The Palestine Chronology

Along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on a group of Palestinians congregating near the Great March of Return tent camps outside Gaza City; 2 Palestinians are injured. Later, an incendiary balloon reportedly flown from Gaza lands on a street in Beersheba, causing no damage. Israeli firefighters put out 6 small fires allegedly sparked by similar devices closer to the border fence throughout the day. In two separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 12 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Jenin, Ramallah, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers slash the tires of 8 Palestinian cars and leave racist graffiti on nearby walls in al-Mughayyir village near Ramallah. Separately, Israeli settlers assault and injure a Palestinian in central Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in Silwan and Issawiyya. (MNA, WAFA, YA 7/30; MNA 7/31; PCHR 8/2)

Thousands of Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel attend a massive Arabic language lesson in the streets of Tel Aviv in protest of the new Nation-State Law, which the Knesset passed on 7/19 and which downgraded Arabic from an official language to one with “special status." (HA, JP 7/30)

Along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on a small group of Palestinian minors approaching the border fence near Rafah; 2 Palestinians are killed and at least 2 others are injured (1 of the injured minors is arrested). The IDF claims that the young men were armed and attempting to cross into Israel to set a sniper post on fire. Earlier in the day, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion into Gaza to level land along the border fence near Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate a tent in Battir village near Bethlehem. In the second such incident in as many days, IDF troops assault and arrest a Palestinian in Dahaysha refugee camp, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the camp; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 7/2; PCHR 7/5)

Israel’s Knesset passes into law a new bill deducting from the tax revenues Israel collects on behalf of the PA an amount equal to that which the PA pays in stipends to Palestinians imprisoned or injured in connection with serious crimes committed against Israelis and the families of Palestinians killed while committing such crimes. Specifically, the Israeli DM will submit an annual report documenting the PA’s stipends over the previous calendar year. The sum total will be divided by 12 and deducted from the monthly transfers over the subsequent year. In contrast to previous drafts of the bill, Israel’s security cabinet is not permitted to waive the deductions. (ALM, JP 7/2; HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/3)

Overnight in the West Bank, IDF troops assault the Hebron-area home of a Palestinian, allegedly a mbr. of PIJ involved in the killing of an Israeli on 7/1. After declaring the village a closed military zone, they cut the Internet and electricity, fire anti-tank missiles and other artillery at his 3-story residential building for 7 hours, and eventually demolish it, killing the man and injuring a 2d Palestinian. The operation sparks clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians in the area; 5 Palestinians are injured and 3 are arrested. (BBC, MNA, WAFA 7/27; PCHR 8/4)

After the major IDF operation nr. Hebron overnight, the PA announces that the IDF has agreed to begin lifting its general closure of Hebron and the surrounding district, which it put in place in the wake of a Palestinian’s shooting of a settler on 7/1. Tension remains high in Hebron, as the IDF patrols the region throughout the day. (JP 7/27)

Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in Nablus and nr. Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest 2 mbrs. of the Islamic Waqf after they allegedly assault 2 Israeli archaeologists at Haram al-Sharif, and arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces confront a Palestinian fishing party late at night, damaging 1 boat and arresting 5 Palestinians. Meanwhile, a Gazan succumbs to injuries sustained in a confrontation with Israeli forces on 11/23/2001. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish several structures in the bedouin village of al-Araqib for the 101st time since 6/2010. The demolitions spark minor clashes, and several Palestinians are arrested. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/27; EI, MNA, PCHR, WAFA 7/28; PCHR 8/4)

Israeli NGO Peace Now announces that the Israeli govt. has opened tenders for the construction of 323 housing units in Israeli settlements nr. Jerusalem, including 89 in Gilo, 36 in Neve Ya’acov, 68 in Pisgat Ze’ev, and 130 in Har Homa. Meanwhile, the Israeli Knesset’s Ministerial Comm. for Legislation gives preliminary approval to a bill that would make some West Bank settlements eligible for special tax breaks in connection with the severity of their security situation. (MNA, PNOW 7/27; HA, TOI 7/28)

The IDF continues its closure of Hebron and the surrounding district, patrolling the area throughout the day. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 15 of the 100 international and Palestinian activists cleaning an abandoned Palestinian factory in Hebron to prepare it for use as a cinema. The IDF then declares the area a closed military zone. They also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Gaza City; 5 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during raids and house searches nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers throw rocks at Palestinian cars nr. Qalqilya, causing damage to 1. (MNA 7/15; JP, MNA 7/16; PCHR 7/21)

Hamas announces that it intends to participate in the planned municipal elections that the PA has set for 10/8. It is still unclear if the PA will organize ballots in Gaza as well as the West Bank. Hamas’s announcement is considered a surprise (the party did not participate in the 2012 elections). (MNA 7/16; JP 7/17; HA 8/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian youth outside the Ariel settlement after she allegedly attempts to stab a soldier. IDF troops conduct raids in a village nr. Ramallah, causing a Palestinian man to suffer a nonfatal heart attack and sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing youths (there are no serious injuries). As the IDF’s general closure of the Hebron district continues, Israeli military activity continues to focus on the area. Israeli soldiers conduct major raids in Bani Na‘im village nr. Hebron, threatening to punitively demolish the home of a family mbr. of the Palestinian who killed an Israeli settler on 6/30. Israeli soldiers also patrol in 4 villages nr. Hebron during the day and maintain many restrictions on Palestinian movement in Hebron and the surrounding district, including the closure of Bani Na‘im. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Silwan and Sur al-Bahir. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 7/5; PCHR 7/14)

