The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, an Israeli settler is stabbed and injured in Dahariya; Israeli forces later arrest a Palestinian man saying he is the perpetrator. Israeli settlers attack Palestinian farmers in Ein Qinya and Qarawat Bani Hassan. Israeli settlers also throw stones at Palestinians in Kafr ad-Dik and Burqa. Israeli forces shoot and kill a 13-year-old Palestinian child near Jalazone refugee camp. Israeli forces also shoot and kill a 16-year-old Palestinian child in Kafr Ni’ma. Elsewhere, Israeli forces also raid 2 printing presses in Jaba’ and Sanur, damaging content in Jaba’ and seizing 6 printing machines, 5 computers and other equipment in Sanur. Israeli forces also arrest 10 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jenin. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, Khan Yunis, Jabalia refugee camp, Beit Hanun, Gaza City, and Dayr al-Balah, killing at least 92 people, including killing at least 11 in a tent camp in Rafah and 20 in a residential building in Jabalia refugee camp. Israeli forces also attack Palestinians waiting for flour deliveries in Gaza City, killing at least 1 person and injuring 26 others. An Israeli soldier is killed in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces kill 7 people in airstrikes on Naqoura and Blida. Hezbollah says it attacked Israeli soldiers near the Blue Line. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/2; AJ, AJ, HA, HA 3/3; UNOCHA 3/4)

More than 30,320 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,230 children and 8,860 women, and around 71,533 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 411 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 105 children. More than 4,606 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, 244 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,432 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. The U.S. and Jordan airdrop 38,000 meals to Gaza. It is the first time the U.S. airdropped aid to Gaza and President Joe Biden says “not nearly enough” aid is entering Gaza. 107 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA 3/2; AP, HA 3/3; UNOCHA 3/4)

The U.S. says Israel has “basically accepted” a 6-week ceasefire. Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani meets with Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry in Doha, discussing ceasefire negotiations. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA 3/2)

At the UN Security Council, an Algerian-proposed statement expressing “deep concern” over the Flour Massacre, including Israel’s use of live fire on aid seekers, is adopted. The statement calls on all parties to adhere to international law and on Israel to keep border crossings open and open additional crossings for aid deliveries. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 3/3)

The New York Times reports that Israel has reached out to Palestinian businesspeople in Gaza, asking them to help organize aid convoys to northern Gaza. 4 convoys have already been carried out, including the one that was attacked by Israeli forces on 2/29. (NYT 3/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raze Palestinian-owned land in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces fatally shoot a Palestinian man during a raid in Jaba’. Israeli forces seize several Palestinian-owned vehicles in Hebron and Dahariya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israel forces bomb Rafah, Khan Yunis, Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Maghazi, killing at least 112 people. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb an ambulance, killing 2 medics in Hanine. Hezbollah attacks Kiryat Shmona and Birket Riche. In Yemen, the U.S. and the UK launch airstrikes in several places, killing 6 Yemenis and damaging 4 airports and a Houthi military base. Off the coast of Oman, hijackers, reportedly from Iran, seize a commercial vessel carrying oil changing its course toward Iran. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/11; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, WAFA 1/12; HA, HA 1/14)

More than 23,469 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,350 women and children, and around 59,604 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 336 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 84 children. More than 4,148 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, 184 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,085 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 69,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 145 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah and Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossings. The World Food Programme says it has delivered food aid to Gaza City for the first time in several weeks. (AJ, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 1/11)

Israel issues evacuation orders for al-Mawasi, telling Palestinians to flee to Dayr al-Balah. (UNOCHA 1/11)

Oxfam releases a report saying Israel’s war on Gaza is the deadliest in recent years with an average of 250 Palestinians killed per day. Oxfam compares the daily casualty numbers to 96 in Syria, 52 in Sudan, 51 in Iraq, and 44 in Ukraine. (AJ, AJ 1/11)

PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh meets with Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha, discussing the situation in Palestine. (AJ 1/11)

Hamas and Islamic Jihad condemn the U.S. and UK attacks on Yemen. Russia calls an emergency meeting at the UN Security Council in response to the attack. Saudi Arabia calls for restraint. Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and South Korea sign a joint statement with the U.S. and the UK in support of the attacks. France and Italy reportedly refuse to sign the statement. U.S. president Joe Biden cites the impact of the attacks in the Red Sea on global oil prices when asked about the attacks on Yemen. Biden also calls the Houthis “terrorists.” (AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU 1/12)

South Africa presents its case for an injunction against Israel’s war in Gaza at the ICJ, saying Israel is committing genocide. U.S. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel says, “the allegations that Israel is committing genocide are unfounded.” U.S. congresspeople Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) and Cori Bush (D-MO) issue a statement in support of the case. Iraq also issues a statement in support of South Africa’s case. Amnesty International calls the case “a vital step for the protection of Palestinian lives.” Several Israeli ministers accuse South Africa of hypocrisy for not bringing similar cases against other countries and the Israeli Foreign Ministry calls South Africa the “legal arm” of Hamas. The PA thanks South Africa for trying to hold Israel accountable and calls on other countries to support South Africa’s case. (HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, WAFA 1/10; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/11; AJ, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU 1/12)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken tells reporters after a meeting with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Egypt that Israel’s integration into the Middle East and a path to Palestinian statehood would isolate Iran. Blinken also says the PA has agreed to “pursue meaningful reform.” Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Adviser for Energy and Investment Amos Hochstein tells reporters, after meeting Lebanese caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati and other senior officials, that both Israel and Lebanon prefer a diplomatic solution to end the escalation between the 2 countries. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby says the U.S. is not “satisfied with the level [of aid entering Gaza] right now.” (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT 1/11)

A poll conducted by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies shows that among 8,000 people in 16 Arab countries 91% of respondents express solidarity with Palestinians and 92% say their plight should be a concern for all Arabs. 94% express a negative view of U.S. policy toward Israel’s war on Gaza. (AJ 1/11)

The Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University reportedly cancels an exhibition of Samia Halaby’s work because of her posts on social media in support of Palestinians in Gaza. (NYT 1/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole 6 sheep during a raid in Qusra. Israeli forces shot and injured 6 Palestinians during raids in Askar refugee camp, Surif, Dahariya, and Asira ash-Sharmaliya. 28 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Tubas, Dahariya, Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Qalandia. In Gaza, Israeli forces bombed az-Zawayda, Rafah, Khan Yunis, Jabalia refugee camp, and central Gaza, killing more than 297 Palestinians. Israeli forces also opened fire at a Gaza Ministry of Health warehouse, injuring 3 people. 3 Israeli soldiers were killed in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes destroyed 5 homes and damaged others in Aitaroun and attacked areas near Yaroun, Rmeish, and Aita al-Shaab. Hezbollah said it had wounded several Israeli soldiers in attacks on Israel. In Syria, Israeli forces attacked areas around Damascus, causing damage. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/10; AP, HA, NYT, NYT, UNOCHA 12/11)

More than 18,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 7,729 children and 5,153 women, and around 49,300 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 267 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 69 children. More than 3,387 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured since 10/7. 101 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 12/3, at least 52,000 housing units had been destroyed and 253,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 60% of all housing units. Around 100 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza. 25 injured Palestinians and 468 dual nationals were evacuated to Egypt. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 12/10)

The Israeli military said 1,593 Israeli soldiers have been wounded since 10/7, including 255 who were in serious condition and 446 who were moderately injured. Of these, 559 were said to have been injured in Gaza. 425 soldiers have been killed since 10/7, including 97 since the ground invasion began. Haaretz said a comparison of numbers between hospital reports and the military reporting showed a significant gap, indicating that the military was underreporting the number of injuries. (HA 12/10)

The Palestinian Prisoners Society said Israel has abducted 142 Palestinian women and children and taken them to prisons in Israel. (AJ, WAFA 12/10)

The Israeli socioeconomic cabinet voted unanimously against lifting the ban on entry for Palestinian workers from the West Bank into Israel. The security cabinet later postponed voting on the recommendation after it became clear that most ministers would vote against allowing Palestinian workers to enter Israel again. Israel is having a labor shortage after expelling all Palestinian workers from Gaza and the West Bank and is expecting thousands of workers from India and Nepal to arrive within 2 weeks. (HA 12/10; HA, HA 12/11)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh told the Doha Forum that the PA’s “main concern is not the day after. It is today. We want the stop of atrocities and genocide that is happening today,” and called for sanctions on Israel. Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi said Israel is trying to “empty Gaza of Palestinians” calling its campaign “genocide.” UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said the UN Security Council was paralyzed due to geopolitical divisions and said he would not give up on a ceasefire. Shtayyeh also met with Algerian foreign minister Ahmed Attaf and Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on the sidelines of the Doha Forum. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/10)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Russian president Vladimir Putin. In an Israeli readout of the conversation, Netanyahu was said to have expressed displeasure with the Russian stance against Israel at the UN. The Russian readout said the main focus of the conversation was the “catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.” Later during a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu thanked the U.S. for providing “important ammunition” for Israel to continue attacking Gaza and for the U.S. veto at the UN Security Council on 12/8. A spokesperson for Netanyahu said that Israel is not seeking to force the Palestinian population to flee Gaza. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU 12/10; HA 12/11)

Egypt and Mauritania invoked UN Resolution 377, prompting UN General Assembly president Dennis Francis to convene a special session of the General Assembly on 12/13. Resolution 377, adopted in 1950, allows the General Assembly to act if the UN Security Council fails to “exercise its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.” (AJ 12/10; AP, REU 12/11)

The WHO executive board approved a resolution calling for the “immediate, sustained, and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief, including the access of medical personnel” to Gaza. (WAFA, WAFA 12/10; AJ 12/11)

UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini said dehumanization of Palestinians allowed the international community to accept the continued Israeli attacks in Gaza. (REU 12/10) 

The New York Times reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu had encouraged Qatari payments to Gaza to keep Hamas as a strong counterweight to the PA as this would lessen pressure on Israel to negotiate a 2-state solution. (NYT 12/10)

The Israeli Finance Ministry said the Israeli budget deficit rose by $4.5 billion in November, citing expenses due to Israel’s war on Gaza. (REU 12/10)

Moroccan protesters in Rabat called on the Moroccan government to cut ties with Israel. (REU 11/10)

Reuters reported that Russian deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bodanov had spoken to officials from Hamas and other Palestinian factions, saying they should release the remaining captives. (REU 12/11)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man succumbed to injuries sustained from Israeli forces in Jenin on 11/9. Israeli settlers shot and injured a Palestinian with live ammunition in Khirbet Tana. Israeli settlers also assaulted Al Jazeera journalist Joseph Handal and vandalized his vehicle near Abu Dis. Israeli forces raided Jenin refugee camp, killing 5 Palestinians in a drone strike and injuring 14 others. The soldiers raided the Ibn Sina Hospital, detaining medical staff for interrogation, uprooted streets with bulldozers, and cut the power to several neighborhoods in Jenin during the attack. Israeli forces also shot and killed 2 Palestinians, claiming they had opened fire on them in Hebron. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shot and injured 5 Palestinians during raids in Kafr Dan and Dahariya. 36 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ni’lin, Hebron, Jalqamus, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces prevented Palestinian worshippers from reaching the Haram al-Sharif compound, including by attacking Palestinians and a Turkish news crew in Wadi al-Juz. Israeli forces also arrested journalist Marwat al-Azza, claiming her social media posts encourage terrorism. In Gaza, the internet was partially restored at the end of the day due to a delivery of fuel. Israeli airstrikes killed at least 40 people in Jabalia refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and Nuseirat refugee camp. Israeli airstrikes also killed several at al-Wafa Hospital, including its director. The number of fatalities was likely much higher since the Gaza Ministry of Health was unable to communicate with hospitals and civil defense members in northern Gaza. Elsewhere, Israeli forces attacked bakeries and wheat mills in the south, leaving only 1 company able to produce flour in Gaza. Al-Shifa Hospital remained under Israeli siege; the number of premature babies that had died at the hospital rose to 4 with a total 40 patients having died at the hospital since 11/16. Rockets were fired at Israel; no injuries were reported. In Lebanon, Israeli attacked several places and shot down a missile that targeted an Israeli drone. 2 anti-tank missiles were fired at Kibbutz Manara, injuring 4. In Syria, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes near Damascus, causing damage. (HA 11/16; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/17; AJ 11/18 HA 11/19)

