The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians in Huwwara, injuring 6. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles outside of the Yitzhar settlement, causing damage. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized some 40 olive tree saplings in al-Khader. Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians and injured 1 other during a late-night raid in Jalazun refugee camp. Israel claimed the 3 attempted to ram Israeli soldiers with a car, but this was disputed by Palestinians present at the scene. Israeli forces also fired tear gas near a high school in Tell during a raid, causing tear-gas related injuries among students and staff. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 house and 2 storage facilities in al-Rifaya in the Masafer Yatta area, 1 house in Beit Einun, displacing 11, and 1 house near Jabal Johar, displacing 8. Israeli forces also raided Khirbet ad-Deir, injuring 1 Palestinian with a baton round and others with tear gas. 17 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jalazun, Beit Sira, Safa, al-Jib, Dheisheh refugee camp, Jericho, Nablus, Barta‘a, and Silat al-Harithiya. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City and al-Tur. (ABC, AJ, ALM, AP, HA, JP, MDW, MEE, MEE, MEMO, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/3; PCHR 10/5; PCHR 10/6; UNOCHA 10/16)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh warned UK prime minister Liz Truss that if the UK moves its embassy to Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, it would be seen by the PA as a recognition of the Israeli annexation of Jerusalem. The UK political parties Labour, Scottish National Party, and Liberal Democrats told Middle East Eye that they oppose moving the UK embassy to Jerusalem. (REU, TOI 10/3; HA, MEE, MEE 10/4; MEE, MEE, WAFA 10/5; MEMO 10/6; MEE 10/7; AJ 10/9; MEE, MEE, MEE, MEMO 10/11; MEE 10/19)

The EU-Israel association council convened for the 1st time since 2012. Addressing the EU representatives, Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid said that “Palestinians need to put an end to terrorism and incitement” in order for a 2-state solution to happen. After the meeting, EU ministers published a paper hailing cooperation with Israel, condemning Hamas, and criticizing Israel for its settlement policies, mentioning settlements in East Jerusalem and plans for E1. The minister also criticized Israeli policies of evictions and forced transfer of Palestinians and demolitions of EU-funded projects. (AJ, ALM, HA, MEMO 10/3)

The Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem appealed to ICC prosecutor Karim Khan to have the ICC act to protect Palestinian residents of Masafer Yatta from expulsion by Israel. (BTselem 10/3; HA, MEE 10/6; MEMO, WAFA 10/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Israeli forces demolishing a settlement outpost near the Yitzhar settlement; 3 soldiers and 1 settler were injured and several military vehicles were damaged. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Sabastia. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man near Haris at the Ariel settlement, claiming he had charged Israeli settlers and soldiers with a knife; no Israeli injuries were reported. 2 Palestinians were arrested for driving with the Palestinian man to the Ariel settlement: 1 on 12/31 and 1 on 1/2. The PA called the killing an execution. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 5 with rubber-coated bullets, including 1 minor. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets and 7 with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Bayt Dajan, injuring 44 Palestinians with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shut down the main road between Nablus and Jenin. Israeli forces also delivered a demolition order for a house in Umm al-Rihan. 1 Palestinian minor was arrested during a house raid in Beit Fajjar. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian using a rubber-coated bullet during a raid in Isawiya; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the Israeli eviction plans against the Salem family in Sheikh Jarrah; 1 minor was arrested and several Palestinian flags were confiscated. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Jabel Mukaber, assaulting 1 and arresting 1. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian shepherds east of al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 1 Palestinian Israeli man was killed in Umm al-Fahm, marking the 126th murder of a Palestinian Israeli in 2021. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, JP, MEE, MEMO, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/31; MEMO 1/1; TOI 1/2; PCHR 1/6)

B’Tselem reported that 2021 saw the most killing of Palestinians since 2014. According to B’Tselem, 319 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces and Israeli settlers. 9 Israelis were killed by Palestinians. The human rights organization also said 2021 saw the most demolitions of Palestinian homes in 5 years. 295 residential structures were demolished, displacing 895 Palestinians, including 463 minors. Israel also demolished 548 non-residential structures. (B’Tselem 1/4/2022)

