In the West Bank, Palestinians protest outside the UNRWA headquarters in Ramallah against the countries that have suspended funding to the agency. Israeli settlers assault Palestinians in Khillet...
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February 7, 2024
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November 21, 2023
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Yamun and damaged their vehicle. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles in Awarta, causing damage...
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August 24, 2023
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June 1, 2021
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to more than 100 hay bales south of Hebron. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian using live ammunition during a raid in Ya‘bad; others suffered...
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December 6, 2010
Argentina and Uruguay recognize Palestine as “a free and independent state” within the 1967 borders. The Israeli FMin. calls the moves “disappointing” and “regrettable.” (JAZ, YA 12/7)
To...
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August 11, 1995
In Taba, chief negotiators Qurai`, Savir initial draft "partial agreement" on expansion of self-rule though some points are still being discussed by subcomms. This "Oslo B" agmt. includes: area...
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August 8, 1994
TIPH observers leave Hebron, saying Israeli-Palestinian tensions have subsided. Hebron Mayor Mustafa al-Natsha says observers "did not achieve their main goal" of restoring normal life to Hebron...
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July 25, 1994
Israeli PM Rabin, Jordan's King Hussein sign "Washington Declaration" ending state of belligerency at White House ceremony with U.S. Pres. Clinton as witness. Declaration says sides "recognize...
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July 22, 1994
Secy of State Christopher meets Syrian Pres. al-Asad in Damascus, returns for U.S., noting "significant gaps" btwn. Israel and Syria, says he does not expect "any dramatic breakthrough in the nr....
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December 6, 1983
SOCIAL/POLITICAL:
Occupied Palestine/lsrael: 12 men in al-Arub refugee camp near Hebron arrested under suspicion of stone-throwing. Shamir denies any military commitments to US as quid pro...
In the West Bank, Palestinians protest outside the UNRWA headquarters in Ramallah against the countries that have suspended funding to the agency. Israeli settlers assault Palestinians in Khillet al-Farra in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces raid Nur Shams refugee camp, killing 3 Palestinians and injuring 1, uprooting streets, and destroying property. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian during a raid in Wadi al-Fara’a. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolish a home under construction in Bayt Jala. Israeli forces also arrest 25 Palestinians during raids in Jenin, Hebron, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, Khan Yunis, and Gaza City, killing at least 123 people, including 13 people collecting water from a truck distributing aid in Gaza City. Israeli forces also shoot and kill a paramedic and injure 2 others while they are evacuating injured people in Gaza City and open fire at al-Amal Hospital in Khan Yunis, injuring 2. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and kill a woman trying to collect water for the Nasser Hospital. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli forces kill 2 Palestinian fishermen northwest of Rafah. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Khiam, killing 1 civilian and wounding 2 others. Israeli forces also bomb Marwahin and Bani Haiyyan. In Iraq, U.S. forces kill at least 3 people, including a senior member of Kataib Hezbollah, in an airstrike on Baghdad. (AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/7; AJ, UNOCHA 2/8)
More than 27,708 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 11,500 children and 7,200 women, and around 67,147 have been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 379 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 96 children. More than 4,426 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, 225 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,304 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. 169 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. The Gaza Ministry of Health says 11,000 sick and wounded Palestinians need evacuation for treatment. The Gaza Media Office says Israeli has burned 3,000 housing units in Gaza during its ground invasion. The UN says Israel has prevented 51 out of 61 planned aid missions to northern Gaza. Israelis continue to block the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing for the second day in a row. (AJ, AP, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 2/7; AJ, UNOCHA 2/8)
