The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shoot and kill 3 Palestinians and injure 3 others during raids in al-Fara’a refugee camp and Tubas. Israeli forces also shoot and kill a Palestinian man near al-Muntar. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Beit Furik. Israeli forces also seize a bulldozer during a raid in Bidya. Meanwhile, Israeli forces also arrest 30 Palestinians from Gaza in Barta’a and 5 others in Nablus, Beit Furik, Jalazone, Jericho, and Tubas, including a Palestinian child in Jericho who was released as part of the ceasefire prisoner swap in November 2023. 9 Palestinians prisoners released as part of the deal have been arrested again. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Dayr al-Balah, and Rafah, killing at least 96 people. 2 babies die at the Kamal Adwan Hospital due to dehydration. 2 rockets are fired at Ashkelon, both are intercepted. 2 Israeli soldiers die in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Ayta ash Shab, Sidon, and Tyre. Hezbollah fires anti-tank missiles at an Israeli airbase in the Mount Meron area, causing damage. In the Red Sea, U.S. forces shoot down 5 drones launched from Yemen. Germany naval forces also intercept a drone launched from Yemen. (HA 2/26; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/27; AJ, HA, UNOCHA 2/28)

More than 29,878 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 12,000 children and 7,200 women, and around 70,215 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 404 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 4,590 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, 240 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,408 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. For the second day in a row, Jordan, Egypt, France, and the UAE airdrop humanitarian aid to Gaza using 6 C-130 planes. Jordanian king Abdullah II personally takes part in the airdrop mission. 135 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (AJ, HA, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA 2/27; UNOCHA 2/29)

The Israeli military’s Central Command commander Yehuda Fuchs signs an order to allow the Mitzpeh Yehuda settlement outpost to be turned into a new settlement called Mishmar Yehuda that initially would have 3,600 housing units and later expand to 13,600 housing units. Mitzpeh Yehuda is north of al-Ubeidiya. (HA, PCN, REU, WAFA 2/28)

Hamas official Basem Naim says Hamas has not received the U.S., Israeli, Egyptian, and Qatari ceasefire counterproposal. Reuters reports that the proposal’s first stage includes a 40-day ceasefire, a prisoner exchange ratio of 1 Israeli to 10 Palestinians, that both parties end military operations, a halt to Israeli arial reconnaissance operations for 8 hours a day, and a gradual return of Palestinians to northern Gaza except for men of military age. The second stage would see Israeli forces leave densely populated areas, at least 500 trucks carrying aid enter daily, 200,000 tents and 60,000 caravans enter Gaza, and Israel allow the rebuilding of hospitals and bakeries and allow heavy machinery to enter Gaza to remove rubble. (AJ, AJ, REU 2/27)

PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki meets with WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus in Geneva, Switzerland, discussing the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Al-Maliki also briefs the UN Human Rights Council on the situation in Gaza. President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh meet with Japanese foreign minister Tsuji Kiyoto in Ramallah. Japan donates $32 million in emergency aid to Gaza through the World Food Programme, WHO, and UNICEF. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/27)

The Israeli Army Radio reports that the military and the Shin Bet have urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to restrict entry for Muslim worshippers to the Haram al-Sharif compound during Ramadan, citing the security situation in the West Bank. (AJ 2/27)

Israeli economy minister Nir Barakat tells reporters at the World Trade Organization conference in Abu Dhabi that “in the wars Israel had we had a dip in the economy but immediately after we had a huge spike in innovation. And the knowledge and the experience Israel is gathering in this round of violence is second to none . . . Especially after this war I think we are probably going to be leading many, many initiatives on what next-generation warfare is going to look like.” (REU 2/27)

At the UN Security Council, UNOCHA head and representative in Geneva Ramesh Rajasingham says 576,000 people in Gaza are “one step away from famine.” (AJ, HA, REU, UNOCHA 2/27; AJ, AP 2/28)

