The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at an army position in n. Bethlehem, wounding 1. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin, Jericho, and Qalqilya at night. Israeli soldiers also attack regular demonstrations by Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and the occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), causing no serious injuries except 4 in Bil‘in, all struck with tear gas canisters. In East Jerusalem, Jewish extremists target Dormition Abbey with “price-tag” graffiti. (YA 5/31; PCHR 6/5)

The Lebanese parliament postpones elections, extending its term until 11/2014. Ninety-seven of the 128 total legislators voted in favor of postponing polls scheduled for 6/2013, in light of deteriorating security conditions and political deadlock. (AP, REU 5/31)

The U.S. Treasury Dept. imposes sanctions on Iranian companies in the petrochemical industry and punishes 5 businesses in 4 other countries for helping to evade the sanctions regime targeting Tehran. (NYT 5/31)

In the West Bank, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians who threw stones at a routine patrol in al-Khadir village nr. Bethlehem, wounding an 11-year-old with a rubber-coated metal bullet. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Jenin, Qalqilya and Tulkarm in the morning, in 2 villages nr. Qalqilya, 2 villages nr. Tulkarm, and in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Hebron, and Tulkarm and 1 village nearby at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces clash with Palestinians in the Abu Dis and Eizariya neighborhoods while conducting arrest raids, detaining 29. Meanwhile, in Israel, security forces demolish 11 structures and tents in Attir and 3 homes in Beer al-Mashash, 2 Bedouin villages in the Negev. In the latter case, Israeli police officers fire rubber-coated plastic bullets and tear gas at residents, injuring 5. (MNA 5/30; PCHR 6/5)

Israel’s Housing Ministry releases a tender for the construction of 300 new homes in Ramot, a settlement in East Jerusalem, and also confirms a decision to sell 797 housing units in Moradot Gilo, another East Jerusalem settlement. A U.S. State Dept. spokesperson describes the move as “counterproductive,” while Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat says that the announcement sabotages U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry’s efforts to restart peace talks. Israeli officials stress that the announcement is not new construction but a republication of a tender previously issued. (AP, HA 5/30)

Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad says during an interview with Al-Manar TV that Russia is still committed to supplying his country with S-300 air defense missiles. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council agrees to add Jabhat al-Nusra, an al-Qa‘ida-linked rebel group operating in Syria, to a UN sanctions blacklist that imposes an assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo on the associated individuals and entities. (AP, REU 5/30)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct 2 brief incursions nr. Khan Yunis and al-Bureij r.c., levelling land alongside the border fence. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 3 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Jenin at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm, 1 village nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Salfit at night. Jewish settlers vandalize Palestinian property in 2 villages in the Jordan Valley and nr. Ramallah, leaving “price-tag” graffiti. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian-owned homes in Bayt Hanina. (HA, MNA, WAFA 5/29; PCHR 5/30)

The UN Human Rights Council passes a resolution by a 36-1 vote (Venezuela was the sole opposing vote). It calls for an urgent investigation into alleged crimes by Syrian govt. forces and Hizballah fighters in Qusair, and also condemns the role of foreign fighters. The text was drafted by Qatar, Turkey, and the U.S. (AP 5/29)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron, in al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, and in Nablus and Balata r.c. at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the morning, and in Tubas and 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Tulkarm at night. (PCHR 5/30)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry meets with Israeli justice minister Tzipi Livni and Special Envoy Yitzhak Molcho in Amman, their 4th meeting since Kerry’s arrival in the region on 5/23. Kerry also meets with Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas in Amman, their 3d meeting of the trip, before returning to Washington. Kerry tells reporters before he leaves the region that he expects answers from both Netanyahu and Abbas within one or 2 weeks. (HA 5/27)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops demolish 3 Palestinian-owned houses and 2 sheds in the Jordan Valley village of al-Jiftlik. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 1 village each nr. Ramallah, Jenin, and Hebron, as well as al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the morning, 1 village each nr. Qalqilya, Jenin, and Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages each nr. Tulkarm, Ramallah and Qalqilya, and 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night. In East Jerusalem, suspected right-wing Jewish extremists vandalize 15 Palestinian-owned cars in the Shaykh Jarrah neighborhood. (MNA, WAFA 5/27; PCHR 5/30)

