; PCHR 4/23)

Israel’s Supreme Court upholds the 1950 Absentee Property Law, which allows the Israeli govt. to seize property in East Jerusalem if its owners live in the West Bank or Gaza. (HA 4/16; IMEMC 4/17; MNA 4/18)

FMs from 16 of the 28 EU mbr. states sign onto a letter to EU foreign policy chief Mogherini calling for goods produced in the Israeli settlements to be labeled as such in stores across Europe, reiterating public calls by the EU Council in 5/2012, 12/2012, and 11/2014 as well as a similar letter to the previous EU foreign affairs chief in 4/2013. (HA, TOI, YA 4/16; AFP 4/17)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts a house search and raid in Jericho, arresting 2 Palestinians; patrols in Nablus, al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Jenin. Israeli settlers park a group of mobile homes on Palestinian land nr. Nablus, establishing a new settlement outpost. Elsewhere, Palestinians in a village nr. Ramallah say that the Israeli authorities have informed them that they are planning on opening a major road e. of the city, having kept it closed since 2001 (Israeli forces will open the road on 5/25). Israeli authorities also inform farmers nr. Salfit that they plan to demolish 20 olive trees in the area. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces and settlers surround and attempt to evacuate a Palestinian-rented home in the Old City, but the tenants’ lawyer secures a stay on a 3/15 eviction order until 5/2015; small clashes break out. Separately, Israeli forces conduct house searches and raids in Issawiyya and Ras al-Amud, arresting 7 Palestinians. (HA, MNA, WAFA 3/16; PCHR 3/19; EI 3/25)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that if he is chosen to serve a 3d consecutive term as PM, there will be no Palestinian state, responding to the confusion on 3/8 when his office refuted a Likud Party statement that said he was disavowing his 2009 Bar Ilan speech, in which he 1st came out in favor of the 2-state solution. (AFP, HA, MNA, TOI, YA 3/16)

Palestinian amb. to Iraq Ahmad Aqil says that the Iraqi Higher Judicial Council has issued a res. applying equal status as Iraqi citizens to Palestinian refugees in Iraq—except for full Iraqi nationality. While it is consistent with existing law protecting the rights of Palestinian refugees that passed under Saddam Hussein, those laws were not thoroughly enforced after his overthrow and around 22,000 Palestinians left Iraq. (MNA 3/16)

Iranian FM Zarif and U.S. Secy. of State Kerry, along with other reps. of Iran and the U.S., meet in Lausanne, Switzerland, for a week of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. Zarif travels to Brussels to meet with envoys from several EU mbr. states as well as EU foreign policy chief Mogherini. (AFP, JP, TOI 3/16)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. A Palestinian is moderately injured when he triggers Israeli unexploded ordnance nr. Rafah. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse over 1,000 Palestinians, mostly women, demonstrating nr. Qalandia to mark International Women’s Day, moderately injuring 4. They also violently disperse Palestinian activists as they are removing a metal gate installed at the entrance to a village nr. Bethlehem and a group protesting land expropriation in a village nr. Hebron. Israeli soldiers accompanied by Israeli settlers violently disperse Palestinians nonviolently protesting s. of Hebron. The IDF conducts patrols and house searches in a village nr. Hebron, arresting 2 Palestinians. The PASF raids Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, sparking a brief firefight with the wanted Palestinian; 2 bystanders are injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct house searches and raids nr. the Old City, arresting 8 Palestinians; disperse a group of Palestinian youth throwing stones at the Jerusalem Light Rail in Shu‘fat, arresting 2. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian man in Silwan, moderately injuring him. (AP, JP, MNA, WAFA 3/7; MNA 3/8; PCHR 3/12)

In Cairo, Islamic Jihad’s delegation departs after 6 days of negotiations with the Egyptian authorities on opening the Rafah border crossing. According to sources close to the talks, the Egyptians have agreed in principle to completely open the crossing once the violence in the Sinai Peninsula subsides, the PA unity govt. has staffed the crossing, and Hamas commits to not to interfere in Egyptian affairs. Also, Egyptian officials announce that the Rafah crossing will open on 3/9–10. (AFP, MNA 3/7)

