The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid al-‘Awja, injuring 1 man with stones, damaging 6 vehicles, and stealing 10 sheep. Israeli settlers also raid Farasin, causing extensive damage to Palestinian property. Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian with live ammunition during a raid in Kafr Jamal. Israeli forces also raid Ya’bad, assaulting 2 Palestinians and seizing 2 vehicles. In East Jerusalem, 2 Israeli settlers spit at a Christian abbot from Germany, the 2 are later placed under house arrest. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, and Gaza City, killing at least 107 people. The Israeli bombs hit a fuel tank at the European Hospital, causing damage to the hospital. An Israeli soldier is killed in combat. In Lebanon, Hezbollah fires a missile at Israeli soldiers on al-Kubra hills and targets an Israeli base in Khirbet Maar. Israeli forces bomb homes in Yaroun. In Syria and Iraq, U.S. forces use 125 bombs to attack 3 sites in Iraq and 4 in Syria, killing 16 people in Iraq and 23 people in Syria. In Yemen, U.S. and UK forces, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Denmark, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Canada, attack 36 targets in 13 different places across the country. (AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT 2/2; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AX, AX, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/3; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT, UNOCHA, WAFA 2/4)

More than 27,283 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 11,500 children and 7,200 women, and around 66,452 have been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 374 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 94 children. More than 4,408 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 223 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,296 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. (UNOCHA 2/4)

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh meets with Turkey’s National Intelligence Agency director Ibrahim Kalin in Doha. AP reports that Hamas has started distributing salaries to government employees and Hamas employed police officers are patrolling parts of Gaza City.  (AJ, HA, HA 2/3)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh says 5 countries that announced suspension of funding to UNRWA informed him on 2/1 that they would resume funding within weeks. (AJ 2/3)

Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari says Israel has attacked Syria 50 times and Lebanon 200 times since 10/7/2023. (AJ, REU 2/3)

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry summons the U.S. charge d’affaires in Baghdad David Burger after U.S. and UK attacks in Iraq. U.S. secretary of defense Lloyd Austin says the attack on Syria and Iraq are “the start of our response” to the killing of 3 U.S. soldiers in Jordan earlier this week. (AJ, REU 2/3)

German foreign minister Anna Baerbock says Israeli plans to move its ground forces to Rafah “would simply not be justifiable.” (AJ 2/3)

The U.S. House of Representatives’ appropriations panel recommends a bill providing $17.6 billion in funding for the Israeli military, including $4.4 billion in weapons supplies, $4 billion for missile defense, $3.5 billion for financing of advanced weapons systems, $1.2 billion for the development of the Iron Beam laser missile defense, and $1 billion to improve artillery and munitions production. Speaker Mike Johnson says the House could vote on the bill next week. The House Freedom Caucus later indicates that its members will not support the bill, instead proposing that the U.S. pays for the aid to Israel by cutting funding to the UN and scrapping the IRS expansion. (AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU 2/3; HA 2/4; HA 2/5)

Portugal announces a $1.08 million donation to UNRWA. The UAE donates $5 million to UNRWA earmarked for relief efforts in Gaza. Slovenian foreign minister Tanja Fajon says her country will not stop funding UNRWA during a meeting of EU foreign ministers. (AJ 2/3)

Israeli Channel 13 reports that Israel is considering closing the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt due to tensions with Egypt. (AJ 2/3)

The New York Times reports that it was UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini who informed the U.S. on 1/24 about the Israeli allegations against 12 UNRWA staffers after a meeting with an Israeli diplomat in Tel Aviv on 1/18 where the Israeli allegations were shared with him. Lazzarini also met with UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres before sharing the information with the U.S., where they decided to fire 9 out of the 10 staffers who are still alive. (HA, NYT 2/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed 3 Palestinians in Jenin, including a child and 2 others in a drone strike, raising the number killed during the more than 60-hour raid to 12, with at least 34 injured and more than 100 arrested. Israeli forces also demolished 3 homes during the raid. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 10 Palestinians during raids in Beita, Silat al-Harithiya, Hebron, Deir Abu Mash’al, and Medea. 18 Palestinians, including a 12-year-old, were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, and Ramallah. In Gaza, Paltel said telecommunications were cut off for the fifth time since 10/7. Israeli forces bombed Khan Yunis, Rafah, Nuseirat refugee camp, Jabalia refugee camp, and Gaza City, killing at least 179 people and injuring 303 others. Israeli forces also raided the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, obstructing patients’ care leading to the death of 2. An Israeli soldier was killed in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces attacked Awidah, Azziyah, and Khiam. In the Red Sea, a U.S. naval destroyer shot down a drone launched from Yemen and a missile was fired at a commercial ship, landing in the sea. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/14; AJ, AP, AP, HA, REU 12/15; NYT 12/16)

More than 18,884 Palestinians had been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 7,729 children and 5,153 women, and around 50,897 had been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 280 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 72 children. More than 3,387 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured since 10/7. 116 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 648 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 12/3, at least 52,000 housing units had been destroyed and 253,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 60% of all housing units. 100 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing. (AJ, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 12/14)

Israel dropped leaflets in Gaza offering $400,000 for information that would lead to the capture or killing of Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar. The leaflets also offered $300,000 for information on Sinwar’s brother Mohammed Sinwar, $200,000 for Rafa’a Salameh, and $100,000 for Mohammed Deif. (HA 12/14)

The New York Times reported that Israeli forces bulldozed parts of 6 cemeteries in Gaza during the ground invasion. (NYT 12/14)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh told AP that it was time for the U.S. to shift its policy from “carrots to Israel to non-carrots,” saying the U.S. must introduce specific measures for a 2-state solution, not only talk about it. (AP, AP, REU 12/14)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of the Israeli war cabinet. U.S. and Israeli officials told Axios that Sullivan said to Netanyahu that the current intensity of Israel’s attacks on Gaza needs to dissipate within weeks. Netanyahu told Sullivan that Israel will continue its war “until absolute victory.” Sullivan also reiterated that a “revamped and revitalized” PA should govern both the West Bank and Gaza. President Joe Biden said in a speech about the cost of prescription drugs that he wants Israel to be more careful while going after Hamas. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, NYT, REU, REU 12/14; AJ, REU 12/15)

Israeli president Isaac Herzog dismissed the idea of discussing a 2-state solution in an interview with AP, saying “[m]y nation is in trauma.” (AJ, AP 12/14)

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke to President Biden, telling him that the U.S. could ensure a quick ceasefire if it withdrew its unconditional support for Israel. (AP, REU, REU 12/14)

U.S. senator Bernie Sanders introduced a resolution to investigate the Israeli attacks on Gaza and the use of U.S. military aid in the “indiscriminate bombing” of Gaza. (AJ, HA 12/15)