During talks in Brussels, EU foreign ministers fail to reach agreement on supplying arms to Syrian rebels but reinstate sanctions on Damascus and lift an arms embargo for the opposition. Member states like Britain and France are now free to go it alone in sending weapons should they see fit at some point. (NYT, REU 5/27)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF conducts 2 brief incursions nr. Khan Yunis, in both cases levelling land before withdrawing. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron, one village each nr. Salfit, Qalqilya, and Jerusalem and in Tulkarm and Jenin at night; patrols in 3 villages nr. Jenin in the morning, 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and 2 villages nr. Jericho at night. (PCHR 5/30)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry reveals a $4 billion plan to boost the Palestinian economy, speaking at the World Economic Forum at the Dead Sea in Jordan (see document D1 in JPS 169 for more). Kerry also urges Israelis and Palestinians to reach a political agreement, saying that a failure to do so would mean living with “a permanent intifada.” Israeli pres. Shimon Peres and PA Pres. Mahmoud Abbas both address the gathering, with Abbas using his speech to refuse any solution involving “temporary borders.” (HA, JP, REU 5/26)

There are reports of rockets fired from s. Lebanon into n. Israel, yet this is subsequently denied by the IDF, whose soldiers also fail to find any impact site or evidence of a projectile landing in Israeli territory. Meanwhile, 2 rockets are fired into a Shi‘i district of Beirut, in an apparent response to Hizballah chief Hassan Nasrallah’s promise to keep fighting in Syria alongside Asad. Arab League chief Nabil al-‘Arabi urges Hizballah to withdraw from its role in Syria, saying that to continue would threaten Lebanon’s internal unity. (AP, HA, REU 5/26; ToI 5/27; JP 5/28)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Hebron; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Salfit and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Also in the West Bank, Jewish settlers from Yitzhar settlement destroy around 100 olive trees nr. Nablus. (MNA 5/25; PCHR 5/30)

Egypt’s Supreme Constitutional Court rules against elements of an election law passed by the Muslim Brotherhood-dominated legislature, sending the bill back to the Upper House for review. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry meets Pres. Mohamed Morsi on the sidelines of an African Union summit and urges the Egyptian govt. to implement economic reforms necessary to secure a $4.8 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan. (AP, REU 5/25)

Four more people die in clashes between residents of the Sunni Bab el-Tebbaneh district and Alawite area Jabal Mohsen, bringing the death toll over 6 days of fighting in Tripoli to 28, with over 200 wounded. Meanwhile, Hizballah head Hassan Nasrallah broadcasts a televised speech saying that the fall of the Bashar al-Asad govt. in Syria would be a disaster for the “resistance” and for Palestine and a victory for U.S. and Israeli interests. (AFP, HA 5/25)

U.S. Secy of State John Kerry leaves Israel after 2 days of meetings saying that discussions had been “productive” but with no obvious sign of a breakthrough. Kerry says that Netanyahu and Abbas have a week or 2 to make difficult decisions that would allow the resumption of direct negotiations. (HA, REU 5/24) In the Gaza Strip, the IDF conducts an incursion nr. Khan Yunis, entering 250 meters past the border fence and levelling land. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in the Old City of Hebron at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, 1 village nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Jenin, al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr Hebron, and 1 village nr. both Jericho and Salfit at night. Israeli soldiers also attack regular demonstrations by Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and the occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), causing no serious injuries except 2 in Bil‘in and 1 in al-Ma‘sara; all injured individuals were struck with tear gas canisters. (MNA 5/24; PCHR 5/30)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry holds separate talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, on his 4th visit to the region in 4 mos. Kerry meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, and separately with Pres. Shimon Peres in Jerusalem, and then with Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah. Kerry praises Netanyahu for his “seriousness” in looking for ways to return to direct negotiations and expresses optimism but no concrete strategy for moving things forward. Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secy. Chuck Hagel appoints retired Gen. John Allen as special envoy on security issues in talks between Israel and the PA. Allen’s final post before retirement from the military was as commander of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. (AP, HA, JP, REU 5/23)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF conducts an incursion nr. Khan Yunis, moving 300 meters past the border fence and raising land with bulldozers, a common occurrence justified by the military on security grounds. Israeli naval vessels also open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Salfit in the morning, 1 village nr. Salfit in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Jenin, 1 village nr. Jericho and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night. In East Jerusalem, 5 cars are vandalized with “price-tag” graffiti. (YA 5/23; PCHR 5/30)