The Gaza Ministry of Health was not able to update the casualty figures due to a collapse in services and communications at hospitals in northern Gaza, leaving the death toll at 11,479, including 4,630 children and 3,130 women, and around 32,000 injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 3,250 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 198 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 53 children. More than 2,730 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,431 have injured since 10/7. 56 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.61 million Palestinians, around 70% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israel blockade. As of 11/6, at least 40,000 housing units have been destroyed and 220,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 45% of all housing units. 73 injured Palestinians and their family members were evacuated to Egypt for treatment. Around 700 foreign nationals were also evacuated. Aid deliveries to Gaza were suspended due to the blackout of communications. Al-Amal Hospital and the headquarters of the Palestinian Red Crescent said the 2 facilities had not had water or electricity for the past 5 days. (AJ, AP, AP, HA, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 11/17; UNOCHA 11/18)

Church leaders in Jerusalem issued a statement warning that Israeli settlers are trying to seize land in the Armenian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. (WAFA 11/17; AJ 11/18; REU 11/19)

Israel charged 2 14-year-old Palestinian citizens of Israel with the attempted murder of an Israeli soldier. (HA 11/17)

The Israeli military suspended a soldier who was filmed throwing a stun grenade into a mosque in Budrus for their own amusement. (HA 11/17; HA 11/18; HA 11/19)

Hamas said that some of the captives it’s holding had been taken to hospitals in Gaza for treatment of “serious health conditions,” but denied that it was holding any captives in hospitals. (AJ 11/17)

The BBC said 1 of its reporters was allowed to tour parts al-Shifa Hospital with the Israeli military, filming some of the same areas that the Israeli military had published footage of previously. The BBC said that it was evident from comparing the 2 sets of footage that by the time their journalist arrived alleged Hamas weaponry had been moved around. For example, an area behind an MRI machine had a bag with 2 rifles in the BBC footage but only 1 in the Israeli military footage. The BBC also pointed out that the Israeli claim that its video was unedited was false and that the purported evidence presented by Israel did not validate the Israeli claim that al-Shifa was a Hamas command center. (X 11/17; AJ 11/19)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas, Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki, and Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh met with EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borrell in Ramallah. Borell called for an immediate ceasefire and for Israel to abide by international law. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 11/17; AJ 11/18)

The Israeli war cabinet approved a U.S. request to allow 2 tanker trucks to enter Gaza each day with fuel, amounting to about 13,000 gallons. UNRWA said that covers about 37% of its daily needs. National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said the fuel allowed to enter constituted “roughly 2-4% of the normal quantities of fuel that enter Gaza.” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the decision illegal because it had not been approved by the security cabinet and demanded that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu change the war cabinet. The war cabinet reportedly rejected the latest proposal for a prisoner exchange. Knesset deputy speaker Nissim Vaturi said in a post on X that Israel should “burn Gaza now,” calling its attacks on Gaza “too humane.” Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant called Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar “the new [Osama] bin Laden.” (AJ, AX, HA 11/17; AJ 11/18)

Amnesty International said Israel should rescind its 11/15 order telling Palestinians in eastern Khan Yunis to flee, calling it a violation of international law. (AJ 11/17)

The U.S. said deliveries of fuel should continue on a regular basis in larger quantities. President Joe Biden spoke with Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, discussing prisoner exchange negotiations. (AJ, HA 11/17)

U.S. senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) said the U.S. Congress should not allow extra funding for Israel while it attacks Gaza. House Foreign Affairs Committee chairperson Mike McCaul (R-TX) said Prime Minister Netanyahu had told him that he urgently needs Iron Dome interceptors, precision-guided weapons, and 155mm artillery shells. (AJ, HA 11/17)

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan said he had received referrals on crimes committed in Palestine from South Africa, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Comoros, and Djibouti. (AJ, ICC, REU, WAFA 11/17; WAFA 11/18)

X owner Elon Musk said using terms such as “decolonization” and “from the river to the sea” in relation to Israel will result in suspension from his platform. (AJ, HA 11/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers a with military escort shot and injured a Palestinian during a raid in Sarra. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinians traveling near Tuqu’, causing damage. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized 200 olive, grape, and almond trees, water pumps, irrigation pipes, and a water tank in Ein al-Beida. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinians during a raid in Susiya. Israeli forces shot and killed 4 Palestinians during raids in Jenin and Qalqilya; during the raid in Jenin, Israeli forces vandalized the memorial of Shireen Abu Akleh and used bulldozers to destroy infrastructure. Israeli forces also shot and injured 19 Palestinians, including at least 1 child, during raids in Jenin, Hebron, Deir Abu Masha’al, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, al-Bireh, and Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian Red Crescent medics in Tubas. 45 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in as-Samu, Dahariya, Dura, Beit Umar, Ni’lin, Kafr Ni’ma, Hizma, Jericho, Aida refugee camp, Dheisheh refugee camp, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces blocked entrance to the Haram al-Sharif compound and assaulted worshippers. In Gaza, Israeli attacks killed 298 Palestinians, including 125 children. Israeli forces made incursions and fired tank shells at Palestinian infrastructure near Gaza City. At night, all telecommunications were cut off in Gaza; several humanitarian organizations and media outlets said they were unable to reach their people on the ground. The communications blackout started prior to Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza. Hamas said its military wing had repelled Israeli attacks on Beit Hanun and al-Bureij and from a beach in Rafah. Israel said it assassinated Hamas member Madhat Mubashe. Rockets were fired at Israel; no injuries were reported. In Egypt, explosives hit a medical facility in Taba and an electric plant near Nuweiba, lightly injuring 6 people; it was later reported that the explosives came from the south of the Red Sea. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, 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 10/27; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, REU 10/28)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said at least 7,326 Palestinians have been killed, including at least 4,000 women and children, and 18,967 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. It is estimated that 1,700 people, including 940 children, were trapped in rubble. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 108 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 30 children. More than 1,967 have been injured. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals; 5,431 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1.4 million Palestinians, more than half the population in Gaza, 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. As of 10/23, at least 27,781 housing units had been destroyed and 150,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. At least 45% of all housing units have been either destroyed or damaged in Israeli airstrikes. UNRWA said 14 of its staff members have been killed in the last 24 hours, raising the total number of UNRWA staff killed in Israeli attacks to 53. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said the monitoring regime for the aid trucks that pass into Gaza via the Rafah crossing was too slow. At least 10 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 10/27)