U.S. treasury secretary Janet Yellen says Israel has started transferring the PA’s tax revenue to the PA upon request from the U.S. and that she urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to reverse the ban on Palestinians from the West Bank working in Israel. President Joe Biden meets with House speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) at the White House, urging him to pass the Senate supplemental funding bill providing aid to Israel and Ukraine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks with Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and UAE foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, discussing the situation in Gaza and the establishment of a Palestinian state. USAID administrator Samantha Power says the U.S. will provide an additional $53 million in humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, NYT, REU 2/27; NYT 2/28)

Axios reports that the U.S. has given Israel until mid-March to sign a letter guaranteeing that Israel will use U.S.-provided weapons in accordance with international law and that Israel will allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. (AJ, AX 2/27)

A poll released by Data for Progress shows 67% of U.S. voters support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, including 77% of Democrats and 56% of Republicans. (AJ 2/27)

At the Michigan presidential primaries, an effort to challenge President Biden’s Gaza policy gains support as more than 100,000 voters vote “uncommitted” which organizers had urged people who are angry with Biden’s approach to do in the Democratic primary. Michigan is a swing state which former president Donald Trump won with 11,000 votes in 2016 and Biden won with 150,000 votes in 2020. (AJ, AP, HA, NYT 2/28)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian man was shot and killed after he rammed 7 people, killing 1 and injuring 6, including 1 Palestinian minor, 2 soldiers, and 2 settlers at a checkpoint near Ni’lin. The man’s family said he had been humiliated by Israeli forces at a checkpoint 2 weeks ago. Israeli forces later raided the man’s home in Deir ‘Ammar refugee camp, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 1 with a baton round; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli settlers threw stones at a Palestinian family driving near the al-Mahkamah checkpoint, injuring 1 child and causing damage to the vehicle. Israeli settlers also stopped 1 Palestinian woman driving near Ramallah, smashing her window and stealing her bag. Israeli forces seized 1 bulldozer in Bidya. 16 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Salfit, Jenin, Ramallah, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian taxi driver with tools and sticks near the Mamilla Cemetery. Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces issued demolition notices for 9 Palestinian-owned homes in al-Bustan. In Haifa, around 3,000 Palestinian citizens of Israel marched with 164 coffins to protest the Israeli police’s failure to combat gun violence in their communities; the protest was attended by MK Ayman Odeh. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/31; PCHR 9/7; UNOCHA 9/11)

Adalah petitioned the Israeli High Court of Justice to intervene against legislation from July which prevents 1,500 prisoners, mainly Palestinians, from being released from Israeli prisons on 9/1. Adalah said the law, pushed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, “is another step up in the racist, sweeping and arbitrary measures against Palestinian prisoners.” (HA 8/31; WAFA 9/2)

In a televised ministerial meeting, Libyan prime minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh said that his government rejects “any form of normalization” with Israel, saying “[l]ong live Libya, long live Palestine, and long live the Palestinian cause in all of our hearts.” The remarks followed the suspension of the Libyan foreign minister on 8/27 after it was made public that she held a meeting with Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen in Rome last week. (AP, HA 8/31)

Former directors of the Shin Bet Yuval Diskin (2005-2011) and Ami Ayalon (1995-2000) urged U.S. president Joe Biden not to meet with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing the Israeli government’s effort to overhaul the judicial branch of government. (HA 8/31)

56 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 7 Democrats in the Senate led by Representative Andre Carson (D-IN) and Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VA) urged Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) and House Representative Michael McCaul (D-TX) to end their block on the dispersal of $75 million for UNRWA food program assistance in the West Bank and Gaza. (HA 8/31)

Israel summoned the Belgian ambassador for a reprimand after the Belgian minister for international development Caroline Ganz said “entire villages are being wiped off the map by the Israelis,” referring to the Palestinian villages where residents have fled during the summer due to Israeli settler attacks and Israeli military demolitions. (HA 8/31; WAFA 9/1)