The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society says that there are 3,484 Palestinians held in administrative detention, including 40 children and 11 women. (WAFA 2/7)
An Israeli soldier dies of a fungal infection after being exposed 7 weeks ago in Gaza. (HA 2/7)
Details of Hamas’s counterproposal to the Israeli, U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian ceasefire proposal are unveiled. The Hamas proposal includes 3 stages of 45 days. In the first stage, Israel and Hamas would exchange the remaining female, child, and elderly Israeli captives for 1,500 Palestinian prisoners, see 500 trucks of aid enter Gaza daily, allow Palestinians to return to their homes in Gaza, allow the entry of 60,000 temporary homes and 200,000 tents, and stop Israeli settlers from entering the Haram al-Sharif compound. In the second stage, male captives would be exchanged for more Palestinian prisoners. In the third phase, the bodies of those killed would be exchanged. The proposal also calls for securing the reconstruction of Gaza and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. Hamas political bureau member Mohammad Nazzal says the Hamas proposal has clear deadlines which the original proposal lacked, that Qatar, Egypt, Russia, Turkey, and the UN will be guarantors for maintaining the ceasefire, and that the proposal is final. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls the counterproposal “delusional,” saying Israel will not end its war on Gaza and will continue until “total victory.” (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU 2/7; NYT, NYT 2/8)
U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken meets with PA president Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, discussing negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, Israel’s withholding of PA tax funds, and settler violence. Abbas also expresses the importance of the U.S. recognizing the state of Palestine. Blinken also meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu, military Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and President Issac Herzog. The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reports that Netanyahu promises Blinken that Israel will not invade Egypt at the Philadelphi Corridor without coordination with Egypt. Blinken says at a press conference that Hamas will not play a role in the future governance of Gaza, that the death toll in Gaza remains too high, and that Israel should open the Beit Hanun (Erez) crossing to allow more aid to enter Gaza. Blinken also says that the Hamas response to the ceasefire deal has “clear non-starters,” but that he thinks there is space for an agreement to be reached. Lastly, Blinken says that Israel cannot use the events of 10/7/2023 as a “license to dehumanize others.” Netanyahu says he complained to Blinken about the U.S. executive order allowing the U.S. sanction Israeli settlers, calling the order “inappropriate” and “highly problematic.” (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AX, AX, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 2/7; HA, HA, NYT, REU 2/8)
Hamas says a delegation led by political bureau deputy leader Khalil al-Hayya will travel to Egypt for continued ceasefire talks with officials from Egypt and Qatar. (AJ 2/7)
PA health minister Mai al-Kaila sends a letter to UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, calling on him to ensure that medical personnel in Gaza are protected as 340 doctors and health workers have been killed by Israeli forces. Al-Mezan says in a letter to Guterres that the UN Office on Genocide Prevention has failed in its mandate, calling it “double standards.” (AJ, WAFA 2/7)
The Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry issues a statement saying “in light of what has been attributed to the U.S. National Security Spokesperson, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that the position of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always been steadfast on the Palestinian issue . . . The Kingdom has communicated its formal position to the U.S. administration that there will be no diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is recognized on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and that the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip stops and all Israeli occupation forces withdraw from the Gaza Strip.” In the statement, Saudi Arabia also calls on UN Security Council members to recognize the state of Palestine. The PLO and PA welcome the Saudi statement. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/7)