The upper house of Swiss parliament blocked an attempt by the lower house to end Switzerland’s annual funding for UNRWA in a 23-21 vote. (AJ, REU 12/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian during a raid in Qalandia. Israeli forces also raided Jenin, injuring 7 and uprooting streets. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 4, including a disabled man, in Qalqas, al-Arroub refugee camp, and Baqa al-Hatab. Israeli forces also sealed 2 printing facilities in Dawha, claiming they were printing incendiary materials. Meanwhile, Israeli forces uprooted 31 olive trees in Nahalin. Israeli forces also seized a vehicle in Qablan. 38 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bethlehem, Qalandia, Nablus, Ramallah, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces demolished a building in Bayt Hanina, displacing 13 people. In Gaza, at least 300 people were killed in Israeli attacks on Nuseirat refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Khan Yunis. Israel said it had surrounded and invaded Khan Yunis. Israeli troops also laid siege to the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya. 2 Israeli soldiers were killed in combat. Rockets were fired at Israel, injuring 2 in Ashkelon. In Lebanon, Israeli forces killed a Lebanese soldier and injured 3 others in an attack on a Lebanese military base; Israel later expressing regret, saying it would review the incident. 3 rockets were fired at Kiryat Shmona. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/5; AJ, HA, HA, NYT, WAFA 12/6)

More than 16,248 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 6,387 children and 4,257 women, and around 43,616 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 252 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 65 children. More than 3,325 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,431 have been injured since 10/7. 87 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.9 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 11/18, at least 45,000 housing units had been destroyed and 233,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 60% of all housing units. The Gaza Ministry of Health said at least 1,207 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire ended on 12/1. UNRWA said 130 of its staff members have been killed by Israeli forces since 10/7. The UN said dozens of trucks carrying aid, including fuel, entered Gaza but did not provide the actual number. Rafah was the only area to receive aid for the third day in a row. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 12/5)

At the beginning of the day, PA health minister Mai al-Kaila said at least 15,900 Palestinians have been killed and 40,900 injured in Israeli attacks on Gaza since 10/7, saying the final number of dead will be much higher since many are buried in rubble. (REU, WAFA 12/5)

The PA Ministry of National Economy said 29% of business in the West Bank have been completely or partially closed since 10/7 due to Israeli actions. (WAFA 12/5)

UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said Israeli calls for Palestinians to evacuate do not work, stating the “so-called safe zones . . . are not scientific, they are not rational, there are not possible, and I think the [Israeli] authorities are aware of this.” (AJ 12/5)

Amnesty International released an investigation saying that 43 Palestinian civilians were killed on 10/13 in Israeli attacks where U.S.-made JDAM bombs were used. The U.S. said it was reviewing the Amnesty investigation. (AJ 12/5; REU 12/6)

The PA warned against reported Israeli plans to flood tunnels in Gaza with seawater, saying it would lead to the collapse of residential buildings and infrastructure and to the mixing of ground, sea, and wastewater. (AJ 12/5)

Israeli police approved the “March of Maccabees” in the Old City of Jerusalem on 12/7, where Israeli right-wingers will march in support of removing the Islamic Waqf in order to replace it with full Israeli control over the Haram al-Sharif compound. (AJ, HA, HA 12/5)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Israel has killed half of Hamas’ military commanders in Gaza. Netanyahu also said that Israel is the only power that can keep Gaza demilitarized after Israel’s war, rejecting suggestions that an international force be deployed in Gaza. (AJ, AX, HA 12/5; NYT 12/6)

Prime Minister Netanyahu also met with families of Israeli captives held in Gaza. Some of those who attended the meeting labelled it a farce and insulting. (HA, HA, REU 12/5; AJ 12/6)

Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry met with senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Chris Coons (D-DE) in Washington D.C., discussing efforts to end Israel’s war on Gaza. (AJ 12/5)

The leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council called for an end to the Israeli attacks on Gaza at a summit in Doha. Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said at the summit that Israel was committing genocide, called support for Israel’s actions “a disgrace,” and urged the UN Security Council to force Israel back to the negotiations on a ceasefire. (AJ, AJ, HA 12/5)

U.S. vice president Kamala Harris’s National Security Advisor Phil Gordon met with Israeli president Isaac Herzog, war cabinet members Benny Gantz, Tzachi Hanegbi, Ron Dermer, and Gadi Eisenkot, and opposition leader Yair Lapid, updating them on meetings Harris and Gordon held with Arab leaders in Dubai during the COP28 climate conference. Harris is leading the Biden administration’s efforts on securing another ceasefire. (AX, HA 12/5)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken announced that that the U.S. has put new visa restrictions on violent Israeli settlers, saying Israel is not doing enough to combat settler violence. Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant later condemned Israeli settler violence, saying only the military, the police, and the Shin Bet have a right to use violence against Palestinians. USAID administrator Samantha Power visited El Arish airport in Egypt where aid to Gaza arrives, saying more “must be done to protect civilians” and for aid to enter Gaza. (AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU 12/5)

U.S. president Joe Biden said at a fundraiser that he had heard reports “of women raped, repeatedly raped, and their bodies being mutilated while still alive” by Hamas militants on 10/7. Hamas denied the accusations. (REU 12/5)

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution, H.R. 894, declaring that anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism in a 311-14 vote; 94 Democrats voted present. The resolution also condemned the phrase “from the river to the sea.” (AJ, HA, NYT 12/5; AJ 12/6)

5 U.S. pro-Israel organizations, the American Jewish Committee, the Jewish Federation of North America, the Anti-Defamation League, AIPAC, and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, created a joint lobbying arm called The 10/7 Project to promote pro-Israel narratives to journalists and U.S. lawmakers. (HA 12/5)

Deutche Welle reported that applicants for citizenship in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt will be required to declare their support for Israel’s right to exist to obtain German citizenship. (AJ 12/5)

CNN reported that the U.S. expects Israel to end its mass ground invasion of Gaza in January 2024. (AJ, HA 12/5)

The Washington Post reported that Israeli sources have estimated that 5,000 out of 30,000 Palestinian militants in Gaza have been killed since 10/7. (AJ, WP 12/5)

Dabke, the Palestinian national dance, was included on the UNCESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. (WAFA 12/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed 5 dunams (1.2 acres) of land and threw stones at Palestinians and Israeli activists in Khirbet al-Farisiyya. Israeli settlers also vandalized 15 vehicles in Umm Safa. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers wearing military uniforms raided Khirbet Zanuta, demolishing a residential structure, 2 agricultural structures, and part of an EU-funded school. Israeli forces shot and killed 5 Palestinians during raids in Qalqilya, Sa’ir, and Qalandia. Israeli forces also shot and injured 35 Palestinians, including 5 children, during raids in Bani Naim, Qalqilya, and Qalandia. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 6 agricultural structures in al-Ubeidiya. 60 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Dheisheh refugee camp, Jericho, Ramallah, Silwad, Jalazone refugee camp, and Abu Dis. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided Kafr ‘Aqab, injuring 10 with live ammunition, 1 with a baton round, 3 with beatings, and others with tear gas. In Gaza, Paltel said telecommunications were cut off in all of Gaza. At least 349 people were killed and 750 injured in Israeli attacks, including 108 in Beit Lahiya and 40 in Khan Yunis and others in Gaza City and Khan Yunis. Israeli forces ordered Palestinians in the Dayr al-Balah district to evacuate south as Israel continued to heavily bomb the Rafah and Khan Yunis districts. Israeli forces also demolished Gaza’s main courthouse with explosives. 5 Israeli soldiers were killed in combat. Hamas’ military spokesperson Abu Obeida said Hamas had destroyed 28 Israeli military vehicles in the past 24 hours. Rockets were fired at Israel; no injuries were reported. In Lebanon, Israel conducted airstrikes, saying mortar shells were fired at Israel, injuring 3 soldiers. (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, NYT, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/4; AJ, AX, HA, HA, UNOCHA 12/5)