The Israeli police say that non-Muslims will be allowed to visit Haram al-Sharif again after Eid al-Fitr next week. They banned non-Muslims on 6/28 after 3 days of violence at the sanctuary. (JP 7/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of 2 homes in Qalandia r.c. late at night, displacing 6 Palestinians and sparking clashes with stone-throwing camp residents; 4 Palestinians are injured. The Israeli authorities revoke the entry permit of the governor of Hebron after he visits the home of the Palestinian who allegedly stabbed a settler youth to death on 6/30. IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians and confiscate a car during late-night raids and house searches nr. Jenin, Bethlehem, and Hebron. Meanwhile, the IDF maintains its general closure of Hebron and the surrounding district, barricading at least 20 villages and patrolling throughout the region. (HA, MNA 7/3; HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/4; JP, MO 7/5; PCHR 7/14)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 4th of 5 planned days this week. (OCHA 7/5)

The Israeli govt. approves the construction of 600 new residences for Palestinians in the Bayt Safafa neighborhood of East Jerusalem, despite criticism from some of its right-wing mbrs. Israeli PM Netanyahu also advances plans for 800 new Jewish settler housing units in East Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim, a West Bank settlement nr. Jerusalem. A senior Israeli official refers to the 800 settler units as an effort to “sweeten the pill” for Israelis opposing housing construction for Palestinians. (HA 7/3; JP, WAFA 7/4; HA 7/8)

Before the weekly cabinet meeting, and in response to the recent uptick in violence in Hebron, Netanyahu says, “We will make a special effort to strengthen [settlements] and will propose a special plan for Kiryat Arba at the next cabinet meeting.” Kiryat Arba is the settlement where a youth was killed in her sleep on 6/30. (HA, JP 7/3; MO 7/5)

Amid a 2d day of deadly violence in the West Bank, unidentified assailants open fire on an Israeli settler vehicle nr. Hebron, killing 1 settler and injuring 3 (1 critically). Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian in c. Hebron after she allegedly attempts to stab Israeli officers at a security checkpoint. The alleged attacker was from Bani Na‘im, the home village of the Palestinian killed nr. Hebron on 6/30. The IDF then locks down Bani Na‘im village completely. Earlier, the IDF locks down Shwayka village nr. Tulkarm, the hometown of the Palestinian killed in Netanya on 6/30. Israeli troops conduct raids in Shwayka overnight, threatening punitive demolition of the attacker’s home. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops fire tear gas at Palestinians throwing stones in frustration over long wait times at the Qalandia checkpoint; 27 Palestinians are lightly injured. Palestinian paramedics are temporarily prevented from treating those affected, and 1 Palestinian suffers a heart attack and dies. The Israeli authorities say 3 Israeli soldiers are injured as well. (EI, HA, JP 7/1; PCHR 7/14)

In response to the day’s violence in and around Hebron, the IDF places the region under a general closure (the closure will be in place in some form through most of 7/2016): All crossings in and out of the city are closed, except for humanitarian cases, and the entrances to at least 9 nearby villages are also blocked off. Furthermore, a news leak, quoting senior Israeli sources, says that Israeli PM Netanyahu and DM Lieberman approve the construction of 42 new housing units in the Kiryat Arba settlement nr. Hebron, where a settler youth was killed on 6/30. The same Israeli sources that leak this also say that the political leadership has decided to establish a special graveyard for Palestinians killed during or after committing serious crimes against Israelis, which they think can end the conflict over withholding these Palestinian bodies. (HA, MNA, TOI 7/2)

Late at night, Palestinian fighters fire a rocket from Gaza into Israel. It lands in Sderot, causing minor damage to 1 building and lightly damaging several others. In response, the IAF launches air strikes on at least 9 Hamas and PIJ military sites in Gaza City, nr. Bayt Lahiya and Bayt Hanun, causing substantial damage and 1 minor injury. An Egyptian power line is damaged in the strikes, causing extended blackouts (it will be repaired on 7/2). (HA, YA 7/1; JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/2)

Across the oPt, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, and East Jerusalem; and conduct 15 patrols in the Hebron area during the day. They also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 3 Palestinians are injured. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians throw stones at Israeli security forces nr. the Old City, causing no injuries. More than 3,000 Israeli police are deployed in the city today. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 7/1; TOI 7/2; MNA 7/5; PCHR 7/14)

The Middle East Quartet releases a report on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the steps taken by both sides that have made a 2-state solution less viable. Both the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships criticize the report. (AFP, HA, NYT, YA 7/1)