Israel indicted 5 Israeli citizens on charges of inciting terrorism or identifying with Hamas. A total of 24 have been indicated on similar charges since 10/7. (HA 10/27)

The Israeli military released a video illustration claiming al-Shifa Hospital has a vast network of underground facilities. The head of the Government Media Office in Gaza, Salama Marouf, called the illustration “false fabricated allegations.” (AJ, AJ, REU 10/27)

Reuters reported that Israel had told the news agency and Agence France-Presse that as Israel ramps up its attacks on Gaza, it cannot guarantee the safety of the 2 agencies’ journalists. 29 journalists have been killed since 10/7, including 25 Palestinians and 1 Lebanese. (AJ, REU 10/27)

UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini defended the data from the Gaza Ministry of Health, saying it has been reliable in the past “5, 6 cycles of conflict in the Gaza Strip.” U.S. president Joe Biden said on 10/25 that he did not have confidence in the data. (AJ, AJ, REU, WAFA 10/27)

Israeli soldiers were filmed singing “Ahmad Tibi is dead,” referring to the Palestinian member of Knesset for the Ta’al party. (HA 10/27)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen, discussing the situation in Gaza. (WAFA 10/27)

The UN General Assembly voted to adopt a non-binding resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian truce between Israel and Hamas and demanding humanitarian aid access in Gaza. 120 countries voted in favor, 45 abstained, and 14 voted against. Tunisia and Iraq explained their abstentions, saying the resolution did not support Palestine strongly enough. Israel’s UN ambassador said the passage of the resolution was “a dark day for the UN and for mankind.” An amendment introduced by Canada and co-sponsored by the U.S., condemning Hamas for “the taking of hostages,” failed as it did not get the 2/3s majority support needed to pass.  (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/27; AJ, AP, WAFA 10/28)

The Council of the European Union accepted a Spanish proposal for the country to host a peace conference on Middle East peace within 6 months. (AJ, AP 10/27)

French president Emmanuel Macron said France and several other European countries will make a “humanitarian coalition” for Gaza. (AJ 10/27)

The Washington Post reported that the Biden administration was pushing Israel not to undertake a full ground invasion of Gaza. ABC News reported that the U.S. State Department was not aware that Israel would “expand its ground invasion.” U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. supports humanitarian pauses if captives held by Hamas were released. A U.S. official told Reuters that Qatar is open to reconsidering allowing Hamas to have a presence in the country. (AJ, HA, REU, REU 10/27; AJ 10/28)

New York City police arrested more than 200 people at a mass sit-in at Grand Central Station arranged by Jewish Voice for Peace, which temporarily closed the station. The protesters called for an immediate ceasefire. (HA, WAFA 10/27; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, NYT 10/28)

The U.S. told its citizens in Lebanon that they should leave the country due to the “unpredictable security situation.”  (AJ 10/27; AJ, HA 10/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided Kobar, injuring 1 Palestinian minor, reportedly with Tutu ammunition. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 6 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear-gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Umm Safa, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also raided Sebastia, injuring 20 Palestinians with tear gas. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Shuyukh, Dura, Dahariya, Fawwar refugee camp, Nil’in and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assaulted Palestinian protesters in Sheikh Jarrah, arresting 4. In Haifa, Tamra, and Umm al-Fahm, Palestinian citizens of Israel protested Israeli police inaction relating to the raising homicide rate in Palestinian communities. (HA, QDS, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/14; PCHR 7/19; UNOCHA 7/29)

1 Palestinian prisoner suspended his hunger strike after 11 days as Israel said it would not extend his administrative detention beyond 8/26. (WAFA 7/14)

A World Bank survey found that 58% of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza show symptoms of depression and 7% show symptoms of PTSD. The 2022 survey was based on 5,876 respondents. (HA 7/16)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the West Bank, 2 Israeli soldiers were injured after being hit by a vehicle in Huwwara; 1 Palestinian man was arrested in relation to the incident. Israeli settlers raided Kafr Thulth, throwing stones at Palestinians and Palestinian property and setting 1 vehicle on fire; 1 Palestinian was also injured by a baton round fired by Israeli forces who intervened to aid the settlers. Israeli settlers also raided Ein Samiya, uprooting trees and throwing stones at Palestinian vehicles. Israeli forces issued notifications that Israel will seize 42 dunams (10.3 acres) of land in Sarta and Bruqin to expand a settler road. Israeli forces also seized 1 tractor in Beit Furik. 24 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Mughayyir, Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, Tuqu, Hebron, Beit Umar, Dahariya, and Deir al-Ghusun. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/5; PCHR 6/8; UNOCHA 6/18)

A 2-year-old boy who was critically injured by Israeli forces on 6/1 succumbed to his wounds. The PA condemned the killing, saying that 28 Palestinians children had been killed by Israeli forces since the beginning of 2023. The PA also called the Israeli investigation into the incident whitewashing. (ABC, AP, BBC, CNN, GDN, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA 6/5; HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 6/6; HA, WAFA 6/7; HA 6/8)

Israel handed over the body of 1 Palestinian man killed by Israeli forces on 4/24 to his family in East Jerusalem and ordered the family to limit the number of participants at the funeral to 25. (WAFA 6/5)

Hamas political bureau head Ismail Haniyeh and other high-ranking officials met with Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel in Cairo, discussing reconciliation. PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh met with Kamel last week. Islamic Jihad secretary-general Ziyad al-Nakhalah also met with Kamel in Cairo. It was reported that the Hamas and Islamic Jihad leadership were invited to Egypt to discuss Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s plan to develop Gaza, including increasing Egyptian electricity supply, rebuilding infrastructure, building a port, and developing a gas field. (QDS, QDS, QDS 6/5; MEMO, QDS 6/6; HA 6/8)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with representatives from Palestinian parties in the Knesset and local council to discuss the rising murder rates in those communities. Netanyahu said he agreed to form a ministerial committee, that he would chair, to address the issue. 89 Palestinians have been killed in Israel in mostly gun-related violence in 2023. (HA, HA 6/5; HA 6/6)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke at the annual AIPAC conference in Washington D.C., saying that the Biden administration is committed to normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, but that such a deal is “not a substitute for progress between Israelis and Palestinians.” Blinken will travel to Saudi Arabia in the coming days to promote a normalization deal. (AJ, AX, DoS, HA, NYT 6/5; ALM, CNN, MDW, REU 6/6)