More than 15,899 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 6,387 children and 4,257 women, and around 41,316 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 251 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 65 children. More than 3,313 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,431 have been injured since 10/7. 85 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.9 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 11/18, at least 45,000 housing units had been destroyed and 233,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 60% of all housing units. 100 trucks carrying aid, including around 13,000 gallons of fuel, entered Gaza. Aid was only distributed in Rafah for the second day in a row. 25 wounded Palestinians and 583 foreign nationals were evacuated to Egypt. The WHO said Israel had ordered the organization to remove its supplies from its medical warehouse in southern Gaza within 24 hours. (AJ, HA, HA, UNOCHA 12/4; AJ, AJ 12/5)

Israel announced that it had approved the Lower Aqueduct plan in East Jerusalem, the first major new settlement plan to be fully approved in East Jerusalem since 2012, according to Ir Amim. The final approval greenlit the construction of 1,792 housing units on 186 dunams (46 acres) of land, including on privately owned land belonging to Palestinians in Umm Tuba. Jordan condemned the approval. The PA Foreign Ministry called on the international community to stop the implementation of the plan. (AJ 12/4; AJ, TOI, WAFA 12/5; PCN 12/6)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with U.S. vice president Kamala Harris in a phone call, discussing the situation in Palestine and need for aid to enter Gaza. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with a delegation from the EU parliament in Ramallah. Harris also spoke with Israeli president Isaac Herzog about plans for Gaza after Israel is done with its assault. (HA 12/3; NYT WAFA, WAFA 12/4)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Argentinian president-elect Javier Milei, thanking him for saying he will move the Argentinian embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and inviting him to Israel. (HA 12/3; AJ, REU 12/4)

The corruption trial against Prime Minister Netanyahu resumed. Netanyahu did not attend the hearing. The judge presiding over the trial agreed to hold 2 hearings a week instead of 3 as happened before 10/7. (NYT 12/4; AJ, HA 12/5)

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Prime Minister Netanyahu will be tried as a war criminal for Israel’s attacks on Gaza. (HA, REU 12/4)

U.S. senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) called the proposed U.S. military aid package to Israel “absolutely irresponsible,” labelling Israel’s attacks on Gaza immoral and in violation of international law during a speech at the Senate. (AJ, HA 12/5)

Haaretz said that several stories about Hamas militants’ actions during Operation Al-Aqsa flood were unfounded, including that 40 babies were killed, some of which were said to be beheaded, a story recounted by U.S. president Biden. Other stories recounted by Prime Minister Netanyahu, such as children being bound together and burned, also appeared to be false. Netanyahu’s wife Sara also relayed a false story in a letter to Biden’s wife Jill, saying one of the captives held by Hamas was pregnant and had given birth in captivity. The woman, who has since been released, was not pregnant. (HA 12/4)

The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel is considering flooding the tunnels in Gaza with seawater. (HA, WSJ 12/4; HA, HA, REU 12/5)

3 human rights organizations in the Netherlands sued the Dutch state over its export of F-35 parts to Israel. (AJ, HA, HA 12/4)

Former State Department office of public and congressional affairs director Josh Paul, who resigned on 10/18 in protest over the Biden administration’s policy toward Israel’s attacks on Gaza, told CNN that Israel had raided the offices of Defense for Children International – Palestine (DCI – Palestine) in 2021 after the State Department had shared credible evidence of a Palestinian child being raped at al-Mascobiyya Interrogation Center in Jerusalem with Israel. DCI – Palestine’s office was raided on 7/29/2021 and the organization declared a terrorist organization on 10/22/2021 along with 5 other groups. Paul suggested a link between the sharing of the DCI – Palestine investigation and the Israeli terrorist designation. (X 12/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Aqraba, forcing them to flee. Israeli forces raided Jenin, killing 5 people, including a child, and injuring 14, with 1 death and 11 injuries resulting from an airstrike. Israeli forces prevented the Palestinian Red Crescent from reaching the injured and put the Jenin Governmental Hospital and the Ibn Sina Hospital under siege. Israeli forces also shot and killed 2 Palestinians, including a child, near al-Bireh and in Qabatiya. Israeli forces also shot and injured 6 Palestinians, including 2 children, during raids in Qarawat Bani Hassan, Burqa, al-Arroub refugee camp, Qabatiya, and Beit Umar. Elsewhere, Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians gathered near the Ofer Prison, dropping tear gas from drones, shooting 3, including a child, with live ammunition, and opened fire at a Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance near the Ofer Prison, causing damage. Israeli forces also razed 100 dunams (25 acres) of land east of Qalqilya, uprooting 150 olive trees. 17 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Askar refugee camp, Jenin, Hebron, Qalqilya, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israel forced a Palestinian family to demolish their own home in Jabel Mukaber, displacing 4 people. In Lebanon, Israeli forces opened fire at a UNIFIL vehicle; no injuries were reported. Israel also said it had shot down a surface-to-air missile launched from Lebanon. In the Red Sea, Israel said it had intercepted a drone. (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/25; AJ 11/26)

The Gaza Media Office did not update the casualty numbers, leaving the comprehensive death toll as of 11/23 at around 14,800 Palestinians, including 6,000 children and 4,000 women, and around 35,000 injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 7,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 229 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 56 children. More than 2,885 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,431 have been injured since 10/7. 75 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.7 million Palestinians, more than 70% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israel blockade. As of 11/18, at least 45,000 housing units had been destroyed and 233,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 60% of all housing units. 187 trucks carrying aid, 4 trucks carrying diesel, and 4 trucks carrying cooking oil entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing. 61 trucks carrying aid entered northern Gaza. The Committee to Protect Journalists said 57 journalists have been killed since 10/7, including 50 Palestinians, 3 Lebanese, and 4 Israelis. Gaza’s Media Office said the number of Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza was 67. The Palestinian Prisoners’ Club said Israel has arrested 3,160 Palestinians since 10/7. Around 400 people fled northern Gaza to the south. 17 wounded Palestinians and their companions and 25 foreign nationals were evacuated to Egypt (AJ, HA, NYT, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 11/25)