Israel’s ministry of defense announced that it had signed a deal with the U.S. to buy 12 Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky CH-53K helicopters and 2 Boeing KC-46 refueling planes. (MEMO 12/31)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian property in Jalud, vandalizing 1 car and trees, and stealing a generator and construction material. Israeli forces demolished 4 residential structures, 1 agricultural structure, and 1 stone oven in al-Fakhit and al-Markaz, displacing 10. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Nablus, Jenin, Abu Dis, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished parts of a Palestinian-owned house in al-Walaja. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp and Isawiya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/2; PCHR 12/16)

B’Tselem and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights published a joint report saying that Israel did not investigate its own deadly response to the Great March of Return protests, despite Israel’s claims to the contrary. The report found that Israel only investigated “exceptional” cases and that only 1 soldier was convicted for wrongdoing and received a suspended sentence and demotion. The 2 human rights groups said in the report that Israel failed to review its own open-fire regulation, which led to more than 200 protesters killed and some 8,000 wounded by live ammunition. (PCHR 12/1; AP, HA, MEE, MEMO, TOI, WAFA 12/2; WAFA 12/3)

Israel indicted 2 Palestinians from Lydda for allegedly opening fire at Jewish Israelis during the May violence in Israel, connected to the Israeli assault on Gaza. Israel alleged that 1 person was injured by the 2 when they opened fire. (HA 12/2)

1 Palestinian Israeli woman was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison by an Israeli court for taking 12 photos of restricted areas and allegedly sending them to a Hezbollah contact. (HA 12/2)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke to Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett in a phone call. The official readout provided by the Department of State said the 2 spoke about COVID-19, Iran, and U.S. opposition to Israeli settlement activity. According to sources speaking to Haaretz, the call was primarily aimed at getting Israel to drop plans to build a new settlement at the Qalandia Airport, called Atarot airport by Israel. A source familiar with the call told the Times of Israel that the call was “intense.” (DoS, HA 12/2; JP, TOI, TOI 12/3)

German development bank KFW signed a financing agreement worth $10 million with the PA to improve the water supply in Gaza City and Jabalia refugee camp. (WAFA 12/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near the Beit El settlement, causing damage. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinians employed by the Land Settlement Authority with stones and clubs in al-Shuyukh, injuring 1 with injuries to his head. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers clashed with Israeli forces as the latter evacuated the Geulat Zion settlement outpost near the Shiloh settlement. Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinian pupils heading to a school in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya for the 2d day in a row, injuring dozens with tear gas. Israeli forces also seized 2 residential structures and 5 agricultural structures in az-Za‘ayyem. 11 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Bil‘in, Jaba‘, Tulkarm, Sanniriya, Nablus, al-Ibayyat, and Deir Sammit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor after he allegedly stabbed and wounded 2 Israeli soldiers in the Old City. Israeli forces also delivered demolition notices for 2 agricultural structures in Isawiya. 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Isawiya and Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen 2-5 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (AP, HA, JP, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/17; PCHR 11/18)

1 39-year-old Palestinian prisoner died in an Israeli hospital of issues related to a heart condition. Palestinian Prisoners Center for Studies said he died due to medical neglect by Israel. (AJ, JP, MEMO, PCHR, WAFA 11/18)

B’Tselem released footage that 1 of its activists had recorded in September, showing Israeli soldiers in Hebron rounding up 13 Palestinian children in the middle of the night and taking photos of them, asking them to say “cheese” for the camera. Many of the very young children are seen crying in the video. (HA, MEMO 11/17; AP, TOI 11/18)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with U.S. ambassador to the UN Linda Greenfield-Thomas. Ambassador Greenfield-Thomas urged the PA to end its payments to Palestinian prisoners and their families and to respect human rights issues. (HA, TOI 11/17; TOI, WAFA 11/18)

In Syria, Israeli forces fired 2 missiles from Israeli-occupied Golan Heights at Damascus, hitting 1 empty building. 1 of the missiles was intercepted by Syrian air defense. (AJ, AP, HA 11/17)

EU high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borrell told the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee that Israel has not provided the EU with any evidence proving their accusations that 6 Palestinian rights organizations are terrorist entities. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh was also present at the meeting and criticized the new Israeli government’s approach to Palestinians and stance against a 2-state solution. He also said Israel had to stop dealing with Palestinians in Gaza differently than it does West Bank Palestinians. (WAFA, WAFA 11/16; HA, WAFA, WAFA 11/17)