U.S. senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) said in a statement that the U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and the PA’s report on the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh contains important insights and that it should be released to the public. Van Hollen was able to review the report after weeks of delays by the State Department in providing the report. (AJ, HILL, REU 6/5; MEE 6/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort raided Burqa, attacking Palestinians and setting a barn and olive trees on fire; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces demolished 1 house in Dahariya, 1 agricultural structure in Beit Jala, 1 agricultural structure in Hebron, and 1 commercial structure in al-Walaja and razed land in Sur Bahir. A delegation of EU officials met with Sebastia mayor Mohammad Azem to learn about the recent Israeli measures to seize Sebastia’s archeological site. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli authorities demolished 1 house in Jabel Mukaber, displacing 5. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in al-Tur and Ras al-Amud. (TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/24; ALM, PCHR 5/25; AJ 6/1; UNOCHA 6/2)

In Syria, Israeli forces opened fire at people who shot at a surveillance drone. (REU 5/24)

The Hamas-affiliated voting bloc Islamic Wafa won 25 of 51 seats in the Birzeit University student union elections. The election result follows another win by Islamic Wafa on 5/16 at An-Najah National University. (QDS 5/24; HA, MEE 5/25)

3 Israeli soldiers were sentenced for abducting and assaulting 1 Palestinian man before releasing him in a remote area. 2 of the soldiers were sentenced to 60 days in prison while the third was sentenced to 40 days. (TOI, TOI 5/24; AJ 5/25)

The Knesset approved the Israeli government’s 2023-24 budget, which was criticized for heavily favoring ultra-orthodox communities in Israel. Approximately $4 billion is allocated in discretionary funds for ultra-Orthodox and pro-settler parties. The Otzma Yehudit party also said it had been appeased by the allocation of $67 million to Judaize the Naqab and Galilee through the Negev and Galilee development ministry. After the passing of the budget, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters he would focus on the judicial overhaul. (HA 5/22; AP, HA, HA, REU 5/23; AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEE, NYT, QDS, TOI 5/24)

The EU and U.S. expressed dismay with a bill that the Knesset Ministerial Committee for Legislation was set to debate on 5/28. The bill would impose a 65% tax on non-profits that receive funding from foreign governments while engaging in public advocacy. According to the bill it seeks to curb foreign interference. After days of lobbying by EU countries, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that he would shelve the bill. (HA 5/24; HA, MEE 5/25; AJ 5/26; HA, WAFA 5/27; AX 5/31; TOI 6/2)

PayPal shareholders warned the company that they will take action if it does not expand access to the platform to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. At the same time, U.S. congressperson Mark Pocan (D-WI) circulated a letter among his colleagues calling on PayPal CEO Dan Shulman to allow Palestinians equal access to the company’s services. (GDN, HA, MEE 5/24; WAFA 5/25; MDW 5/26)

Forensic Architecture released an investigation in cooperation with Adalah on the Tantura Massacre committed by the Israeli army 1 week after the establishment of Israel. The investigation located at least 1 more mass grave and 2 additional possible mass grave sites. (FA 5/24; GDN 5/25; HA, MEE 5/26)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian succumbed to injuries sustained by Israeli forces during a raid on 1/1/2021 in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli settlers vandalized 2 Palestinian-owned vehicles near Hebron, smashing the windows. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor during a late-night raid in Far’a refugee camp. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian using live ammunition during a raid in Shu’fat refugee camp. 16 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-‘Awja, Halhul, Yatta, Dahariya, Nablus, Zababdeh, and al-Bireh. (AJ, AP, HA, MDW, MEE, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/14; PCHR 2/16; UNOCHA 3/4)

Israel’s acting interior minister Michael Malchieli wrote a letter to the father of the Palestinian man who hit and killed 3 Israeli settlers with his car on 2/10, saying that Israel may revoke his East Jerusalem residency. The Palestinian man who drove the car had been released from a psychiatric ward the day before the incident after suffering a mental health episode. (HA 2/14)

Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons began a civil disobedience campaign against the worsening conditions in the prisons. (MEE 2/15; AN 2/16; WAFA 2/18; WAFA 2/19)

The foreign ministers of the U.S., France, Germany, Italy, and the UK released a joint statement calling Israel’s 2/12 settlement announcement deeply troubling. (AJ, HA, REU 2/14)

The U.S. State Department withdrew the nomination of James Cavallaro as an independent member of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights after the pro-Israel publication the Algemeiner published a story on Cavallaro’s criticism of Israel. U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that tweets that Cavallaro had posted in the past were “inappropriate to say the least,” referring to tweets where Cavallaro criticized representative Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) for accepting donations from AIPAC and criticized Israel’s human rights record. (HA, WAFA 2/15; MEE 2/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers fenced off a Palestinian pasture near Khirbet al-Farisiyya. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Qalandia checkpoint, injuring 1 with a baton round, 2 with a tear-gas canister, and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian with a baton round during a raid in al-Arroub refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces fired tear gas near a school in Hebron, causing tear-gas related injuries to students. Israeli forces also demolished 1 agricultural structure and uprooted 15 olive trees near Dura and seized agricultural machinery in Khirbet Umm al-Jamal near Tubas. 24 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwad, Beitin, Nablus, Bayt Ibia, Jaba‘, and Dahariya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers and police seized and fenced off 5 dunams (1.2 acres) of land in Silwan, owned by the Greek Orthodox church and leased to Palestinians. 3 Palestinians were arrested in Silwan. (MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/27; MEMO, WAFA 12/28; PCHR 12/29; WAFA 12/30; WAFA 12/31; UNOCHA 1/16)