39 Palestinian prisoners were released from the Damon, Megiddo, and Ofer prisons on the second day of the prisoner exchange. 13 Israelis and 4 Thai nationals were released. The exchange was delayed by 7 hours as Hamas said Israel had violated the agreement by only allowing half the agreed number of aid trucks to enter northern Gaza and not releasing Palestinians who had been imprisoned for a longer period than 2 years. Israel said the UN was responsible for the lack of aid deliveries. Before the exchange took place, Israel threatened that it would start bombing Gaza at midnight if the issues were not resolved. Egypt said it had received positive signals from both sides that the ceasefire could be extended beyond the initial 4-day period. A delegation of Qatari intelligence officers arrived in Israel to ensure the exchange process continues “smoothly” and to discuss a possible extension of the ceasefire. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AX, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA 11/25; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU 11/26)

The Tulkarm Brigades said it had executed 2 Palestinian men, saying they were collaborators with Israel giving information that led to the killing of 3 Palestinians by Israeli forces on 11/6. The group released a video on Telegram that purportedly showed the 2 men confessing to working with Israeli intelligence. The group also said that anyone who had been working with Israel had until 12/5 to come forward. The bodies of the executed men were reportedly hung from an electric pole. (AP, HA, REU 11/25)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant visited Israeli soldiers in Gaza. (HA 11/25)

The New York Times said that in the first 2 weeks of the Israeli attacks on Gaza 90% of the bombs Israel stuck Gaza with were 1,000-2,000-pound U.S. made satellite-guided bombs, citing a senior U.S. military official. U.S. military officials said that 500-pound bombs were too large to target urban areas. The Times also said that Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed more Palestinians faster than in any other conflict in the 21st century. A former U.S. intelligence analyst said the Israeli attacks were comparable to those in the Vietnam War and World War II. (NYT 11/25)

3 Palestinian university students wearing kaffiyehs were shot and seriously wounded in Burlington, Vermont. A 48-year-old man was later arrested for the attack. (AJ 11/25; AJ, HA, REU 11/26; AJ, AJ, REU 11/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort attacked a Palestinian home in al-Mazra’a al-Gharbiya. Israeli settlers with military escort also attacked a house and a school in ‘Urif. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized some 150 olive tree saplings in al-Dahariya. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians near Jalazun. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ibayyat and Yabad. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA /22; WAFA 7/23; UNOCHA 7/25; PCHR 7/27; UNOCHA 7/29)

PFLP deputy secretary-general Jamal Nizar held a meeting with Egyptian intelligence head Abbas Kamal in Cairo ahead of a meeting of Palestinian factions scheduled for 7/30 in Cairo. (MEMO 7/23)

Thousands of Israelis marched from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in protest of the Israeli government’s judicial overhaul. It was the 29th week in a row Israelis protested against the Netanyahu-led government. (HA, HA, NYT, REU 7/22; AJ 7/23)

Former U.S. ambassadors to Israel Martin Indyk (Bill Clinton administration) and Daniel Kurtzer (George W Bush administration) told New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof that they think it is time that the U.S. start conditioning aid to Israel. (HA, NYT 7/22)

The EU donated $1.1 million to UNRWA allocated for Palestinian refugees in the West Bank. (WAFA 7/22; AN 7/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort raided Deir Dibwan, setting fire to trees; 1 Palestinian was injured by live ammunition fired by Israeli forces during the raid. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Beitin and Hebron. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man during a raid in Nablus. Israeli forces also shot a 5-year-old Palestinian boy in the eye with a rubber-coated bullet in Bizarya; the boy’s eye was later removed at a hospital. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 4 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, causing tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces seized 1 excavator in Dahariya. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Askar refugee camp, Bethlehem, Abu Nuyaim, Beit Umar, Dura, and Tulkarm; 2 Palestinians were injured by Israeli live ammunition during the raid in Askar refugee camp. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/23; WAFA, WAFA 6/24; HA 6/27; PCHR 7/6; UNOCHA 7/8)

The Shin Bet said it had arrested 3 Israeli settlers following several Israeli settler attacks on Palestinian towns and villages in the past week. (AP 6/23)

Representatives from 20 EU countries visited Turmus ‘Ayya to express condolences to the victims of the Israeli settler attack on 6/21. In a statement the countries said as the occupier Israel is obligated to protect Palestinians and prosecute the violent settlers. (WAFA 6/23; HA 6/24)

Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir told Israeli settlers at the partly resettled Evyatar settlement outpost that the settlers should “[r]un to the hilltops” and build settlements “in all the hills around.” Ben-Gvir also called for the Israeli military to “launch a military operation, take down buildings and eliminate terrorists. Not just one or two, but dozens and hundreds and if needed, thousands.” Later on 6/25, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said such calls to grab land are “unacceptable to me.” (HA, WAFA, WAFA 6/23; WAFA 6/24; CNN 6/25)

U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan spoke with his Israeli counterpart Tzachi Hanegbi, expressing concern about Israeli settler attacks on Palestinian villages. Several Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives, including pro-Israel representatives, condemned the settler attacks, as did the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee. Morocco also officially canceled the second summit of the normalization organization the Negev Forum, citing “uncomfortable diplomatic relations.” The summit, scheduled to be held in Rabat, has been postponed since March. (HA, REU 6/23; HA, HA 6/24; HA, WAFA, WAFA 6/25)

U.S. national security spokesperson John Kirby said that U.S. officials had met with victims of the Israeli settler attacks on Turmus ‘Ayya on 6/21 and that U.S. citizens were among the victims. (AJ 6/23)

UN human rights commissioner Volker Türk criticized the Israeli usage of “advanced weapons” in the West Bank this week, saying it was adding to volatility of the situation. For the first time since the Second Intifada, Israel used drones and helicopters to attack Palestinians in the West Bank. (AJ, WAFA 6/23)

In the West Bank, 15 Israeli settler families moved into a Palestinian-owned building between the Kiryat Arba settlement and al-Ibrahimi Mosque. Israeli forces guarded the settlers as they moved into the building. The settlers were evacuated from the building on 5/15. Israeli settlers with military escort raised Israeli flags near the entrance to Jannatah. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized 1 Palestinian vehicle in Masafer Yatta. Israeli forces shot and injured 13 Palestinians during a raid in Jenin refugee camp; 2 were arrested. 1 of the Palestinians injured later succumbed to his injuries on 5/15. Israeli soldiers fired a short-range missile at a building during the raid, severely damaging a house where 19 Palestinians were sleeping and subsequently fired another 6 anti-tank missiles at the house. Israeli forces also used a Palestinian minor and her father as human shields during the incident. Israeli forces also raided Burqin, injuring several Palestinians; 1 Israeli soldier was injured and later succumbed to his injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 1 with a baton round and more than 20 with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian near the Beit El settlement, claiming he had tried to attack Israeli settlers. Elsewhere, Israeli forces prevented Palestinian and Israeli activists traveling in buses from reaching Masafer Yatta to show solidarity with eviction-threatened Palestinians. Israeli settlers later assaulted a group who had proceeded on foot, injuring 5. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians using stun grenades and batons during the funeral procession for Shireen Abu Akleh, assaulting the pallbearers among many others; 33 were treated for various injuries, including a photojournalist. Israeli forces also confiscated Palestinian flags, including from the coffin, and arrested 6 for waving Palestinian flags. Haaretz reported that it was Jerusalem district commander Doron Turgeman who ordered the Palestinian flags confiscated during the funeral procession. In Israel, Israel said it had arrested 1 Palestinian teen for allegedly carrying a knife and a letter stipulating his intent to carry out an attack. (AA, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, CBS, CNN, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, JP, MDW, MEE, MEE, MEE, MEE, NYT, PCN, REU, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WP 5/13; AP, PCHR, REU, WAFA 5/14; AP, HA, HA, HA, MEE 5/15; AP, HA, MDW, MEMO, REU, WAFA 5/16; DCI-P, PCHR 5/19; HA 5/26; UNOCHA 6/4)

