The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers graze their sheep on Palestinian land in al-‘Awja, damaging wheat and barley crops. Israeli settlers also throw stones at Palestinian vehicles and block the road leading to the Huwwara checkpoint. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, causing damage. Israeli settlers also attack a Palestinian home in Khalayl al-Louz. Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians in Huwwara, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolish 6 commercial structures in al-‘Awja and issue a stop-work notice for a home in Deir Balut. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seize a tractor in Qarawat Bani Hassan. Israeli forces also close the entrance to Husan. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 25 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Tubas, Tulkarm, Aqraba, Hebron, and Bethlehem. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Dayr al-Balah, Rafah, Khan Yunis, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 63 people, including 7 aid workers of Palestinian, Polish, American, British, and Australian nationality from World Central Kitchen in Dayr al-Balah. Israeli forces also withdraw from al-Shifa Hospital after a 14-day siege, leaving it completely destroyed; witnesses say that hundreds of bodies are found in and around the hospital. The Gaza Media Office says that 400 Palestinians were killed during the attack on al-Shifa. In the Naqab, Israeli police arrest the sister of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who is an Israeli citizen, in Tel as-Sabi. A drone launched from Iraq damages an Israeli military building in Eliat; no injuries are reported. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq takes responsibility. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Rachaya Al Foukhar. In Jordan, protesters demonstrate near the Israeli embassy in Amman for the ninth day in a row. In Syria, Israeli forces target an Iranian consulate building in Damascus with airstrikes, assassinating Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp senior commander Mohammad Reza Zahedi and killing 11 others. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/1; AJ, AP, AP, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA 4/2; AP, UNOCHA 4/3; NYT 4/4)

More than 32,845 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,750 children and 8,900 women, and around 75,392 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 445 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 112 children. More than 4,700 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 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 254 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,520 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 190 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (AJ, HA, WAFA 4/1; AP, AP, NYT 4/2; UNOCHA, UNOCHA 4/3)

World Central Kitchen (WCK) suspends all operations in Gaza after 7 of its workers are killed in an Israeli airstrike (see above), returning 3 ships docked off the coast of Gaza carrying 240 tons of aid to Cyprus. The organization runs 68 community kitchens in Gaza and has sent some 1,700 truckloads of aid into Gaza. Several investigations into the Israeli bombing of the WCK aid convoy reveal that the 3 vehicles the aid workers were in were targeted in 3 strikes 1.5 miles apart. The 3 vehicles were clearly marked with WCK’s logo on the top of the cars. The Israeli narrative changes several times during the period after the attack, from saying an armed person was traveling with the vehicles to saying the clearly marked vehicles were misidentified. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls the attack “unintended” and “tragic” and says “[t]hese things happen in wartime.” UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese says the Israeli attack was a deliberate effort to starve the population of Gaza. Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese calls Netanyahu, expressing “anger and concern” at the killing of the Australian aid worker. U.S. president Joe Biden says he is “outraged and heartbroken,” adding Israel is not doing enough to protect aid workers. The White House claims that there is no evidence that the aid workers were killed deliberately. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres says 196 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since 10/7/2023. Refugees International president Jeremy Konyndyk calls the attack “a clear war crime.” Hamas labels the attack terrorism. (REU 4/1; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AX, AX, BC, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/2; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, AX, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 4/3; NYT 4/4)

The Israeli Civil Administration announces that it will seize 206.3 dunams (51 acres) of land in Jiftlik, adding it to the settlement council in the Jordan Valley and declare 170 dunams (42 acres) of Palestinian land south of Furaydis near the Etzion settlement bloc as state land. (AJ, PCN, WAFA 4/1; PCN 4/2)

The Knesset passes a law allowing the Israeli government to ban Al Jazeera in Israel in a 71-10 vote. Al Jazeera says Prime Minister Netanyahu, who called it a “terror channel,” is lying about the news organization to justify the killing of its employees. Minister for the development of the Negev (Naqab) and Galilee Yitzhak Wasserlauf calls for the resettlement of Gaza. (AJ, AP, AP, HA, NYT, REU 4/1; AJ 4/2)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas speaks with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken in a phone call, calling on the U.S. to stop the Israeli attacks on Gaza. The 2 also discuss the new PA government. PA ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour calls on the UN Security Council to schedule a vote on full Palestinian membership of the UN in April. The UN General Assembly voted to grant Palestine full membership in 2011 but the decision was never discussed at the Security Council. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 4/1; AP 4/2)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary Blinken hold a virtual meeting with Israeli national security advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, discussing Israel’s planned invasion of Rafah. A joint statement says Israel has agreed to take U.S. concerns into account. Reuters reports that the U.S. considering approving an arms transfer to Israel worth $18 billion, including 25 F-15 fighter jets. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre says the Biden administration is seeking more information from Israel about footage of executions at al-Shifa Hospital. Jean-Pierre also express concern over Israel’s push to ban Al Jazeera. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 4/1; AJ, AP, HA, NYT 4/2; AX 4/3)

At the UN Security Council, France circulates a draft resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, condemning Hamas’ attack on Israel on 10/7/2023, and demanding immediate access for aid into Gaza. (AP 4/2)

Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says Israeli failures in Gaza have led to Israel targeting the Iranian consulate in Damascus, calling for a serious international response. Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi says the attack will not go unanswered. Pakistan and Syria condemn Israel’s attack. Russia requests that the UN Security Council convene on 4/2 to discuss the attack. Axios reports that the U.S. tells Iran that it did not have any involvement in the attack. (AJ, HA, HA, NYT 4/1; AP, AX, HA, REU 4/2; AP, REU 4/3)

Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez tells reporters in Amman that he expects Spain will recognize the State of Palestine by July and that many other countries in the EU would do the same. (AJ, HA, HA, REU 4/2)

Sri Lanka donates $1 million to UNRWA. (WAFA 4/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers open fire at Palestinians during a raid in Shaab al-Butum in the Masafer Yatta area; no injuries are reported. Israeli settlers also open fire at 2 commercial structures and an electric transformer in al-Naqura, causing a power outage in the village. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raid Tuqu’, threatening Palestinian shepherds. Israeli settlers also set up 3 mobile homes in Wadi Rahal. Israeli forces shoot and kill 2 Palestinians after they allegedly shot and killed 1 Israeli settler and injured 10 others on a highway near the Ma’ale Adumim settlement. Israeli forces also bomb Jenin using a drone, killing 2 Palestinians, including a child, and injuring 15 others. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during a raid in Balata refugee camp. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian during a raid in ad-Doha. Meanwhile, Israeli forces detain 2 10-year-old Palestinian boys for 6 hours in Sinjil. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces assault and arrest 2 Palestinians outside of the compound’s Lions Gate. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Jabalia refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Rafah, Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Nuseirat refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Maghazi, killing at least 97 people, including 18 people from the same family in a home in Gaza City. 5 patients die at the Nasser Hospital due to the lack of power and oxygen as Israeli forces continue to occupy the hospital. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Kafr Remen, Tayr Harfa, Jbaa, Kafr Kila, Maroun al-Ras, Khiam, Umm al-Tut, and Shehin, killing 4 people in Kafr Remen. Hezbollah attacks an Israeli military building in Kfar Yuval. In the Red Sea, a ship is hit by 2 missiles fired from Yemen. Israel’s Arrow missile defense system shoots down a ballistic missile the Houthi movement says is fired by its forces. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/22; AJ, HA, NYT, REU, UNOCHA 2/23)

More than 29,410 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 12,000 children and 7,200 women, and around 69,465 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 399 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 102 children. More than 4,530 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 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 235 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,396 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 42 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 2/22; UNOCHA 2/23)

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich issues a statement after meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, saying the government will submit plans for 2,350 new settlement units in Ma’ale Adumim, 300 in the Keidar settlement, and 694 in the Efrat settlement in response the killing of an Israeli settler earlier in the day. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir says Israeli settlers’ right to freedom of movement in the West Bank overrides that of Palestinians’, adding he will further limit the freedom of movement for Palestinians. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA 2/22; HA 2/23)

Israel confirms its forces are building a new road through central Gaza “to move logistics and soldiers.” (AJ 2/22)

Prime Minister Netanyahu presents his post-war plan for Gaza to the Israeli war cabinet, which includes installing “local officials” to govern the area, “maintain an indefinite freedom to operate throughout” Gaza, enlarge the “buffer zone” inside Gaza, and the complete demilitarization of Gaza before reconstruction is allowed to begin. Netanyahu’s plan also includes the permanent closure of UNRWA and the rejection of “unilateral recognition” of a Palestinian state. The Times of Israel reports that Israel has agreed to allow U.S. flour to enter Gaza. (AJ, AX, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 2/23)

Defense Minister Gallant meets with U.S. National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk, saying Israel will expand the authority of Israeli negotiators to reach a prisoner exchange deal in Paris over the weekend. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby calls the meetings McGurk had with Gallant and Egyptian officials “constructive.” (AX 2/21; AJ, AP, AX, AX, HA, HA, REU, REU 2/22; AJ, NYT 2/23)

Jordanian representatives, including Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, give statements to the ICJ on the fourth day of the hearings on the legality of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, saying Israeli policies and practices show that Israel intends for the occupation to be permanent. Japan’s representative argues that even territory that is not internationally recognized cannot be acquired by force. Ireland’s representative says Israel has committed serious breaches of international law during its occupation. China says the issue of Palestinian self-determination is a UN issue, countering a U.S. argument made on 2/21, and argues that because of the occupation the right to self-defense lies more with the Palestinians than with the Israelis. Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Luxembourg, Malaysia, and Mauritius also present arguments. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 2/22)

UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini writes a letter to UN General Assembly president Dennis Francis, saying Israel is making a “concerted effort” to dismantle UNRWA, including by ordering UNRWA to leave a vocational center in East Jerusalem and pay Israel $4.5 million for using the facility, pointing out that the facility was given to UNRWA by Jordan in 1952. Lazzarini also says Israel is only giving UNRWA staffers visas for 1-2 months, that Finance Minister Smotrich has threatened UNRWA with revoking its tax exemption, that an Israeli bank has blocked the UNRWA account, and that Israeli customs has suspended shipments of goods to UNRWA. (AJ 2/22; AJ 2/23)

The UN Security Council convenes to discuss the situation in Gaza. UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Tor Wennesland and representatives from Doctors Without Borders brief council members on the situation. (WAFA, WAFA 2/22)

U.S. president Joe Biden says in a tweet that the “overwhelming majority of Palestinians are not Hamas . . . In fact, they’re also suffering as a result of Hamas’ terrorism.” (HA 2/22; HA 2/23)