Five are killed and more than 50 wounded in clashes in Tripoli between Lebanese gunmen from Sunni and Alawite communities. The death toll since the latest bout of fighting in the city began on 5/19 is now at least 18, with more than 170 wounded. The violence is linked to a Syrian govt. offensive that is being supported by Hizballah fighters. (AP, REU 5/23)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 2 villages nr. Jenin at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the morning and in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm at night. (PCHR 5/23)

Kidnappers release 7 Egyptian security officialsin the Rafah area of the Sinai, following talks mediated by Bedouin tribal leaders. Subsequently, Egyptian authorities reopen the Rafah crossing. (MNA, REU 5/22)

The U.S. House of Representative’s Foreign Affairs Cmte. unanimously approves the “Nuclear Iran Prevention Act of 2013” which both strengthens existing sanctions on Iran and imposes new sanctions. It is expected to pass the full 435-member chamber where it already has over 300 cosponsors. Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports that Tehran is pressing ahead with the construction of a research reactor in Arak. U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Patrick Ventrell responds to that report with the claim that Iran is “advancing its enrichment programme in blatant violation of its international obligations.” (AP, REU 5/22)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian teenager in al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah during a demonstration in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners. An IDF spokesperson says that soldiers targeted a protester holding a Molotov cocktail; Palestinian witnesses say that the 13-year-old was walking with school friends when targeted. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, as well as 1 village each nr. Tubas and Tulkarm at night. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 4 Palestinian-owned residential buildings. (HA, MNA 5/21; PCHR 5/23)

The Israeli military announces that Palestinian fishermen will now be able to fish up to 6 miles off the coast of the Gaza Strip, extending the previous limit of 3 miles that was set in 3/2013. Meanwhile, an official from Hamas’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that the govt. is willing to close smuggling tunnels once a commercial crossing opens. (HA, MNA 5/21)

The Syrian army and Israeli forces have a brief exchange of fire over the cease-fire line in the Golan Heights. Damascus claims responsibility for firing at Israeli troops, damaging an army jeep but causing no injuries, with the IDF returning fire, reportedly destroying an army post but causing no injuries. IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz warns the Syrian govt. not to conduct any further attacks. (AFP, HA, REU, WP 5/21)

Egyptian forces conduct raids in the n. Sinai as the search continues for the kidnapped security officials. Egyptian authorities also keep Rafah crossing closed for the 5th consecutive day. (MNA 5/21)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry leaves for Oman, on a Middle East trip that will also take him to Jordan, Israel, and the occupied Palestinian territories, his 4th visit to the latter in recent mos. The focus of Kerry’s trip is the possible Syria peace conference as well as the Palestinian-Israeli peace process. As Kerry departs, Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat says that they are making every effort for peace talks to succeed, revealing that in the previous 2 mos. Kerry met with Pres. Abbas 5 times, Erakat 3 times, and that there are almost weekly telephone conversations. (AFP, AP, REU 5/20)

Israel cancels an official visit by a UNESCO delegation, scheduled to inspect historical sites in Jerusalem’s Old City. The fact-finding commission was set to spend 5 days in Jerusalem before submitting a report at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Israel’s Foreign Ministry claims that the visit has been postponed because the Palestinian side “tried to make it into a political event.” The visit originated in a 4/23 decision by Israel, the PA, and UNESCO to remove 5 resolutions critical of Israeli actions from the agency’s agenda in exchange for the delegation’s visit. (MNA 5/16; HA 5/20)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in Tulkarm, Balata r.c. in Nablus, and 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin at night, patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, 1 village each nr. Jenin and Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Salfit, 1 village each nr. Jenin and Ramallah, and in Nablus at night. (PCHR 5/23)

Unidentified gunmen open fire at a police camp and al-Awja border crossing in the Sinai, causing no casualties. Egyptian police deploy reinforcements in the area. Seven security officials remain kidnapped. (AFP, AP 5/20)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels attack Palestinian fishermen at sea nr. Bayt Lahiya, arresting 2. In the West Bank, between Ramallah and Dayr Jarir, Israeli forces attack Palestinians attempting to unblock a road closed by the Israeli military the day before, causing no injuries. IDF troops also attack Palestinians demonstrating in al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah in solidarity with prisoners, injuring 3. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Bethlehem, 2 villages nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Nablus at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night. (MNA 5/19; PCHR 5/23)