Off the n. Gaza coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently disperse around 300 Israeli settlers in the Beit El settlement protesting the High Court’s 7/26 injunction on building in the settlement and its order for 2 residential buildings to be demolished by 7/30; 2 settlers are arrested. The settlers throw stones at empty Palestinian vehicles in the area. A separate group of over 200 Israeli settlers reoccupies the Sa-Nur settlement outpost nr. Jenin that was evacuated in 2005, calling for the govt. to approve the return of settlers to the site. Overnight in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian stores, 2 warehouses, and 3 residences in Silwan; assault and arrest 2 Palestinians during a raid in Ras al-Amud. Israeli settlers assault an elderly Palestinian in Ras al-Amud, lightly injuring her. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/28; HA, PCHR 7/30)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that his govt. is taking “legal action” against the High Court’s 7/26 demolition order for the 2 residences in the Beit El settlement. His comments follow 2 days of minor clashes between settlers and Israeli troops in and around Beit El. (HA, JP, TOI 7/28)

Netanyahu meets with Cypriot pres. Anastasiades in Cyprus and, according to PA sources, Anastasiades reportedly outlines a new European and Cypriot initiative to restart the Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations . The PA sources say that Anastasiades discussed the initiative with PA pres. Abbas on 7/27, and it includes an invitation for Netanyahu and Abbas to separately address EU leaders in Brussels at a future summit. (JP 7/27; JP, MNA, REU, TOI 7/28)

The U.S. Parole Commission announces that imprisoned Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard’s parole has been approved and that he will be released from prison on 11/21, having completed a 30-year sentence after being convicted of passing military intelligence to Israel in 1985. Pollard will be required to stay in the U.S. for 5 years after his release. Secy. of State Kerry reiterates that Pollard’s release is not connected to the tension surrounding the nuclear deal reached by the P5+1 and Iran on 7/14. (EI, HA, MNA 7/28; HA 7/29)

Overnight in Gaza, purported ISIS affiliates blow up cars belonging to mbrs. of Hamas and Islamic Jihad’s military wings in 5–6 simultaneously timed blasts in c. and s. Gaza City, lightly injuring 2 people and damaging several homes. No armed group claims responsibility. In the West Bank, Israeli authorities deliver stop-work orders to 3 homes under construction in a village nr. Hebron. IDF troops conduct a late-night raid in a village nr. Hebron; patrol in 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and ‘Aqabat Jabir r.c. and 1 village nr. Jericho. Israeli settlers fire 2 shots toward Palestinian farmers working nr. Ramallah, causing no injuries; conduct 3 demonstrations nr. Ramallah and Bethlehem calling for increased settlement construction. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians on raids in Ras al-Amud. (JP, MNA, NYT, YA 7/19; MNA, WAFA 7/20; MNA 7/21; PCHR 7/30)

Israel’s National Labor Court rejects a complaint filed by 3 Palestinian laborers on 7/14 calling for recognition of their rights to the same working conditions as Israelis in special industrial zones in Israeli settlements. (JP 7/19)

The Financial Times reports that “senior levels” of the European Commission have approved the preparation of a technical guidance document to facilitate the labeling of goods produced in the Israeli settlements. (FT 7/19)

The Obama admin. formally delivers the nuclear deal reached with Iran on 7/14 to Congress, which begins the legislature’s mandated 60-day review period (it will end on 9/17). (NYT, REU 7/19)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is injured. (MNA, WAFA 7/18; PCHR 7/30)

In Saudi Arabia, Hamas leader Mishal meets with Saudi king Salman bin Abdulaziz, and they discuss “Palestinian unity and the political situation in the region,” according to a Hamas source. (NYT, REU, TOI 7/17; MNA 7/18; JP 7/19)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis open fire on 3 Palestinian youths walking nr. the border fence, seriously injuring 1. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest and assault a Palestinian man on a raid in a village nr. Hebron, moderately injuring him and sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 2 Palestinians are injured. During the day, the IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron and 2 nr. Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, around 20 Palestinians throw stones and Molotov cocktails in an Israeli settlement nr. Ras al-Amud, lightly injuring 1 settler. Israeli forces conduct a raid in Silwan, arresting 4 Palestinians and sparking minor clashes with residents; 5 Palestinians are lightly injured. Israeli security officers detain and assault 2 Palestinian youths at a light rail station in Shu‘fat, moderately injuring 1. (MNA, YA 7/17; PCHR 7/30)

A special panel of the ICC orders chief prosecutor Bensouda to reconsider “as soon as possible” her 11/2014 decision not to investigate Israel’s 5/2010 raid on the flagship of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, the Mavi Marmara. (AP, HA, ICC, MNA, NYT 7/16)

U.S. State Dept. spokesperson John Kirby comments on the Israeli govt.’s planned demolition of Palestinian homes in Susiya village nr. Hebron, saying “we strongly urge the Israeli authorities to refrain from carrying out any demolitions.” (TOI, USSD 7/17; JP 7/19)

Off Gaza’s coast nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage to 1 boat. IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of al-Bureij r.c. open fire on nearby agricultural land. In the West Bank, IDF troops confiscate and damage property on late-night raids and house searches in a village nr. Ramallah, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activist Glick leads a protest in the Old City against the closure of Haram al-Sharif to non-Muslims during the final 10 days of Ramadan. (MNA, WAFA 7/14; PCHR 7/30)