After a 2-day G20 meeting in Brazil, EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borrell and Brazilian foreign minister Mauro Vieira say that there is unanimous agreement among the G20 members in support of a 2-state solution. (REU 2/22)

The Houthi movement announces that Israeli, UK, and U.S.-owned ships are banned from the Red Sea. (AJ, AJ 2/22)

Haaretz reports that Israeli forces shot and killed an Israeli citizen and injured his girlfriend on 10/7/2023, mistaking them for Palestinians. (AJ, HA 2/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers block a road between Ramallah and Nablus with burning tires. Israeli forces dressed as Palestinians raid Balata refugee camp, injuring 3 Palestinians, including a 4-year-old who is bitten by a dog and the 2 others with live ammunition. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Sarra. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raid Shu’fat refugee camp, injuring a Palestinian with a baton round. Israeli forces also raid Ramin, demolishing a monument erected to commemorate Palestinians killed by Israeli forces. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Nablus, Tulkarm, Ramallah, and Jenin. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Rafah, Gaza City, Dayr al-Balah, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 127 people, including at least 30 in strikes on homes in Dayr al-Balah. In Lebanon, Hezbollah says it has attacked 6 sites in Israel, including 2 buildings in Manara. In Yemen, U.S. and UK forces bomb Hodeidah and Saada. (AJ, HA, NYT, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/4; UNOCHA, WAFA 2/5)

More than 27,365 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 11,500 children and 7,200 women, and around 66,630 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. 207 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah and Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossings. The Jordanian and Dutch air forces drop aid near the Jordanian Field Hospital. (AJ, UNOCHA, WAFA 2/4; UNOCHA 2/5)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas meets with UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Tor Wennesland in Ramallah. (WAFA 2/4)

The Israeli military’s psychological warfare unit acknowledges that it runs the Telegram channel 72 Virgins – Uncensored, on which graphic and incendiary content is posted about killings of Palestinians and the destruction of homes in Gaza. (HA 2/4)

The Israeli housing ministry publishes a tender for the construction of 62 housing units in the Efrat settlement south of Bethlehem. The Israeli government also approves the continued funding of settlement farming outposts. (AJ, PCN, PCN 2/5)

The Israeli government extends the Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law for a year, barring Palestinians married to Israelis from obtaining Israeli citizenship. The government also says it plans to hire 65,000 construction workers from India, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan to replace the 72,000 Palestinians employed at construction sites before 10/7/2023. Foreign Minister Israel Katz says UNRWA “perpetuates the false narrative of Palestinian ‘refugees’ needing to return to Israel. We are actively working to disengage UNRWA from Gaza.” National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir tells the Wall Street Journal that the Biden administration “is busy giving humanitarian aid and fuel” to Gaza instead “of giving us his full backing.” Ben-Gvir also says he encourages Palestinians in Gaza to “emigrate to places around the world.” The High Court of Justice rejects a petition to recuse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from office. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, REU, WSJ 2/4; HA 2/5)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan says “[a]t this point, it is up to Hamas to come forward and respond to a serious [ceasefire] proposal, and we will continue to press Qatar and Egypt to try and generate a positive response.” (HA, HA 2/4; HA 2/5)

The U.S. Senate publishes a new proposal for a bill to provide aid to Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel, earmarking $14.1 billion to Israel and $10 billion in humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, stipulating that no funds can go to UNRWA. The House has proposed a standalone bill for Israel to avoid funding Ukraine and Taiwan. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel says bill would prevent the U.S. from funding UNRWA and the U.S. would instead divert funds to “other partners.” (AJ, HA, HA, NYT, NYT 2/5)

UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini tells the Financial Times that Israel has not provided evidence to back its claim that 12 UNRWA staffers were involved in Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. EU high commissioner of foreign affairs Josep Borell calls the suspension of funding for UNRWA “disproportionate and dangerous.” Haaretz reports that Israel’s Bank Luemi has notified UNRWA that it will block the agency’s bank account due to “tangible suspicions it is transferring funds to terror groups in Gaza.” The bank also suspends the account of 1 of the settlers sanctioned by the U.S. on 2/1. (AJ, HA, HA, HA, REU, WAFA 2/4; REU 2/5)

Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joly says Canada will sanction some Israeli settlers and place new sanctions on Hamas leaders. (AJ, REU, WAFA 2/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid Kisan, assaulting a Palestinian family and warning them to flee the area. Israeli settlers also set up caravans on Palestinian-owned land in Deir Istiya. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man during a raid in Dayr Abu Da’if. 8 Palestinians are arrested during raids in and around Silwad, Jericho, and Jenin. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, Maghazi, and Gaza City, killing at least 174 people. Israeli forces open fire at Palestinian workers at a telecommunications station, trying to restore services in Sheikh Radwan, injuring 2. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man in the courtyard of al-Amal Hospital. Heavy rain floods many tent camps. In Lebanon, Hezbollah fires rockets at Israel and Israeli forces bomb Naqoura. In Yemen, U.S. and UK forces attack the Ras Issa port. The UK says its forces shot down a drone trying to attack 1 of its warships.  (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/27; AJ, AJ, REU, UNOCHA 1/28)

More than 26,267 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 10,600 children and 7,200 women, and around 64,420 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 366 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 92 children. More than 4,354 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, 219 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,269 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. In is unclear if any aid is delivered to Gaza as Israelis block the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing for the fourth day in a row, forcing aid trucks to reroute to Egypt. 150 Palestinians are buried in a mass grave inside the besieged Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. Staff at the Nasser Hospital say 95% of medical staff have been evacuated from the hospital to Rafah due to Israeli attacks. (AJ, HA 1/27; UNOCHA 1/28; UNOCHA 1/29)

The PA criticizes Peru for offering condolences to a Peruvian Israeli soldier who was killed in Gaza, saying Peru should revoke the citizenship of those who also hold Israeli citizenship and are involved in Gaza. (AJ 1/27)

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich says there will be a military administration in Gaza after the war. Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz welcomes the suspension of aid to UNRWA by 8 donor countries, saying UNRWA must be replaced. (AJ, HA, HA 1/27)

U.S. senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) writes an op-ed in the Guardian calling the U.S. complicit in Israel’s killing of civilian Palestinians in Gaza due to its military aid and arms shipments. Sanders says that the U.S. must stop asking Israel to do the right thing and start telling Israel that a number of things need to happen or they will lose U.S. support.  (AJ 1/27)

The Ugandan government issues a statement, saying votes of the Ugandan ICJ judge Julia Sebutinde on the South African genocide case against Israel do not reflect the position of the Ugandan government. Judge Sebutinde was the only judge to vote against every provisional measure to protect Palestinians. (AJ, WAFA 1/27; HA, REU 1/28)

The New York Times reports that officials from 10 countries are in discussions on the future of the leadership of Palestine, which involves the power of the PA being transferred to a new prime minister while PA president Abbas retains a ceremonial role. It is also suggested that there will be an Arab peacekeeping mission in Gaza and that a UN Security Council resolution, backed by the U.S., recognize the Palestinians’ right to statehood. The Times says that the foreign parties are suggesting either Salam Fayyad or Nasser al-Kidwa as a new prime minister while Abbas is pushing for Mohammad Mustafa. (NYT 1/27)

In Gaza, an Israeli airstrike killed 471 Palestinians in al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City. The hospital, which was filled with patients and Palestinians seeking shelter from Israeli bombardment, had received evacuation warnings from Israel on 10/14, 10/15, and 10/16. Israel claimed it was an errant rocket fired by Hamas that caused the mass casualties, however all evidence presented by Israel was debunked in subsequent investigations. Other Israeli airstrikes killed around 200 Palestinians, mostly in Rafah and Khan Yunis. Israel also assassinated the head of Hamas’ Shura Council Osama Mazini, who led negotiations on the prisoner exchange that saw Gilad Shalit transferred to Israel in exchange for 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in 2011, and Hamas commanders Muhammad Alwadia, Ayman Nofal, and Akram Hijaz. Israeli airstrikes also reportedly killed 3 members of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh’s family. 6 were killed in an airstrike on an UNRWA school sheltering Palestinians in al-Maghazi. Rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage. In the West Bank, there were large demonstrations against the PA and the Israeli bombing of the al-Ahli Arab Hospital throughout the West Bank, with PA forces violently dispersing Palestinian protesters, killing a 12-year-old girl in Jenin with live ammunition, and injuring many others with tear gas. Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians, including a minor, during raids in Halhul and Nabi Salih. An elderly Palestinian succumbed to injuries sustained from Israeli forces on 10/13 in Nablus. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians, injuring 8 with live ammunition in Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces assaulted an ambulance driver near al-Arroub refugee camp, causing a fractured arm and bruises. Israeli forces arrested Palestinian Legislative Council speaker Aziz Dweik during a raid. 115 others were arrested during raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nablus, including 50 Palestinians from Gaza who were employed in Israel before being expelled to the West Bank. The Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners’ Affairs Authority said Israel has arrested 680 Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Lebanon, Israeli forces attacked targets north of the Blue Line. Hezbollah said it fired an anti-tank missile at a vehicle in Metula; 3 were reportedly injured. Israel said it killed 4 people who had entered Israel from Lebanon. 4 were also killed in an Israeli airstrike west of Yarine. In Jordan, protesters attempted to storm the Israeli embassy in Amman. (AP 10/7; AJ, AP, HA, REU 10/16; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/17; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA 10/18)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said at least 3,500 Palestinians have been killed and 12,500 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7, including 47 entire families consisting of 500 people. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 61 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 13 children. More than 1,230 had been injured, including at least 300 with live ammunition. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,300 Israelis and foreign nationals; 4,229 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1 million Palestinians have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. At least 11,887 housing units have been destroyed in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. The number is likely much higher as the latest data is from 10/14. The Palestinian civil defense team said that more than 1,000 Palestinians were under the rubble of buildings in Gaza. The Committee to Protect Journalists said 13 Palestinian, 3 Israeli, and 1 Lebanese journalist have been killed in attacks relating to the Israel-Hamas war since 10/7. (AJ 10/16; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 10/17; HA 10/18)

UNRWA said parts of southern Gaza, containing about 14% of the population, received water for 3 hours. The remaining seawater desalination plant in Gaza shut down due to a lack of fuel. (AJ 10/16; HA 10/17)

Hundreds of trucks carrying aid to Gaza were stuck near the Rafah crossing as Israel continued to prevent safe passage into Gaza. Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry said the crossing was not officially closed but was not functioning due to being targeted 4 times by Israel. (AJ 10/16; HA, REU, REU 10/17)