Qatar and Egypt signed a deal to supply fuel and building supplies to Gaza during the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee meeting. The deal will see Qatar pay Egypt for oil and gasoline which will be given to Hamas and distributed at gas stations in Gaza and some funds will be directed at vulnerable families in Gaza and to help pay civil servants. The deal was reported to include a monthly transfer from Qatar to Egypt for distribution in Gaza of $30 million. (AJ, REU 11/17; MEMO 11/18; ALM 11/23; HA 11/27; HA 11/29; MEMO 11/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers masked and armed with clubs attacked a Palestinian family of 10, including 8 children, as they were working their land south of Hebron; the 2 parents were evacuated to a hospital in Hebron; the settlers also vandalized the family’s vehicle. B’Tselem circulated a video of the incident; the family later said that it had filmed the whole incident because Israeli authorities had said it needed proof that settlers were frequently trespassing on their property. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian homes near Yatta. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raided Burin, throwing stones at Palestinian homes; when Palestinians confronted the settlers, Israeli forces intervened, injuring 1 Palestinian with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli settlers also threw stones at a Palestinian house in Huwwara. Israeli forces raided Silwad, leading to clashes with Palestinians; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also leveled land near Nablus in preparation for expansion of the Rahalim settlement. Elsewhere, Israeli forces injured 1 Palestinian with a tear gas canister as he was trying to enter Israel for work by the separation barrier near Qalqilya. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Husan, Bayt Furik, and Jenin. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/13; AJ, PCHR 3/18; HA 3/19)

The PA announced a total lockdown of the West Bank from 3/14–3/19 due to a rise in COVID-19 cases. (HA, WAFA 3/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted dozens of almond trees and grapevines in Bayt Umar and threatened the Palestinian landowners with guns. Israeli forces razed Palestinian-owned land in ‘Ayn Bus and seized 1 greenhouse in Bethlehem. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition as he was trying to enter Israel for work through the separation barrier near Far‘un. Elsewhere, Israeli forces dismantled and seized 1 agricultural structure in Tuqu‘. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian at the Qalandia checkpoint, claiming he wanted to stab a soldier with a screwdriver. 15 others were arrested during raids in and around Qabatiya, Jenin refugee camp, Burqin, Ramallah, Kafr Malik, Tulkarm, Tubas, and Nablus. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 7 nautical miles northwest of Rafah. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/12; PCHR 1/14)

The Israeli government told its high court of justice that it had delivered 100 COVID-19 vaccine doses to the PA and that more doses would arrive in some 10 days. The PA health ministry denied having received any doses of COVID-19 vaccines from Israel. (HA, WAFA 1/13)

The Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem released a position paper “A regime of Jewish supremacy from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea: this is apartheid,” calling Israel an apartheid state. B’Tselem argued that the distinction between Israel proper, East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza has been obfuscated so that “the entire area between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River is organized under a single principle: advancing and cementing the supremacy of one group—Jews—over another—Palestinians.” B’Tselem said it no longer could treat the occupied Palestinian territories as distinct from Israel as it has in the past and therefore needs to treat the area as 1 entity operating as an apartheid state. 2 particular developments led B’Tselem to change its viewpoint: the Nation-State law and the threats of annexation of Area C. Several Palestinian human rights organizations including al-Haq and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights have already called Israel an apartheid state. (AQ 11/12/2019; +972, AJ, AP, B’Tselem, CNN, GDN, HA, IN 1/12)

Israel attacked several places in Dayr al-Zur and Abu Kamal in eastern Syria with airstrikes, killing 57 people and wounding at least 37. According to a U.S. intelligence official, the strikes were made with intelligence from the U.S.; U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo had discussed the airstrikes with Mossad director Yossi Cohen at a D.C. restaurant on 1/11. Secretary Pompeo also announced that the terrorist group Al Qaeda has a home base in Iran without providing any evidence, a charge the Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called “warmongering lies.” On 1/10, Secretary Pompeo said that the Houthi rebels in Yemen would be added to the U.S. list of foreign terrorist organizations, a designation many humanitarian organizations lambasted as it will make it impossible to deliver aid to the civilian population living in Houthi-controlled areas who are heavily hunger stricken. (REU 1/10; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, REU 1/11; AJ, AJ, REU, REU 1/12; AA, AJ, FOX, HA, HA, HA, JP 1/13; HA 1/15; HA, HA 1/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort stormed Sabastiyya, closing off parts of the town to Palestinians. Israeli forces arrested 2 Israeli settlers from the Kumi Ori settlement outpost who attacked Israeli forces. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian man at a checkpoint near East Jerusalem, claiming he had tried to flee when having his papers inspected at the checkpoint; Israel handed his body to his family on 11/29, indicating that Israel did not suspect he wanted to attack the soldiers. B’Tselem said that 1 Israeli officer shot the Palestinian after the situation had unfolded and despite being ordered to hold fire. Israeli forces also demolished 2 houses and several other structures in Fasayil, 1 house under construction in Hebron, and 2 houses east of Yatta. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, and Kaubar. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/25; AJ, PCHR, WAFA 11/26; TOI, WAFA 11/29; B’Tselem, HA, TOI 11/30)

