The Palestine Chronology

The IDF continues attacks across the Gaza Strip, killing 18 Palestinians. Also, the IDF drops leaflets over Bayt Lahiya that tell residents to evacuate ahead of intensified attacks. In response, around a quarter of Bayt Lahiya’s population, approximately 70,000 people, flees and seeks shelter in UNRWA facilities. Palestinians fire more than 70 rockets into Israel, causing some damage and injuring 1 with shrapnel. Meanwhile, Palestinian gunmen execute an alleged collaborator with Israel in Rafah. (AP, HA, JP, MNA, PCHR, REU 7/13)

While in Vienna for talks on Iran’s nuclear program, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry speaks with PM Netanyahu on the phone, and says that the U.S. is ready to help broker a cease-fire along the lines of the 11/2012 agreement. Also, Kerry discusses the crisis with his French, British, and German counterparts. Speaking in Vienna, French FM Fabius and British foreign secy. William Hague both urge a return to the ceasefire agreement of 11/2012. Israeli PM Netanyahu says at his weekly cabinet meeting that “we don’t know when the operation will end” and that “it might take a long time.” (AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/13)

For the 3d day in a row, 2 rockets fired from inside Lebanon land in n. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. IDF troops reply with artillery fire. There is no claim of responsibility for the rocket attack. (AP, HA, REU 7/13)

Unknown persons fire 1 rocket from inside Syria and into the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. IDF troops respond with artillery fire toward Syrian military bases, and claim direct hits, though there are no reports of damage or casualties. (HA 7/13)