UN human rights office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said Israel’s siege and order to evacuate northern Gaza could breach international law. (AJ, REU 10/17)

Israel attempted to deny that it killed hundreds of Palestinian civilians in an airstrike on al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, presenting a range of questionable evidence to put the blame on Islamic Jihad. Israeli government social media accounts published what it claimed to be evidence that it was a rocket misfire not an airstrike, but later deleted the videos when a New York Times journalist questioned the timing of the videos. Military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said “[a]ccording to our intelligence, Hamas checked reports and understood it was a Palestinian Islamic Jihad misfire, then launched a global media campaign to inflate numbers of casualties.” Israel has previously employed misinformation campaigns to deflect blame for atrocities, on occasion then taking responsibility long after the event, as in the case of the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh. A UK Channel 4 investigation said evidence presented by Israel was both likely fabricated and contradictory, but did not reach a conclusion regarding the origin of the blast. Israeli president Isaac Herzog called reports that Israel conducted the airstrike “21st century blood libel.” Many Western leaders called for an investigation or referred to the loss of life without condemning the perpetrators. Leaders in the Middle East were unequivocal in their condemnation of the Israeli airstrike. King Abdullah II of Jordan, PA president Mahmoud Abbas, and Egyptian president Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi canceled meetings with U.S. president Joe Biden scheduled for 10/18 in Amman. The UAE and Russia called a meeting of the UN Security Council on 10/18 on the attack on the hospital. U.S. Defense Department spokesperson Sabrina Singh said in response to questions about the incident that Hamas puts “their command and control units inside hospitals,” adding the U.S. does not know who the perpetrator was. Biden said he spoke to Prime Minister Netanyahu and that his national security team will gather information about the incident. Large demonstrations were held in Washington D.C., Turkey, Jordan, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, and Morocco. (AJ, AP 10/16; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/17; AJ, AJ, AP, C4, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/18)

The PA foreign ministry accused Israel of ethnic cleansing and genocide aimed at removing all Palestinians from Gaza. The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics said Israel has killed at least 3,057 Palestinians since the beginning of 2023, including 2,793 in Gaza and 264 in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. (WAFA, WAFA 10/17)

Fatah’s military wing, al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, called on President Abbas to step down as the head of Fatah’s Martyrs and Prisoners Commission. (AJ 10/18)

Military spokesperson Hagari ruled out a ceasefire, saying Israel continues to “prepare for the next stages of war.” Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said the Israeli campaign would take several months. The Israeli military also said that it could not confirm that white phosphorus was used in attacks on Gaza but maintained that it would not be “unlawful” in certain situations. Israeli police commissioner Kobi Shabtai said, “[w]hoever wants to become an Israeli citizen, welcome. Anyone who wants to identify with Gaza is welcome. I will put him on the buses heading there now.” Shabtai also said he had outlawed demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. (HA 10/17; AJ, HA, WAFA 10/18; AJ 10/19)

After the Israeli airstrike on al-Ahli Arab Hospital, President Abbas traveled back from Amman to Ramallah to hold an emergency meeting. In a speech Abbas called the airstrike a heinous crime and declared 3 days of mourning. Earlier in the day Abbas met with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken in Amman. Blinken later called Abbas to offer condolences on the massacre at al-Ahli Arab Hospital. PA envoy to the UN Riyad Mansour called on the UN Security Council to intervene by demanding a ceasefire. (AJ 10/16; AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/17; AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 10/18)

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh spoke with South African foreign minister Nalendi Pandor, who conveyed support for Palestine and expressed sadness for the loss of innocent life in Gaza and Israel. (AJ 10/16; REU 10/18)

The Knesset National Security Committee approved legislation allowing Israeli prisons to admit new inmates above their legal capacity, which would worsen conditions for Palestinian prisoners. Since 10/7, family visits have been suspended, public phones have been blocked, and all electrical devices have been cut off from power. The Hadassah University Hospital refused to treat a Palestinian militant captured by Israel, saying it would “offend national feelings.” (HA, HA 10/17)

The U.S. announced that President Biden will visit Israel on 10/18. The New York Times reported that Biden’s visit will postpone Israel’s planned ground operation in Gaza by at least 24 hours. The Times also reported that Israel has asked the U.S. for $10 billion in emergency aid. Secretary of State Blinken said the announcement was made after Prime Minister Netanyahu committed to allowing aid to enter Gaza and to establishing safe zones at an 8-hour long meeting of the Israeli war cabinet that Blinken attended. New York governor Kathy Hochul said she will visit Israel. Biden also said he will visit Jordan. Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said he would push through an emergency aid package to Israel “as quickly as possible.” 6 Republican senators introduced legislation to end all U.S. funding for UNRWA. All senators except Rand Paul (I-KY) sponsored a resolution in support of Israel’s war against Hamas. (AJ, HA 10/16; AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU 10/17; HA 10/18)

King Abdullah II said Jordan and Egypt would not take in Palestinian refugees from Gaza, calling it a red line. Abdullah II also met with German chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin. Scholz warned Hezbollah and Iran to stay out of the Hamas-Israel war. Scholz later traveled to Israel where he met with Prime Minister Netanyahu, invoking the German genocide of the Jewish people as a reason for Germany to “ensure Israel’s existence and security.” Lebanese foreign minister Abdallah Bou Habib said Israel was “pouring oil on fire” at the Lebanese border. Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan said Egypt will host a summit on the situation in Gaza on 10/21. (AJ 10/16; HA, REU, REU, REU 10/17; AP, HA 10/18)

Iranian sources told Al Jazeera that the U.S. had sent the Iranian UN representative a message warning Iran of war if it enters the conflict. (HA 10/17)

U.S. Central Command commander Michael Kurilla arrived in Israel for meetings with Israeli military leaders. The U.S. also sent 2,000 Marines to the Middle East. (AJ, HA, HA, HA 10/16; HA, REU 10/17; AP 10/18)

Russian president Vladimir Putin and Chinese president Xi Jinping discussed the Palestinian-Israeli conflict during a meeting in Beijing. (AJ, AJ, HA 10/17)

159 U.S. citizens were evacuated from Israel headed for Cyprus on a cruise ship. Nearly 1,000 U.S. citizens have left Israel on State Department-charted planes to Europe since 10/13. (AJ, HA, HA 10/16; HA 10/17)

Japanese foreign minister Yoko Kamikawa said Japan will donate $10 million in emergency aid to Gaza. Spain said it would donate $1 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Netherlands pledged $10 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza. (AJ 10/16; HA, REU, REU, REU 10/17)

The EU held a video conference for the leaders of its 27 members to discuss the situation in Gaza and find a unified stance after EU member states had expressed dissatisfaction with the EU leadership’s pro-Israel statements, including European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen’s failure to call on Israel to abide by international law during her visit on 10/17. Irish president Michael D Higgins called von der Leyen’s comments about Israel’s attacks “thoughtless and even reckless,” questioning where she gets the authority to speak on behalf of the EU on the issue. After the meeting, the EU leadership agreed to condemn Hamas’ operation in Israel on 10/7, expressed solidarity with the people of Israel, said Israel has a right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law, and called on Hamas to release all captives. (AJ 10/15; AJ 10/16; AJ, EU, HA, REU 10/17)

Germany’s Mainz 05 soccer club suspended Dutch Egyptian player Anwar El Ghazi for a pro-Palestinian social media post. (AJ 10/17)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian succumbed to injuries sustained from Israeli forces in Tulkarm on 10/13. Israeli settlers vandalized 3 water wells, uprooted 70 olive tree saplings, and removed barbed wire in Susiya. Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians during raids in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp and Jenin. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp and Fawwar refugee camp, injuring 4 with live ammunition. At least 70 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Nablus, Ramallah, Nil’in, Qarawat Bani Hassan, Bethlehem, and Jericho. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed more than 100 Palestinians and caused extensive damage. Israeli forces also attacked the Rafah crossing for the fourth time since 10/7. Rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage and injuries. In Lebanon, Israel said it attacked Hezbollah targets. (AP 10/7; AJ, HA 10/15; AJ, HA, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/16; AJ, HA 10/17)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said at least 2,808 Palestinians have been killed and 10,850 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7, including 47 entire families consisting of 500 people. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 58 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 12 children. More than 1,176 have been injured, including at least 300 with live ammunition. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,300 Israelis and foreign nationals; 4,121 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1 million Palestinians have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. At least 11,887 housing units have been destroyed in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. The Palestinian civil defense team said that more than 1,000 Palestinians were under the rubble of buildings in Gaza. 7 members of the civil defense team were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the Palestinian civil defense headquarters in at-Tuffah, bringing the number of humanitarian staff killed since 10/7 to 31. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate said 11 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. (AJ, HA 10/15; AJ, HA, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/16; AJ 10/17)

UNRWA said in a tweet that people claiming to be from the Gaza Ministry of Health seized fuel and medical equipment from its compound in Gaza City, before later deleting the tweet. An UNRWA statement later said that there had been no looting of UNRWA warehouses. (HA, HA 10/16; HA 10/17)

Palestinian prisoner Kayed al-Fafsous suspended his 75-day hunger strike after his family urged him to end it, fearing that Israel will let him die as part of its campaign against Palestinians related to the war with Hamas. Al-Fafsous was protesting being held in administrative detention. (WAFA 10/16)

Hamas released a video of one of its captives, a 21-year-old dual French Israeli citizen, who said in the video, “I'm in Gaza. I came back early on Saturday morning from a party in the Sderot area. I was seriously injured in the arm. They brought me to Gaza, and they took me to the hospital here for three hours. They've been taking care of me, providing medication. I'm just asking that you bring me back home as soon as possible to my family, my parents, my siblings. Please get me out of here as quickly as possible.” Hamas military spokesperson Abu Obeida said Hamas is holding around 200-250 people captive and that they are being treated with dignity and respect. He added that 22 captives have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7 and that non-Israeli captives will be released when “circumstances allow.” (AJ 10/15; AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU 10/16; HA, REU, REU 10/17)

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh spoke with Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan about the release of Hamas-held captives and with Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim. (AJ 10/15; AJ, HA, REU, REU 10/16)

PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh met with UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Tor Wennesland in Ramallah, discussing the need for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with UK prime minister Rishi Sunak and Russian president Vladimir Putin. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/16)

Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said 199 people have been taking captive by Hamas in Gaza. The Israeli prime minister’s office denied reports that there will be a ceasefire to allow foreigners to leave Gaza. (AJ 10/15; AJ 10/16)