The Rafah crossing was open in both directions. (WAFA 11/21)

Israeli forces bombed targets in Quneitra and Damascus. 8 people were reportedly killed according to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. (AJ, HA 11/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers in the Yitzhar settlement erected a sign saying, “[e]ntry for Arabs is dangerous.” Israeli settlers also stole olive harvests in Burin. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Burqa, injuring 5 with rocks and damaging vehicles. Palestinians accessing their land on the other side of the separation barrier from where they live found some 60 olive trees were vandalized and olive crops were stolen. Israeli forces blocked off several roads to villages in the Jenin area, preventing Palestinians from harvesting their olive crops. 11 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Halhul, Kafr Qaddum, Nablus, and Ya‘bad. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested in Shu‘fat refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/12; PCHR 10/15)

Israel approved construction of 500 new settlement housing units in the Tzur Hadasah settlement near Bethlehem. (MEMO, WAFA 10/12)

B’Tselem said that a Palestinian man who has been hunger striking to protest his administrative detention for nearly 80 days is “on the verge of death.” (AJ 10/12)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh asked members of the EU parliament, during an online debate, to recognize the state of Palestine and to be more active in a future peace process. (WAFA 10/13)

The Israeli cabinet approved Israel’s normalization deal with the UAE; the Knesset is set to vote on the deal on 10/15. (HA, HA, REU 10/12)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering at Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah to commemorate the 1st anniversary of the killing of a resident of the camp; at least 10 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). The IDF also conducts late-night raids nr. Nablus, Hebron, and Jenin, arresting 5 Palestinians, demolishing a door and threatening demolitions; and patrols nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. Meanwhile, a Palestinian armed with a knife allegedly assaults an Israeli border police officer outside a settlement nr. Jerusalem, causing minor injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland nr. Gaza City, causing no damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest a Palestinian nr. the Old City who was allegedly planning a stabbing attack. Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan and Abu Dis; and impose a temporary closure on Bayt Surik village n. of the city, sparking minor clashes with stonethrowing residents; 2 Palestinians are injured. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/15; PCHR 10/20)

The IDF imposes a general closure over the West Bank and Gaza, barring all passage through border crossings, except humanitarian cases, for the Jewish Sukkot holiday. The closure is set to extend through 10/17. (MNA, TOI 10/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 1st of 2 planned days. (JP, MNA 10/15)

Israeli PM Netanyahu accuses B’Tselem and Americans for Peace Now of joining the “chorus of slander” against Israel because they participated in the UNSC meeting on Israeli settlements on 10/14. Netanyahu also says he is working to deny B’Tselem its right to a national service volunteer. The group only is allotted 1 such volunteer, and the post is currently unfilled. (HA 10/16)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Jabaliya r.c.; 1 Palestinian is injured. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland nr. Khan Yunis, causing no serious damage. Elsewhere in the West Bank, they demolish property and threaten demolitions during late-night raids nr. Nablus and Hebron; and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian farmlands nr. Qalqilya, destroying 50 olive trees. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian from Silwan while he is walking n. of the city. (MNA 10/14; PCHR 10/20)

At Egypt’s request, the UNSC holds a special meeting to discuss Israeli settlement building in the oPt, particularly the obstacles it presents to a 2-state solution. Two major anti-occupation groups, B’Tselem and Americans for Peace Now, address the UNSC. (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 10/14; AP 10/15)