Argentinian president Javier Milei meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu in Jerusalem, saying Argentina will designate Hamas as a terrorist organization. On 2/6, Milei said he would move the Argentinian embassy to East Jerusalem. The Arab League and OIC condemn Milei’s promise to move the embassy. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA 2/7)
The U.S. Senate rejects a $118 billion bill that would fund Israel’s war on Gaza, send military aid to Ukraine, and fund the U.S.-Mexico border. Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VA) says he voted against the bill because the military aid to Israel is “unconscionable” given the Israel’s “horrific war against the Palestinian people,” and because of the provisions in the bill that would prevent UNRWA funding. (AJ, AJ, HA 2/7)
The American Civil Liberties Union writes a letter to U.S. secretary of education Miguel Cardona, calling on him to reject the International Holocaust Remembrance Association’s working definition of anti-Semitism, saying it conflates anti-Semitism with political speech. (AJ 2/7)
Canadian immigration minister Marc Miller says Egyptian and Israeli authorities have not allowed 1,000 Palestinians who have been granted permission to come to Canada to be evacuated. (AJ 2/7)
Norway transfers $26 million to UNRWA, saying millions of people should not be collectively punished for the alleged wrongdoing of 12 staff members. (AJ 2/7)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Yamun and damaged their vehicle. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles in Awarta, causing damage. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set fire to a school in Zanuta, causing extensive damage. Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian during a raid in Balata refugee camp. Israeli forces also shot and injured 6 Palestinians, including a child, during raids in ad-Doha, ‘Asira al-Qibliya, Jenin, and Balata refugee camp. 45 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Ramallah, Jericho, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned home in Isawiya, displacing 6, and a structure in Silwan. In Gaza, the Israeli military said it had encircled Jabalia refugee camp. Israeli soldiers continued their sieges of the Indonesian and al-Shifa hospitals; around 500 patients and staff were evacuated from the Indonesian Hospital to a hospital in Khan Yunis later in the day. At least 120 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza City, Jabalia refugee camp, Beit Lahiya al-Bureij, and Khan Yunis. Israel also attacked al-Awda Hospital, killing 3 doctors and a patient. The number of fatalities was likely much higher since the Gaza Ministry of Health was unable to communicate with hospitals and civil defense members in northern Gaza. 2 Israeli soldiers were killed. 10 rockets were fired at Israel with 1 hitting Ness Ziona; no injuries were reported. In Lebanon, Israeli forces attacked several areas of South Lebanon, saying anti-tank missiles were fired by Hezbollah at Israel. 4 people, including an elderly woman and 2 journalists working for Al-Mayadeen television network, were killed in Israeli attacks in Kfar Kila and Tair Harfa. 4 Hamas members were killed in a drone strike on Chaatiyeh, reportedly including deputy chief of the Qassem Brigades in Lebanon Khalil Kharraz. Hezbollah later said it attacked Israeli tanks and soldiers, a military base in Beit Hilal, and a missile factory in Shlomi. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/21)
The Gaza Ministry of Health was not able to fully update the casualty figures due to a collapse in services and communications at hospitals in northern Gaza, leaving the casualty numbers at around 13,000 Palestinians killed, including 5,500 children and 3,500 women, and around 32,000 injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 3,250 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 209 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 52 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. 73 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.61 million Palestinians, around 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 11/6, at least 40,000 housing units had been destroyed and 220,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 45% of all housing units. 2 trucks carrying 17,000 gallons of fuel and 79 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing. UNRWA said 108 members of its staff have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. (AJ, AP, HA, UNOCHA 11/21)
Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha was released after being arrested on 11/18 by Israeli forces in Gaza. Abu Toha was reportedly beaten while detained. (AJ, HA, NYT 11/21)
The Ministry of National Economy in the Nablus governorate said Israel had only allowed 45 Palestinian businesses to operate in Huwwara since 10/7, forcing 255 business to close. (AJ 11/21)