Israel said it allowed some aid to enter Gaza via the Rafah crossing but did not allow fuel to enter. Egypt said humanitarian aid for Gaza is stuck in Egypt as Israel is not cooperating in allowing the aid to enter Gaza. The EU said it would launch a humanitarian air bridge to Egypt with aid to Gaza and the UN began shipping aid to Egypt in anticipation of being able to enter Gaza. (AJ 10/15; AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU 10/16; WAFA 10/17)

Hezbollah said it started destroying Israeli surveillance cameras near the Blue Line. (AP 10/16)

The Israeli military said it will evacuate Israeli residents from 28 communities within 1.2 miles of the Blue Line. (HA, REU, REU 10/16; HA, HA 10/17)

The Knesset National Security Committee approved new regulations making it easier for Israelis to obtain a gun license. 41,000 Israelis have applied for a license since 10/7. (HA 10/16; WAFA 10/17; HA 10/24)

The U.S. said 30 U.S. citizens were killed since 10/7 and 13 are unaccounted for. (HA 10/15; HA 10/16)

Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told Iranian state TV that a “preemptive strike” against Israel could be expected as Israel continues to attack Gaza. Amir-Abdollahian suggested the strike would be carried out by Hezbollah and would be related to a potential Israeli ground invasion of Gaza. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said that Iran considers the U.S. militarily involved in the conflict. (AJ 10/15; AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, REU, REU 10/16; AJ 10/17)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu told President Putin that Israel would not end its attacks on Gaza until Israel had eliminated Hamas’ military and governmental capabilities. Netanyahu also spoke with UAE president Mohammed bin Zayed. (AJ 10/15; HA, REU 10/16; HA, REU 10/17)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken visited Israel again after touring the Middle East over the weekend, meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, the Israeli war cabinet, and President Isaac Herzog. Blinken said Israel had agreed to develop a plan to get humanitarian aid to Gaza without it benefiting Hamas. Blinken also spoke with Foreign Minister Fidan, who condemned Israel’s “inhumane” actions in Gaza. President Joe Biden spoke with German chancellor Olaf Scholz and Egyptian president Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi. The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. has prepared around 2,000 soldiers for potential deployment to Israel to serve as advisors and for medical support. (AJ 10/15; AJ, HA, NYT, REU, REU 10/16; AP, HA, REU 10/17; HA 10/18)

The UN Security Council rejected a Russian resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire and condemning violence and terrorism against civilians. 5 countries voted for the resolution (China, Russia the UAE, Gabon, and Mozambique), 4 voted against (the U.S., the UK, France, and Japan), while 6 abstained. The U.S. criticized the resolution for not condemning Hamas. (AJ, HA, REU 10/16; AP, WAFA 10/17)

U.S. senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Peter Welch (D-VT) called on Israel to protect civilians in Gaza. 14 U.S. senators, 8 Democrats, 5 Republican, and 1 independent, called on President Biden to freeze $6 billion in Iranian assets held in Qatar that the U.S. exchanged for the release of people held in Iran last month. 13 members of the House co-sponsored a resolution urging Biden to call for an immediate ceasefire. The resolution spearheaded was by Cori Bush (D-MO), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Summer Lee (D-PA), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), and Andre Carson (D-IN). (AJ 10/15; AJ, AJ, HA 10/16)

Pakistani foreign minister Jalil Abbas Jilani called Israel’s attacks on Gaza genocide. Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau called for the opening of a humanitarian corridor in Gaza to allow delivery of food, fuel, and water. Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf said that he fears that his in-laws, who are visiting Gaza, could die any day as they are running out of water and food. Prime Minister Sunak characterized the Hamas operation on 10/7 as a “pogrom” while addressing the House of Commons and said, “Israel must defend itself in line with international humanitarian law.” Sunak said 6 UK citizens have been killed and 10 are missing. Furthermore, Sunak said the UK would increase its aid to Palestinians by $12.12 million. Sunak also spoke to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who warned him about making “provocative steps” and reminded him of the “unkept promises [made] to Palestine.” (AJ 10/15; HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, REU 10/16; HA 10/17)

U.S. police arrested 50 demonstrators outside the White House who were calling for a ceasefire. The demonstration was arranged by Jewish American groups, including IfNotNow. (AJ 10/15; HA 10/16)

The BBC apologized for describing thousands of protesters in London on 10/14 as backing Hamas, calling the reporting misleading. (AJ 10/15)

The New York Times reported that Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, was accused of suppressing pro-Palestinian content on its platforms. (NYT 10/16)

The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, concluded that “Israeli forces used lethal forces without justification under international human rights law,” when soldiers killed Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in Jenin in 5/11/2022. (AJ 10/15; AJ 10/16)

Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. president Donald Trump said he would expel immigrants who are anti-Zionists, support Hamas, or are Communist, Marxist, or Fascist. (HA, REU 10/16)

In the West Bank, armed Israeli settlers vandalized Palestinian vehicles south of Jericho. Israeli settlers also opened fire at Palestinian homes in Jalbun; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces shot and killed 5 Palestinian protesters in Hebron, Ramallah, Jericho, and Beita. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Aqraba, al-Bireh, Ramallah, Tuqu’, Huwwara, Qalqilya, al-Ram, and al-Arroub refugee camp, injuring 9 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Qalandia checkpoint, killing 4 and injuring 9. In Gaza, Israeli forces continued bombing civilian targets, in some instances without warning, killing at least 200 people. Palestinian militants fired rockets at Israel and attacked Israelis on the ground near the Gaza fence, resulting in hundreds of casualties and causing damage. Near Gaza, Israeli forces shot and killed an Israeli citizen and shot and injured 4 Israeli soldiers and an Israeli citizen, mistaking them for Palestinians. Israeli forces also killed dozens of Palestinian militants trying to enter Israel by sea. Hamas said it had fighters in the Israeli towns of Ofakim, Sderot, Yad Modechai, Kfar Aza, Kibbutz Be’eri, Yeted, and Kissufim. In Safed, Israeli forces assaulted and arrested 11 Palestinian workers from Gaza before dropping them off in the West Bank at the Jalamah checkpoint. In Lebanon, Israeli forces opened fire at what Israel described as a Hezbollah tent and fired artillery shells after mortar shells were fired at Israel. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/8; AJ, HA, WAFA 10/9)

The Gaza Ministry of Health reported that as of 8 p.m. at least 413 Palestinians had been killed and 2,300 injured in Gaza while 15 Palestinians had been killed and 191 injured in the West Bank since 10/7. Israeli sources reported more than 677 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 2,000 injured. The UN reported that more than 123,538 Palestinians were displaced, including 73,538 sheltering in UNRWA facilities. 159 housing units were destroyed and 1,210 were damaged since 10/7. Israel cut off water supplies, affecting 610,000 Palestinians. An Naseer Hospital, Al Quds Hospital, and 2 Palestinian Red Crescent Society facilities were targeted by Israeli airstrikes overnight. 3 UNRWA schools sheltering displaced Palestinians were damaged in Israeli airstrikes, raising the number of UNRWA schools targeted to 4. Egypt allowed 100 truckloads of food, 30 truckloads of fuel, and 70 truckloads of construction material to enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing.  (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/8; UNOCHA 10/9)

In Egypt, an Egyptian police officer shot and killed 2 Israelis and an Egyptian at a tourist site in Alexandria. (AJ, AP, HA 10/8)

Israel claimed that 260 Israelis were killed by Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants at a music festival near Gaza on 10/7. (AJ, HA 10/8; REU 10/10)

Israel ordered the evacuation of Israeli towns near Gaza, reportedly in preparation for a ground invasion of Gaza. (AJ 10/8; HA 10/10)

A Hamas official said the group was holding more than 100 Israelis captive in Gaza. Islamic Jihad said it was holding 30 Israelis captive in Gaza and that they would not be released unless they were exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel had reached out to Egypt to help facilitate hostage negotiations. (HA, HA, WSJ 10/8)

PA envoy to the UN Riyad Mansour said messages from the international community asserting Israel’s “right to defend itself will be interpreted by Israel as a license to kill.” The PA requested an emergency meeting of the Arab League. (HA 10/8; WAFA 10/9)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with the leaders of Qatar, Egypt, and Jordan. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/8)

The Israeli security cabinet decided to halt all electricity, fuel, and goods from entering Gaza and to destroy Hamas’ military and governmental capabilities. (HA 10/7; AJ 10/8)

The U.S. State Department said that at least 4 U.S. citizens were killed in the Hamas operation against Israel on 10/7. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to his counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE for the second day in a row. Blinken said he spoke with Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan about not allowing the war to disrupt Saudi-Israeli normalization efforts. The U.S. also directed the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the eastern Mediterranean to provide Israel with U.S. support. U.S. president Joe Biden spoke with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the second time in 2 days. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, HA, HA 10/8; AP, HA, REU 10/9; ALM,  AP 10/10)

The UAE called on both sides to protect civilians and called the Hamas abduction of civilians “appalling.” (AJ, HA, REU, UAE 10/8)

Iran denied Wall Street Journal reporting, saying that it was not involved in the Hamas and Islamic Jihad operation in Israel but said “[w]e emphatically stand in unflinching support of Palestine.” (HA 10/8; AJ 10/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized 1 bulldozer in Jalbun. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Beit Sira, Turmus ‘Ayya, Sanjar, Sa’ir, and Fawwar refugee camp. (WAFA, WAFA 3/5; PCHR 3/9; UNOCHA 3/19)

Israel said it will close all crossings to the West Bank and Gaza from 5:00 p.m. on 3/6 to 12:00 a.m. on 3/8 for the Jewish Purim holiday. (HA 3/5)

Israel deported 1 Palestinian released from the Naqab Prison to Hebron when he was released after serving 20 years. The man who was a resident of Haifa before he was arrested had his Israeli residency status revoked in 2019. (WAFA 3/5)

The Knesset extended the Citizenship Law, banning Palestinians from the West Bank who marry Israeli citizens from being granted residency status. The Citizenship Law has been extended yearly since 2002. (HA, TOI 3/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian homes and vehicles in Beit Umar. Israeli settlers also assaulted 1 Palestinian herder in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured 2 others during a raid in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp. Israeli forces also demolished 1 house in Furush Beit Dajan, displacing 7. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Qusra, Qalqilya, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities issued a demolition notice for a home in Silwan. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Isawiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled farmland east of Khan Yunis. (AP, HA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/1; AJ, MDW, PCHR 3/2; UNOCHA 3/19)