In the 2d attack this week, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Tulkarm after she allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli soldier. No Israelis are injured. Meanwhile, around 4,000 Jewish settlers pray at Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinian residents; 10 Palestinians are injured (1 will succumb to his injuries on 6/6). Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct raids and house searches in Silwad and Kafr Malik villages nr. Ramallah, issuing 2 Palestinians arrest summons and sparking minor clashes in which a Palestinian is mildly injured. IDF troops patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries or damage. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. For the 2d day in a row, the Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing to traffic in both directions. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 6/2; MNA 6/3; OCHA, PCHR 6/9)

Israel’s Justice Ministry releases a list of 27 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that might be affected by the so-called NGO Transparency Bill, which is currently under discussion in the Knesset. Twenty-five of the 27 NGOs are distinctly left-wing human rights groups, including B’Tselem and Yesh Din. This lends credence to accusations that the Transparency Bill is simply an attempt to silence opponents of the right-wing govt. (HA 6/3)

French FM Jean-Marc Ayrault announces 2 main goals for the international peace summit in Paris on 6/3: the parties agree to meet again by the end of 2016, with Israeli and Palestinian participation, and they agree to form several working groups to facilitate resolutions on various final status issues, such as Israeli security and economic incentives for both sides. (JP, TOI 6/2)

For a 2d day in a row, IDF troops stationed along Gaza’s border shoot and injure a Palestinian e. of Gaza City. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion across the border fence to level land nr. Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian at a junction nr. Hebron after he is found to be carrying a knife. IDF troops conduct a raid in a village nr. Nablus late at night, arresting 1 Palestinian and sparking clashes with stonethrowers in which 2 Palestinians are injured. They conduct further late-night raids and house searches in Jalazun r.c. and 5 villages nr. Ramallah, as well as s. of Hebron, arresting 8 Palestinians, including an activist with the leftwing Israeli NGO B’Tselem. Israeli forces demolish a home and a cement wall in a village nr. Hebron. Palestinian workers are barred from entering Israeli settlements for the 2d and final day, pursuant to the IDF’s 1/18 decision. (MNA, MDW, TOI, WAFA 1/20; PCHR 1/21; HA 1/22; PHCR 1/28)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops e. of Khan Yunis shoot live ammunition and smoke bombs at Palestinians protesting the Israeli occupation and blockade nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. Late at night, IDF troops e. of al-Bureij arrest 3 Palestinians approaching the border fence to attempt to cross into Israel. In 3 separate incidents off the coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in c. Hebron and nr. Bethlehem; patrols nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. IDF troops arrest a Palestinian in c. Hebron on the suspicion that he was going to enter al-Ibrahimi Mosque with a knife. In 2 separate incidents nearby, Israeli settlers hit a Palestinian and an Israeli photographer for the human rights organization B’Tselem with their cars, injuring both. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to Palestinians constructing 2 homes in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron and confiscate a tractor being used for the project; demolish 2 farmhouses, a well, 800 dunams of crops, and 500 m of stone walls in a village s. of Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian man at Haram al-Sharif and another on a raid in the Old City. An Israeli settler shoots and injures a Palestinian youth as he tends to a herd of sheep in Silwan. (MNA, WAFA 2/1; PCHR 2/5)

PM Hamdallah says that the PA will be paying its employees a portion of their salaries “soon,” but that the Israeli govt. may be freezing transfers of tax revenues for the 2d mo. in a row. (MNA, WAFA 2/1; JP 2/2)

MK Masud Ghnaim (United Arab List) says that the newly united list of non-Zionist parties will not join a coalition formed by PM Netanyahu or his chief rivals, MKs Herzog and Livni, but that it would support a center-left bloc, confirming the stance presented by MK Ahmad Tibi on 1/17. (TOI 2/1)