Israel indicted Sheikh Yusuf Albaz, the imam at Lydda’s Great Mosque, for incitement over alleged remarks celebrating Palestinians defending al-Aqsa Mosque. (HA 5/13)

Palestinian public prosecution said in a statement that the preliminary investigation into the killing of Abu Akleh found that the only source of gunfire at the scene where Abu Akleh was killed was from Israeli soldiers. (WAFA 5/14)

The U.S. Biden administration expressed dismay at the Israeli police’s dispersal of Palestinians at the funeral procession for Abu Akleh (see above). President Joe Biden said Israeli actions had to be investigated. Secretary of state Antony Blinken said the U.S. was “deeply troubled.” UN secretary-general António Guterres said he was “deeply disturbed” by the Israeli actions while the EU called the videos of the Israeli attacks appalling. (AJ, AX, MDW, REU, WAFA, WAFA 5/13; AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/14; WAFA, WAFA 5/15; MEE 5/18)

The U.S. state department informed Congress that it will remove 5 extremist groups from its list of foreign terrorist organizations, saying they are defunct. Among the 5 are the Jewish terrorist organization Kahane Chai and a Gaza-based umbrella organization for militant groups, the Mujahidin Shura Council in the Environs of Jerusalem. (AP, HA 5/15; MEMO 5/16; AJ 5/17; AJ, AP 5/20; WAFA 5/21; HA 5/22; MEMO 5/23)

In Syria, Israeli forces conducted air strikes in Masyaf, reportingly killing 5 and wounding 7 others. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU 5/13; JP, TOI 5/15)

The UN security council unanimously condemned the Israeli killing of Abu Akleh on 5/11, calling for an impartial investigation. The U.S. noticeably supported the statement, rather than abstaining or voting against. (AP 5/13; AJ 5/14)

At a meeting between U.S. president Joe Biden and Jordan’s king Abdullah II in Washington, President Biden reaffirmed the U.S.’s position that Jordan is the custodian of the Muslim Holy sites in Jerusalem. (AP, REU 5/13)

Berlin police banned a gathering in remembrance of Abu Akleh, organized by the Jewish organization Jüdische Stimme. (AJ 5/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided a Palestinian-owned house in Kaubar and took measures to punitively demolish it; 2 of the house’s occupants are detained by Israel. Israeli forces also arrested 11 Palestinians, including 4 during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Jenin, and Ramallah; 1 on a street near Nablus; and 7 during daytime raids in and around Ramallah, Nablus, ‘Ayn al-Hilwa, and Hebron. During a daytime raid in Nablus, Israeli forces confiscated a tractor, and separately during a different raid in Nablus, Israeli forces seized carpentry equipment. 1 Palestinian was shot by Israeli forces after he allegedly attempted to carry out a stabbing by the Gush Etzion junction. Israeli forces also seized and impounded a PA health ministry vehicle providing medical services to 1,500 Palestinians in rural areas south of Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces fired tear gas and arrested 3 Palestinians at Bab al-Rahma in the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/2; WAFA 1/3; HA 1/7; PCHR 1/9)

9 Palestinians from Issawiyya in East Jerusalem were placed under nighttime curfew between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. 6 of the men were told that they were facing a nighttime curfew on 12/29, but the curfew did not take effect until 1/2. The Israeli military cited a 1945 Mandate-era regulation to justify placing the 9 under nighttime curfew. (HA 1/2)

The U.S. assassinated Iranian major general in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and commander of the IRGC’s special forces Quds Force Qasem Soleimani and the deputy chairman of the Iraqi government-sanctioned militia Popular Mobilisation Forces, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, along with several other Iranian and Iraqi officials at Baghdad International airport. The assassinations were carried out by an American MQ-9 drone that fired missiles at the officials’ convoy as it was leaving the airport. The Pentagon released a statement saying that the strike was directed on behest of U.S. president Donald Trump and was aimed at “deterring future Iranian attack plans.” Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement that Iran would have 3 days of mourning followed by a retaliation. The speaker of the Iraqi parliament Mohammed al-Halbousi condemned the assassination, calling it “a flagrant breach of sovereignty and violation of international agreements.” (DOD, NYT, REU 1/2; AJ, AJ, AP, CNN, HA, WP 1/3; HA 1/4)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill an unarmed Palestinian in al-Am‘ari r.c. nr. Ramallah during clashes with residents that were prompted by an arrest raid. IDF troops demolish 5 structures in a village nr. Yatta. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 5 villages nr. Hebron. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries or damage. (MNA 9/10; PCHR 9/11)

Hamas announces that indirect talks with Israel are set to resume in Cairo in mid-9/2014. (AFP 9/10)

A ship sailing to Italy from Egypt full of around 500 migrants—including Palestinians fleeing Gaza, Egyptians, and Sudanese— capsizes in the Mediterranean after another ship of human traffickers rams their vessel. Approximately 450 of the passengers are killed or unaccounted for, and the survivors are picked up by various vessels and taken to Sicily, Crete, and Egypt. The Egyptian govt. releases few details about the incident and the Egyptian media largely ignores the story. (NYT 9/15; AP, NYT 9/19)

U.S. Pres. Obama authorizes air strikes in Syria, for the 1st time, and further attacks in Iraq targeting the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) group. The new target list will include ISIS’s “leadership, logistical, and operational capability,” in an attempt to “deny [the group] sanctuary and resources to plan, prepare and execute attacks.” (AP, REU 9/10)

Israel’s Operation Pillar of Defense against Gaza enters its 3d day, leaving another 11 Palestinians dead and bringing the Palestinian death toll since 11/14 to 30, around 1/3 civilians. Intense levels of Israeli air strikes continue, with 40 attacks before dawn and at least 200 overall during the day; reports estimate some 500 targets struck by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) since the operation began. The IDF bombs Gaza’s Ministry of Interior building and the offices of Hamas’s acting PM Ismail Haniyeh. Palestinian armed groups fire a total of 190 rockets into Israel, including a rocket that lands in an open area nr. Gush Etzion settlement bloc s. of Jerusalem, causing no damage or injuries. The Israeli cabinet approves Israeli DM Ehud Barak’s requests to mobilize 75,000 reservists. Israel’s FM Avigdor Lieberman states that the 2 goals of the operation are to restore deterrence and destroy long-range missiles. Meanwhile, in the West Bank, Palestinians hold demonstrations to protest the attack on Gaza, including a rally of hundreds of Hamas activists in Ramallah. IDF forces injure dozens of Palestinians in the solidarity protests, seriously wounding 1 man in Kafr Qaddum village nr. Qalqilya with a tear-gas canister to the head. (AP, HA, Guardian, JP, MNA 11/16)