PA security forces prevented some 150 Palestinians from holding a press conference at the Watan Media Network office in Ramallah. The group was planning on criticizing the PA’s decisions to withdraw a draft resolution against Israel at the UN Security Council and to participate in the Aqaba summit on 2/26. (PCHR 3/3)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh toured Huwwara to inspect the damage after the Israeli settler raid on 2/26. Shtayyeh said it was time to confront the settlers through popular resistance. (WAFA 3/1)

The PA foreign ministry called on the U.S. and international organizations to intervene to end the Israeli sieges of Jericho and Huwwara. Jericho has been under siege since 1 Israeli American man was killed near the Dead Sea on 1/27 and Huwwara was still affected by the large-scale Israeli settler raid on 2/26. (WAFA 3/1)

Israeli finance minister and minister in charge of the civil administration at the defense ministry, Bezalel Smotrich, said “Huwwara needs to be wiped out. I think that the State of Israel needs to do that, not, God forbid, private individuals,” when asked about the Israeli settler attack on Huwwara on 2/26. The U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price condemned Smotrich’s comments, calling them “irresponsible, repugnant, and disgusting” and calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reject the comments. UN high commissioner for human rights Volker Türk called the comments “unfathomable.” Later on 3/4, Smotrich said “being upset, I misspoke” and Netanyahu called Smotrich’s statements “inappropriate” in a tweet on 3/5. (AJ, AJ, ALM, AX, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, REU 3/1; MDW, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/2; AJ, ALM, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/3; PCHR, WAFA 3/4; AP, REU 3/5)

The Knesset passed the first of three readings of a bill that will reintroduce the death penalty to Palestinians. The legislation stipulates that a person who “causes the death of an Israeli citizen when the act is carried out from a racist motive . . . with the purpose of harming the State of Israel and the rebirth of the Jewish people in its homeland,” can receive the death penalty. The first reading passed 55-9. Germany expressed concern over the bill, saying it could negatively impact Israel-German relations. (DW 2/28; MEE, TOI, TOI 3/1; MDW 3/6)

Axios reported that the UAE postponed a trip by Prime Minister Netanyahu to the country in January, due to fears that Netanyahu would increase tensions Iran during the visit. (AX 3/1)

The EU donated $87 million to UNRWA. (WAFA 3/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor and injured 2 others with live ammunition during a late-night raid in Balata refugee camp. Israeli forces also seized 1 tractor in Maeen in the Masafer Yatta area and demolished 8 residential structures and 1 agricultural structure in Duma, displacing 25. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Bayt Rima, Ein Yabrud, Tubas, Jenin, Faqqua, Balata refugee camp, Hebron, and Yatta. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli Jerusalem municipality issued demolition orders for 2 homes and 1 agricultural structure in the al-Saadi community and 3 homes in the Abu al-Nuwar community. 2 Palestinians were arrested in Sur Baher and at the Haram al-Sharif compound. (AJ, AP, HA, MDW, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/5; PCHR 1/12; UNOCHA 2/16)

The Gaza Health Ministry said Israel is halting the delivery of 8 different types of x-ray machines and spare parts to repair existing machines. (MEMO, REU 1/5)

The Palestinian prisoner Karim Younis was released after 40 years in Israeli prison for allegedly partaking in the kidnapping and killing of an Israeli soldier in 1980. Younis was driven to a train station in Ra’anana where a passerby helped him reach his family. The decision not to release him directly from the prison was made by Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Israel’s interior minister Arye Dery asked the attorney general to revoke Younis’ Israeli citizenship earlier in the week. (AJ, ALM, BBC, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/5; MEMO 1/6)

National Security Minister Ben-Gvir also toured the Nafha Prison “to make sure murderers of Jews don’t receive better conditions since the construction of new prison cells,” saying “I was happy to see that the Israel Prison Service does not intend to improve the condition of their incarceration. I will continue to deal with the conditions of security prisoners so they won’t have excessive rights.” (HA 1/6)

The U.S. handed over a 2,700-year-old looted artifact back to the PA in Bethlehem. The artifact, described as a “cosmetic spoon,” was seized from the American venture capitalist Michael H. Steinhardt in 2021 who had bought it from an Israeli antiquities dealer and is said to have been stolen from Hebron. (NYT, WAFA 1/5; ALM, MEE 1/6; AP, HA 2/3)

At the UN Security Council, Israel received criticism from several security council members, including the U.S., for National Security Minister Ben-Gvir’s tour of the Haram al-Sharif compound on 1/3. PA UN ambassador Riyad Mansour said “[o]ur people are running out of patience and the moderation and sense of responsibility we display should never be construed as weakness. The record shows that Israel’s persistence on this path does not lead to surrender, but to uprising.” U.S. envoy Robert A. Wood criticized “unilateral actions” at the Haram al-Sharif compound. The emergency session was requested by China and the UAE on behalf of the PA and Jordan. (REU 1/3; AJ, MEE, WAFA, WAFA 1/4; HA, WAFA, WAFA 1/5; AJ, AP, MEE, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 1/6)

The Nation reported that Kenneth Roth, who led Human Rights Watch for 29 years, was denied a position as a senior fellow at Harvard University at the late stages of the hiring process due to alleged “anti-Israel bias.” The dean of Harvard’s Kennedy School Douglas Elmendorf apologized for his initial decision after weeks of negative publicity and Roth was offered the position on 1/19. (NA 1/5; AJ, GDN, MEE 1/6; AP, HA, MDW, MEE, NYT 1/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 mobile home, water tanks, and tree saplings in az-Za‘ayyem, and 1 agricultural structure in Nahalin. Israeli forces also handed 1 demolition notice against 1 house, stop-work orders against 13 structures in Deir Balut, and 3 stop-work orders against homes in al-Twana in the Masafer Yatta area. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jaba‘, Silat al-Harithiyya, al-Yamun, ad-Doha, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian man, alleging that he stabbed 1 Palestinian police officer at the Haram al-Sharif compound. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/28; WAFA 6/29; PCHR 6/30; UNOCHA 7/22)

Hamas released a video of 1 Israeli citizen held prisoner in Gaza, Hisham al-Sayid, who they say is in deteriorating health. Al-Sayid was seen in the video lying in a bed with an oxygen mask and IV drip. The man was arrested by Hamas after crossing from Israel to Gaza in 2015. (AP, MEE, REU 6/28; MEMO 6/29)

The UAE overturned a death sentence against 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel who was arrested 1 year ago for carrying more than 1 pound of cocaine. She was sentenced to life in prison on 7/7. (AP, HA 6/28; HA 7/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Arroub refugee camp; injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also demolished 1 fence in Jericho. 24 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwad, Beitin, Ein Yabrud, Bayt Rima, Qalqilya, Jaba‘, Dayr Abu Da‘if, Dheisheh refugee camp, and As-Samu; Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the raid in Dheisheh refugee camp, injuring 1 with live ammunition. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians in Jabel Mukaber held a general strike in protest against planned Israeli demolitions in the neighborhood. (WAFA, WAFA 3/10; PCHR 3/17; UNOCHA 3/25)

The Knesset passed a bill amending the citizenship law to ban Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza married to Israeli citizens from obtaining Israeli residency or citizenship. The bill passed 45–15, with the United Arab List and Meretz in the government coalition opposing it. Interior minister Ayelet Shaked who spearheaded the efforts to pass the bill called the passage a victory for Israel as a “Jewish and democratic state” rather than a “state for all its citizens.” (HA, JP, TOI, TOI, WAFA 3/10; AJ, AP, EI, HILL, MDW, MEMO, WAFA 3/11; HA, HA, MEMO 3/12; ALM, MEMO, WAFA 3/14; MEMO, WAFA 3/17)

Prominent Palestinian lawyer and activist Salah Hamouri was placed in administrative detention after arrest on allegations of being a member of the PFLP. Hamouri, who lives in East Jerusalem, was 1 of the 6 Palestinians who in November 2021 discovered that his phone was infected with Pegasus spyware from the Israeli NSO Group. (MEMO 3/8; HA 3/13; WAFA 3/28)

Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid met with Jordan’s king Abdullah II in Amman. King Abdullah II called for Israel to preserve the status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem and to establish a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as the capital along the 1967 borders. (ALM, AP, HA, MEMO, REU 3/10)

The U.S. Senate passed a $1.5 trillion omnibus spending bill, including $1 billion of “emergency” Iron Dome missile defense system funding to Israel. The House and Senate tried to pass the standalone bill for the Iron Dome funding to Israel, but the military aid was consistently blocked from being fast-tracked by senator Rand Paul (R-KY). Also in the omnibus spending bill was an additional $3.3 billion in military aid on top of the $1 billion for Iron Dome spending, and $500 million for missile-defense partnerships between the U.S. and Israel. Additionally, the bill included funding for the Israel Relations Normalization Act, $219 million in aid to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza via the Economic Support Fund, $40 million in security assistance to the PA, and $50 million for the Middle East Partnership Act. (AP, HA, MEMO 3/11)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler was injured in a stabbing incident in Hizma; Israel claimed the man was stabbed by a Palestinian; 1 Palestinian man was arrested on 3/3 for the stabbing and for a different stabbing of an Israeli settler on 3/3. Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians and Israeli soldiers near the Homesh settlement outpost, throwing stones at Palestinian cars and assaulting Israeli soldiers; 8 Israeli settlers were arrested. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian farmers near Kisan, threatening Palestinians picking gundelia plants in Khirbat Makhul and forcing them to leave. Israeli forces violently dispersed the funeral procession for 1 Palestinian killed by Israeli forces on 3/1 in al-Arroub refugee camp, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also fired a tear gas canister into a schoolyard in Tell, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 3 houses in al-Juwaya. Israeli forces also demolished 10 commercial structures in Hizma, affecting 13 Palestinian families. 37 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silat al-Harithiya, Beita, Tell, Qalqilya, Husan, Dura, and Fawwar refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces closed off Sheikh Jarrah to Palestinian visitors to facilitate a settler rally. Israeli forces also demolished 1 commercial structure in Bayt Hanina. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/2; HA, MEMO, PCHR 3/3; UNOCHA 3/11)

The PA closed the Christian organization Beit Al Liqa in Bethlehem for a week while it probed an event at the organization where prominent Israeli settler and former MK Yehuda Glick was present. Beit Al Liqa claimed that it was not aware of who Yehuda Glick was when he participated in the event and that he did not introduce himself to the organizers. (MEMO 3/3)