The Israeli NGO Peace Now reports that Israel’s Civil Admin. recently allocated 300 dunams (around 75 acres) of land for the expansion of a settlement s. of Bethlehem. Meanwhile, 3 Palestinians who work in an Israeli industrial zone nr. Tulkarm file a complaint with the Israeli National Labor Court to recognize their right to share equal working conditions. The court will deny their request on 7/19. Currently Palestinians working in Israeli-controlled areas are subject to 1967 Jordanian law while their Israeli counterparts are subject to different labor laws. (MNA 7/14; JP 7/15)

Israeli PM Netanyahu reportedly says, “We cannot develop the settlements further, but rather need to preserve what we have,” in comments to a settler organization called the West Bank Regional Council (WBRC). The Yesha Council, a settler umbrella group including the WBRC, responds, saying “a govt. that does not build in Judea and Samaria loses its right to exist.” The Likud Party then denies that Netanyahu made any statement of policy regarding a settlement freeze. (TOI, YA 7/14)

In Vienna, the P5+1 and Iran reach a final, comprehensive agreement to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. U.S. pres. Obama calls Netanyahu to discuss the agreement, and he reportedly offers to hold talks on increasing military aid to Israel. Netanyahu refuses “at this juncture.” (AP, HA, JP, JTA, MNA, NYT, REU, TOI 7/14; HA, NYT 7/15)

Off the coast of Gaza nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing neither damage nor injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF issues an arrest summons to a Palestinian on a late-night raid in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, sparking light clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths. IDF troops also conduct late-night raids and house searches in and around Hebron, al-Fawar r.c., and Bethlehem, arresting 8 Palestinians; patrols during the day in 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, and ‘Aqabat Jabir r.c. nr. Jericho. Israeli settlers set fire to dozens of olive trees outside Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid a Palestinian clothing store in Shu‘fat r.c., sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 2 Palestinians are injured (1 of them will lose an eye after being struck by a sponge-tipped bullet). Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians on late-night raids in the Old City, Qalandia r.c., and Issawiyya. (MNA, WAFA 7/12; HA, MNA, TOI 7/13; MNA 7/14; PCHR 7/15)

A senior Hamas official tells a Russian media outlet that former Quartet envoy Blair is mediating talks between Israel and Hamas over the 2 Israeli civilians who are allegedly being held in Gaza. Blair reportedly met with Hamas leader Mishal in Doha 3 times, both before and after Blair resigned as Middle East Quartet envoy on 5/27, to discuss the issue. On 7/16, a senior Palestinian source will confirm that these talks took place. (TOI, YA 7/12)

PA pres. Abbas forms a national comm. to investigate alleged Israeli war crimes committed in Gaza during OPE. He appoints Farid al-Jallad to head the comm., which will begin its work after ‘Id al-Fitr concludes on 7/20. (JP 7/12; MNA 7/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian late at night after he allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli soldier at Qalandia checkpoint nr. Jerusalem. During the day, the IDF patrols in Yatta and 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Hebron. (MNA 7/10; PCHR 7/15)

Israel’s Defense Ministry lifts its gag order on the news of 2 Israeli civilians—a Palestinian bedouin and a Jewish Ethiopian—allegedly being held in Gaza. The Israeli govt. holds Hamas responsible for the men and reportedly lifts the order in the hope that it might lead to negotiations over their release. Hamas does not confirm it is holding the men. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 7/9; TOI, YA 7/10)

A senior Israeli official says that the Israeli govt. has changed its position on cooperating with the ICC’s preliminary examination on alleged war crimes committed in the oPt. The govt. will now begin opening contacts with ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to make its position clear to the court, but only on the subject of jurisdiction. (HA 7/9; AFP 7/10)

U.S. secy. of state John Kerry delivers a statement on the status of the P5+1/Iran negotiations in Vienna. He says that the negotiations will continue, but does not set a new deadline. U.S. chief negotiator Wendy Sherman briefs Israel’s national security adviser Cohen on the talks. Sherman last briefed Cohen at the end of 6/2015. (HA 7/9; AP, HA 7/10; JP 7/11)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on a Palestinian fishing boat, then they arrest the 2 fishermen on board and confiscate the boat. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night raids in 2 villages nr. Nablus and 1 nr. Bethlehem, and in and around Hebron, arresting 8 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 2 others; patrol during the day in 2 villages nr. Hebron. Israeli forces demolish fruit and vegetable stands alongside a road nr. Hebron, confiscate some of the produce, then arrest 1 Palestinian merchant. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers assault 3 Palestinians in the Old City, injuring 1; assault a Palestinian youth nearby. Israeli forces continue punitive measures against the families of the 2 Palestinian men who attacked a synagogue in West Jerusalem on 11/18/2014. Forces dismantle and confiscate a residential tent in Jabal Mukabir that 1 of the families has been living in since their home was sealed on 7/1; raid the Jabal Mukabir home of the other attacker’s family overnight. (MNA, WAFA 7/7; MNA 7/8; PCHR 7/9)

Israeli police announce that Haram al-Sharif will be closed to all non-Muslim visitors for the last 10 days of Ramadan (today through 7/17). Spokesperson Micky Rosenfeld says that “this is a standard procedure for safety reasons” and that the same measure was taken last year. (JP, TOI 7/7)