Egyptian police keep the Rafah crossing closed for a 3d consecutive day, and also close the al-Awja border crossing, used to transfer goods between Egypt and Israel, in protest at the kidnapping of security officers by suspected Islamists. The kidnappers post a video online which shows their 7 captives and urges the govt. to meet their demands. (AP, MNA, REU 5/19)

Nr. Damascus gate in East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces attack Palestinians protesting against Israeli violations at al-Aqsa mosque. There are arrests but no serious injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in the Old City of Hebron, 1 village nr. Bethlehem and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin, and 1 village each nr. Qalqilya, Ramallah and Tulkarm at night. (MNA 5/18; PCHR 5/23)

Egyptian pres. Mohamed Morsi orders the minister of defense to prepare operations in the Sinai to free kidnapped security officials, held by a group seeking the release of Islamist militants. Meanwhile, Egyptian police continue to keep Rafah crossing closed. (MNA, REU 5/18)

In the West Bank, the IDF shoots and injures a number of Palestinians in various clashes. Outside al-Jalazun refugee camp (r.c.) nr. Ramallah, Palestinians throw stones over the perimeter fence in the direction of the Beit El settlement, and IDF troops shoot and wound 9 with live ammunition, none seriously. In the Abu Dis neighborhood of East Jerusalem, Palestinians open a small hole in the separation wall during protests marking Nakba Day (5/15), and IDF troops respond by opening fire with rubber-coated metal bullets, causing a few, non-serious injuries. In al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, IDF troops shoot and wound 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets after residents throw stones at an army patrol. In Bayt Umar village nr. Hebron, the IDF shoots and wounds 1 Palestinian with a rubber-coated metal bullet, in clashes sparked by an army patrol. In addition, there are also clashes between Jewish settlers and Palestinians, after the settlers set fire to lands of Nablus area villages. Separately, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron in the morning and patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Israeli soldiers also attack regular demonstrations by Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and the occupation in al-Shakara area and 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, Budrus, Ni‘lin), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), causing no serious injuries. (MNA 5/17; AFP 5/18; PCHR 5/23)

Egyptian police close the Rafah crossing with the Gaza Strip in protest at the abduction of 3 of their colleagues along with 4 soldiers the previous day (5/16). (MNA 5/17)

In the West Bank, IDF troops uproot more than 1,200 olive tree saplings, raze 40 dunams (4 dunams = 1 acre) of land, and demolish a water tank nr. Nablus. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jenin, and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in Qalqilya and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Hebron in the afternoon, and in 4 villages nr. Jenin, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, 1 village nr. Bethlehem and in Tulkarm at night. (MNA 5/16; PCHR 5/23)

Palestinian Authority (PA) Pres. Mahmud Abbas holds talks in Cairo with Egyptian pres. Mohamed Morsi about the peace process, and efforts to advance national reconciliation talks between Fatah and Hamas. While in Cairo, Abbas also meets with Palestinian Islamic Jihad head Ramadan Shallah. (JP, MNA 5/16)

Armed men kidnap 7 Egyptian security officers in the Sinai, in between Arish and Rafah. There is no indication of the identity or motives of the kidnappers. (AP, REU 5/16)

Unidentified Palestinians fire a rocket from Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. IDF forces and Palestinians clash across the West Bank and East Jerusalem on Nakba Day, with 25 Palestinians arrested and 6 Israeli security forces injured in and around Jerusalem’s Old City. In al-‘Aqba village nr. Hebron, unidentifed Palestinians throw a Molotov cocktail at an IDF jeep, destroying it and injuring 4 soldiers. In another incident in the nearby village of al-Tabaqa, IDF forces briefly detain more than 45 children. As part of Nakba Dayrelated protests, IDF forces violently disperse Palestinian demonstrators at Qalandia and Bitunia nr. Jerusalem, Ofer nr. Ramallah, Kufor Kaddoum nr. Qalqilya, and open fire on Palestinians in al-Khader nr. Bethlehem (injuring 12). In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in al- ‘Arub r.c. in the morning, and in Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron and in Tubas at night. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA, YA 5/15; PCHR 5/16)

Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas arrives in Cairo for talks with Egyptian pres. Mohamed Morsi about the Arab League’s recent visit (4/29) to Washington and Palestinian national reconciliation moves. (MNA 5/15)

After 2 years of internal discussions, senior Fatah members operating in their own personal capacity issue a document calling for the establishment of one democratic country between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. (HA 5/17)

Mortars fired from inside Syria land in the Mount Hermon area of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. (HA 5/15)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in Russia for talks with Pres. Vladimir Putin about the peace process and regional developments, including Syria. Netanyahu asks Putin not to supply S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to Bashar al-Asad’s regime. (HA 5/14)

The International Criminal Court’s prosecutor Fatou Bensouda says she will open a preliminary examination into Israel’s 2010 attack on the Gaza-bound Mavi Marmara aid flotilla, following a referral from Comoros, to which one of the vessels raided was registered. (REU 5/14)

Thousands of Palestinians hold Nakba Day rallies in cities across the West Bank; the IDF violently disperses protesters in al-Khader, causing no serious injuries. The IDF also patrols in al- ‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, injuring 1 Palestinian in clashes. Jewish settlers uproot around 150 trees south of Nablus and also set fire to Palestinian agricultural lands in Bayt Furik village nr. Nablus. There is also a ‘‘price tag’’ attack in in Umm al-Qutuf village in Wadi Ara, a Palestinian village inside the Green Line, in which suspected Jewish extremists vandalize a mosque and 3 vehicles. (JTA, MNA, WAFA 5/14; PCHR 5/16)

Fatah and Hamas representatives hold reconciliation talks in Cairo. Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouq says the sides have pledged to complete formation of a long-anticipated unity government within 3 months (see QU 168 for details). (JP, MNA 5/14)

Egypt’s upper house holds a special session to discuss recent clashes (5/7) in al-Aqsa Mosque and demands the immediate expulsion of Israeli ambassador Ya’akov Amitai in protest, but the government takes no immediate action. (ToI 5/14)

Israeli media, citing anonymous government officials, reports that issuance of tenders for construction of 1,500 new settlement housing units in Ramat Shlomo settlement in East Jerusalem have been delayed for at least 3 weeks for ‘‘political reasons’’ related to the peace process. (JP 5/13)

In the West Bank, Jewish settlers attack Palestinian property and agricultural lands in 2 villages nr. Nablus, causing damage but no injuries. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 nr. Jericho at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. (MNA 5/13; PCHR 5/16)

Turkish media report that Ankara is close to agreement with Israel over joint energy projects involving the natural gas discoveries off Israel’s coast. (JP 5/13)

The Fatah Central Committee accepts the Arab League’s latest proposal (4/29) authorizing land swaps with Israel and welcomes U.S. efforts to revive the peace process. Meanwhile, Israeli opposition leader Shelly Yachimovich (Labor) meets with PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah and expresses her support for a two-state solution. (JP, HA 5/12)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin in the morning, 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Jericho at night. IDF soldiers conduct house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jenin, and in Qalqilya. (PCHR 5/16)

Israeli newspaper Ha’Aretz speculates that Israel has opened a new diplomatic mission in the Gulf, based on its examination of Finance Ministry budget allocations for 2014. (HA 5/12)

The Yarmouk Martyrs’ Brigade releases the 4 Filipino UN peacekeepers it captured last week (5/7) on the Syria side of the Golan Heights demarcation line. (REU 5/12)

Dozens of Jewish settlers from Yitzhar settlement enter Burin village nr. Nablus and clash with Palestinians. The IDF intervenes, violently dispersing the Palestinian residents with tear gas and rubber-coated metal bullets, but causing no serious injuries. Jewish settlers also enter Urif village nr. Nablus and clash with Palestinian residents, causing no serious injuries. In the West Bank at night, the IDF patrols in Jericho, 1 village nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron, 3 villages nr. Jenin, in Nablus, 1 village nr. Nablus, 1 village nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Tulkarm. (AFP 5/11; PCHR 5/16)