Internationally, there is a mixture of support for Israel’s actions and caution regarding escalation. The U.S. Senate unanimously passes a resolution expressing support for Israel’s ‘‘right to act in self-defense.’’ UK foreign secretary William Hague warns Israel against staging a ground incursion into Gaza. Egyptian PM Hesham Kandil visits the Gaza Strip, during which time Israel temporarily stops its attacks. Egyptian pres. Mohamed Morsi condemns Israel’s operation and pledges Egyptian support for the Palestinians. Meanwhile, UN high commissioner for human rights Navi Pillay condemns Israel’s aerial bombardment of Gaza as well as Palestinian rocket fire. (HA, Guardian, JP, MNA, REU 11/16)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and 1 village nr. Ramallah, 2 villages nr. Salfit, and 1 village nr. Jericho at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in Hebron and 1 nearby village, and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Israeli soldiers violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals taking part in weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the Israeli occupation and land confiscations held in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, al-Nabi Salih, Budrus), 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries, except in Bil‘in, where 2 Palestinians are wounded by a tear-gas canister and rubber-coated steel bullet respectively, and in Kafr Qaddum, where 1 Palestinian is wounded by a tear-gas canister. (PCHR 11/22)

Egyptian security forces say that unidentified militants fire 3 rockets into Israel from the Sinai Peninsula nr. Rafah. No damage or injuries are reported. (MNA 11/16)

In Amman, Jordanian protests over rising fuel prices continue for a 4th day. Protesters clash with security forces, and a rally of several thousand passes off largely peacefully; chants include demands for the departure of King Abdallah II. (WP 11/16)

The new UNGA session, postponed fr. 9/24 because of the 9/11 attacks, opens in New York. (Arafat attends; Peres, who is in town, does not because of the Jewish Sabbath.) In his address, Bush notes that the U.S. is working "toward the day when two states--Israel and Palestine--live peacefully together," marking the 1st time a U.S. pres. has used the word "Palestine" to refer to the future Palestinian state. He also warns against "trying to pick and choose . . . terrorist friends" in reference to his repeated calls on the PA to crack down on violence. At a closed-door diplomatic lunch hosted by Secy. Gen. Annan, Bush refuses to greet or acknowledge Arafat. (HA 11/10; AP, WP 11/11; DUS 11/11 in WNC 11/20; AFP, MM, NYT, WP 11/12; AYM 11/12 in WNC 11/14; MM 11/13; NYT 11/15; MENA 11/18 in WNC 11/19; MEI 11/23)

The IDF sends tanks, bulldozers into the PA-controlled village of al-Arqa nr. Jinin to arrest 12 Palestinians, uproot an olive grove; bulldozes agricultural land in al-Mawasi area. Jewish settlers raid the Palestinian village of al-Sawiyya nr. Nablus, set a car on fire. (PMC 11/11; PHRC 11/15)

In Nazareth, 1,500 Israeli Arabs demonstrate against the Knesset decision to lift MK Bishara's immunity. (AFP 11/10) (see 11/6)

In Gaza, the IDF confiscates, evacuates, bulldozes an area of land where 9 Palestinian families live in tents. The PSF releases 50 Palestinians arrested during the 10/8 Gaza clashes. PC, NIHC reps. meet again to discuss the 10/8 clashes, ways of preventing similar incidents in the future. The PC agrees to appoint an inquiry comm. to investigate PSF actions. (NYT 10/11; AYM 10/11 in WNC 10/15; LAW 10/13)

Fearing the case could set precedent on the Palestinian right of return, the Israeli inner cabinet decides against upholding a 1951 Israeli High Court ruling to allow the return of Arab families to 2 Palestinian villages, Iqrit and Bir'am, fr. which they were "temporarily evacuated" by the Israeli government in 11/48. The families are all currently Israeli citizens. Today, the village lands, located in n. Israel, are owned and worked by Jewish farmers. (AP 10/10; BDL 10/11; HA 10/15)

In Doha, the OIC holds an emergency session on the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. strikes on Afghanistan, the Palestinian issue. Participants condemn the 9/11 incidents; demand that the U.S. provide "irrefutable evidence against the perpetrators" and differentiate btwn. "terrorism" and legitimate "resistance to occupation"; condemn Israel's actions against the Palestinians as "state terrorism." (IRNA, JT, VIRI 10/10 in WNC 10/11; SAF 10/10 in WNC 10/15; MM, NYT, WP 10/11; ATL 10/11 in WNC 10/12; MEI 10/12)

The Israeli-Palestinian temporary cease-fire generally holds, though scattered violence is reported. Despite personal appeals by Arafat envoys, Hamas and Islamic Jihad say that they will continue to target Israeli occupation forces (i.e., troops, settlers) in the territories, though they will halt attacks inside Israel as long as Israel continues to suspend its assassination policy. A Force 17 mbr. is shot dead in Hebron. A 2d Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. Palestinian gunmen fire on the Jewish enclave in Hebron; in response the IDF shells a residential neighborhood in the Palestinian section of the city, injuring 9. Palestinians throw 6 hand-made grenades at an IDF post on the Rafah border causing no injuries; the IDF fires on residential areas of Rafah in response. A roadside bomb explodes outside Oranit settlement, injuring 2 settlement security guards. (AP 9/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/20; WP 9/21; NYT, WT 9/23; HP 9/24; LAW 9/29)

Bush continues building an international coalition against Bin Laden, focusing on Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan as the primary land bases for any military operation. Bush admin. officials say that the 1st high-level quarrels have developed over the scope, timing of a military response to the 9/11 attacks, with some urging a focused attack on Bin Laden and the Taliban, others pressing for a broad military campaign that would also target other "countries of concern" such as Iraq. (NYT, WP 9/20; WP 9/21)

Bush prepares the U.S. for a long, sustained "war on terrorism." Admin. officials say they are considering lifting the 25-yr.-old ban on U.S. involvement in foreign assassinations, loosening restrictions on FBI surveillance and detention of foreigners. Iran, Hizballah spiritual leader Shaykh Fadlallah denounce the 9/11 attacks. (NYT, WP, WT 9/17; WP 9/18; MM 10/4)

The IDF announces that it is establishing an 18-mi.-long "closed military area," or buffer zone, along the Green Line btwn. Jinin and Tulkarm. In response to the 9/15 DFLP shooting, the IDF sends tanks into Bayt Hanun, al-Qarara, and Ramallah, shelling residential areas while helicopters fire missiles; 2 Palestinians and 1 IDF soldier are killed, 26 Palestinians and 1 IDF soldier are wounded before Israeli forces withdraws fr. areas A 4 hrs. later. In al-Qarara, the IDF confiscates 200 dunams of Palestinian land for a new settler bypass road to Gush Katif (see 9/12), confiscates a Palestinian home as an military post. The IDF also conducts an arrest sweep in Ramallah. (AFP, LAW, WP, WT 9/16; HP, NYT, PMC, WP, WT 9/17; NYT, WP, WT 9/18)