In the West Bank, the IDF sends undercover units into Qabatya village nr. Jenin at midday in a car with Palestinian license plates to raid a cafe and arrest a wanted ´ Palestinian; demolishes 4 Palestinian homes in Azariyya nr. Jerusalem, in the E1 area marked for expansion of Ma’ale Adumim settlement, displacing 42 Palestinians. Late in the evening, the IDF conducts synchronized late-night incursions into Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, and Zatara village nr. Bethlehem to raid and search the homes of 8 senior figures affiliated with Hamas (fmr. PA Dep. PM and Education M Nasser al-Din al-Sha‘ir in Nablus; Reform and Change Palestinian Council legislators Nizar ‘Abd al-‘Aziz Ramadan and ‘Assam Nu‘man Salhab in Hebron; Ayman Husayn Darghma in Ramallah; Khalid Tafish Thwayb in Zatara; Reform and Change office director for Ramallah and al-Bireh Mazin al-Rimawi in Ramallah; senior Hamas leader Adnan Ahed Asfur and al-Najah University prof. Issam Rashid al-Ashqar in Nablus), arresting them for their “ongoing efforts to restore the administrative branch of the Hamas terror organization in the [West Bank].” The moves come as an Israeli Justice Min. comm. debates limiting the privileges (e.g., visitation, phone calls, study groups) of Hamas prisoners in Israel. Some 40 Hamas-affiliated legislators have been arrested since Shalit’s capture in 6/06, most of whom remain in detention. Hamas views the moves as Israel’s attempts to pressure it to make concessions in the ongoing Cairo prisoner exchange talks. The IDF conducts additional late-night arrest raids, house searches in Nablus, and nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Tulkarm. Mbrs. of Kiryat Arba settlement’s private security service detain a Canadian journalist and a fieldworker for the Israeli human rights group B’Tselem as they pass nr. the settlement, holding them until the IDF arrives to question them; they are released 4 hrs. later. (OCHA 3/18; PCHR 3/19; NYT, WP, WT 3/20; OCHA 3/24, 3/25; PCHR 3/26; JPI 4/3)

In Gaza, 8 Palestinians are injured when a smuggling tunnel under the Rafah border collapses. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in East Jerusalem; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around Nablus. Jewish settlers fr. Gilad outpost nr. Nablus attack, beat, mace 3 Palestinians farming their land nearby, breaking the arm of 1. Jewish settlers fr. Harsina in Hebron vandalize several Palestinian homes; the IDF intervenes to arrest a B’Tselem field worker who arrives to document the incident. (OCHA 12/26; PCHR 12/27)

The IDF raids Qabatya, surrounds the home of senior Islamic Jihad military leader Elias al-Ashkar, killing Ashkar and 4 Islamic Jihad mbrs. in an exchange of fire, sparking massive protests in Qabatya in which soldiers kill a 6th Palestinian, wound 16 (including a journalist); sends undercover units into Jenin in car with Palestinian license plates, willfully shooting and killing a PA General Intelligence Service (GIS) officer guarding the GIS headquarters in Jenin, besieging a house nearby, arresting 1 wanted Palestinian; shoots, wounds senior Islamic Jihad political leader Shaykh Mahmud al-Sadi outside Jenin in an apparent assassination attempt; conducts additional arrest raids, house searches in and around Nablus, in Tulkarm, nr. Hebron; raids Aida r.c., chasing and firing on Palestinian children who allegedly threw stones at IDF soldiers, wounding an 11- and a 12-yr.-old with live ammunition; confiscates goods from, demolishes 13 shops in a farmers market in the Jordan Valley; captures a Palestinian boat smuggling explosives fr. Egypt to Gaza. A small bomb explodes at a hitchhiking post outside Shiloh settlement nr. Ramallah, lightly wounding 1 Jewish settler; no group takes responsibility. Unidentified gunmen shoot, wound a bodyguard outside the home of PA GIS Gaza chief Maj. Gen. Tariq Abu Rajab; no group claims responsibility. An American wounded in the 4/17 Tel Aviv bombing dies of his injuries, bringing that toll to 11. (AFP, REU, XIN, YA 5/14; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/15; PCHR 5/18)

The Israeli High Court upholds (6–5) a 2002 law that sharply restricts family reunification for West Bank and Gaza Palestinians married to Israeli Palestinians living in Israel to women over age 25 and men over age 35. (AP, B’Tselem press release, HA 5/14; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/15)

The IDF reopens the Qarni crossing (closed on 4/26); conducts arrest raids, house searches in Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Nablus. Palestinians fire a rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries; the IDF responds by shelling n. Gaza, causing no injuries. Jewish settlers fr. Kiryat Arba vandalize Palestinian homes in Hebron for a 2d day. (HA, IMEMC 4/30; B’Tselem press release 5/1; OCHA 5/3; PCHR 5/4)