German chancellor Olaf Scholz met with Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett in Jerusalem, discussing the Iran nuclear deal and Russia’s war in Ukraine. Prime Minister Bennett said that the 2 had agreed to a new strategic partnership, which Bennett called a “big upgrade” in the 2 countries’ relations. Chancellor Scholz was also scheduled to meet with PA and Jordanian representatives in the West Bank and Jordan, but cut his visit to the region short. (AP, HA, HA, REU 3/2)

The Jewish Agency said that that up to 10,000 Ukrainian immigrants could arrive in Israel to seek Israeli citizenship based on their Jewish heritage. The Jewish Agency said that 5,000 Ukrainians had contacted the agency since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 2/24. 30,000 Ukrainian Jews immigrated to Israel between 2014 and 2018 after Russia annexed Crimea and fomented insurgencies in eastern Ukraine. The World Zionist Organization said on 2/27 that it wants to erect 1,000 portable structures for Ukrainian immigrants in the West Bank, the Golan Heights, and Israel. (HA 2/27; HA 3/2; AJ, MEMO 3/4; +972 3/22; HA 3/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attempted to set a Palestinian-owned home on fire in Hebron, but fled when the family living in the home woke up. Israeli forces demolished 1 retaining wall and 1 agricultural structure in al-Maniya. Israeli forces also temporarily evicted 6 Palestinian families from their homes in in Khirbat Ibziq to conduct a military exercise; during the drill, 2 cows were killed and 3 were injured. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silat al-Harithiya, ‘Anata, Dheisheh refugee camp, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for several commercial structures in Wadi al-Juz; 1 Palestinian minor was arrested during a late-night raid in Isawiya. In Israel, 20 Palestinian-owned vehicles were vandalized and racist anti-Palestinian graffiti was sprayed in Kafr Qasem. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/7; PCHR 2/10; UNOCHA 2/11)

Israeli police arrested 1 Israeli settler in the Givat Ronen settlement outpost in relation to an attack on Israeli activists helping Palestinians planting trees in Burin on 1/21. (HA 2/7)

According to figures obtained by Haaretz from Israeli police, charges were only filed in 3.8% of criminal cases where Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians or their property. (HA 2/7)

On the 2d day of the 31st session of the PLO Central Council, Rawhi Fattouh was elected speaker of the National Council, replacing Salim Zanoun, who retired. Hussein al-Sheikh was appointed as a PLO negotiator with Israel and the U.S. Al-Sheikh was also 1 of 3 new members elected to the PLO executive committee. Hamas called the appointments “illegal” and said they lacked support from the national consensus. Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the PFLP later issued a joint statement calling the appointments “a violation of decisions based on national consensus.” (REU, WAFA, WAFA 2/7; HA 2/8; AJ 2/10)

The Knesset approved the 1st of 3 votes of the citizenship law that would prevent family reunifications of Palestinians married to Israeli citizens. Meretz and United Arab List boycotted the vote. Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked told Yedioth Ahronoth in an interview that the bill is meant to prevent a “creeping right of return.” (HA 2/7; HA, MEE 2/9)

Palestinian member of the Knesset from the Meretz party and minister for Regional Cooperation Issawi Frej was hospitalized after suffering a stroke. Frej’s chief of staff said he would make a full recovery. (HA 2/8)

Calcalist reported that Israeli police used the NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware against Israeli journalists, politicians, rights activists, former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son Avner, and people involved in the court case against Benjamin Netanyahu. On 2/1, Israeli police admitted to misusing the Pegasus spyware. (AP 2/6; AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, TOI 2/7)

The German news outlet Deutsche Welle fired 5 Palestinian and Lebanese employees, saying the had posted anti-Semitic content on social media. The social media posts in question were largely criticism of Israel and not targeting Jewish people. Deutsche Welle was criticized for trying to silence criticism of Israel. (AJ 2/11; MEMO 2/15; HA 2/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home near al-Ramadin. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Araqah, Beit Umar, Jaba‘, and Burqin. In East Jerusalem, some 100 Israeli police officers raided the Salhiya family home in Sheikh Jarrah, throwing stun grenades and beating family members, including minors, before escorting them out and demolishing their home, displacing the family of 18; 18 Palestinians were arrested, including family members. The family members were released on 1/20 under the condition that they do not return to Sheikh Jarrah for 1 month. Israel had attempted to displace the family since 1/17, but was unable due to resistance from the family and a large presence of international diplomats and local activists. The PA called the eviction a war crime, calling on the U.S. to protect Palestinians in East Jerusalem, and the EU condemned the displacement of the family. The U.S. ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said at a UN security council meeting that Israel must refrain from “demolitions, and evictions—like what we saw in Sheikh Jarrah.” At the meeting, PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki also called on the international community to end Israeli impunity. A representative for the Salhiya family said the family is referring the case to the ICC. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Wadi al-Juz, displacing 8. In Jerusalem, Israeli police violently dispersed activists in front of Mayor Moshe Leon’s home protesting forced displacement of Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah; 5 were arrested. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, CNN, EI, F24, GDN, HA, HA, HA, I24, JDF, MDW, MEE, MEE, MEMO, NAT, NYT, PCHR, REU, REU, TOI, VICE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WP 1/19; HA, HA, IN, JP, JP, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/20; MEMO, MEMO 1/21; MEE, TOI 1/22; ALM, WAFA 1/23)

Israeli police arrested 3 Jewish Israeli men for attacking 2 Palestinian Israeli men in Bat Yam on 11/14/2021. The 3 Jewish Israeli men were charged with racially motivated violence prompted by the 2 Palestinians socializing with Jewish Israeli women. (HA 1/20; HA 1/21)

Hamas officials concluded a visit to Algeria, presenting the group’s vision for national unity and reconciliation with Fatah. The delegation arrived in Algeria on 1/17. Members of the DFLP, PFLP-GC, and Islamic Jihad are expected to visit Algeria soon. PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Algerian officials on 1/15. (MEMO 1/18; MEMO 1/20; ALM 1/24)

The Citizenship Law bill, created to prevent family unifications between Palestinians and Israeli citizens, was sent back to the Israeli cabinet after the Meretz party filed an objection to the legislation in the Knesset. The Citizenship Law is being pushed by Israeli interior minister Ayelet Shaked. (HA 1/20)

A delegation of Israeli officials arrived in Sudan for meetings with Sudanese officials, according to Israeli and Saudi Arabian media. (HA 1/19; MEMO 1/20)

The UNRWA called on the international community to donate $87.5 million to help the agency with programming in Lebanon, where the financial crisis is further impeding its work to assist Palestinian refugees. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, WAFA 1/19; WAFA 1/20)

In the West Bank, 2 Israeli soldiers were injured during a training accident near the Ma’ale Adumim settlement. Israeli settlers with military escort marched near al-Bireh. Israeli settlers also uprooted and stole some 30 olive saplings on a fenced plot of land in the Masafer Yatta area. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers with military escort marched toward Beita, leading to clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces; 28 were injured by tear gas. The settler march was organized by the Samaria Regional Council and advertised with the slogan “We want a Jewish state.” Israeli forces delivered an eviction notice to 1 Palestinian family in Kafr ad-Dik, telling them to vacate 5 dunams (2.5 acres) of land planted with 60 olive trees. Israeli forces also demolished 1 agricultural structure in Nabi Ilyas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided a school in Deir Nidham, arresting 2 students. 15 others were arrested during late-night raids in Silwad, Ein Yabrud, Tuqu‘, and Beit Umar. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Bayt Hanina, displacing 7. 4 Palestinians were arrested in Kafr ‘Aqab and Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled farmland north of Beit Lahiya and east of Khuza‘a. In the Naqab, Israeli police arrested more than 30 Palestinian Bedouins who allegedly took part in the demonstrations against the forestation program meant to displace Bedouins in the Naqab last week. Activists later protested in front for a court in Beersheba, demanding their release. (HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/18; MEMO 1/19; MEMO, PCHR 1/20)

Israel released Palestinian lawmaker Nayef Rajoub of Hamas after 8 months of administrative detention. Rajoub was arrested on 5/20/2021. (MEMO 1/19)

The Fatah Central Committee voted unanimously to elect Rawhi Fattouh as the new chairperson of the PNC after Salim Zanoun retired from the post. (WAFA 1/19)

Israel and the U.S. tested the Arrow 3 Weapons System in Israel. The Arrow 3 system is designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles. (HA 1/18; ALM 1/20)

Israeli newspaper Calcalist reported that Israeli police have been using the NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware to surveil Israeli citizens, including activists protesting against former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli mayors, and other politicians. The spyware was said to have been used without a warrant or court order. The Israeli police bought the spyware from NSO Group in 2013 for $859,500, according to an invoice. The police have subsequently bought upgrades to the system, adding to the initial price tag. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, HA, MEMO, REU 1/18; AJ, AP, HA 1/19; AJ, ALM, HA, HA, HA, MEMO, MEMO, TOI 1/20; REU 1/21; HA 1/23)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian man hit 1 Israeli soldier with his car in a crash near the Halamish settlement near Deir Nidham. Israeli forces arrested the Palestinian man who also sustained injuries; it was unclear if he hit the soldier on purpose. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Sabastia and closed a road between Jenin and Nablus. Israeli settlers with military escort also closed an entry to al-Lubban al-Sharqiya. Israeli forces shot and injured 5 Palestinian protesters with rubber-coated bullets at a checkpoint near Birzeit University; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also uprooted 40 dunams (9.9 acres) of land planted with olive and almond saplings, demolished agricultural structures in Battir, and demolished 1 residential tent in Bayt Jala, displacing 6. 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Beit Sahour, Dheisheh refugee camp, Tulkarm, Bir al-Basha, Jaba‘, and Kobar. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a raid in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also opened fire and fired tear gas at Palestinian farmers northeast of Beit Hanun, causing tear-gas related injuries. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza City, damaging 1 boat; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of al-Shuka. In the Naqab desert, Israeli police violently dispersed Palestinians protesting a forestation program designed to displace Palestinian Bedouins from their land near Sawa; 16 were arrested and 2 Israeli police officers were reportedly injured. There were also reports that stone-throwers had attacked 1 bus, that large stones had been placed on railway tracks, forcing a train to stop, and that 1 Israeli journalist was assaulted and his car set on fire. (HA, HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/11; AJ, PCHR 1/13)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Sharm al-Shaykh. President Abbas was in Egypt to participate in the World Youth Forum. (MEMO, WAFA 1/11; MEMO 1/12)

Israeli authorities charged 1 Israeli police officer with assaulting 1 Palestinian woman by ripping off her hijab, pulling her hair, and hitting her in East Jerusalem. (HA 1/11)