The Forward reported that in his forthcoming book The Last Politician: Inside Joe Biden’s White House and the Struggle for America’s Future, Franklin Foer wrote that President Joe Biden had directed his national security advisors to “[s]mother [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu with love” during Israel’s May 2021 assault on Gaza. According to Foer, Biden refrained from criticizing Israel’s assault to build trust with Netanyahu. (HA 8/31)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian-owned car and threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near ‘Urif. Israeli settlers also attacked Israeli forces that were pursuing the suspected arsonist, blocking the soldiers’ vehicle and pushing the soldiers. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at 2 schools and homes in Burqa. Israeli settlers also the slashed tires of Palestinian vehicles in Hebron. Israeli forces uprooted olive trees from a settlement farm after the Israeli Supreme Court ruled that the farmland belongs to Palestinian families. Some 40 Israeli settlers were detained during the razing of the land. Israeli forces also issued a demolition notice and a stop-work order for 2 homes in Birin. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 house in Shaab al-Butum and uprooted 100 olive and almond trees in Khillet al-Dabe in the Masafer Yatta area. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Husan, Bethlehem, Kafr Malik, Beit Sira, Tell, Nablus, Tulkarm, and Bidya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished parts of their own home in Isawiya. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/15; HA, HA, PCHR 2/16; UNOCHA 3/4)

The Knesset passed a law that allows the interior ministry to revoke the residency and citizenship of Palestinians in Israel who are convicted of terrorism and receive funding from the PA. If their citizenship and residency status is revoked, Israel can deport the Palestinian to the West Bank. (ALM, AP, HA, MEE, NYT, REU 2/15; AJ, GDN 2/16; MDW 2/20)

Reuters reported that the UN Security Council was considering a draft resolution written by the UAE in coordination with the PA to have the body condemn Israel’s settlement announcement from 2/12. The U.S. State Department called the draft resolution “unhelpful” but did not say if the U.S. would veto it. The vote is likely to take place on 2/20. (AX 2/14; REU 2/15; HA, REU 2/16; AP, HA 2/17)

An investigation by dozens of media outlets worldwide led by Forbidden Stories revealed that an Israeli company has been hired to meddle in election campaigns throughout the world. According to the company’s senior staff, the company has successfully meddled in 27 of 33 presidential-level campaigns it has been involved in, including in the 2022 Kenyan elections and the Nigerian elections in 2015. (GDN, HA, HA, HA 2/15; F24, HA, HA 2/16; GDN 2/17)

Japan announced an aid package to Palestine worth some $40 million, including support for UNRWA. (WAFA 2/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Israeli activists from Rabbis for Human Rights working with Palestinians in Burin to plant trees; 7 were injured by the settlers with clubs and other improvised weapons and 1 car was set on fire. Rabbis for Human rights posted a video of the incident on Twitter. Israeli settlers also fenced off 4 dunams (1 acre) of Palestinian land in Kafr ad-Dik and planted it with trees. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized some 300 olive tree saplings in Deir Sharaf. Israeli settlers also vandalized 90 olive trees and olive saplings in Yasuf and Bidya. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian man and attempted to set his car on fire in Deir Istiya. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, inuring 6 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 9 with rubber-coated bullets and 52 with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 17 with tear gas. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian man in Sinjil, detaining him before allowing Palestinians to take him to a hospital in Ramallah. Meanwhile, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet and others with tear gas. 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during late-night raids in Sinjil and Jannatah and 4 during a house raid in Zeita. PA forces arrested 3 members of Islamic Jihad during a raid in Beita, including Abdul Raouf al-Jaghoub, a local Islamic Jihad leader. Hamas and Islamic Jihad slammed the PA for the arrests. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers led by deputy mayor of Jerusalem Aryeh King assaulted 1 Palestinian and set up barbed wire around a plot of land belonging to the Salem family, who are threatened by eviction in Sheikh Jarrah; Israeli forces also confiscated Palestinian flags from protesters. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire and fired tear gas at Palestinian farmers east of Dayr al-Balah, Abasan, and al-Qarara; no injuries were reported. (HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/21; MEMO 1/22; ALM 1/25; PCHR 1/27)