Ramadan begins; the IDF restricts access to Jerusalem for Friday prayers. The IDF shells Jabaliya r.c. fr. the surrounding hills to the east; carries out an air strike on the camp, killing 1 Hamas mbr., 2 AMB mbrs; fatally shoots a 65-yr.-old Palestinian woman eating dinner in her Jabaliya home. In the evening, the IDF withdraws troops to the periphery of most n. Gaza population centers, formally ending Operation Days of Penitence. The UN estimates that during the 17-day operation, the IDF killed 114 Palestinians, demolished as many as 95 Palestinian homes, leveled more than 1,000 d.; Palestinian Center for Human Rights puts the figures at 112 Palestinians killed, 87 houses demolished, 839 d. leveled. The IDF says that soldiers killed a number of AMB, Hamas, Islamic Jihad military cmdrs. and destroyed a number of factories and workshops where Qassams could be made, that Palestinians fired 14 Qassam rockets fr. the area during the 17-day period. Palestinians fire 2 Qassams at Sederot today, causing no damage. Late in the evening, the IDF bulldozes another 3 Palestinian homes, 2 stores in Bayt Hanun. The IDF also shells residential areas of Rafah; conducts arrest raids in Nablus; arrests 2 Jewish settlers who attack Palestinians harvesting olives outside Hebron. Jewish settlers fr. Shilo nr. Ramallah attack Palestinians harvesting olives in neighboring al-Mughayyir; IDF soldiers observe but do not intervene. (BBC 10/15; IDF Radio, VOI, VOP 10/15 in WNC 10/19; NYT, WP, WT 10/16; HA, NYT 10/17; B’Tselem press release 10/18; PR 10/20; PCHR 10/21; MEI 10/22)

An al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade (AMB) gunman opens fire on an IDF checkpoint outside Jerusalem, killing 2 IDF soldiers; the gunman escapes toward al-Khadir village; the IDF seals al-Khadir, conducts house-to-house searches, arresting 3 Palestinians. The IDF raids Rafah, sparking an exchange of gunfire that leaves 1 Palestinian dead and 11 wounded, demolishing 7 Palestinian homes, damaging 2 others; fires on Palestinians at Qarni and Surda crossings for no apparent reason, wounding 3; shoots, wounds a 16-yr.-old Palestinian who breaks curfew in Asira nr. Nablus; fires on stone-throwing youths in Burqa nr. Nablus, wounding 3; fires on Palestinian farms nr. Netzarim settlement, killing 1 horse, wounding another; conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Hebron, Nablus. The IDF also arrests a Palestinian farmer harvesting his olive grove nr. Salfit, threatens to bulldoze the grove and family home if the family returns to the site; 50 mbrs. of Rabbis for Human Rights, B’Tselem intervene, harvest the olives for the family, vow to stay on the site, block bulldozing until the issue is resolved. In Gaza, Palestinians fire an antitank missile at a Jewish settler convoy, causing no damage or injuries. (BBC, HA, ISM press release, MM 11/18; NYT, WP 11/19; VOP 11/19 in WNC 11/21; PCHR 11/20)

The IDF makes a predawn incursion into Tulkarm to arrest 4 wanted Hamas mbrs., pulls out later in the day. IDF tanks encircle Askar. In Bethlehem, the IDF allows 2 Palestinians to be evacuated fr. the Church of the Nativity, 1 who has suffered a severe abdominal wound since the siege began, another who has epilepsy; captures, questions, releases a Palestinian youth who sneaks out of the church to find food. Later, heavy IDF gunfire is reported around the church, sparking a fire in the Greek Orthodox monastery in the church complex. Hamas reportedly fires rockets at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, causing no damage; the IDF directs tank, machine gun fire at the suspects, killing 1 Palestinian, wounding 2. The IDF also fatally shoots a Palestinian outside Hebron, a Palestinian boy play in his yard in Nablus. The UNRWA is able to distribute food to 20-30% of the estimated 3,000 refugees still in Jenin r.c.; PRCS says that 7 Palestinians have been rescued fr. demolished buildings there in the past 24 hrs. Aid workers try to deliver food to Balata but are barred, assaulted by IDF soldiers. (AP, NYT, PRCS press release, UNRWA press release, UPMRC, WP 4/16; B'Tselem press release 4/17)

Powell holds a final mtg. with Sharon, says an international peace conference may be held in 6/02. (NYT, WP, WT 4/17)