EU foreign policy chief Mogherini says that Iran and the P5+1 will continue negotiating for the next few days, hours ahead of today’s extended deadline for a final agreement. Later, the U.S. State Dept. announces that the interim agreement governing the negotiations will be extended, setting midnight on 7/9 as the new deadline. (HA, JP 7/7; HA 7/8)

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

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

In the West Bank, an Israeli officer shoots and kills a stone-throwing Palestinian youth during clashes nr. the Qalandia checkpoint s. of Ramallah. There are no other serious injuries. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is seriously injured. The IDF also patrols in 4 villages nr. Ramallah, ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c., and 1 village nr. Jericho. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles nr. Nablus, causing damage. Following yesterday’s crackdown on Hamas mbrs., the PASF arrests 21 Palestinian youths affiliated with Hamas’s student organization at an-Najah National University nr. Nablus. (MNA 7/2; HA, MNA, NYT 7/3; TOI, WAFA 7/4; PCHR 7/9; EI [video] 7/13)

In Egypt, SPIS fires 3 Grad rockets into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. (AFP, MNA 7/3; HA 7/4)

The UNHRC votes, 41–1, with 5 abstentions, to adopt a res. welcoming the report produced by the Council’s commission of inquiry, which was published on 6/22. The U.S. casts the lone vote in opposition and India, Kenya, Ethiopia, Paraguay, and Macedonia abstain. (HA, JTA, MEE, MNA, REU, YA 7/3; JP 7/4; YA 7/5; TOI 7/6; JTA 7/7)

The IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip by land, sea, and air, killing 66 Palestinians. Armed Palestinian groups fire more than 80 rockets into Israel, with 16 intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. Palestinian fighters kill 2 Israeli soldiers in Gaza. Across the West Bank, there are large demonstrations against the attack on Gaza in Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah, Salfit, Tulkarm, and other locations. IDF troops kill 7 Palestinians as clashes break out during the protests. In one of the clashes, at Hawara checkpoint, an Israeli settler kills a Palestinian, bringing the day’s total to 8. In addition, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries, except in Bil‘in, where 1 is injured by a bullet, and Ni‘lin, where 2 are injured by bullets. In addition, Jewish settlers attack 2 Palestinians in Bayt Hanina, seriously injuring 1. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces clash with Palestinians after worshippers under the age of 50 are banned from entering Haram al-Sharif, injuring around 40. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, YA 7/25; PCHR 7/26)

Meanwhile, in the early afternoon the Israeli cabinet rejects a draft of cease-fire principles proposed by U.S. Secy. of State Kerry, which he based partly on consultations with reps. of Qatar and Turkey. A senior Israeli official reportedly later described the proposal as a “strategic terrorist attack.” Later, Secy. Kerry meets with the UN’s Ban and Arab League Secy.-Gen. al-‘Arabi to discuss the latest developments in Gaza. Kerry also meets with Egyptian FM Shoukri. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, JP 7/25; HA 7/28)

In the evening, the UN, U.S., Egypt, and the Arab League call for an extendable 12-hour humanitarian cease-fire. PM Netanyahu tells Secy. of State Kerry that Israel will observe the humanitarian pause the following day, but the IDF will continue working to locate “terror tunnels.” Hamas spokesperson Abu Zuhri says that al-Qassam Brigades and other factions will observe the humanitarian pause. (AFP, AP, JP, MNA, YA 7/25)

The IDF continues its assault of the Gaza Strip, killing 64 Palestinians, primarily in the s. Khan Yunis area. The IDF says that it is hitting “concealed rocket launchers, terror tunnels, militant compounds, and terror activity posts located within the premises of al-Wafa hospital.” Severe shortages in electricity, water, and medical supplies continue to affect Palestinians in Gaza, with the UN estimating that the total number of displaced has risen to 118,300. Palestinians kill 3 Israeli soldiers inside the Gaza Strip, and severely wound another 2, in an attack claimed by al-Quds Brigades. Armed Palestinian groups fire rockets into s. Israel at a diminished rate relative to previous days, causing no damage and killing 1 Thai worker nr. the border fence. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill 1 Palestinian man during clashes that break out after a protest in Husan village nr. Bethlehem. Clashes also break out in Silwad, and IDF troops injure 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Nablus. (AFP, AP, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/23)

The FAA extends the previous day’s ban on U.S. airline flights to Ben-Gurion Airport for an additional 24 hours. (AFP, AP, JP 7/23)

In a televised speech from Doha, Hamas leader Mish‘al responds to the international calls for a cease-fire, saying that Hamas “cannot accept any proposal that does not include the lifting of the siege.” Mish‘al also calls for a “humanitarian truce” of a few hours “to evacuate the wounded and assist in the relief.” (AFP, AP, HA, MNA 7/23)

In response to an Israeli request on 7/20, the U.S. Defense Dept. agrees to resupply the IDF with arms from the War Reserves Stockpile based in Israel. Details of the sale are not reported until 7/30. (AFP, AP 7/23; Guardian 7/30)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry holds talks with UN Secy.-Gen. Ban in Jerusalem, their 2d meeting of the week. Kerry says afterward that “we have certainly made some steps forward, but there is still work to be done.” Kerry also meets with Pres. Abbas in Ramallah and then with Israeli PM Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, before returning to Cairo with no sign of an imminent breakthrough that might enable a cease-fire. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 7/23)

