The Palestine Chronology

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)

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)

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)

In an unusual incident in Ramallah, 9 Israelis try to visit a Palestinian’s home for a fastbreaking meal, but stone-throwing Palestinian youths block them and set their vehicle on fire. PASF and IDF troops secure the group’s departure from the oPt. Meanwhile, the IDF arrests 3 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem and Tulkarm and patrols nr. Hebron and Ramallah throughout the day. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to 2 residential buildings under construction and demolition notices to 4 structures nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 15 Palestinians during late-night raids in Ras al-Amud, Silwan, Qalandia r.c., and Wadi al-Juz. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish the bedouin village of al-Araqib for the 100th time in 6 years. (MNA, TOI 6/29; JP, PCHR 6/30; PCHR 7/14)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 1st of 5 planned days over the course of the next week. (OCHA 7/5)

Israel’s security cabinet approves the reconciliation deal with Turkey announced officially on 6/27. Only 3 ministers vote against it: DM Lieberman, Education Minister Naftali Bennett, and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked. During a debate over the deal in the Knesset, MK Haneen Zoabi (Joint List) calls the IDF soldiers who raided the Mavi Marmara in 5/2010 “murderers,” sparking a heated confrontation with several right-wing MKs. Later, PM Netanyahu pledges to expel Zoabi from the Knesset. (HA, JP, YA 6/29).

Following pressure from the Israeli NGO Adalah, Israeli police make public portions of their new rules of engagement, approved by Israel’s atty.-gen. in 9/2015 amid the surge of violence. The new rules authorize the police to respond to stone- or firecracker-throwing with live fire. (JP 7/4; HA 7/5)

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)

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)

IDF troops stationed on the Gaza border arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel e. of al-Bureij r.c. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids n. of the city and in al-‘Izzariya, arresting 1 Palestinian and issuing an arrest summons to another. (EI, MNA, NYT 7/13; HA, MNA 7/14; PCHR 7/15)

The Knesset Ethics Comm. reprimands MK Ghattas (Joint List) for his participation in the Freedom Flotilla III, rejecting his freedom-ofspeech–based argument. The comm. does not punish him in any other way because this is his 1st ethics offense. (JP 7/16)

In Jordan, envoys of the Middle East Quartet meet with Jordanian FM Nasser Judeh and National Security Authority Abdullah Wreikat to discuss “how to preserve the 2-state solution, and how to create conditions that will enable the parties to return to meaningful negotiations,” according to a joint statement. They will meet again on 7/14. (JP 7/16)

Israel’s Military Police begins questioning Lt.-Col. Neria Yeshurun who ordered his IDF battalion to fire at a Shuja‘iya hospital on 7/23/2014. It is the 1st Israeli criminal investigation into alleged war crimes committed during OPE. (JP, YA 7/12; TOI 7/13; HA 7/14)

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)

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 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)

The IDF conducts additional late-night raids in Nablus, searching, sealing, and confiscating computers and documents fr. several organizations allegedly connected to the ICA, including Afaq TV station, the Union of Palestinian Women Committees (confiscating food donations intended for needy Nablus families), a clinic, a kindergarten (taking 2 buses). The IDF sends undercover units driving a car with Palestinian license plates into Kafr Dan nr. Jenin, ambushing a Palestinian car and opening fire, assassinating Talal ‘Abid, a wanted mbr. of the Abu Ammar Brigades (a Fatah offshoot in Jenin), arresting a 2d Palestinian; sends troops, bulldozers into Hebron to demolish 2 Palestinian homes (18 residents) for allegedly harboring wanted individuals, also uprooting trees and heavily damaging a 3d home; fires rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas a Palestinians demonstrating against the separation wall in Dayr al-Ghusun nr. Tulkarm, injuring several (including 2 journalists); conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Hebron, Nablus. Jewish settlers fr. Brakha fire 6 mortars at Burin village and 1 at Madama village, causing no damage or injuries (see 7/1, 7/3). Israel’s Interior Min. approves construction of 920 new settler housing units in Har Homa settlement in the Palestinian neighborhood of Jabal Abu Ghunaym in Jerusalem; it is not clear if this figure includes 121 units approved on 6/1. (JP 7/9; PCHR 7/10; WT 7/11; OCHA 7/16; PCHR 7/17; NYT 7/18; AHR 7/21)