In Paris, French FM Laurent Fabius, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry, UK Foreign Secy. Philip Hammond, German FM Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini meet to review recent progress in their negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program. (TOI 3/6, 3/7; DPA 3/8)

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

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

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

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF launches 6 air strikes, destroying a blacksmith workshop and causing damage to vacant training sites belong to various armed groups. There are no injuries. In the West Bank, OBK continues. IDF troops open fire on Palestinians in Haris village nr. Salfit during a raid, wounding 1. During separate raids, Israeli soldiers shoot at residents in al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas, wounding 2, and shoot 1 in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus. IDF troops also demolish a house nr. Hebron because it was built without a permit. Also, IDF troops raid and confiscate property from 5 Hamas-linked charities. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron in the afternoon, and in Hebron and 8 nearby villages, Jenin and 6 nearby villages, Tulkarm and 4 nearby villages, Nablus and 8 villages, ‘Askar r.c. and Balata r.c. nearby, Salfit and 1 nearby village, 1 village nr. Qalqilya, al-Bireh, Tubas, at night; patrols in Hebron at night. (MNA, WAFA 6/17; PCHR 6/19)

Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with Quartet Rep. Blair in Tel Aviv and tells him that the 6/12 kidnapping “exposes the real face of Hamas.” Blair says that Hamas “cannot choose the political path on one hand and violence on the other.” Meanwhile, reps. from a number of factions, including Fatah and Hamas, hold a press conference in Gaza City. No group claims responsibility for the kidnapping of the teenage settlers. The reps. say they are prepared to confront any Israeli “aggression.” EU foreign affairs chief Ashton issues a statement condemning the abduction and urges “close cooperation between the Israeli and Palestinian security services.” (HA, JP, MNA 6/17)

Talks between reps. of Iran and the P5+1 powers on the disputed Iranian nuclear program continue in Vienna. Discussions last an hour and a half and cover “elements of the text that could be part of an agreement,” according to Michael Mann, an EU spokesperson. (AA, REU 6/17)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces arrest 3 fishermen. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 nearby villages, in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, in Jenin, and 1 village each nr. Nablus and Tulkarm at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Bethlehem in the morning, 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian on a road nr. Ramallah, causing serious injuries. (MNA, WAFA 5/27; PCHR 5/29)

The Hamas-run cabinet in the Gaza Strip holds its 343d and last meeting, and releases a statement saying it is ready to hand over “full responsibility” to a PA unity govt. According to Fatah official al-Ahmad, reps. of the various Palestinian factions are close to agreeing on the composition of the new govt., as they continue their discussions. (AP, MNA 5/27) .

The office of EU foreign affairs chief Ashton confirms that reps. of Iran and the P5+1 powers have agreed to meet in Vienna on 6/16 to begin a new round of talks. (AP 5/27)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion close to the border fence nr. Gaza City to level land. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-Fawar r.c., al-‘Arub r.c. and 2 villages nr. Hebron, in Balata r.c. and 1 village nr. Nablus, and in Jalazun r.c. and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in al-’Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 3 Palestinian-owned structures in Bayt Hanina, Shu‘fat, and Ras al-Amud. (AFP, MNA 5/14; PCHR 5/15)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with PA Pres. Abbas in London, where Kerry is attending talks with international partners on Syria and Ukraine. State Dept. spokesperson Psaki subsequently says Kerry made it clear that “while the door remains open to peace, it is up to the parties to determine whether they are willing to take the steps necessary to resume negotiations.” (AP 14/5)

Hamas and Fatah officials meet in Gaza to discuss the makeup of a unity govt., with Hamas chief negotiator Musa Abu Marzuq saying that talks would be finalized the following week. PM Ismail Haniyeh states that Hamas authorities will “clean the road to reconciliation from all obstacles and landmines” and calls on PA authorities in the West Bank “to take the same path and to maintain freedoms.” (HA, MNA 5/14)