Arafat says he is ready to hold talks with Israel "any time, any place," but Sharon says he will only allow cease-fire talks to resume after 48 hrs. without a Palestinian attack. Sharon reiterates Israeli support for the U.S. effort to build a coalition but is "not prepared to pay the price" if it involves concessions to the PA. Arafat publicly reiterates his call on Palestinians to adhere to a cease-fire. (al-Quds 9/16, XIN 9/17 in WNC 9/18; MM 9/17; NYT, WT 9/18; AFP 9/18 in WNC 9/19; NYT 9/19; ATL 9/19 in WNC 9/20; MM 9/20; AYM 9/22 in WNC 9/26; MEI 9/28)

The U.S. identifies 19 hijackers (fr. Egypt, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, the UAE), including 7 trained pilots, who participated in the 9/11 attacks; 16 held valid U.S. visas, 12 had lived in Florida (some for yrs.), 2 were the sons of a high-ranking Saudi diplomat once posted to Washington, at least 3 had studied at the same college in Germany. (NYT, WP, WT 9/15; WP 9/18; CNN 9/21)

Asst. Secy. of State for Near East Affairs William Burns official meets with 15 Arab envoys, including the PLO rep., and tell them they must either declare their nations "mbrs. of an international coalition against terrorism or risk being isolated." Later, Arab envoys meet at the home of Saudi Arabian amb. Prince Bandar Bin Sultan to discuss U.S. plans. Egyptian amb. Nabil Fahmy warns the admin. to focus on finding and punishing those responsible for the 9/11 attacks and not to broaden the effort to include other geopolitical goals. (NYT 9/15; MM, WP 9/17; SA 9/17 in WNC 9/19)

Sharon rejects direct appeals by Bush, Powell to hold peace talks with the PA, which would facilitate U.S. efforts to form a coalition to strike at Bin Laden. Instead, he cancels tentative plans to hold an Arafat-Peres mtg. on 9/16, saying it would be "inappropriate" in light of the 9/11 U.S. attacks; tells Bush that Israel opposes the U.S. bringing the PA, Syria into its antiterrorism coalition. (AFP 9/14; AP, HP, NYT, WP 9/15; JP [Internet], WT 9/16; XIN 9/16 in WNC 9/17; WJW 9/27; JP, MEI 9/28)

Meanwhile, 3 Palestinians are killed by IDF fire in Gaza. Israeli authorities detain Mufti of Jerusalem Shaykh Ikrima Sabri following Friday prayers for several hrs. of questioning regarding his recent visit to Beirut. In Gaza's Nussayrat refugee camp, 100s of Palestinians protest against the U.S.'s threat to attack Afghanistan, fearing the U.S.'s "international campaign against terrorism" will be campaign against Muslims; undercover PSF officers confiscate reporters' film. Some 40,000 Israeli Arabs in Umm al-Fahm Israel hold a similar rally, denouncing the killing of American civilians but also condemning U.S. support for Israel. (HP, WP, WT 9/15; WP 9/16; WT 9/17; al-Quds 9/18 in WNC 9/19; WJW 9/20; LAW 9/29)

The U.S. says it has more evidence linking Bin Laden to the 9/11 attacks. Laying the groundwork for a military response, Bush labels the attacks "acts of war," begins to rally "an international coalition to combat terrorism." The U.S. presses Pakistan in particular to cooperate with any U.S. military action against neighboring Afghanistan, Bin Laden's base of operations. Congress adopts (100-0 in the Senate, 408-0 in the House) a joint resolution that the admin. says frees the White House from having to seek a formal declaration of war to carry out military action. (AP 9/12; NYT, WP, WT 9/13; MENA, al-Ra'i 9/13 in WNC 9/14; Dawn [Islamabad] 9/17; MM 9/19; MEI 9/28)

Israel sends 22 tanks into Jinin and nearby Arraba and Tamun. Tanks shell targets while F-15s, F-16s drop bombs, killing 8 Palestinians, wounding 50, leveling the PSF headquarters and 2 Force 17 office in Jinin, 2 PSF offices in Arraba and Tamun. Among the dead are 3 suspected Islamic Jihad mbrs. who barricade themselves in a building in Arraba during an IDF arrest sweep, are killed when the IDF shells the building. IDF soldiers also open fire on 2 taxis nr. Gaza's al-Mahatin Junction, killing 2 Palestinians, injuring 8; arrest Palestinian Council (PC) mbr. Ahmad Zagayr (Fatah) in his Jerusalem office, take him to the Russian Compound prison; direct heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of al-Khadir, Khan Yunis; bulldoze Palestinian land for a new settler bypass road to Gush Katif; reinforces troops around Nablus; conduct arrest raids in Arraba, Hizma. A Jewish settler is killed by a Palestinian sniper nr. Qalqilya. (HP, MEZ, MM 9/12; AP, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/13; MENA 9/13 in WNC 9/14; al-Quds 9/13, SA 9/14, al-Majallah 9/16 in WNC 9/17; WP 9/14; PMC 9/15; MEI 9/28)

U.S., Israel hold final round of talks on how Israel would use the $1.2 b. in special assistance to implement the Wye agmt. U.S. reportedly would disburse the money when the IDF begins the remaining FRDs ordered under Wye. (Globes [Internet] 1/11 in WNC 1/13; Hatzofe 1/28 in WNC 1/29) (see 11/22)

National security agencies, senior advisers begin to send White House recommendations on Pollard clemency. Clinton has set no deadline on when he will make a decision. 60 Senators send letter to Pres. Clinton urging him not to reduce Pollard's sentence. (NYT 1/11; NYT, WP, WT 1/12; WJW, WT 1/14; MM 1/15; New Yorker 1/18; MM 1/21)

Likud elder statesman Moshe Arens emerges fr. political retirement to challenge his protege, Netanyahu, for the party's nomination for PM. In 1982, Arens hired Netanyahu, then a furniture salesman, as his political counselor in the Israeli emb. in Washington; promoted Netanyahu's career until his election as PM in 1996. Rafael Eitan will also challenge Netanyahu within Likud. DM Mordechai is considering a run. (MM 1/11; MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/12; MEI 1/15; JP 1/22)

Several Palestinians protesting continued closure of Hebron are injured in clash with the IDF. (al-Hayat al-Jadida [Internet] 1/12)

Kuwait puts its troops on high alert following the Iraqi parliament's approval 1/10 of a statement holding Saudi Arabia, Kuwait fully responsible for the 12/98 U.S.-led attack, reserving the right to seek compensation. Iraq also considered passing a statement revoking recognition of Kuwait's borders but did not. (NYT, WP 1/12; MENA 1/14 in WNC 1/16; MM 1/18)

U.S. fires missiles at 2 Iraqi air defense installations in after radar was turned on U.S. planes in the n. no-fly zone. (NYT, WP 1/12)

New pro-secular Turkish government under Pres. Demirel, PM Ecevit takes power, will govern until 4/18 general elections. (MM 1/11; NYT, WP 1/12; MEI 1/15)