Overnight in Gaza, the IDF conducts air strikes heavily damaging the offices of Change and Reform PC mbrs. in Bayt Lahiya (causing no injuries), destroying a bridge linking Nussayrat r.c. with alMughraqa; directs tank fire on a Palestinian truck approaching its position but refusing orders to halt, killing 1 Palestinian, wounding a 2d. During the day, the IDF continues to shell n. Gaza, targeting 2 PA security offices and damaging 4 Palestinian homes; bulldozes 83 d. of Palestinian land nr. Dayr al-Balah, more than 100 d. of land outside al-Qarara; fires on residential areas of Khuza’ nr. the border, wounding a Palestinian woman inside her home. Some 50 Palestinian militants temporarily take over the Rafah crossing, allowing as many as half of the 4,000 Palestinian stranded on the Egyptian side to enter Gaza; Egyptian border police block Palestinians who try to cross fr. Gaza into Egypt. Palestinians fire at least 7 rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, causing damage in 1 incident but no injuries. The IDF conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around Hebron, in Tulkarm; prevents Palestinians under age 45 fr. attending Friday prayers at al-Aqsa mosque. (HA, JP 7/14; NYT, WP 7/15; OCHA 7/19; PCHR 7/20)

Overnight, after Olmert’s security cabinet approves a list of “more significant” Hizballah targets, the IDF makes air strikes on Hizballah sites in s. Beirut and targets the Beirut–Damascus highway (in an attempt to complete an air, sea, and land blockade on Lebanon). During the day, the IDF extends the naval blockade northwards to Tripoli; shells numerous bridges, roads, other civilian infrastructure, especially in s. Beirut; makes air strikes on the building serving as Hizballah’s headquarters and Nasrallah’s residence (destroying it), its al-Nur radio station (missing and hitting an apartment building), and the Beirut airport, a major power plant and a bridge s. of the capital, a PFLP base nr. the Syrian border. At least 8 Lebanese civilians are reported killed (3 in Beirut, 5 in the south), 55 injured during the day, raising the estimated death toll since the start of operations to 66 Lebanese (overwhelmingly civilians), more than 200 wounded. Hizballah continues to fire Katyushas at n. Israel, killing an Israeli woman,her 5-yr.-old grandson in Moshav Meron and injuring as many as 50 Israelis across the Galilee, including in Acre, Carmiel, Kiryat Shimona, Nahariya, Safad. Hizballah also hits an Israeli naval ship 10-mi off the coast nr. Beirut, disabling it, killing 1 Israeli sailor, leaving 3 other sailors missing, raising the comprehensive death toll to 13 Israelis killed (the majority soldiers), around 150 injured (mostly suffering shock). (HA, NYT, WT 7/14; NYT, WP, WT 7/15; NYT, WP 7/16; NYT 7/17, 7/19)

A Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. Israel issues tenders for construction of 22 new housing units in Gaza’s Neve Dekalim settlement; since the beginning of 2003, Israel has issued 687 tenders for new settlement housing units. (HA, MM 7/31; NYT, WT 8/1; PCHR 8/7; AYM 8/7 in WNC 8/14)

The Knesset authorizes (53-25 with 1 abstention) a 1-yr. amendment of the citizenship law to deny citizenship, permanent residency status to Palestinians fr. the territories who marry Israeli citizens, forcing couples to live apart or leave Israel, preventing automatic citizenship of a child born of 1 Palestinian, 1 Israeli parent. Some 21,000 couples are affected. (HA, JP 5/27; PR 5/28; HA 6/18; MM 6/27; HA 7/30; HA, MM 7/31; JP 7/31 in WNC 8/1; NYT, WP 8/1; MM 8/4; AYM 8/4 in WNC 8/8; MM 8/5; WT 8/18)

The World Zionist Organization (WZO) plans 30 new Jewish settlements in the Galilee and Negev to offset the rapid bedouin and Israeli Arab growth rates there and “ensure that Israel remains a Jewish state.” (JTA 7/31)

The IDF conducts arrest raids in Hebron (targeting the AMB), Jenin (targeting Islamic Jihad), Ramallah (targeting the AMB). Israeli border police fatally shoot a bedouin driving in the Negev when he refuses orders to stop; the Israelis suspected him of transporting illegal workers fr. the occupied territories; 10s of angry local residents demonstrate, damage police cars, throw stones at police officers. Unidentified assailants attempt to assassinate PA military intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Musa Arafat, firing a rocket-propelled grenade at his office; the grenade misses, hits a prison, injuring 13 inmates. Israel announces that the Jewish settler population has increased by 5,415 during the 1st half of 2003. (HA, MM 7/24; AFP, WP 7/25; JP 7/27 in WNC 7/30; PR 7/30; PCHR 8/7)