The Israeli supreme court ruled that the Israeli interior ministry cannot continue to deny Palestinians married to Israeli citizens residency rights, using a temporary ban that expired in July 2021. Interior minister Ayelet Shaked has instructed her ministry to hold up Palestinian applications for family unifications. (HA, WAFA 1/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers from the Ibei HaNahal settlement outpost assaulted 3 Palestinians working their land in Kisan. Israeli settlers also installed electric fencing around a plot of land near Kisan. Israeli forces demolished 3 shops and 1 water tank in Ya‘bad. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Am‘ari refugee camp and Beita. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested and beaten by Israeli forces at the Damascus Gate. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled farmland east of Maghazi. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/9; PCHR 8/12)

Israel began work to build an electric lift at al-Ibrahimi Mosque, drawing condemnation from the PA and Palestinian protesters as the project violates the Hebron Protocol signed by the PA and Israel in 1997. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh called on UNESCO and international rights organizations to intervene. (MEMO 8/9; MEMO 8/11; MEMO 8/12; ALM 8/16; MEE 8/18)

Israeli interior minister Ayelet Shaked said that since the expiration of the ban of family reunification between Israeli citizens and Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza on 7/6, 785 requests have been made. Interior Minister Shaked also said that 2,000 Palestinians have requested to have their temporary permits upgraded to Israeli citizenship. (HA 8/9)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with the new British counsel to Palestine Diane Corner in Ramallah. (MEMO, WAFA 8/10)

Egypt said its petroleum minister discussed plans to liquefy Israeli natural gas at Egyptian liquefaction plants for export. (REU 8/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers installed caravans and started building structures in an evacuated settlement outpost near Yatta. Israeli forces opened fire at a Palestinian vehicle traveling near Ya‘bad, injuring 1 and arresting 2; the 3 were allegedly trying to enter Israel for work. Israeli forces also seized cables and other equipment funded by Denmark to rehabilitate the power grid in the Simya area south of Hebron. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during late-night raids in Hebron and Beit Fajjar, and 6 at checkpoints in and around Tayasir, Deir Balut, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Jabal Mukaber, displacing 2. Israeli forces also delivered orders that they would seize 2 tents used by protesters for an ongoing sit-in protest against evictions in Sheikh Jarrah. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Silwan. In Gaza, Israel halved the Gaza fishing zone, from 12 to 6 nautical miles at its largest width, prevented 25 fuel trucks from entering Gaza, and later conducted 1 drone strike in agricultural lands near Jabalia refugee camp and later 2 air strikes in the same area, causing damage to trees and crops. Israel cited incendiary balloons sent from Gaza to Israel as the reason for its attacks. (AJ, AP, HA, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/25; ALM, FOX, JP, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA 7/26; MEMO 7/27; PCHR 7/29)

Haaretz reported that Israel banned all Palestinian truck drivers with Israeli citizenship from delivering to Israeli military bases during the Israeli attacks on Gaza in May, dubbed Operation Guardian of the Walls. The Israeli military said that the drivers had refused to work during the operation, but that was refuted by the truck drivers themselves and sources in the Israeli military. (HA 7/25; HA 7/26)

The Israeli government said it would delay implementing an oil transportation deal with the UAE, citing environmental concerns. The oil transportation deal was made after the normalization deal between the 2 countries. (AJ 7/25; MEMO 7/26; ALM, JP 7/27)

2 Israeli airlines started commercial flights from Tel Aviv to Marrakesh and Casablanca in Morocco, the 1st direct flights between the 2 countries since they normalized relations in 2020. (AP, MEE, MEMO, REU 7/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian woman in Hebron, causing light injuries. Israeli settlers also fenced off 8 dunams (2 acres) of land near Jaba. 17 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hizma, ‘Anata, Tarqumiyah, al-Dawha, Abu Dis, and Dheisheh refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 school under construction in Shu‘fat refugee camp. 1 Palestinian family also demolished their own home in al-Tur. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Shu‘fat refugee camp. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/6; PCHR 7/8)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh ordered the 21 Palestinians who were arrested during an anti-PA protest in Ramallah on 7/5 to be released. (WAFA 7/6)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas called the Israeli president Reuven Rivlin on the occasion that President Rivlin is leaving office on 7/7. (HA, WAFA 7/6)

The members of the Knesset did not extend the law barring family reunification between Israeli citizens and Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza, as it expired. The vote was 59-59-2; the 2 abstainers were from Ra’am (United Arab List). The law had been extended annually since it was 1st introduced in 2003. (AJ, AP, HA 7/5; AJ, ALM, AP, BBC, CNN, GDN, MEMO, NPR, REU, TOI, WAFA 7/6)

Lebanon’s prime minister Hassan Diab called on the international community to help his country deal with its financial struggles, warning that Lebanon is facing a “social explosion” in days. Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz said he had offered Lebanon humanitarian aid through UN intermediaries. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, REU, TOI 7/6)

The World Bank, EU, and UN issued a report saying that rebuilding Gaza after Israel’s assault in May, dubbed Operation Guardian of the Walls, will cost $485 million over the next 2 years. It estimates $300 million in material damage and $190 million in economic losses. The report also stated that urgent help for food and other necessities was needed for 45,000 people, new housing for 4,000 families, and the creation of 20,000 new jobs. (AJ, ALM, WAFA 7/7; AP, HA 7/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers marched across the West Bank to protest the presence of Palestinians living in Area C, closing off much of Area C to Palestinians. Most of the marches were directed toward the Evyatar settlement outpost, which Israeli settlers are trying to rapidly expand to prevent the new Israeli government from evacuating it. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Wad, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work orders for 2 houses in Idhna and a demolition order for a 2.2-mile-long electric power line near Hebron. Elsewhere, Israeli forces continued blocking the main road to ‘Azun for the 6th day in a row. 15 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bayt Liqya, Tulkarm, Zababdeh, Kafr Qaddum, Aida refugee camp, and Bayt Umar; during the raid in Bayt Umar, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters, leading to tear-gas related injuries. PA forces arrested prominent Israel and PA critic Issa Amro; Amro was later released in the morning of 6/22. In East Jerusalem, 1 firebomb caused minor damage in Shaykh Jarrah; Israeli police arrested 2 Palestinian minors suspected of throwing it. Subsequently, 1 Israeli setter used pepper spray on Palestinians in the area, and other Israeli settlers and Palestinians threw lawn furniture at each other. Palestinians were also said to have shot off firecrackers at Israeli settlers. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians in the area, injuring 20 with rubber-coated bullets and tear gas. Israel continues to prevent Palestinians not living in Shaykh Jarrah from entering while all Jewish Israelis are allowed to enter. Elsewhere, 1 Palestinian started demolishing his own commercial structure in Jabal Mukabir. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/21; AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEE, WAFA 6/22; PCHR 6/24)

Israel allowed a small amount of agricultural and textile products to be exported from Gaza for the 1st time since 5/8. Israel still maintains an even stricter blockade of Gaza than before “Operation Guardian of the Walls” in May. Gaza’s Pepsi factory, for example, sent home all its employees on 6/20 due to running out of carbon dioxide gas and syrup, which it has been unable to secure due to the Israeli blockade. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU, WAFA 6/21)

Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz signed an administrative detention order against a Palestinian citizen of Israel from Lydda. The man is the 3d Palestinian citizen of Israel with orders signed to be put in administrative detention since the middle of May. 12 Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem have also had administrative detention orders signed against them. 13 other Israeli citizens are held in administrative detention but with no order signed against them. It was unclear if any of the 13 were Jewish Israelis. (HA 6/23)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas called on all Palestinian factions to resume national dialogue. (WAFA 6/21)

Hamas’s Yahya Sinwar said that a meeting with the UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Tor Wennesland had gone poorly and that he would consult with the Hamas military wing to find a response to Israel’s continued tightening of its blockade after the latest escalation between Israel and Hamas in May. Sinwar and Wennesland met to discuss how the UN could mediate to strengthen the Hamas-Israel ceasefire. (HA 6/21; AJ 6/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting against the new Israeli settlement outpost Evyatar near Beita, injuring 20. Israeli forces also demolished 1 agricultural structure in al-Khadir and 2 agricultural structures in Abu Tayyah. Elsewhere, Israeli forces continued blocking the main road to ‘Azun for the 5th day in a row. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Yamun and Jalazun refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided Issawiyya and confiscated Palestinian flags, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians; 1 was arrested. 3 others were arrested during raids in al-Tur, Silwan, and the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 6/20; WAFA, WAFA 6/21)

The PA said it still intends to work with Israel on an exchange of COVID-19 vaccines after the PA canceled a deal with Israel on 6/18, saying that the vials received by Israel did not meet the agreed standards. Israel also said that 3 other countries had asked Israel for the vaccine exchange if the PA formally canceled the deal. (HA, JP, WP 6/20; TOI 6/21)

The head of Israel’s central command force Tamir Yadai rejected an appeal by Israeli settlers in the Evyatar settlement outpost to not evacuate it. (HA 6/21)

The new Israeli government decided to postpone a vote on the 2003 emergency regulation, the Provision to the Citizenship and Entry Law, which blocks family unification between Israeli citizens and Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza. The regulation has been extended yearly since 2003, but the new government coalition did agree that the racist regulation should be extended. The regulation ends on 7/6 and the parties said they would work on a compromise. If the order expires, interior minister Ayelet Shaked is presumed to use her authority to reject family reunification applications from Palestinian citizens of Israel. (MEMO 6/18; HA 6/19; HA 6/20; HA, TOI 6/21; PCHR 6/24)

An Israeli court released the deputy leader of the northern faction of the Islamic Movement in Israel, Shaykh Kamal Khatib, into house arrest after arresting him on 5/14, accusing him of incitement to violence. (MEMO 6/21)

Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett said Israel would change its approach to Hamas, stating that “our enemies will learn the rules—we won’t tolerate violence, we won’t tolerate trickles (of rocket), we won’t understand or accept ‘rebels’.” Prime Minister Bennett also said his approach was “one of initiative, decisiveness and suspicion.” (HA, TOI 6/20)

The German government coalition agreed to ban Hamas flags, saying that displays of the flag were seen at pro-Palestinian protests in Germany in May. (HA 6/20)