Jordan said Israel had ordered the evacuation of its field hospital in Gaza, saying it would not heed the order. (AJ, HA 11/21)
Hamas said it had agreed to the terms of the first prisoner exchange and temporary ceasefire. Islamic Jihad said it was coordinating with Hamas on the prisoner exchange deal. The Israeli war, security, and government cabinets convened in separate meetings in the evening to discuss the deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the deal was likely to happen, despite opposition from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and that Israel would continue its war on Gaza after the temporary ceasefire. The meeting of the government cabinet was still ongoing at the end of the day. It was reported by Haaretz that the Israeli public would have 24 hours to appeal to the Israeli High Court of Justice if the government decides to approve the deal. Islamic Jihad said an Israeli captive it had tried to release earlier for humanitarian reasons had died. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU 11/21; AJ, HA 11/22)
Jordanian prime minister Bisher Khasawneh said “[a]ny displacement [of Palestinians in the West Bank] or creating the conditions that would lead to it, Jordan will consider it a declaration of war and constitute a material breach of the peace treaty.” (AJ, HA, REU 11/21)
Lebanese caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati condemned the Israeli killing of 2 Lebanese journalists, saying Israel’s “goal is to silence the media that exposes its crimes and attacks.” (AJ, AP 11/21)
U.S. national security council spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. would not support Israeli military action in southern Gaza unless it “clearly articulated [a] plan for how they are going to protect the lives of the hundreds of thousands of people that have now added to the population because they were asked to leave by the Israelis.” Kirby also said that the Biden administration was considering redesignating the Yemeni Houthi government a terrorist organization, citing its attacks on Israel and the seizure of an alleged Israeli-linked vessel on 11/19. Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said the U.S. continued to supply Israel with “155 mm rounds, precision-guided munitions, and air defense systems.” Politico reported that the U.S. had sent Israel the coordinates for humanitarian sites, including hospitals, and gave Israel information about the movement of aid groups to avoid Israeli attacks on protected groups. However, Israel reportedly continued attacking those sites. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU 11/21; AJ 11/22)
A survey by the organization Arab World for Research and Development found that 98% of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza said they could not “forgive nor forget” Israel’s attacks on Gaza, with 65% saying the attacks were targeting all Palestinians. 75% said they supported Operation Al-Aqsa Flood to some extent. 22% said they expected the PA to return to power in Gaza. (AJ 11/21)
The European Commission said its review of its aid to Palestine did not find evidence that funds were used for Hamas. (AJ, HA, REU 11/21)
Representatives from the OIC and Arab League and the foreign ministers of the PA, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Jordan met with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry said Israel’s goal with bombing southern Gaza was to force Palestinians to flee Gaza. (AJ, HA, WAFA 11/21)
Leaders of the BRICS countries met virtually to discuss the situation in Gaza, demanding a ceasefire and condemning attacks on civilians in Gaza and Israel. Representatives of Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, all countries that will join BRICS in 2024, also attended the meeting. Saudi crown prince Mohammad bin Salman called for a global ban on exports of arms to Israel. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU 11/21)
The South African parliament voted 248-91 to close the Israeli embassy and suspend ties with Israel. The motion was non-binding, leaving President Cyril Ramaphosa to implement it. (AJ, AJ, HA, WAFA 11/21)
The Scottish parliament voted 90-28 in favor of a ceasefire. All parties except for the Scottish Conservatives supported the motion. (AJ 11/21)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort marched near Fawwar refugee camp and Dura, throwing stones at Palestinian vehicles. Israeli forces closed the entrances to the camp and village to facilitate the march. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian shepherds in Khirbet Makhul. 40 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Fawwar refugee camp, Hebron, Bethlehem, Shu’fat, Biddu, Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, Jenin, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family was forced to demolish their own home in Sur Baher. In Gaza, an explosion at a Hamas military site in Dayr al-Balah killed 1 member of the Qassem Brigades and injured 1 other. Hamas called the explosion an accident. (AP, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/24; PCHR 8/31; UNOCHA 9/11)