The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva passes a res., 29–1–17, condemning Israel’s occupation and the current assault on Gaza, as well as commissioning an investigation into potential war crimes committed during the current Gaza conflict, with the U.S. casting the sole “no” vote. Israeli PM Netanyahu calls the vote a “travesty,” while Israel’s Justice Minister Tzipi Livni responds on Facebook with the comment: “Get lost.” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay says that there is a “strong possibility” Israel is committing war crimes in the Gaza Strip. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, YA 7/23)

During the day, the IDF launches multiple strikes on targets across the Gaza Strip, killing 21 Palestinians, except during a 5-hour humanitarian cease-fire. After the humanitarian pause, Palestinian groups resume rocket fire into Israel, launching 105 projectiles, 20 of which are intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. One Israeli soldier nr. the border is wounded by a mortar shell just before the end of the pause. Meanwhile, 13 armed Palestinians enter Israel through a tunnel, but their attack is halted by IDF troops. Reports differ on whether or not 1 Palestinian is killed during the attack. Palestinians also launch a drone into s. Israel, which IDF troops shoot down nr. Ashqelon. UNRWA announces that 20 rockets were discovered in an unused school in Gaza, and condemns those responsible for a “flagrant breach” of international law. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/17; AJ, PCHR 7/18)

At approximately 10:30 P.M., the IDF launches a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, beginning with heavy artillery shelling of Bayt Hanun and Bayt Lahiya in the n. and incursions nr. the border fence to expand the buffer zone. IDF spokesperson Peter Lerner says the invasion has 2 objectives: “to strike Hamas . . . so they do not have the motivation to continue” and “to strike the terrorist infrastructure, the rockets, the tunnels.” During the invasion, 1 Israeli soldier is killed by friendly fire. Israeli media report that the ground invasion is initiated largely in response to the tunnel attack early in the day. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/17; AJ, PCHR 7/18)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot a Palestinian farmer nr. Nablus, shoot and injure 1 resident during clashes in al-Fara’a r.c. nr. Tubas, and shoot and injure 2 residents during clashes nr. Ramallah. IDF troops also shoot and injure 7 Palestinians during a demonstration at Qalandia checkpoint. The IDF conducts house searches, arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night; patrols in 3 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Salfit in the afternoon. Meanwhile, armed Palestinians open fire on IDF troops at a checkpoint nr. Ramallah, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces raid Haram al-Sharif and assault worshippers protesting a visit by rightwing Jewish activists. Israeli forces also detain approximately 36 Palestinians. Meanwhile, police charge 3 Jewish Israelis with the murder of Abu Khdeir. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/17; AJ, PCHR 7/18)

UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Serry requests a 5-hour humanitarian cease-fire and it is observed. An unnamed Israeli defense official tells the media that the cease-fire is for Palestinians in Gaza to see the damage wrought by Israel thus far. (AFP, AP, HA, REU 7/17)

Hours before the ground invasion starts, the U.S. Senate agrees to a nonbinding res. condemning the rocket fire against Israel and reiterating Israel’s right to defend itself. The res. has 78 cosponsors and the support of many U.S.-based, pro-Israel groups, including AIPAC. (AFP, AP, JP 7/17; AJ 7/18)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire around 80 rockets into s. Israel, injuring 1 soldier and 1 civilian in separate incidents. Iron Dome batteries intercept 12 of the rockets. An evening barrage of around 40 rockets in an hour is claimed by al-Qassam Brigades, who say it is in revenge for the killing of its fighters the previous day. Separately, an antitank missile is fired at IDF troops on the s. Gaza border, causing no injuries. The IDF strikes targets in n. Gaza, causing damage and injuring 1 child. Off the coast of Khan Yunis, IDF naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Palestinians throw Molotov cocktails at an IDF base nr. Ramallah, causing no injuries. The IDF patrols in Hebron at night. In Israel, police officers arrest 110 Palestinian citizens across Arab towns and villages (HA, JP, MEMO, MNA, REU, YA 7/7; PCHR 7/10)

Israel’s security cabinet decides to escalate attacks against Hamas and other armed factions in the Gaza Strip, following a 3-hour meeting, and agrees to launch an assault on the Gaza Strip, code-named Operation Protective Edge (OPE). The cabinet orders the army to prepare for a significant expansion of operations. Also, FM Lieberman announces that the official partnership between his party, Yisrael Beytenu, and Likud is over, but his party will remain in the coalition. Lieberman says the move is not meant as an attack on Netanyahu but a reflection of their genuine differences. Meanwhile, State Dept. spokesperson Psaki tells reporters that the U.S. supports Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza, and urges restraint against escalation of the conflict. (HA, JP, MNA 7/7)

A mortar shell is fired from inside Syrian territory into the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. IDF troops respond by shooting at suspicious targets on the Syrian side. (AP, JP 7/7)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion nr. Jabaliya to level land alongside the border fence. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon and Tulkarm at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah and injures 2 with rubber-coated metal bullets after opening fire at stonethrowing residents. (PCHR 7/18)