Israel said it had arrested 1 Palestinian man on 11/29 who the Shin Bet suspect carried out the 2 bombing attacks in Jerusalem on 11/23, which killed 1 man. The Palestinian man is said to be a supporter of Islamic State and to have acted alone. (AJ 12/27)

The Hamas-affiliated media outlet Shehab News Agency leaked a 3-minute audio clip of PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh criticizing PA president Mahmoud Abbas and other leaders in the PA. In the clip Secretary-General al-Sheikh says that President Abbas “is a partner in the chaos and has an interest for it to remain.” Al-Sheikh told Al-Araby al-Jadeed that the recording was fabricated. (AP 12/27; MEMO 12/28; MEMO 12/29)

The Knesset approved amendments to the Basic Law on the Government to allow 2 ministers at the defense ministry. The amendment, which was part of the Religious Zionism Party’s coalition deal with the Likud Party, allows 2 ministers to serve in 1 government office and paves the way for Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich to appoint a minister at the defense ministry in charge of the administration of the West Bank. The IDF chief of staff Aviv Kochavi expressed his concern about the changes to the defense ministry to prime minister-elect Benjamin Netanyahu. Another amendment to the Basic Law allows Shas leader Arye Dery to serve as a minister in the government, despite being convicted of tax offenses. (HA, HA 12/26; AJ, HA, MDW, MEE, REU 12/27; MEMO 12/28; HA, HA 12/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 3 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a funeral procession in Beit Umar by attacking the pallbearers. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 17 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protesters in Ein al-Beida and al-Juwaya in the Masafer Yatta area, arresting 5 international activists and causing tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces seized 1 tractor and farm equipment in al-‘Awja. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-nights raid in Burqa, ‘Askar refugee camp, al-Yamun, and al-Dahariya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/1; PCHR 7/7; UNOCHA 7/22)

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report that Palestinian security forces in the West Bank and Gaza systematically torture critics of the PA and Hamas in their detention. HRW called on countries donating to PA security forces to cut off their funding and for the ICC to investigate the issue. HRW said that Palestinian security forces use solitary confinement, beatings, and stress positions to punish and intimidate critics and political opponents and to elicit confessions. (AP, HA, JP, REU 7/1)

It was reported that newly appointed Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid would move into a house seized by Israel from a Palestinian family who fled Jerusalem during the Nakba. The house, Villa Hanna Salameh on Balfour Street, will serve as Prime Minister Lapid’s temporary housing until renovations at the prime minister’s official residence has been completed. (HA, MEE 7/1)

31 Democrats in the House of Representatives sent a letter to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken expressing concern over Israeli plans to construct settlements in the E-1 area of the West Bank. The Democrats were led by Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL). (Mark Pocan 7/1; WAFA 7/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort raided Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians protesting the incursion; no injuries were reported. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian farmers with pepper spray east of Hebron. Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 1 mosque, 3 houses, and 1 commercial structure in Marda. Israeli forces also forced Palestinian business owners to close their shops in Huwwara, claiming that stones had been thrown at Israeli settlers near the shops. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 4 water wells in Khallet al-Dabe. Israeli forces also demolished 1 commercial structure in ‘Anata. Israeli military said that shots were fired from a car at Israeli soldiers near Nablus; no injuries were reported. 13 Palestinians were arrested, including 10 during late-night raids in Dahariya, Za‘atra, Silwad, and Zeita; 3 were arrested at checkpoints near Bethlehem and Nablus. (TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/2; MEMO, MEMO, PCHR 2/3)

Haaretz reported that Israeli attorney general Avichai Mendelblit authorized establishing an Israeli settlement on the evacuated Evyatar settlement outpost near Beita. Attorney General Mendelblit is leaving office this week. Palestinians have held weekly protests at the site since the outpost was erected in May 2021. The outpost was evacuated in June 2021, but the houses erected remained as the settlers struck a deal with the Israeli government that they could move back if Israel deemed that the land is state-owned. Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz will have to declare the area state-owned, after which there will be a 45-day period to file objections. Several Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the past year while protesting the outpost. In a letter from Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid to Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett, Lapid warned that if the Israeli government legalized the Evyatar settlement outpost, it “could have serious diplomatic consequences and damage foreign relations, first and foremost from the United States,” saying that the U.S. has already made this clear to him. Labor and Meretz publicly opposed legalizing the settlement outpost. (AP, HA, IN 2/2; HA, JP, MEE, TOI, TOI, TOI 2/3; HA, HA, HA 2/4; UNOCHA 2/11)

The Shin Bet admitted to having threatened random Palestinians in Israel that it would “settle the score” if they had participated in protests related to the May 2021 uprising in Israel that coincided with Israeli attacks on Gaza and eviction threats against Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah. (HA, MEE 2/3)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Amnesty International’s secretary-general Agnès Callamard in Ramallah, discussing the report Amnesty released on 2/1 that charged Israel with the crime of apartheid. (WAFA 2/2)

Defense Minister Benny Gantz said, at a conference in Tel Aviv, that the Israeli military on 4 occasions had offered assistance to Lebanon. According to Gantz, the offers were made to strengthen the Lebanese army in facing “the strengthening of Hezbollah under Iran’s support.” Israeli military sources later denied that Israel had made such offers and that Israel had only offered humanitarian aid following the explosion in the Beirut port. (HA 2/2; MEMO 2/3)

Israel, Oman, and Saudi Arabia all took part in the International Maritime Exercise 2022, led by the U.S. and with the participation of nearly 60 countries. It was the 1st time that Saudi Arabia and Oman partook in a naval exercise with Israel, which they have no formal relations with. (AJ, ALM 2/2)

The FBI confirmed reporting from the New York Times published on 1/28 that the agency had bought the NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware, but claimed to never have used it. The FBI further stated that it had bought the spyware for “product testing and evaluation.” (ALM, AP, HA, REU 2/2; MEMO 2/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed 20 dunums (5 acres) of land near Jalud. Israeli forces punitively demolished the home of an alleged attacker in Turmus ‘Ayya, displacing his family and damaging nearby buildings as the house was blown up. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around al-Arroub refugee camp, Hebron, Dahariya, al-Khader, and Abu Dis. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces delivered a demolition order for a 4-story building in Shu‘fat, which would displace 55 Palestinians. 2 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Isawiya and the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on residential buildings east of Rafah, causing damage but no injuries. (AJ, ALM, AX, HA, JP, MEE, MEMO, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/8; AP, TOI 7/9; PCHR 7/15)