Representatives of Iran and the P5+1 countries open negotiations in Vienna, with the goal of reaching a final agreement by 7/20. Substantial gaps remain, including on the future of uranium enrichment in Iran. As an initial step, EU foreign affairs chief Ashton and Iranian FM Zarif meet to put into writing what has already been agreed, as embodied by the 11/2013 interim deal. (HA 5/14)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night; patrols in Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Salfit in the morning, in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 4 villages nr. Hebron, Nablus and 1 village and Balata r.c. nearby, 2 villages nr. Qalqilya and Tulkarm at night. Jewish settlers from Yitzhar chop down an estimated 60 olive trees nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian demonstrators in al-‘Izzariya, a protest in support of defending al-Aqsa mosque from Jewish extremists. There are no serious injuries. (MNA 4/27; PCHR 4/30)

The PLO Central Council in Ramallah adopts a plan to pursue efforts to join 63 UN bodies and international treaties, according to a public statement issued on the final day of a 2-day meeting. Separately, PA Pres. Abbas issues a statement to mark Holocaust Day, denouncing the Nazi genocide. Israeli PM Netanyahu dismisses the comments during an interview with U.S. television network CBS, and says that Israel will not negotiate with a Palestinian govt. backed by Hamas. Meanwhile, IDF Maj.-Gen. Yoav Mordechai tells a meeting of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Subcmte. on Judea and Samaria that construction plans for 19 Palestinian villages in Area C of the West Bank have been frozen in response to the reconciliation deal. In addition, U.S. Dep. National Security Adviser Tony Blinken tells CNN that the U.S. is ready to suspend aid to the PA if a unity govt. backed by Hamas fails to recognize Israel. U.S. Special Envoy Indyk leaves Israel for consultations in Washington. EU foreign affairs chief Ashton releases a statement expressing concern over the latest developments in the peace process, and reiterates EU support for the U.S.-led peace talks. She also welcomes the Palestinian unity govt., affirming that it must abide by the principles of nonviolence, recognition of Israel, and commitment to previous agreements. (AFP, JP, REU, WAFA, YA 4/27; HA 4/28)

Remarks made by U.S. Secy. of State Kerry on 4/25 at a private meeting in Washington are published by the Daily Beast, in which he says that without a 2-state solution soon, Israel risks becoming an “apartheid state.” In response, pro-Israel lobby group AIPAC says it is “deeply troubled” by the comments. (HA, NYT 4/28)

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.

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, 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, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion along the border fence nr. Khan Yunis to level land, before withdrawing. In the West Bank, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians protesting the arrival of 1,400 Jewish worshippers at Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, injuring 7. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Jenin at night. The IDF also demolishes 4 Palestinian-owned commercial structures in Barta‘a village nr. Jenin. (HA, MNA 9/12; PCHR 9/19)

PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas meets with EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton in Paris, as well as French pres. Francois Hollande, discussing with both the peace process. (WAFA 9/12)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets Russian FM Sergey Lavrov in Geneva to discuss Moscow’s proposal of securing and destroying Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile, talks that were described by Kerry afterward as “constructive.” Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz expresses cautious support for the plan, speaking to Israeli media. Meanwhile, 3 stray mortar shells land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. (AFP, AP, JP, REU 9/12)

Egyptian interim pres. Adly Mansour extends a nationwide state of emergency for a further 2 mos. On the Rafah border, 2 Egyptian army tanks cross the initial border fence on the Egyptian side for the 1st time. Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities close the Rafah crossing for the 2d day due to unrest in the Sinai. (AFP, AP, MNA 9/12)

Iranian Amb. to the IAEA Reza Najafi says that Tehran will cooperate with the agency to “overcome existing issues once and for all,” speaking at his 1st board meeting. Distinct from the P5+1 (permanent mbrs. of the UNSC plus Germany) talks, the IAEA has held 10 rounds of talks since early 2012 to resume inspections into suspected weapon research. (REU 9/12)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians swimming off the coast of Bayt Lahiya. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Bethlehem and 2 nearby villages, and 2 villages nr. Jenin at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in Nablus and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. (PCHR 8/22)

The IDF fires a surface-to-surface missile at a Syrian army post after 3 shells land inside the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. The Israeli army retaliation destroys the Syrian military position but causes no casualties. (AFP, JP 8/17)