Some 70,000 Iranian troops begin exercises nr. the Afghanistan border. The Taliban fears an attack. Up to 11 Iranian diplomats are believed dead after disappearing during the Taliban's takeover of the n. Afghan city of Mazar-e Sharif on 8/8. (NYT, WP, WT 9/2; MEI, MM, NYT, WT 9/4; WP, WT 9/5; NYT 9/6; MM 9/7; MM, WP 9/8; MM 9/9; GIU 9/11)

New Jordanian press law goes into force. Critics fear it will be a "penal code" for journalists, forbidding any criticism of the government. Optimists hope that the Royal Press Commission will use the vague language of the law to allow "soft interpretation" of restrictions. (JT 9/2 in WNC 9/3; al-Dustur 9/2 in WNC 9/9) (see 4/18)

Abdullah Ocalan, head of the Turkish separatist group the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), declares an unconditional, unilateral cease-fire with Turkey, which Turkey rejects. (MED Television 9/11 in WNC 9/16; MM 10/7; MEI 10/16; MED Television 10/19 in WNC 10/22)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah attacks an IDF convoy, injuring 1 soldier. Israeli retaliatory shelling injures 1 civilian. (RL, VOL 9/1 in WNC 9/2)

PLO Exec. Comm. releases official statement approving DoP. (Algiers VOP 9/12 in FBIS 9/13)

PLO Chmn. Arafat arrives in Washington for signing of PLO-Israel Declaration of Principles, 1st visit to U.S. since address to UN in New York in 1974. Arafat is greeted by Asst. Secy. of State Edward Djerejian on behalf of U.S. govt. (NYT, WP 9/13)

Islamic Jihad claims fatal attack on 3 IDF soldiers in Gaza, Israeli bus driver in Israel. Other sources place responsibility on Hamas. Attacks also mounted on Israeli bus in West Bank. Pres. Clinton calls upon PLO Chmn. Arafat to condemn attacks. 3 Palestinians die in other incidents. (RMC 9/12 in FBIS 9/13; MM, NYT, WP 9/13; CSM 9/14)

EC FMs meeting in Belgium approve 5- year, $604 m. Palestinian aid package. (NYT 9/13)

After day of multinational force bombing successes against Iraq, Baghdad fires as many as 8 SCUD missiles at Israel, hitting Tel Aviv, Haifa, and less populated areas [NYT, LAT, WT, WP, MEM 1/18].

Saddam Hussein defies 2d day of bombing in Baghdad by touring Iraq's capital; vows to defeat multinational force and liberate Palestine; calls on all Arabs to help resist U.S. [NYT, LAT, WP, MEM 1/18].

Anti-U.S. demonstrations erupt in Algeria, smaller protests in European cities but European gov'ts. give full backing to war effort; Iran condemns U.S.-led invasion; Pres. Gorbachev blames Iraqi intransigence for war, but only after trying to get Pres. Bush to postpone attack long enough for Soviet diplomats to try to speak to Saddam Hussein; Japan pledges additional aid for allied effort [MEM 1/17; NYT 1/18].

Turkey's parliament authorizes U.S. fighters and bombers to launch attacks on Iraq from Incirlik Air Base near Adama on the Mediterranean [NYT, LAT, MEM 1/18].

New York Times reports of CIA's psychological warfare against Iraq: broadcasting anti-Saddam propaganda into Iraq, circulat- ing audio and video cassettes depicting Saddam's regime as corrupt, and smuggling radios into Iraq to receive American broadcasts [NYT 1/19].

Curfew in Gaza continues; Israel places West Bank under curfew [JDS, IDF 1/17 in FBIS 1/17].

PLO Executive Committee issues statement decrying U.S. for beginning Gulf war and calling for worldwide resistance [AVP, MAP, AFP 1/17 in FBIS 1/18; MEM 1/17; WP 1/18].

U.S. officials say 6 Iraqi helicopter pilots flew to Saudi Arabia in one of most significant defections since crisis began; Iraq denies defections occurred (cf. 1/8) [INA 1/7 in FBIS 1/8; NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/8].

Sec. Baker meets with F.M.s of Britain, Spain, Luxembourg, and Sec.-Gen. of NATO; says that coalition will hold firm even in event of war [LAT, WP 1/8]; adds that UN deadline will not be extended [WT 1/8].

White House says it will work with Congress to draft measure on use of force that can be passed before 1/15 deadline [LAT 1/8].

In Baghdad, Yasir Arafat says PLO would side with Iraq in event of Gulf war, and that idea of linking Gulf crisis to Palestinian issue was his and not Saddam's [MEM, LAT 1/8]; PLO says in event of war, o.t. Palestinians would create internal disruption for Israel if Jewish state becomes involved [WT 1/8].

FBI agents, seeking to deter possible terrorist attacks resulting from any allied military action against Iraq, begin interviewing Arab-American business leaders (cf. 1/11, 1/14) [LAT 1/8; WP 1/9].

Israeli gov't. votes down 3 motions of noconfidence brought about by decision to resume deportations. Vote is 56 to 21 with 12 abstentions [JPD 1/8 in FBIS 1/14].

UN Sec. Council votes 13-0, with 2 abstentions (Yemen and Cuba) for resolution declaring Iraq responsible for all damage and personal injuries resulting from occupation of Kuwait; laying the groundwork for seizure of impounded Iraqi assets; and warning that if Iraq continues to ignore its resolutions, UN would take "further measures under the Charter" [NYT, LAT, WP, MEM 10/30].

In separate but coordinated speeches, Pres. Bush and Sec. Baker warn Saddam the U.S. would not shrink from "use of force" if Iraq continued to occupy Kuwait. In contrast, Pres. Gorbachev says after meeting with Pres. Mitterrand that Iraq may be softening its stand and that "it's unacceptable to have a military solution to this question" [NYT, LAT, WP 10/30].

Los Angeles Times reports Bush admin. will meet next week to discuss timetable for possible use of force against Iraq at talks with U.S. allies in Europe and Gulf [LAT 10/30].

In Paris for meetings with French P.M. Rocard, Israeli F.M. Levy asks for financial aic in settling Soviet Jewish immigrants in Israel [MEM 10/30].

U.S.-based Union of Councils for Soviet Jews, together with leading Soviet Jews, opens Bureau of Exit, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law - a bureau officially sanctioned by Moscow to help people who want to leave USSR for Israel and elsewhere [LAT 10/30].

Speaking in hour-long interview taped for CNN news, Saddam says Iraq would no sooner leave Kuwait than the U.S. would leave Hawaii, but holds out that diplomatic solution is still possible [LAT, WP 10/30; INA 10/31 in FBIS 11/1].

Pres. Bush meets with House and Senate leaders to discuss Gulf crisis, but says he would have "no hesitancy" about ordering an attack on Iraq without congressional approval [LAT 10/30].

King Fahd meets in Riyadh with Soviet envoy Primakov to discuss Gulf crisis [SPA 10/29 in FBIS 10/30].

UNLU issues call no. 63 - "call of the second anniversary of independence" [AVP 10/30 in FBIS 10/31; MEM 10/30].