Representatives from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, Canada, and Norway toured Ras al-Tin and Burqa, condemning the demolition of an EU-funded school in Ein Samia and settler violence in the area. (WAFA 8/24)
The Israeli High Court of Justice approved the punitive demolition of the family home of a 13-year-old Palestinian who allegedly stabbed an Israeli police officer at the Shu’fat checkpoint on 2/13. The Palestinian child, whose trial is ongoing, was charged with murder as an Israeli settler opened fire at the child but instead shot and killed the police officer. The court rejected the argument that the family’s home should not be demolished due to the child’s age, saying the punitive demolition would deter other children from attacking Israeli forces. (HA 8/24; AP 8/31)
PA finance minister Shukri Bishara said that the Levine case against the PA and PLO had been dropped in a U.S. court. The plaintiff sought damages from the PA and PLO for $1 billion, claiming the PA and PLO were responsible for an attack that took place in Jerusalem in 2014. (WAFA 8/24)
PA president Mahmoud Abbas chaired the 11th session of the Fatah Revolutionary Council in Ramallah. (WAFA, WAFA 8/24)
Sierra Leonean president Julius Maada Bio issued a statement saying his country will open an embassy to Israel in Jerusalem. The announcement followed a phone conversation between Maada Bio and Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen. (JP, TOI 8/25)
The Guardian reported that in a 43-page amicus brief sent to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July the UK government opposed the ICJ review of the legality of the Israeli occupation. The UK opinion raised 4 main arguments against the review, saying that the issue is a “bilateral dispute,” that the court is not equipped to examine the issue, that the review would conflict with existing agreements, and that the review is not appropriate as it asks the court to “assume unlawful conduct on part of Israel.” (AN, GDN 8/24)
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said in a report that Israel had carried out 25 attacks on Syria in 2023, including 18 air attacks and 7 ground-to-ground attacks, hitting 60 targets and killing 61 people. (HA 8/24)
The BRICS group of China, Russia, Brazil, India, and South Africa invited Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the UAE to join the group. (NYT 8/23; AP, AJ, MEE, REU 8/24; AJ, NYT, REU 8/25; AJ 8/28)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to more than 100 hay bales south of Hebron. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian using live ammunition during a raid in Ya‘bad; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces demolished 1 residential tent and 2 agricultural tents, and seized solar panels in al-Samou. Israeli forces also razed a tract of land near Khirbet Umm al-Khawas in the Masafer Yatta area for settlement expansion. 21 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, Tulkarm, Jenin, Tubas, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Qatanna. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a house raid in Silwan. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/1; WAFA 6/2; PCHR 6/3)
The Israeli Jerusalem affairs ministry told a Jerusalem court that it had frozen plans by settler organization Ateret Cohanim to open a Yemeni Jewish heritage center in Silwan as part of its plans to Judaize East Jerusalem. (HA 6/2)
PA president Mahmoud Abbas extended the COVID-19-related state of emergency by 30 days. (WAFA 6/1)
PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with Omani officials in Muscat and the Kuwaiti prime minister Sabah al-Khalid al-Sabah in Kuwait. (WAFA, WAFA 6/1)
The PA summoned representatives from Austria, the Czech Republic, the UK, and Bulgaria to express dissatisfaction with the countries’ votes in favor of protecting Israel from investigations at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on 5/27. (WAFA 6/1)
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, during the ceremony for Mossad’s new chief David Barneam that if he had to choose between “[f]riction with the United States and eliminating the Iranian threat—eliminating the existential threat wins.” (AP, HA 6/1)
Israel summoned the ambassador of Argentina to Israel because of the country’s vote at the UNHRC on 5/27 to investigate potential Israeli war crimes. In the past couple of days, Israel has also summoned the ambassadors of Mexico and the Philippines over their votes at the UNHRC. (JP 6/1)