In an article based on leaked documents, Ha’Aretz reports that the EU will publish on 7/30 a set of new guidelines to restrict the eligibility of Israeli entities based or operating in the occupied territories for EU-funded grants, prizes, and financial instruments (see document A3 in JPS 169 for more). With these guidelines, the EU codifies its view of the settlements as illegal under international law. The guidelines are scheduled to go into effect on 1/1/14. The move is welcomed by senior Palestinian officials, with PLO Executive Cmte. member Hanan Ashrawi calling it “a significant development in the way the EU countries deal with Israeli occupation.” (HA, JP 7/16)

Assailants attack an Egyptian military outpost in the Sinai, injuring 6 soldiers and 1 civilian. (AP 7/16) Seven mortar shells fired from inside Syrian territory land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. (HA 7/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and kill a Palestinian man in Dura village nr. Hebron in response to stone-throwing at an IDF patrol. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Jenin, 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin at night. In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion nr. Khan Yunis to level land alongside the border fence. (MNA, REU 7/2; PCHR 7/4)

Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas says he is “optimistic” about U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry’s shuttle diplomacy, in comments he makes to reporters at a Ramallah press conference with Italian PM Enrico Letta. Meanwhile, U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Jen Psaki says in a press conference that no details of the peace talks will be divulged for the time being. In another development, Israel and the PA agree to form a biweekly committee on economic matters, a decision made in a meeting between Palestinian FM Shukri Bishara and Israeli FM Yair Lapid. Issues of concern for the committee will include crossings, fuel, and tax. (JP 7/2; MNA 7/3)

Egyptian pres. Mohamed Morsi rejects the military’s ultimatum to relinquish power, insisting on his democratic legitimacy and warning that any attempt to remove him and his govt. by force will plunge the country into chaos. Both Morsi and the military leadership say they will not back down from a violent confrontation. Violent clashes between supporters and opponents of Morsi in different neighborhoods of Cairo result in an estimated 7–11 deaths. Meanwhile, the Israeli army issues a statement revealing that the Egyptian military has moved several dozen armored vehicles into the border area nr. the Gaza Strip in coordination with Israel, part of efforts to combat security threats in the Sinai. (AP, NYT 7/2)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry meets with Russian FM Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of a security conference in Brunei and tells reporters afterward that a proposed peace conference on Syria will not happen until at least 9/2013. Lavrov also says that Kerry had recognized that “consolidating” the various Syrian opposition forces was the most important task ahead of any possible peace conference. (WP 7/2)

An anonymous, senior Israeli official says that U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry presented Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas with a proposal for the renewal of direct negotiations during meetings in the past few days. The official did not elaborate on the proposal’s contents. With Kerry now in Brunei, Middle East adviser Frank Lowenstein and State Dept. legal expert Jonathan Schwartz meet with Israel’s National Security Adviser Ya’akov Amidror and Special Envoy Yitzhak Molcho to continue discussions on how to break the deadlock. (HA, JP 7/1; JP 7/2)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages and al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jerusalem at night. (PCHR 7/4)

Jerusalem Municipal officials meet with members of the Knesset Finance Cmte. and approve funding for infrastructure construction on housing tenders for 930 homes in Har Homa settlement. The work is part of a project approved in 8/2011 for around 1,000 housing units to further the development of Har Homa. Meanwhile, Israeli DM Moshe Ya’alon announces that extremist Jewish settlers carrying out so-called price-tag attacks against Palestinians will be designated a “forbidden organization,” enabling security forces to use broader powers in investigating such incidents. The statement comes 2 weeks after the cabinet approved the step. (HA 7/1)

The Egyptian military issues a 48-hour ultimatum to Pres. Mohamed Morsi to meet the demands of protesters or face the army’s intervention, as hundreds of thousands of supporters and opponents of the Muslim Brotherhood-dominated govt. again take to the streets. (AP, REU 7/1)

Unidentified Palestinians fire a mortar fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF makes an air strike e. of Gaza City, wounding an Islamic Jihad mbr. preparing to fire a rocket into Israel. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in al-Bireh and 3 villages nr. Jericho and Ramallah during the day and in 1 village nr. Ramallah late in the evening; conducts late-night raids into 2 villages nr. Qalqilya, summoning 5 Palestinians for questioning. Palestinians (sometimes accompanied by Israeli and international activists) hold weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the separation wall, land confiscations, and settlement expansion in Bil‘in (for the 1st time since protests there were suspended on 6/24), Kafr Qaddum, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih. IDF soldiers beat and fire rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at the protesters, lightly injuring 1 Palestinian; 2 Israeli activists and 1 Palestinian are arrested. Jewish settlers fr. Yitzhar set fire to nearby Palestinian olive groves, damaging 3,000 trees. In East Jerusalem, up to 4,500 left-wing Israeli activists and Palestinians march in a show of support for Palestinian statehood organized by the group Shaykh Jarrah Solidarity; an estimated 80% of participants are Israeli Jews and the rest mostly Palestinians fr. Shaykh Jarrah. (JP 7/15; WP 7/16; PCHR 7/20; OCHA 7/22)