Israel’s public security minister Omer Bar-Lev called the incident where activists from Rabbis for Human Rights were attacked by Israeli settlers near Burin “actions of a terror organization.” Public Security Minister Bar-Lev further stated that it is difficult to apprehend the attackers. No arrests were made as of 1/22. (HA, MEMO 1/23)

The Qatari foreign ministry said it had signed a deal to cover the cost of supplying Gaza’s power plant with gas through an escrow account. (HA 1/21; ALM, MEMO 1/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured 3 others during a late-night raid in Nablus, Israel claimed that explosives had been thrown at the Israeli forces as they raided the city; no Israeli was injured during the raid; the PA condemned the killing. 23 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 at the Allenby Bridge and 22 during raids in Beitunia, Bayt Liqya, Ramallah, al-Bireh, al-Eizariya, Hebron, al-Arroub refugee camp, Qarawat Bani Hassan, Bidya, Ras al-Ain, Jamma‘in, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli municipality began razing land seized from 4 Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah, which served as a parking lot and car wash in preparation for construction of a settler park. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Beit Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land in the northern part of Gaza near the Gaza fence. Israeli forces also opened fire at Palestinian farmers working their lands east of Maghazi and Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, MDW, MEE, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/13; PCHR 12/16)

Haaretz reported that the Custodian General’s unit in the Israeli Justice Ministry is exploring plans to build 5 Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem: 1 in Sheikh Jarrah, 1 near the Damascus Gate, 1 in Sur Baher, 1 in Bayt Hanina, and 2 in Bayt Safafa. The Custodian General manages private property claimed by Israel to have unknown owners. Most of the properties managed by the Custodian General are in East Jerusalem. (HA, MEE 12/13)

The patriarchs and heads of local churches of Jerusalem released a statement warning that Israeli government is failing to protect the Christian community in Jerusalem from physical attacks by “radical groups” and groups trying to displace the Christian community from Jerusalem by acquiring “strategic property . . . using underhanded dealings and intimidation tactics to evict residents from their homes.” (TOI 12/19; BBC, HA, MEE 12/21)

Israel released the former leader of the northern branch Islamic Movement in Israel Sheikh Raed Salah after 17 months in prison for “incitement.” (MEMO 12/8; AJ, MEE, MEMO 12/13; MEMO 12/14)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with U.S. state department undersecretary for political affairs Victoria Nuland in Ramallah. (WAFA 12/13)

Israel’s prime minister Naftali Bennett met with UAE crown prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. The 2 were said to have discussed Iran and building on the 2 countries’ normalization agreement. A joint statement later announced that the 2 countries had plans to establish a joint research and development fund. (AP, CNN, HA, MEMO, NYT, REU, REU 12/13; ALM, MEMO 12/14)

Israel’s public security minister Omer Bar-Lev told Undersecretary Victoria Nuland that he views settler violence “severely” and is taking action against it. Public Security Minister Bar-Lev’s comments drew the ire of Israeli politicians in his coalition and further right, who said that there is no issue with Israeli settler violence toward Palestinians. (HA 12/13; HA 12/16; ALM 12/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers from the Yitzhar settlement chased Palestinians harvesting olives off their land in Burin. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinians harvesting olives with stones and sticks near Qalqilya. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinians harvesting olives near Bidya. Israeli settlers also attacked PA land surveyors working in the Masafer Yatta area, forcing them to leave. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers vandalized Palestinian-owned vehicles near Beit Iksa. Israeli forces seized 1 excavator in Dirat. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians said to have been throwing stones at Jewish people at the Damascus Gate plaza; 4 were arrested. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/9; HA 10/11; TOI 10/12; PCHR 10/14)