During a trip to Israel, senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) told Fox News that Israel is planning to ask the U.S. for $1 billion in military aid to “replenish the Iron Dome batteries” after the 11 days of escalation of violence last month, which Israel dubbed “Operation Guardian of the Walls.” (HA, HILL, REU 6/1; AJ 6/2)
17 Democratic U.S. senators led by Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) signed a letter to secretary of state Antony Blinken urging him to pressure Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel is conditioning the allowance of much of the humanitarian aid into Gaza on a number of demands to Hamas, including releasing 2 Israeli citizens and the bodies of 2 soldiers. The senators also called on Secretary Blinken to see that aid to Palestinians be raised to the same amount as before former president Donald Trump slashed it. (AX 6/1; HA 6/2)
According to the Financial Times, almost 200 Facebook employees have asked the company to set up a task force to investigate claims that the company suppresses pro-Palestinian voices on its social media platforms. (AJ 6/2; WAFA 6/4)
EU representative to Palestine Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff said, during a press conference held in front of the ruins of the al-Jala high-rise in Gaza City, that reconstruction of Gaza required Israel lifting its blockade of the area. (WAFA 6/1)
Argentina and Uruguay recognize Palestine as “a free and independent state” within the 1967 borders. The Israeli FMin. calls the moves “disappointing” and “regrettable.” (JAZ, YA 12/7)
To mark the anniversary of the founding of their movement, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) mbrs. fire a Qassam rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF fires warning shots at an unidentified Palestinian nr. the Qarni crossing into Gaza, causing no reported injures; restricts animal fodder and wheat imports through the crossing for the rest of the week as punishment. The IDF makes an incursion into s. Gaza to level lands along the border fence e. of Khan Yunis, firing on surrounding areas, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes 10 residential structures belonging to 15 Palestinian families (101 persons, including 42 children), a school, and 2 other small classroom structures, and at least 17 animal shelters in Khirbat Tana nr. Nablus. The IDF also conducts daytime patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya and 2 e. of Tulkarm; conducts late-night patrols in Bayt Liqya, firing live ammunition, tear gas, and stun grenades on stone-throwing youths who confront them, causing no injuries; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Hebron. In Gaza, a Hamas-affiliated military court sentences 4 Palestinians to death (3 for a 2007 kidnapping and murder; 1 for collaborating with Israel). (JP, MNA 12/6; OCHA 12/8; PCHR 12/9; OCHA 12/10)
In Taba, chief negotiators Qurai`, Savir initial draft "partial agreement" on expansion of self-rule though some points are still being discussed by subcomms. This "Oslo B" agmt. includes: area demarcations for West Bank villages and 2d stage of IDF redeployment; timetable for withdrawal fr. most towns, cities; prisoner release; understandings on taxation, amending PLO covenant. Ad-hoc comm. on Hebron to be formed. Water issue deferred to Israel-PA-U.S. comm. Redeployment is to begin next mo. (MM, WP 8/11; QY 8/11 in IL 8/11; FT, HA, IDF Radio, JP, MA, MENA, QY, RE, VOP, YA 8/11 in FBIS 8/11; NYT 8/12; AFP 8/12 in FBIS 8/14; FT 8/14; CSM 8/15; PR 8/18)
Syrian technical mission arrives in Buenos Aires for mtgs. on possible purchase of nuclear material for small reactor to be used for medical purposes. Argentina says it will solidify deal but not make a sale before Syria signs peace agmt. with Israel. (MM 7/14; YA 7/14 in FBIS 7/14; WT 7/23; QY 7/23 in FBIS 7/24; WJW 8/10; SA 8/15 in FBIS 8/16)
100s of settlers reoccupy hill nr. Efrat from which they were evicted 7/31. (WP 8/12)
TIPH observers leave Hebron, saying Israeli-Palestinian tensions have subsided. Hebron Mayor Mustafa al-Natsha says observers "did not achieve their main goal" of restoring normal life to Hebron. (NYT, WP 8/9)
Palestinian-Israeli "early empowerment" talks resume in Cairo. (MENA 8/8 in FBIS 8/9; CSM 8/9)
Israeli PM Rabin, Jordanian Crown Prince Hassan preside at ribbon-cutting of border crossing btwn. Aqaba, Jordan, and Eilat, Israel. Rabin becomes 1st Israeli govt. head to officially visit Jordan. King Hussein hosts Rabin, FM Peres, and Secy of State Christopher at luncheon. Christopher returns to Israel with Rabin, Peres for more mtgs. Crossing is initially for use of 3d-country nationals, including Israelis with foreign passports. Following his mtg. with Peres, Christopher announces that he will not return to Syria as planned. (Jordanian TV 8/8 in FBIS 8/8, 8/9; MM 8/8; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 8/9; MM 8/11)