Palestinian owners of the land seized by Israeli settlers for the Evyater settlement outpost petitioned the Israeli high court of justice to cancel the deal made between the Israeli settlers and the Israeli government on 7/1. (HA, WAFA 7/8)

1 Palestinian prisoner held on administrative detention was released from detention to a hospital in Ramallah after 65 days of hunger strike. (PCHR 7/7; AP, HA, MEE, MEMO, WAFA 7/8; AJ 7/9)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas and other senior PA officials met with 11 U.S. congresspeople in Ramallah, including the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Ted Deutch (D-FL), David Cicilline (D-RI), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Kathy Manning (D-NC), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Andy Barr (R-KY), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), and French Hill (R-AR). The members of Congress met with Israeli officials on 7/6. (MEE 7/6; JNS 7/7; WAFA 7/8)

Israel charged a Palestinian Israeli imam of Lydda’s largest mosque, Shaykh Yousef al-Baz, with incitement to violence for sharing a movie clip on Facebook showing people killing a police officer. Shaykh al-Baz was arrested on 6/17. (ALM, HA 7/8)

Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid and Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi met at the Allenby Bridge, where the 2 made agreements for Jordan to buy 50 million cubic meters of water from Israel and to increase the Jordanian export to the West Bank from $160 million to $700 million. Foreign minister Safadi also called for Israeli to halt settlement expansions, maintaining the status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem, and called evictions of Palestinians from their homes in East Jerusalem a “war crime.” Walla News also reported that Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett secretly met with Jordan’s king Abdullah II in Amman last week and that PA president Mahmoud Abbas was summoned to meet King Abdullah shortly after his meeting with Prime Minister Bennett. President Abbas met with King Abdullah in Amman on 6/30. (AJ, ALM, AP, AX, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, REU, TOI 7/8; MEMO 7/9)

The Israeli high court of justice denied petitions challenging the legality of the nation-state law, ruling 10-1 that the law is not anti-democratic in the eyes of the judges. The dissenting judge is the court’s only Palestinian Israeli judge. Chairman of the Joint Arab List Ayman Odeh called the ruling “racist and anti-democratic.” Adalah said that the court had “enshrined Jewish supremacy and racial segregation as founding principles of the Israeli regime” with its ruling. For more about the Nation-State law, see the IPS publication “Israel's Nation-State Law: Institutionalizing Discrimination.” (AJ, AP, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, WP 7/8; MEMO 7/9)

The U.S. embassy in Israel issued a statement criticizing the Israeli punitive demolition of the house of an accused Palestinian-American assailant in Turmus ‘Ayya (see above); secretary of state Antony Blinken “raised concern directly with senior Israeli officials” about the issue, possibly because the family living in the building are U.S. citizens. House chairman Meeks also called the Israeli foreign minister to protest the demolition. (AJ, ALM, AX, HA, JP, MEE, MEMO, REU, REU 7/8; AX 7/14)

Military Action:

IDF reportedly constructing series of large and sophisticated military bases across South and central Lebanon, including airstrip at Damour, barracks and transport facilities at Sidon, fortified posts in Arkoub and Bekaa Valleys, logistics HQ near Marjayoun; Syrian forces and IDF exchange artillery fire in Bekaa; Haddad says he must formally be made military governor of South Lebanon.

Casualties:

9 suspects indicted for grenade attack that wounded 5 US Marines on March 16.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: IDF seals 4 Dahariya homes of Palestinians who reportedly admitted to attacks in Hebron area, including stone-throwing that killed Israeli woman in January; IDF orders West Bank schools to remain closed until April 19, Jenin schools closed indefinitely; Umm Safa and Gibya residents report thousands of dunams seized for nearby Ateret settlement; molotov cocktail thrown at border police patrol in Bethlehem; Jerusalem Mayor Kollek warns civic and religious leaders of Shufat and Beit Hanina if they don't stop stone-throwing along road to Neve Ya'acov settlement then police and army will; Peace Now begins protests near site of proposed Upper Nablus settlement; court orders Ministry of Defense to pay compensation of IS2m. to family of Palestinian woman shot by Israeli soldier in April 1982, soldier given 5 months suspended sentence; Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs spokesman offers 3,939 apartments and building plots in West Bank and Gaza, announces campaign to expand 68 settlements, increase Jewish population in occupied territories 30-50,000 in next 18 months; Chief of Staff Eitan, in farewell statement to Cabinet, says there should be 10 new Jewish settlements for each stone-throwing incident, when Israelis have settled the land all the Arabs will be able to do about it is scurry around like drugged roaches in a bottle; 2 Likud MKs recommend that soldiers be instructed to aim higher if shooting at demonstrators' legs doesn't stop stone-throwing; Israeli Electric Corporation completes 4-year project to supply electricity to West Bank settlements and villages at cost of IS360m.; Association for Civil Rights says ban on section of '83 film is attack on freedom of expression, asks for its revocation.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO stresses importance of continuing relations and dialogue with Jordan; Habib participates for first time in troop withdrawal negotiations at Netanya.

Arab Governments: Mubarak says it is imperative PLO join Jordan to facilitate negotiations; Moroccan sources say proposed Arab summit later this week likely to be postponed; Jordan reportedly considering reducing ties to West Bank; King Hussein meets British Foreign Secretary; Syria says Hussein's refusal to enter talks shows US does not hold key to Middle East peace.

US and Other Countries: Shultz says there is no alternative to the Reagan plan, suggests PLO should lose its 1974 Arab League mandate as sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people if this authority is not exercised constructively; House Foreign Affairs subcommittee links sale of advanced US weapons to Jordan to commitment to recognize Israel and enter into direct negotiations with it, increases Reagan's requests for economic aid to Israel from $785m. to $850m., all grants, increases grant portion of military aid from $550m. to $850m. out of $1.7b. total, and approves same amount for FY 1985 in largest single legislative package of aid for Israel ever approved; CIA director Casey reportedly travelled secretly to Israel last week to convince Israelis that Lebanese Army can control South Lebanon.