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine–General Command (PFLP–GC) says that it is forming combat units to recapture the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The announcement comes after Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad and Hizballah indicated that they would support such operations. (REU 5/11)

PLO Secy.-Gen. Fathi Abu al-Ardat says that at least 55,000 Palestinian refugees have fled Syria to Lebanon since the civil unrest in Syria began. (DS 5/11)

The IDF opens fire on Palestinians demonstrating against continued settler violations in Bayt Ummar village nr. Hebron, injuring 20 with rubber-coated steel bullets, including 1 man shot in the head. The IDF also shoots Palestinian protesters demonstrating against the IDF’s closure of the main entrance of Silwad village nr. Ramallah, injuring 14, while in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 2 Israeli soldiers are wounded by Palestinians during confrontations in the camp. There are also clashes between Paletinains and the IDF at Huwara checkpoint nr. Nablus as Palestinians protest recent violence in the al Aqsa Mosque compound, with no serious injuries. Separately, IDF soldiers violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals taking part in nonviolent demonstrations in multiple villages against the Israeli occupation in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners. Demonstrations are held in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, al-Nabi Salih, Nilin), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma’sara), and al-Shakara area nr. Ramallah. There is 1 serious injury in al-Shakara, 1 in Bil‘in, and 2 in al-Nabi Salih. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya and 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 2 villages nr. Hebron (injuring 3 during clashes) and 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon. Then at night, IDF soldiers patrol in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jenin and 2 villages nr. Ramallah; conduct house searches and arrest raids in Hebron, 3 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Qalqilya. Meanwhile, Jewish settlers uproot around 70 olive trees in al-Tawani village nr. Hebron. (MNA 5/10; PCHR 5/16)

In the West Bank, IDF forces demolish 10 commercial properties nr. Jenin. The IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Jenin and nr. Qalqilya in the morning, in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 4 villages nr. Jenin and 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night. Also at night, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya. (MNA 5/9; PCHR 5/10)

Palestinian amb. to Egypt Barakat al-Farra says that Palestine has called an emergency meeting of Arab League representatives to discuss recent clashes in al-Aqsa Mosque compound (see 3/8). (MNA 5/9) 

Hamas says that PA security forces arrest 9 of its members in Hebron, Nablus, Qalqilya, and Ramallah. (MNA 5/9)

Hizballah leader Hasan Nasrallah says that Syria will supply the organization with ‘‘game-changing’’ weapons, following recent Israeli air strikes, and that Hizballah would help other groups looking to liberate the Syrian Golan Heights from Israeli occupation. Meanwhile, deputy Syrian FM Faisal Miqdad says that his country will ‘‘respond immediately’’ to any further Israeli attack in its territory. (AFP 5/9; DS 5/10)

Israel’s Justice Minister Tzipi Livni meets with U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry in Rome, following a meeting last week in Washington that discussed the possibility of reviving Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. U.S. Pres. Barack Obama speaks with PM Benjamin Netanyahu by phone to discuss the peace process. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities approve construction of 296 new settlement housing units in Beit El settlement nr. Ramallah. (JP 5/8; JP, MNA 5/9)

In Jerusalem, Jewish settlers accompanied by Israeli security forces enter the al-Aqsa Mosque compound for the second consecutive day, preventing Muslim worshippers from freely accessing the site. Meanwhile, Israeli police detain Jerusalem Mufti Mohammed Hussein for a few hours over his role in clashes the previous day.

In the West Bank, IDF forces demolish 3 Palestinian homes in al-Auja village nr. Jericho. IDF undercover units conduct a raid nr. Jenin, arresting PA Preventive Security officer Mohammed Ahmed Zakarna, who received an amnesty a few years ago for his participation in the al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night. IDF troops conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jenin and in Tulkarm at night. IDF forces make 2 brief incursions into Gaza to level land and clear lines of sight along the border nr. Jabaliya and Bayt Hanun. (AFP, MNA 5/8; PCHR 5/9)

Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem publishes a report that says Israel killed 87 Palestinian civilians in Operation Pillar of Defense in 11/2012, 80% of whom died in the second half of the operation. (JP 5/9)

Egyptian theologian and prominent Islamist cleric Yusuf al-Qaradawi enters the Gaza Strip on a high-profile official visit to the Hamas government, welcomed and hosted by PM Ismail Haniyeh (AFP 5/8)