Egypt’s PM Hazem el-Bablawi proposes disbanding the Muslim Brotherhood. Meanwhile, clashes continue in Cairo between supporters of ousted Pres. Mohamed Morsi and security forces. On the border with the Gaza Strip, Egyptian authorities briefly open the Rafah crossing for“humanitarian cases” and stranded “international travellers.”(AFP, REU 8/17)

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton telephones new Iranian FM Mohammad Javad Zarif to congratulate him on his appointment, telling him that the P5+1 group—the 5 permanent mbrs. of the UNSC plus Germany — is ready to “work with the new Iranian negotiating team” as soon as they are appointed. (AFP 8/17, JP 8/18)

The day before U.S. Pres. Obama arrives in Israel, the IDF and Israeli police raze 6 structures in 2 unauthorized Jewish settler outposts in the West Bank (Oz Zion and Ramat Migron). In retaliation, Jewish settlers vandalize 18 Palestinian cars and a bus in Nablus. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin at night. (MNA, YA 3/19; PCHR 3/21)

Palestinian PM Salam Fayyad and EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton sign a deal in Brussels for the EU to provide $9 million of new funding for Palestinian development, aimed at supporting the Palestinian presence in West Bank Area C (under full Israeli civilian and security control). Fayyad and his delegation then attend the annual meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC)—the main donor body responsible for formulating broad policy for development assistance to the Palestinians. There he presents a paper on how the Israeli occupation affects the Palestinian economy. Donors are asked by the Palestinian delegation to protect projects in Area C and are told how irregularities in aid transfers to the PA and Israel’s withholding of tax revenue have worsened a financial crisis. After talks, Norwegian FM and AHLC head Epsen Barth Eide says that progress was made towards securing the $1.2 billion needed to fund the PA this year (see QU 168). (AFP, MNA 3/18; HA 3/19)

A World Bank report warns of the continued deterioration of the Palestinian economy, citing Israeli-imposed restrictions and the impact of closures (See Docs in JPS 168). The report also notes a drop in donor funding, and the PA’s large debts to banks and suppliers. Palestinian gross domestic product grew 6.1% in the first three quarters of 2012, down from an 11% average in 2010 and 2011. (HA 3/12)

Ross and Hale return to the region 9/14–15 to meet with Netanyahu and Abbas. They propose that the Palestinians drop their UN bid in exchange for “some attributes of a state” (e.g., getting aid directly from the World Bank, which gives only to states) or for restarting talks based on 1967 lines but without a settlement freeze (already rejected by Abbas as insufficient). Separately, EU foreign policy chief Ashton and Quartet special envoy Blair suggest that the Palestinians drop their bid in exchange for a Quartet statement outlining a return to peace talks and a UNGA res. endorsing the idea of Palestinian statehood without granting the status of a state. Abbas rejects these as too little too late. (NYT 9/14; NYT, WP 9/16)

The IDF cuts down 135 olive trees in Dayr Istya village nr. Salfit, saying they were planted on state land; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in al-Bireh (raiding the home of Hamas-affiliated PC mbr. Fadil Hamdan, arresting him) and Nablus; conducts late-night patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin. (PCHR 9/15, 9/22; OCHA 9/23)

EU foreign policy chief Ashton extends her regional visit through at least 9/15 for more talks with Palestinian, Israeli, U.S., and Arab officials regarding the Palestinian statehood bid at the UN and a possible Quartet statement on reviving talks. (Independent, Turkish Weekly [Internet] 9/15)

Israeli naval vessels fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the n. Gaza coast, forcing them to return to shore. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes an auto parts store and a Palestinian home under construction nr. Hebron; patrols in 1 village nr. Salfit in the evening; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Qalqilya. Jewish settlers fr. Gil’ad settlement stone Palestinian vehicles on the Nablus–Qalqilya road, injuring 1 Palestinian. One of 2 Palestinians who confessed to the 3/11/11 murder of a Jewish family in Itamar is sentenced to life in prison. PA police release on bail Palestinian journalist George Cantawi pending his trial in 10/2011; Cantawi was recently arrested and charged with defamation and slander for criticizing medical services in Bethlehem after PA governor of Bethlehem ‘Abd al-Fattah Hamayil filed the complaint and suit against him. (PCHR 9/15; OCHA 9/16; JPI 9/23)