The 2 main Lebanese power plants ran out of diesel fuel, stopping all state production of energy in Lebanon. The 2 power plants received some diesel fuel almost 24 hours after shutting down, providing some energy to Lebanon. (AJ, REU 10/9; AJ, MEMO 10/10; HA, REU 10/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized 2 Palestinian-owned tractors in Bidya. 2 Palestinians were arrested at the Qalandia and Huwwara checkpoints In Gaza, 2 Palestinian minors were hospitalized after Israeli naval forces opened fire at them while on a beach near Rafah. Israeli naval forces also opened fire at Palestinian fishermen some 6 nautical miles northwest of Rafah and 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 2/27; PCHR 3/4)

All checkpoints to Gaza and the West Bank were closed by Israel for the Purim holiday. Closures are expected to last until the evening of 2/28. (HA 2/25)

The PA announced new COVID-19 restriction measures, including nighttime curfews starting at 7 p.m. and the closure of kindergartens and schools. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh also complained that restrictions on movement between districts were not being followed. The new restrictions were imposed as the PA health ministry has found that the British and South African COVID-19 mutations were more prevalent in the West Bank than previously thought. Both mutations spread the virus faster and cause more severe illness, including in children. As the new restrictions were announced, the PA health ministry said that the intensive care units in the West Bank were at 95 percent occupancy. A total of 2,236 Palestinians have died of the COVID-19 virus in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza since the beginning of the outbreak. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 2/27)

The secretary general of the central committee of Fatah Jibril Rajoub said that Fatah is trying to get all Palestinian parties to run under 1 joint list for the upcoming Palestinian elections. (WAFA 2/27)

In Israel, Israeli protesters demonstrated against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the 36th Saturday in a row. The protesters are demanding Prime Minister Netanyahu’s resignation for the government’s handling of the Israeli economy, his corruption cases, and the COVID-19 crisis. (HA 2/27)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler killed 1 Palestinian and injured 2 others after ramming his car into them while they were hiking near Bardala; this was the 2d Palestinian killed by a settler using their vehicle in 3 days. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian farmers working their land in Shu‘fa, forcing them to leave. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raided Luban al-Sharqiyya, leading to confrontations with Palestinians. Israeli settlers also severely injured 1 Palestinian man in Kafr Qalil. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers assaulted 2 Palestinian women south of Jenin. Israeli settlers with military protection also attacked Palestinians protesting settlement expansion near Bidya; 1 Palestinian was injured by a tear gas canister. Israeli forces violently dispersed an anti-settlement protest in Dayr Jarir, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 4 with live ammunition; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a tree planting event in Burin; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 8 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in Salfit, injuring 6 Palestinians who were hit with tear gas canisters. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own barn to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees in al-Fureidis village. 2 Palestinians were arrested in and around Jenin and Tubas. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested in the Old City. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/12; WAFA, WAFA 2/13; PCHR 2/18)

A U.S. federal appeals court ruled an Arkansan law requiring state contractors to pledge not to boycott Israel unconstitutional. (AP 2/12)

British lawyer Karim Khan was elected to be the next ICC chief prosecutor when Fatou Bensouda’s 9-year term expires in June. Karim Khan, who may be the prosecutor in charge of a potential ICC war crimes investigation of Israel and Hamas, received 72 votes of 123. Khan is currently leading a UN team investigating allegations of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes committed by ISIS in Iraq. (AP 2/12; WAFA 2/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up mobile homes on Palestinian-owned land near Bidya. 3 Palestinians were arrested during house raids in Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested in Jabal Mukabir and al-Tur. (WAFA 1/31; PCHR 2/4)

In Israel, protests against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued for the 32d Saturday in a row with thousands of people gathering outside of his official residence demanding his resignation over his corruption charges, COVID-19 response, and the Israeli economy. (AP, HA 1/30; PCHR 2/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers harvesting olives in Bayt Furik. Israeli forces demolished 1 house under construction near Yatta. Israeli forces also assaulted 1 Palestinian in Bidya before arresting him. 8 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Salfit. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/2; PCHR 11/5)

