In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians in al-Mazra‘a al-Gharbiya, injuring 2. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Arroub refugee camp, injuring 3 with live ammunition and others with tear gas and baton rounds. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beit Umar, injuring 1 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Abu Dis, injuring 1 minor with a baton round to his head and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Husan and Hebron, causing tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolished 6 residential structures in Wadi Juheish near Yatta. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Bethlehem, Jenin, Qabatiya, and Salfit. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/20; MEMO, MEMO 12/21; PCHR 12/22; UNOCHA 1/16)
The Palestinian prisoner Nasser Abu Hamid died of cancer in an Israeli hospital while incarcerated on 7 life sentences. Abu Hamid was sentenced in 2002. The Palestinian Prisoners’ Administration said Abu Hamid died due to Israeli medical neglect. The PA called for a day of mourning and condemned Israel’s decision to hold Abu Hamid’s body for future negotiations. There were rallies in several cities throughout the West Bank and Gaza mourning Abu Hamid. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, MDW, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/20; AN, AP, HA, MEE, MEMO, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 12/21)
In Syria, Israeli forces conducted air strikes south of Damascus, killing 2 people. (AP, HA, MEMO 12/20)