Military Action:

IDF stops US Marine patrol in Beirut from entering area under its control.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Peace Now demonstration in Haifa in memory of Emil Grunzweig; 3 IDF, 3 Israeli civilians injured by stones in Tulkarm, Ramallah and Dahariya; 1 Palestinian youth shot by border police in Jerusalem; IDF officer hit in head by stone during demonstration in Halhoul, town placed under curfew; Hebron Polytechnic College closed after demonstrations; 2 tourists injured by stones near Dahariya; water cannon and tear gas used to disperse demonstration in Ramallah, two central squares placed under curfew; Ein Beit Alma camp under curfew; stone-throwing at al-Amari and Jalazon camps; US and Israeli flags burned in Gaza.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: President Gemayel sends former Prime Minister Saeb Salam as special personal envoy to US.

US and Other Countries: Shultz, with special envoys Habib and Draper, meets Lebanese Foreign Minister Salem in Washington, says it is time for King Hussein to make a decision about entering peace talks; former President Carter, ending 6-day visit to Israel, says Israel has not lived up to commitments made at Camp David, finds extent of Jewish settlement in West Bank discouraging; final communique of Non-Aligned summit includes condemnation of US support to Israel, calls for international tribunal on Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people; more British Jews reported to have settled in Israel in 1982 than in any year since 1948.

Military Action:

Lebanese Army takes over Beirut Pier 5 from Phalange, estimated to have generated $250-$500m. a year in import duties since 1980; registration for compulsory military service begins, Lebanese Army expects 25,000 men to register.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Defense Minister Arens orders evacuation of Kach's El Nakam settlement near Hebron; police arrest 2 Kiryat Arba residents (in addition to 3 Americans) in connection with shootings in Hebron area; Arens tells Council of Jewish Settlements he favors expanding settlements in West Bank within the law, emphasizes that industrial enterprises there should be staffed only by Jews; settlers present Arens with list of demands for their security; Committee Against the War in Lebanon asks High Court to intervene over police refusal to grant march permit; government defeats 4 motions in Knesset critical of Sharon's appointment to 2 cabinet committees; Newsweek says secret annex to Kahan Commission Report contains evidence that IDF, alerted by Mossad, had prevented Phalange attack on Mieh Mieh camp prior to Sabra and Shatila massacre; Nazareth Mayor Tewfik Zayyad calls on government to include Arab villages in the Project Renewal scheme; bus passenger injured by stone near Dahariya camp; Jewish settlers demonstrate on road opposite Dheisheh camp; settlers enter Kalandia refugee camp, threaten to evict residents unless stone-throwing stops; curfews imposed on Nablus market, Jalazon camp, and on Aida camp in Bethlehem after fire bomb attack on border police patrol; Village League office in Hebron stoned by students at Hussein school; bomb found in Hebron elementary school.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat addresses Non-Aligned summit in New Delhi, calls for committee to work for Palestinian rights; Issam Sartawi, in London Times interview, says PLO should give priority to winning recognition from Western governments, especially US, should amend National Charter to conform to PNC resolutions, and should accept Reagan plan as basis for negotiation.

Arab Governments: Iraqi Embassy in London denies Guardian report that organizer of the attack on Israeli Ambassador Argov was an Iraqi intelligence officer; President Mubarak and King Hussein hold talks during Non-Aligned summit in New Delhi.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: US envoy Habib and Prime Minister Begin hold 90 minute meeting during which Habib presents Begin with letter from Reagan; Defense Minister Sharon postpones departure to Zaire, takes 100 Herut Party members on tour of Israeli military positions in Lebanon, Sharon meets Saad Haddad in Marjayoun, says any peace agreement will have a role for Haddad as he is trustworthy friend of Israel; Sharon holds afternoon press conference in Kiryat Shemona, simultaneously with official press conference announcing agreement on Lebanon talks agenda, creating tension with Foreign Minister Shamir, Sharon notes de facto normalization has preceded diplomatic normalization, that since Nov. 15, 12,000 people and 1,100 vehicles have entered Ilsrael from Lebanon and 1,100 Israeli vehicles transported goods to Lebanon; Labor Party political bureau approves Histadrut companies involvement in construction of settlements in occupied territories; Energy Minister Yitzhak Modai urges strong posture on US pressure, says control of Judea and Samaria is vital for security; Civil Administration declares as state land 20,000 dunums in Dahariya, south of Hebron, gives Palestinians 21 days to appeal, area planned for land reserve along 1967 green line; 30 Kach members break into Hebron home of Moshe Levinger, demanding that Meir Kahane's Kach settlement nearby receive support and services from Kiryat Arba as does Levinger's group in Hebron.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Chairman Arafat in Moscow press conference releases communique that Soviet Union shows understanding of the PLO position on confederation on the basis of voluntarity between an independent Palestinian state and Jordan; following Habib-Begin meeting, Israel and Lebanon, in talks held in Kiryat Shemona, agree on agenda for talks (including concurrent discussion on "termination of the state of war; security arrangements; framework for mutual relations, including issues such as liaison, ending hostile propaganda, the movement of goods, products and persons, communications, etc.; program of complete withdrawals, conditions for Israeli withdrawal, within the context of the evacuation of all foreign forces; possible guarantees"); Lebanese Parliament delegation visits Amman seeking Jordanian support in talks with Israel.

Arab Governments: Foreign Minister Abdel Halim Khaddam, at non-aligned conference in Nicaragua, says Syria will resist any agreement which does not call for Israeli withdrawal from all occupied territories and does not recognize inalienable rights of Palestinians.

US and Other Countries: Pentagon refuses to sign draft agreement on US access to Israeli military data due to unreasonable restrictions; secret plan revealed for mini-Rapid Deployment Force in Jordan to guard internal stability, respond to emergencies in friendly Gulf States, and possible use in inter-Arab wars; Henry Kissinger says Lebanon crisis has consequences helpful to prospects for peace, shows USSR can supply arms but not solutions, rout of PLO restores US military credibility; Representative Council of French Jewry protests French Middle East policy, says Foreign Minister Cheysson's recent statements show anti-Israel bias, asks government to close PLO Paris office and expel PLO representative Ibrahim Suss.