Egypt opened the Rafah crossing. It is planned to be open until 11/5. People entering Gaza must isolate at an isolation facility for 21 days before being able to enter the general public. (MEMO 11/1)

The Palestinian Prisoner Society said that 12 Palestinian prisoners in the Gilboa prison tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. (WAFA 11/2)

Israel’s intelligence affairs minister Eli Cohen said that Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Morocco, and Niger are “on the agenda” for normalization deals. (HA, REU 11/2)

As Israeli-Palestinian fighting continue as Israel marks Yom Kippur. Barak warns if clashes continue, the IDF's will begin targeting Arafat's offices, PA police stations, top cmdrs.; Israel may implement a "sanctions package" (including, sealing the West Bank and Gaza, halting all monetary transfers). At Netzarim Junction, the IDF demolishes 2 apartment buildings formerly used as PA police barracks, a factory, an office, several homes, a water well, and an 20-dunam orange grove. A settler rabbi is found shot to death in a West Bank cave. Armed Jewish settlers enter Palestinian areas of East Jerusalem and Hebron, Bidya, Husan, Salfit, Shuafat camp, burning shops, beating Palestinians, shooting at houses, and wounding at least 8 Palestinians, 1 of whom bleeds to death as settlers hold off ambulances with gunfire. Inside Israel, Jewish residents of Upper Nazareth attack Israeli Arabs, property in Nazareth. (ADM, LAW, REU 10/8; Interfax 10/8 in WNC 10/10; Gush Shalom press release, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/9; HA [Internet], MM, WP 10/10; MA 10/10 in WNC 10/12; HA [Internet] 10/11; MEI, NYT 10/13; LAW 10/19; Globes [Internet] 10/25)

Lebanon places its forces on alert as Israel reinforces troops on the blue line, conducts overflights of Beirut, and warns Hizballah, Lebanon, and Syria of "decisive action" if Hizballah does not release the 3 IDF soldiers kidnapped on 10/7. Saudi Arabia warns Israel that Arab states will not sit idly by if Barak follows through on his threat. (NYT, WP, WT 10/9; MM 10/10; MEI 10/13)

Pres. Clinton asks Mubarak to convene a summit where they could meet with Arafat, Barak. None of the 3 leaders immediately embraces the idea. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/9; MENA 10/9 in WNC 10/10; AYM 10/10 in WNC 10/12)

In Gaza, Arafat meets with the Executive Authority and reps. of Hamas, Islamic Jihad to coordinate a joint response to Barak's latest warnings. (NYT 10/9; HJ, MA 10/10 in WNC 10/12; MM 10/11)

The PA releases 5 Hamas mbrs. fr. PA jails. Hamas says 23 mbrs. have been freed in recent days. (AYM 10/9 in WNC 10/12; AYM 10/12 in WNC 10/13) (see 10/4)

Jordan announces that it will postpone sending its newly appointed amb. to Israel to protest Israel's excessive use of force against Palestinians. (WP 10/9; MM 10/10; HA [Internet] 10/11)

In Morocco, 500,000 people march to protest Israel's recent actions. In Amman, 100s of Jordanian students attempt a march to the U.S., Israeli embs. but clash with riot police; at least 5 are injured, 10 arrested. In Beirut, 25,000 Lebanese and Palestinians march in funeral processions for 2 Palestinians shot by IDF on the blue line on 10/7. In Cairo, 9,000 Egyptian students hold a rally. Demonstrations continue in Australia, Greece, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen. In the U.S., protests are held in Albuquerque, Anaheim, Kansas City. (UPI 10/8; MENA 10/8, JT 10/9 in WNC 10/10; MM 10/9; Daily Star [Internet], NYT, WP 10/9; TT 10/10 in WNC 10/12; MEI 10/13)