Jordan’s parliament votes in favor of petitioning the government to expel Israeli amb. Daniel Nevo and recalling Jordan’s amb. to Israel to protest recent unrest involving Jewish settlers entering the al-Aqsa Mosque compound (see 5/7) Ultimately, Jordan’s Interior Min. Hussein al-Majali only summons Nevo to convey an official protest. (AFP 5/8)

Professor Stephen Hawking of Cambridge University pulls out of a conference in Israel in 6/2013 hosted by Pres. Shimon Peres, citing the Palestinian boycott call. Israeli FM spokesman Yigal Palmor says that ‘‘never has a scientist of this stature boycotted Israel.’’ (NYT 5/8)

The UN relocates peacekeepers from an observation post in the al-Jamla area of the Golan Heights cease-fire zone, following the most recent abduction of Filipino troops on 5/7. (AFP 5/8)

Two small rockets and later a mortar land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. While the IDF says the fire is ‘‘accidental spillover’’ from the Syrian civil war, rather than intentional, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command says that Syrian government has given the Damascusbased group permission to attack Israeli targets in the Golan Heights. Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad says that Syria is capable of facing Israel, but does not suggest Damascus will retaliate for the recent Israeli air strikes (e.g., 5/5). Hizballah’s deputy head Naim Qassem says that the Israeli attacks aim to boost the opposition fighters and does not comment on claims that missiles bound for the Lebanese group were the target. Meanwhile, Syrian rebel faction the Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade says that it is holding 4 Filipino UN peacekeepers it detained on the Syrian side of the ceasefire line between Syria and the occupied Golan Heights, claiming that fighting had endangered the observers. (AP, JP, REU, WP 5/7)

Israeli officials say that PM Benjamin Netanyahu has promised U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry to ‘‘rein in’’ settlement construction until mid-6/2013 in the context of renewed efforts to resume negotiations. (HA 5/7)

Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the north Gaza coast, causing no damage or injuries.

In East Jerusalem, some 40 rightwing Israelis enter the al-Aqsa Mosque compound protected by Israeli security forces, sparking clashes with Palestinian worshippers.

In the West Bank, Jewish settlers attack Palestinian vehicles and agricultural land nr. Nablus, causing no injuries. The IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night. Also at night, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in Nablus, 1 village nr. Nablus, 1 village nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Tulkarm. (MNA, WAFA 5/7; PCHR 5/9)

In Jerusalem, Israeli and Turkish officials reach an unspecified draft agreement in to end the diplomatic stand off. The Turkish delegation, headed by FMin. undersecretary Feridun Sinirliog˘lu, is the most senior such delegation since Israel’s 2010 attack on the Mavi Marmara aid flotilla to Gaza (see QU 157). Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s office publishes a statement saying further clarifications are required on certain subjects, though gives no further details (HA 5/5; JP 5/6)

Israel’s Ministerial Committee on Legislation approves a bill for the development of the Negev, known as the Prawer-Begin plan, which would result in the forced displacement of tens of thousands of Palestinian Bedouin citizens of Israel. (MNA 5/6)

The Yesh Atid party, the second largest in the ruling coalition, decides to oppose Economy and Trade Minister Naftali Bennett’s proposal, first offered at the end of April, to pass a Basic Law requiring a referendum before any peace treaty with the Palestinians is signed. (YA 5/6)

Israeli naval vessels twice open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the north Gaza coast, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Jenin, 1 village nr. Ramallah and 2 villages nr. Salfit at night. Also at night, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, 1 village nr. Bethlehem and 3 villages nr. Hebron. (PCHR 5/9)