Malaysia said it would contribute $1 million to rebuilding a COVID-19 test center destroyed in an Israeli air strike last month. (WAFA 6/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed 1 Palestinian in Beita using live ammunition and injured another 18 using rubber-coated bullets during a protest against Israeli settler encroachment in the area. Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinians in Huwwara; both were transferred to a hospital. In a separate incident in Hebron, 2 Palestinians were attacked by Israeli settlers. 16 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Ramallah, and Nablus. During a late-night raid in Ramallah, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians. (AJ, HA, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/11; PCHR 3/18)

In the U.S. State Department’s annual global human rights report, Palestinians living in East Jerusalem were referred to as “Arab residents” and “non-Israeli citizens,” as opposed to “Palestinian residents” as the descriptor used in previous reports. The PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki condemned the change. (REU 3/11; HA, JP, WAFA 3/12)

The UK announced that it had donated $100,000 to the World Health Organization in Palestine to help fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the West Bank. (WAFA 3/11)

In the West Bank, 10 Palestinians were reported arrested by Israeli forces. In East Jerusalem, clashes between Israeli police and Muslim worshippers erupted after 120 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound on the Israeli-celebrated Jerusalem Day, which included a flag march through the Old City. 1 Palestinian was injured with a head injury after being beaten by Israeli police and others suffered from tear gas inhalation. The march also left much of East Jerusalem closed to Palestinians. 40 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids and throughout the day. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/2)

The Israeli state comptroller criticized the Israeli and Jerusalem authorities for neglecting social services in East Jerusalem such as garbage disposal and street cleaning. The state comptroller also criticized the waiting time for East Jerusalem Palestinians seeking Israeli citizenship. (HA 6/2)

An Israeli police officer was charged with fracturing the leg of a Palestinian citizen of Israel and assaulting 7 others detained at a demonstration in Haifa in 2018. (HA 6/2)

Israel struck targets in Syria for the 2d day in a row. 2 people were reportedly killed and 2 others injured when Israeli missiles hit buildings at a Syrian military base in Homs. (HA 6/3; HA 6/4)

Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said of the still-unannounced U.S. peace plan that Egypt would not accept terms against Palestinian wishes. (HA 6/3)

U.S. president Donald Trump said of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s failure to form a government that he is “not happy” with the outcome and that Israeli politicians “should get their act together.” (HA 6/3)

U.S. special adviser and son-in-law to President Donald Trump Jared Kushner said, when asked if he believed that Palestinians were capable of governing themselves, that “we’ll have to see. The hope is that they, over time, will become capable of governing.” Kushner would also not confirm if the U.S. peace plan includes 2 states. “I do think they should have self-determination. I’m going to leave the details until we come out with the plan.” (AJ 6/3)

For the 2d day in a row, Israeli police shoot and kill a Palestinian outside the Old City as he is fleeing a group of Jewish Israelis. The police claim he stabbed and injured an Israeli teen in the area, but multiple videos show the Palestinian youth weaponless and fleeing Israelis who were trying to attack him. Following the killing, clashes break out in the surrounding area and Israeli forces conduct raids throughout East Jerusalem. In total, 21 Palestinians and 1 Lebanese journalist are injured and at least 22 Palestinians are arrested. Around 100 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif on the last day of Sukkoth. The holiday and corresponding restrictions on Palestinian access at Haram al-Sharif (announced 9/27) end this evening. Protesting the recent Israeli violations at Haram al-Sharif, Palestinian shop owners across the Old City and East Jerusalem shutter their businesses. Later, the Israeli police announce a 48-hour ban on Palestinian entry to the Old City: Only Israeli citizens, Palestinians with Israeli citizenship, and tourists will be allowed access. (EI, HA, MNA, TOI 10/4; MNA, WAFA 10/5; PCHR 10/8)

Hundreds of Palestinians continue nonviolent protests throughout the West Bank. In response, Israeli forces violently disperse protesters, conduct raids, and patrol throughout the area, injuring a total of 25 (1 succumbs to his injuries later in the evening) and arresting 2 Palestinians. Nr. Ramallah, IDF troops search the home of the Palestinian man who attacked a group of Israelis with a knife on 10/3, detaining 18 mbrs. of his family and threatening punitive demolition. The worst violence of the day is concentrated in the Hebron area, where Palestinian youths throw an improvised explosive device toward Israeli troops, and the soldiers respond with live ammunition. Nearby, Israeli settlers assault an elderly Palestinian; smash solar panels; assault a Palestinian family; break the windows of a Palestinian car. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set fire to agricultural areas nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with Palesinian stone-throwers. Israeli soldiers intervene to protect the settlers, injuring at least 7 Palestinians. Meanwhile, hundreds of settlers block off 2 roads in the Jordan Valley and n. of Ramallah in protest of recent Palestinian attacks. For the 8th time this quarter, rockets are fired from Gaza toward Israel. Although Sarayat al-Shaykh Umar Hadid fighters claim responsibility for the 2 rockets, IAF jets target a retaliatory air strike at a Hamas military site s. of Gaza City, causing severe damage. Off the coast nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces arrest 2 Palestinian fishermen. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 10/4; HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, NYT 10/5; PCHR 10/8)

In a televised statement, Israeli PM Netanyahu pledges to expedite the punitive demolitions of Palestinian attackers’ family homes, extend the terms of administrative detentions, and increase troop deployments in the oPt. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 10/4; MNA, YA 10/5)

The IDF deports to Gaza a Palestinian woman married to an Israeli Palestinian, their 2-yr. old daughter, saying they violated the Israeli Citizenship Law; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis, Rafah; begins bulldozing Far‘un, Jayyus land confiscated on 12/17 for construction of the separation wall. The IDF denies a press card for entry to the occupied territories to Israeli Arab photographer Jamil Kadamani, citing “security considerations”; Kadamani, who works for French TV station FT1, has had a regular press card, allowing him access to Israeli officials, for 3 yrs. Palestinians fire mortars at central Gaza Jewish settlements, causing no damage or injuries. A PA court in Gaza sentences 4 Palestinians to terms ranging fr. 10 to 20 yrs. for collaborating with the Shin Bet. (HA 12/20; VOI 12/20 in WNC 12/22; AYM 12/21 in WNC 12/23; PCHR 12/23; HA 1/31)

Before dawn, IDF helicopters fire 5 missiles at a school in Khan Yunis, extensively damaging it; fatally shoots a Palestinian drummer going alley-to-alley in Askar r.c. nr. Nablus despite the curfew to declare the start of the day’s Ramadan fast (Ramadan began on 11/6), bars an ambulance fr. reaching him, allowing him to bleed to death. During the day, the IDF fatally shoots 1 Palestinian driving in Bethlehem; holds a Palestinian woman in labor at a Bethlehem checkpoint for 2 hrs., causing her baby to die; conducts arrest raids in Balata r.c., Nablus; raids an emergency clinic in Hebron, vandalizing patient files. A PFLP suicide bomber detonates a car bomb nr. an IDF post in Gaza, killing himself but causing no other injuries. Palestinians fire 5 mortars at Gush Katif settlement, causing no damage or injuries. (LAW, PCHR, PM, UPMRC, WT 11/27; HA, WP 11/28)

Israel’s Interior M Eli Yishai announces his decision to strip Israeli Arab Qays Obeid, now residing in Lebanon, of his Israeli citizenship for allegedly spying for Hizballah, marking the 2d time Yishai has stripped an Israeli Arab of his citizenship. (HA 11/27)

As Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, 2 Jewish settler teenagers (1 of whom is a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen) are found beaten to death in a cave nr. Bethlehem; the pair have been missing since 5/8. Sharon calls the murders a "new escalation," blames the PA. The IDF detains 15 Palestinians for questioning. YESHA settlers council says the proper response is to accelerate settlement construction, declare Arafat an enemy of the state, bring down the PA. The IDF makes 4 incursions into PA-controlled territory: sending bulldozers covered by tanks into Rafah to demolish a Palestinian home, shell a PSF post; bulldozing Palestinian land nr. Gaza City; twice entering Bayt Hanun to bulldoze land, a PSF post. Hamas claims responsiblity for a roadside bomb on the Egypt-Gaza border that kills 2 Rumanian migrant laborers, wounds 1. Palestinians fire 2 mortars at Nissanit settlement in Gaza, causing no damage. (AP, MM 5/9; MM, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 5/10; LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/11; WJW 5/17; MEI 5/18)

For the 1st time in 3 yrs., the Israeli government demolishes 2 bedouin homes in the Negev. (Mossawa Center press release 5/17) (see 4/26)

In talks in New York mediated by Secy. of State Albright mediating, Israel, PA agree to resume joint subcomm. talks 10/6; to meet in Washington 10/13. Albright also meets with Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara`. (MM 9/29; MM, NYT, WP 9/30; ITV 9/30 in WNC 10/2; IDF Radio 9/30 in WNC 10/1)

Israel says it will not agree to a U.S. request to extradite American teenager Samuel Sheinbein, wanted for murder in Maryland; will try the case in Israeli court. Sheinbein's father, who was born in Madate Palestine in 1944 and left Israel in 1950, holds dual U.S.-Israeli citizenship, meaning--Israel says--that his son is automatically an Israeli citizen and by law cannot be extradited. (WP, WT 9/30; NYT, WP, WT 10/1; WJW 10/2; IGPO 10/9 in WNC 10/10; JP 10/18)

Iranian warplanes hit Mujahidin al-Khalq camps inside Iraq, injuring 2 Iraqi civilians. Mujahidin al-Khalq is an exiled Iranian group adovcating the armed overthrow of Iran's Islamic government. (WP, WT 9/30; MEI 10/10)

In s. Lebanon, an IDF intelligence officer is killed in clash with Hizballah. (MM 9/30)

Israeli citizen David Mir, who owns 50% of the land which Israel confiscated for Har Homa and disapproves of Israel's decision to build, announces that he has been negotiating with Palestinians, other Arabs to transfer his rights to the land so as to turn the construction at Har Homa into construction on land confiscated fr. Arabs. (ITV 4/4 in WNC 4/7)

Turkey ratifies free trade agmt. with Israel (passed by the Knesset in 1996). (Analtolia [Ankara] 4/8 in WNC 4/9; VIRI 4/8 in WNC 4/10)

400 Palestinians clash with IDF troops in Hebron. 16 Palestinians are wounded by rubber bullets. Other clashes occur in Bethlehem, East Jerusalem. (WT 4/5)

Greece complains to the U.S. about recent Israeli initiatives, U.S. relations with Turkey. (MA 4/6 in WNC 4/8) (see 4/3)

In Lebanon, delegation fr. Hamas's political bureau meets with Hizballah Secy. Gen. Hasan Nasrallah to discuss peace process, Jerusalem. (al-'Ahd 4/4 in WNC 4/9)