The IDF fatally shoots a Palestinian outside Tulkarm, saying the man fired on their post, causing no injuries; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis, wounding an 8-yr.-old Palestinian among others; conducts arrest raids in Jenin, Nablus. Palestinians fire mortars at Gush Katif, causing no damage or injuries. (BBC, HA 7/1; JP, NYT, WP 7/2; PCHR 7/3; VOI 7/3 in WNC 7/10)

In Nazareth, Israeli bulldozers tear down the foundation of a mosque on a site adjacent to the Church of the Annunciation over the tomb of a Muslim saint. Muslims, Christians have disputed the construction of the mosque for 6 yrs. In 4/99, PM Ehud Barak gave formal permission for the project, sparking riots and bringing formal protests fr. the Vatican. In 3/02, Sharon ordered a halt to construction. (MM 7/1; MM, NYT, WT 7/2; JP 7/2 in WNC 7/10; JPI 7/11, 7/25)

Abbas, Sharon hold their 3d mtg. to discuss road map implementation; agree to establish 4 comms. to oversee release of Palestinian political prisoners, a halt to Palestinian incitement, security, trade. Sharon says that Arafat may travel to Gaza “as long as he stays there” and if he asks Israel’s permission. (HA, MM 7/1; AYM, MENA 7/1, Interfax, QA 7/2 in WNC 7/10; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/2; MM 7/4; JPI, MEI 7/11)

IDF fatally shoots Islamic Jihad mbr. Mu`ammar Daraghma, as he drives nr. Jenin in what is likely an assassination. The IDF raids, shuts the admin. offices of al-Quds University in Jerusalem, confiscating files, computers; seals the office of university pres. Sari Nusseibeh, who is also the PLO official in charge of Jerusalem affairs. In Jerusalem's old city, an exchange of gunfire btwn. an Israeli police officer, a Palestinian motorist stopped for an ID check leaves 1 Palestinian bystander dead, the police officer wounded. The IDF also demolishes 6 Palestinian homes in Rafah, severely damages 2 others; reoccupies Bayt Rima, ordering all men to surrender for questioning; imposes a curfew on Husan; conducts arrest raids in Bayt Awa, Bethlehem, Nur al-Shams r.c., Qalqilya, Tafuh, al-Til, Tulkarm r.c. Jewish settlers under IDF protection take control of 1,400 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Jaba', outside Jerusalem.(HP 7/9; LAW, MM, NYT, PCHR, WP 7/10; MA 7/10 in WNC 7/11; WJW 7/11; AFP 7/11 in WNC 7/15; MA 7/11 in WNC 7/16; MA 7/15 in WNC 7/17; MM 7/17, 7/19)

A group of 400 Jewish immigrants fr. the U.S. and Canada arrive in Israel; 75% of them will live in Beit Shemesh, Jerusalem. They arrive as part of a new Jewish Agency program to encourage entire established Jewish communities in N. America to immigrate to Israel with their rabbis. American Evangelical Christians representing the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) donated $5,000 to each of the 400 to help finance the move. Another group of 130 is expected to arrive in the next few mos. (JP 7/9; Trenton Times 7/10; WJW 7/11; MEI 7/26) (see 6/22)

Islamic Jihad mbrs. fire on the Jewish enclave of Hebron, causing no injuries; the IDF tightens its closure on the Palestinian section of the city. The IDF also sends 5 armored vehicles into Silat al-Dahir (under curfew for 7 days) to occupy several homes under construction for use as military outposts; confiscates 100s of dunams of Palestinian land nr. Morag settlement; bulldozes Palestinian land in al-Qarara; conducts arrest sweeps in Dayr Istya (occupying 1 home as an observation post), Kfar Dik; reinforces the closure on Nablus by digging a trench across a road, establishing a new checkpoint; recloses the Birzeit+nRamallah road. Jewish settlers destroy Palestinian olive groves in Bizarya, Burqa, Ras Karkar, Tulkarm; attack a Palestinian farm in Bani Odeh, killing 50 sheep; throw stones at Palestinian cars on the Qalqilya-Nablus road. (HP, MM 6/26; NYT, WT 6/27)

In Washington, Bush, Powell hold "an unusually blunt" mtg. with Sharon on how to proceed with the cease-fire plan. Sharon says he will not move onto the 6 wk. cooling-off stage until violence completely ceases for 10 days; only after 8 wks. of total calm would Israel make any confidence-building gestures. Bush stresses the PA's progress in reducing violence to date, urges Sharon to be "more receptive" to the cease-fire proposals, recommends that the cooling-off period begin immediately. (AP, MM 6/26; AYM, al-Quds 6/26 in WNC 6/27; BBC, HA, JP [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/27; NYT, WJW, WP 6/28; MA 6/29, 7/1 in WNC 7/2; JP 7/6; see also WP 6/20)