"Source" says that Argentine judge has evidence linking Iranian diplomats to 7/18 Buenos Aires bombing. (NYT, WT 8/9)
Israeli PM Rabin, Jordan's King Hussein sign "Washington Declaration" ending state of belligerency at White House ceremony with U.S. Pres. Clinton as witness. Declaration says sides "recognize their right and obligation to live in peace with each other." Agreement mandates direct telephone connections, linking of electrical grids, and immediate opening of 2 border crossings. Declaration also recognizes Hussein's "historic role" in safeguarding Muslim holy places in Jerusalem. Clinton calls Syrian Pres. al-Asad after ceremony, saying opportunity exists for progress in Israel-Syria talks. Later, Rabin and Hussein attend state dinner in their honor. (MM 7/25; CSM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/26)
Israeli, Palestinian negotiators meet in Norway to discuss sharing of water resources. (Qol Yisra'el 7/26 in FBIS 7/26; WT 7/26)
PLO Chmn. Arafat swears in Judge Qusay al-Abadlah as PNA chief justice and head of supreme court. (Algiers VOP 7/26 in FBIS 7/27)
Kach movement holds paramilitary summer camp for youths at Qiryat Arba, including prayer at grave of Hebron killer Baruch Goldstein. Organizers avoid direct connection to Kach, outlawed after 2/25 massacre. (JP 7/25 in FBIS 7/27; WT 7/26)
Hizballah ambushes IDF patrol in southern Lebanon, killing 1 officer and wounding 13 soldiers. IDF tank unit pursues guerrillas to Yuhmur village. (RL 7/25, Qol Yisra'el 7/26 in FBIS 7/26; MM 7/26; WT 7/27)
UNSG Butrus Butrus-Ghali, in report to UNSC on renewal of UNIFIL mandate, orders study of how to reduce UNIFIL's 5,244-mbr. force. (WT 7/27)
Argentine officials blame Iran for 7/18 bombing of Buenos Aires Jewish center as confirmed death toll reaches 80. (NYT 7/26)
Israeli High Court of Justice accepts petition fr. Tsomet party to bar Yi'ud party fr. joining cabinet. Yi'ud made up of frmr. Tsomet mbrs. (MM 7/25)(see 7/12)
Secy of State Christopher meets Syrian Pres. al-Asad in Damascus, returns for U.S., noting "significant gaps" btwn. Israel and Syria, says he does not expect "any dramatic breakthrough in the nr. future." Christopher says Asad "seemed relaxed" about upcoming Israeli-Jordanian summit. (SARR 7/22 in FBIS 7/22; MM 7/22; NYT, WP, WT 7/23)
Israel reopens Erez crossing, Gaza Strip, after 5-day closure. 10,000 Palestinians enter Israel for work; another 10,000, most mbrs. of opposition groups, hold rally in Gaza City in support of 7/17 rioters. (NYT 7/23)
IDF shoots Palestinian dead in Nablus, wounds 13. (Qol Yisra'el 7/22 in FBIS 7/25; NYT 7/23)
Palestinian killed in Yatta village, nr. Hebron, when bomb left by IDF at firing range explodes. (TJT 7/29)
Palestinian ambushes IDF patrol nr. settlement in Gaza Strip, wounds 1 soldier in attack claimed by Islamic Jihad. (Qol Yisra'el 7/22 in FBIS 7/22; MM 7/22; WT 7/23)
3 bombs explode in Hebron; no casualties reported. Clashes btwn. Palestinians, police erupt after explosions; 17 Palestinians wounded. (Qol Yisra'el 7/22 in FBIS 7/22; MM 7/22; NYT, WT 7/23)
Israeli intelligence tells Argentine authorities "Followers of God" (NYT--"Partisans of God") group claims responsibility for 7/18 bombing of Jewish center in Buenos Aires, 7/19 bombing of commuter plane in Panama. Death toll in Buenos Aires bombing now around 100--43 confirmed, 60 still missing. Group known only fr. communiqué issued 3 mos. earlier in Sidon, Lebanon, pledging "all-out war" against Israel. (NYT, WT 7/23)
SOCIAL/POLITICAL:
Occupied Palestine/lsrael: 12 men in al-Arub refugee camp near Hebron arrested under suspicion of stone-throwing. Shamir denies any military commitments to US as quid pro quo for aid received during recent visit to Washington. Jerusalem mayor Kollek calls Birkat Avraham students troublemakers, urges their removal from Old City.
Other Countries: US Securities and Exchange Commission cites Development Corporation for Israel for failing to report to IRS large sums received in exchange for Israel Bonds from 1/82 to 4/83. Antonio Tricolli, Argentine Interior Minister describes anti-Semitism as "barbaric attitude" to be eliminated from the country; Argentine FM Dante Caputo states new constitutional gov't. would recognize PLO as legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.
MILITARY ACTION:
Occupied Palestine/Israel: 4 killed and 46 wounded in bomb explosion on #18 bus in West Jerusalem; 41 detained for interrogation; anonymous caller from Israeli terror group, "TNT", (Terror Neged Terror), claims responsibility.