The Israeli air force strikes a site nr. Damascus, in a new air strike on what unnamed Western intelligence sources say was a shipment of advanced, Iranianmade missiles heading to Hizballah in Lebanon. Israeli officials later stress that the airstrikes are aimed at Hizballah rather than destabilizing or undermining Pres. Bashar al-Asad’s regime. The Syrian government accuses Israel of ‘‘gross aggression’’ and says that the strike ‘‘opens a door to all options.’’ The opposition Syrian National Coalition also condemns the strike, saying that Israel is ‘‘taking advantage’’ of the conflict. A U.S. intelligence official says that Washington was not given any forewarning of the air raid. Iran’s Foreign Min. states that countries in the region should oppose the ‘‘assault,’’ while the Iran’s army ground forces commander Ahmad Reza Pourdastan says Tehran is ready to support its ally. Egypt condemns the airstrikes, as does the Lebanese pres. Michel Suleiman. The Arab League demands that the UN Security Council act to end Israeli attacks on Syria, though without suggesting any specific measures. (Guardian, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 5/5; AP, REU 5/6)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF forces open fire on Palestinian gravel and metal collectors close to the border fence nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm in the morning, 1 village nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Salfit in the afternoon, and in al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron and 2 villages nr. Hebron at night. Also at night, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem, 1 village nr. Hebron, and 2 villages nr. Jenin. (PCHR 5/9)

In the West Bank, Jewish settlers block access to a Palestinian village nr. Ramallah in a protest against a perceived deterioration in security conditions, sparking clashes with around 100 residents that leave 2 Jewish settlers and 1 Palestinian injured. Meanwhile, the IDF patrols in al-‘Arub r.c., 1 village nr. Salfit and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night. Also at night, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem and 2 villages nr. Ramallah. (HA 5/5; PCHR 5/9)

The Israeli Air Force makes an airstrike in Syria. U.S. officials say that the target was weapons, rather than a building or installation. An anonymous Israeli official subsequently says that the target was a shipment of missiles intended for Hizballah, believed to include a Syrianproduced surface-to-surface guided weapon. Meanwhile, Lebanese sources report several sorties by Israeli air force planes in Lebanese airspace, breaches of sovereignty which are condemned by Pres. Michel Suleiman. (HA 5/3; AP, REU 5/4)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF forces open fire on Palestinians picnicking close to the border fence nr. Jabaliya, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 2 villages nr. Hebron in the afternoon (injuring 4 Palestinians in clashes), and in 1 village each nr. Hebron, nr. Jenin, nr. Qalqilya, nr. Ramallah and 3 villages nr. Salfit at night. Also at night, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon and 1 village nr. Salfit. IDF soldiers violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals taking part in weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the Israeli occupation and in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners. Demonstrations are held in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Budrus, Bil‘in, al-Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), 2 villages nr. Bethlehem (al-Khader, al-Ma’sara), and al-Shakara area nr. Ramallah. There are no serious injuries, except 1 in in Budrus and 2 in al-Nabi Salih. (PCHR 5/9)

In a meeting with Swiss FM Didier Burkhalter, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says that he intends to bring any proposed peace agreement with the Palestinians to a national referendum. Meanwhile, Israeli sources suggest that PM Netanyahu is afraid that Israel’s negotiation position would be undermined if U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry accepts the Arab League’s recent statement on borders and territorial exchange (see 4/29). Hamas leader Khalid Mishal rejects the Arab League endorsement of land swaps, and claims that the proposal is designed to find economic peace between Arab states and Israel. Meanwhile, Israel’s Justice Minister Tzipi Livni and Netanyahu’s negotiation adviser Yitzhak Molcho arrive in Washington to discuss peace process issues with Kerry. (AP, HA, MNA 5/2)

Unidentified Palestinians fire 2 mortars from Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Hamas deploys Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigade (IQB) members nr. along the border fence to prevent rocket fire. Meanwhile, the IDF make a brief incursion into Gaza nr. Bayt Hanun to level land and clear lines of sight along the border fence. In the West Bank, Jewish settlers cut down over 50 olive trees in Dayr Jarir village nr. Ramallah. IDF forces attack a Palestnian funeral procession in Bayt Ummar village nr. Hebron, shooting and injuring 3 mourners. The IDF patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 3 villages nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jenin, 2 villages nr. Jericho and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. At night, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Bethlehem at night. (AA, MNA, ToI, YA 5/2; PCHR 6/9)

Hamas authorities in Gaza say that they have arrested 6 Salafists on suspicion of stealing weapons and plotting attacks. The Mujahidin Shura Council calls on the government to stop the detention campaign against its members. (MNA 5/2; PCHR 5/9)

Israel’s High Court orders DM Moshe Ya’alon to halt construction of the separation wall nr. the West Bank village of Batir, in response to a petition submitted by residents and Friends of the Earth Middle East. (HA, MNA 5/2)