The Palestine Chronology

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of al-Bureij r.c. fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers approaching the border fence, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night raids in Hebron and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Jenin, arresting 5 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 3; patrol during the day in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 nr. Jericho, and 1 nr. Jenin. They also violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli and international activists at a demonstration against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, injuring 2 Palestinians. Israeli settlers fill an agricultural well with stones and earth nr. Salfit. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activists assault a Palestinian child outside Haram al-Sharif. A group of Palestinians intervenes and the activists flee the scene. (MNA, WAFA 7/25; MNA 7/26; PCHR 7/30)

Israel’s Justice Min. Ayelet Shaked says that the proposed release of Israeli spy Pollard from U.S. prison in 11/2015 is not connected to Israel’s complaints about the nuclear deal announced by Iran and the P5+1 on 7/14. Meanwhile, U.S. atty. gen. Loretta Lynch says that the Justice Dept. “will not interfere” in Pollard’s case, meaning that she will not seek to accelerate or delay his release beyond the standard parole procedures. (HA, MNA 7/26; TOI 7/27)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: "Committee to Confronthe Iron Fist" forms in Jerusalem to publicize human rights abuses in occupied territories, especially administrative detention, 8/4 reinstatement of deportation policies [FJ 1/3]. Lawyers representing Palestinian political prisoners hold press conference to publicize hunger strike being staged by 1,500 prisoners for past week to protest prison conditions [FJ 12/13]. Israel submits request for $3.5 million in economic and military aid for fiscal 1987, the largest request ever [WP, LAT 12/12]. First settlement under the unity govt. is opened at Migdalim, 1 of 6 such planned UTA 12/12]. Defense Min. Rabin states UN troops are no longer needed in S. Lebanon, security zone is well enough patrolled by SLA and Israel [WP 12/12].

Other Countries: U.S. investigative team headed by Abraham Sofaer, State Dept. legal advisor, arrives in Israel to question 2 Israeli diplomats and senior counterterrorism official in Jonathan Pollard spy case; team includes reps. of U.S. Attorney General, justice Dept., States Attorney for D.C., and FBI [NYT 12/12]. UN General Assembly passes resolution calling on Israel immediately to cease cooperation with South Africa, especially in military and nuclear realms. (U. S. and Israel vote against the resolution) [DW 12/13].