Unidentified Palestinians fire a total of 6 Qassam rockets fr. Gaza into Israel in 3 barrages in the morning, afternoon, and evening, causing no damage or injuries. In retaliation, the IDF makes air strikes on 4 Hamas training facilities in Gaza City and Khan Yunis and on 2 smuggling tunnels on the Rafah border, causing no reported injuries. Israeli naval vessels fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the c. Gaza coast, forcing them to return to shore. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah and 3 nr. Salfit in the morning and in Jericho late at night. (YA 7/14; JP 7/15; PCHR 7/20; OCHA 7/22)

Inspired by the Arab Spring, 10s of young Israelis set up a tent camp on Rothschild Boulevard, Tel Aviv’s high-end shopping district, to protest high housing costs (up 20% compared to summer 2010). (Guardian, HA 7/16)

An IDF tank patrolling along the Gaza border fence inside Israel triggers a roadside bomb laid by Gazans, leaving 1 soldier lightly injured. The IDF makes a brief incursion into s. Gaza to level lands and clear lines of sight along the border fence e. of Abasan. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah. (JP 7/10; PCHR 7/14; OCHA 7/15)

A Freedom Flotilla II boat tries to deport in Crete but is turned back by the Greek coast guard. A Knesset committee disqualifies (3-5) a bill submitted by Israeli Palestinian MK Ahmad Tibi (United Arab List) that would amend the 3/2011 “Nakba Law” (see Quarterly Update in JPS 160) to bar state funding to any organizations or authorities that deny the Nakba, arguing that it “rejects Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.” (JP 7/4; WP 7/5)

For the 3d time since unrest in Egypt began in 1/2011, unknown assailants blow up the natural gas pipeline from Egypt to Israel and Jordan, cutting supplies. 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 stages separate synchronized morning patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 3 nr. Jenin; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Tulkarm in the afternoon; patrols in 3 villages nr. Salfit and 1 each nr. Jenin, Ramallah, and Tulkarm (firing tear gas at stone-throwing Palestinians who confront them nr. Jenin, causing no serious injuries). (JTA, WP 7/5; PCHR 7/7; OCHA 7/8)

A Freedom Flotilla II boat manages to depart from Corsica but is detained before it reaches international waters. Unidentified Palestinians fire a rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In retaliation, the IDF makes an air strike on a smuggling tunnel on the n. Gaza border with Israel, causing no reported injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Hebron and 3 villages nr. Qalqilya during the day, without incident; patrols in Tulkarm in the afternoon, randomly stopping and searching Palestinian vehicles; patrols in ‘Azun in the afternoon, detaining 2 Palestinian teenagers for several hours; patrols in Bayt Liqya at night, firing rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at stone-throwing Palestinians who confront them, causing no serious injuries. (AFP 7/3; WP, WT 7/4; JP 7/6; PCHR 7/7; OCHA 7/8)

Fayyad says the PA will pay government employees only half their salaries for 7/2011 because of “the failure of donors, including our Arab brothers, to fulfill their pledges.” He calls the situation “without a doubt, the worst financial crisis the [PA] has ever faced.” (NYT 7/4; 7/28)

IDF tanks and infantry begin massing on Gaza’s northern border in apparent preparation for a major incursion. The IDF continues operations in and around Tulkarm; conducts predawn missile strikes on 3 auto repair garages, machine shops in Gaza City, Khan Yunis thought to be weapons factories, injuring 3 Palestinians; conducts arrest raids targeting Hamas and Islamic Jihad mbrs. in Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, and Tulkarm, arresting 26 Hamas, 4 Islamic Jihad mbrs.; also raids, searches homes in Mughraqa; fires on a group of Palestinians trying to cross the closed Abu Huli crossing into Gaza, wounding 4; conducts patrols nr. Ramallah, Tulkarm and in Dahaysha r.c., Nablus (firing on residential areas), Qalqilya, Tubas nr. Jenin. Hamas fires 10 mortars, 8 Qassam rockets fr. Gaza at Sederot and Nisanit settlement (lightly injuring 7 settlers). In Gaza City, some 10,000 Hamas supporters attend the funeral of 4 Hamas mbrs. assassinated on 7/15. In Bayt Lahiya, Hamas gunmen shoot, wound a PA security officer. In Khan Yunis, Palestinian gunmen associated with a Fatah splinter group set fire to the newly opened offices of Fatah head Faruq Qaddumi, then fire on PA security forces posts in the area. In Ramallah, AMB mbrs. fire in the air, order stores to close to protest Palestinian deaths in recent days; PA security forces deploy in response, ordering stores to reopen. (HA, IMEMC, JAZ, REU, YA 7/16; VOI, VOP 7/16 in WNC 7/17; HA, JAZ, JP, NYT, WP, XIN 7/17; VOP 7/17 in WNC 7/18; OCHA, PR 7/20; PCHR 7/21)

Israel releases the leader of the Islamic movement in Israel Shaykh Ra’id Salah, arrested in 5/03, after serving a sentence for directing funds to West Bank and Gaza charities that allegedly support “terrorism”; his sentence was reduced by more than a yr. for good behavior. (REU 7/17; VOI 7/17 in WNC 7/18; JP 7/18 in WNC 7/19; PR 7/20)