The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli border police shoot and kill a 26-year-old Palestinian in ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c. nr. Nablus, during an overnight raid. Meanwhile, a group of Palestinians in Ramallah gather to protest PA-Israel security collaboration, leading to clashes with PA security forces in which 1 bystander is killed and 2 protesters are wounded. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus, Balata r.c., ‘Askar r.c. and 1 nearby village, 3 villages nr. Jenin, Hebron and al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nearby, and Tulkarm at night. Israeli settlers open fire on Palestinians nr. Ramallah, causing no injuries. Separately, settlers open fire on Palestinians gathered in al-Bireh for a funeral, injuring 1. (HA, MNA 6/22; HA 6/23; PCHR 6/26)

The PA issues a statement announcing it has begun official procedures to request an emergency session of the UNSC in response to the ongoing Israeli operation in the West Bank, citing “collective punishment,” 5 Palestinian deaths to date, and more than 400 arrests. Meanwhile, Russia’s UN Amb. Vitaly Churkin proposes a statement to the UNSC that would condemn the Israeli operation, but it is not agreed on. Jordan’s UN reps. insist on stronger language, and U.S. Amb. to the UN Samantha Power says that agreeing to any statement criticizing Israel would be a “red line” for the U.S. (JP, MNA 6/22; AP 6/23; PCHR 6/26)

In the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, an antitank projectile fired from inside Syrian territory kills 1 Israeli civilian, a 13-year-old child, and wounds 2 others. The targeted vehicle was delivering water for the Israeli Ministry of Defense. In response, Israeli tanks fire at Syrian army positions. Later, Israeli forces launch land and air strikes at 9 Syrian army positions, killing 4 and injuring 9, according to the Syrian Foreign Ministry. Israeli DM Moshe Ya’alon says that the Syrian govt. is responsible for the attack, adding that Israel will “respond aggressively and harshly against any provocation and violation of our sovereignty.” (AP, HA, JP, REU 6/22; AP, HA, REU, YA 6/23)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 3 rockets into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. IDF troops subsequently launch attacks on 4 targets in s. Gaza, causing no injuries. Separately, a Palestinian in possession of a grenade is arrested by Israeli soldiers after entering Israel through the perimeter fence. In the West Bank, a 17-yearold Palestinian is killed when he steps on a landmine in the n. Jordan Valley. Separately, an elderly Palestinian dies of a heart attack in Haris nr. Salfit during an IDF raid of the village. In al-Bireh, IDF troops clash with residents during a raid, causing no serious injuries. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 4 nearby villages, Nablus and Balata r.c., ‘Askar r.c. and 3 villages nearby, Bethlehem and 3 villages nearby, 3 villages nr. Jenin, 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm, and in al-Bireh. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA, YA 6/22)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 2 rockets into s. Israel. The 1st lands without causing damage or injuries, and the 2d is intercepted by an Iron Dome missile defense battery. Later in the day, IDF troops target 5 Islamic Jihad and Hamas sites across the Gaza Strip, injuring 6. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries or damage, and arrest 2 fishermen. Meanwhile, 5 mbrs. of Hamas’s al-Qassam Brigades and 1 firefighter die in an explosion in a tunnel nr. Gaza City. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin and 1 nearby village, Qalandia r.c. nr. Jerusalem, Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Hebron and 3 nearby villages, 2 villages nr. Nablus, 1 village nr. Ramallah, Tulkarm and Nur Shams r.c. and 1 village nearby and Salfit at night. (HA, JP, MNA, ToI 6/19; PCHR 6/26)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that he expects the Palestinian unity govt. to dissolve, and that authorities are moving closer to finding the missing Israeli settler teenagers. Hamas senior official Salah Bardawil says, at a solidarity rally in Gaza, that Hamas is “capable of igniting a 3d intifada,” while Hamas spokesperson Abu Zuhri condemns continued security coordination between the PA and Israel. Meanwhile, PA Pres. Abbas issues a statement denouncing Israel’s West Bank operation as “the most severe punitive reprisals.” (JP, MNA, ToI, WAFA 6/19)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF launches 6 air strikes, destroying a blacksmith workshop and causing damage to vacant training sites belong to various armed groups. There are no injuries. In the West Bank, OBK continues. IDF troops open fire on Palestinians in Haris village nr. Salfit during a raid, wounding 1. During separate raids, Israeli soldiers shoot at residents in al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas, wounding 2, and shoot 1 in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus. IDF troops also demolish a house nr. Hebron because it was built without a permit. Also, IDF troops raid and confiscate property from 5 Hamas-linked charities. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron in the afternoon, and in Hebron and 8 nearby villages, Jenin and 6 nearby villages, Tulkarm and 4 nearby villages, Nablus and 8 villages, ‘Askar r.c. and Balata r.c. nearby, Salfit and 1 nearby village, 1 village nr. Qalqilya, al-Bireh, Tubas, at night; patrols in Hebron at night. (MNA, WAFA 6/17; PCHR 6/19)

Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with Quartet Rep. Blair in Tel Aviv and tells him that the 6/12 kidnapping “exposes the real face of Hamas.” Blair says that Hamas “cannot choose the political path on one hand and violence on the other.” Meanwhile, reps. from a number of factions, including Fatah and Hamas, hold a press conference in Gaza City. No group claims responsibility for the kidnapping of the teenage settlers. The reps. say they are prepared to confront any Israeli “aggression.” EU foreign affairs chief Ashton issues a statement condemning the abduction and urges “close cooperation between the Israeli and Palestinian security services.” (HA, JP, MNA 6/17)

Talks between reps. of Iran and the P5+1 powers on the disputed Iranian nuclear program continue in Vienna. Discussions last an hour and a half and cover “elements of the text that could be part of an agreement,” according to Michael Mann, an EU spokesperson. (AA, REU 6/17)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 4 rockets toward Ashqelon: 2 are intercepted by Iron Dome missile defense batteries and 2 hit open areas causing no damage or injuries. In response, the IDF launches air strikes on 5 military targets in the n. and s. Gaza Strip, wounding 3. The IDF says Islamic Jihad is responsible for the rocket fire. In the West Bank, gunmen open fire on an Israeli military post nr. Bethlehem, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and Dayr al-‘Arund r.c. and 3 nearby villages, Nablus and 1 nearby village, Jenin and 1 village nearby, 2 villages nr. Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and 1 nearby village, 1 village nr. Salfit; patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Salfit in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Jericho. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles nr. Salfit, causing no injuries. Separately, settlers throw stones at cars nr. Nablus, causing damage and 1 injury. (HA, JP, MNA 6/15; PCHR 6/19)

Israeli PM Netanyahu reiterates the accusation that Hamas was behind the suspected kidnapping and that the PA is responsible for the fate of the teenagers. U.S. Secy. of State Kerry condemns what he calls a “despicable terrorist act” and says “many indications point to Hamas’s involvement.” The IDF detains dozens more in the West Bank, including parliament speaker ‘Aziz Dwayk, with an estimated 150 Palestinians arrested so far during OBK. Israel’s Coordinator of Govt. Activities in the Territories Yoav Mordechai tells the media that the IDF is not coordinating with PA security forces in the search, and believes Hamas is behind the kidnapping. IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz tells senior officers that “we’re heading towards an extensive operation.” He says the objective is to “find the 3 teens, bring them home, hit Hamas as hard as possible and move forward.” The Executive Comm. of the PLO meets in Ramallah and issues a statement condemning the campaign in the West Bank, while PA spokesperson Ehab Bseiso says that the PA condemns Israel’s “collective punishment of the Palestinian people.” (AFP, HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 6/15)

In the Gaza Strip, armed Palestinians fire 4 rockets into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF responds with 8 air strikes in the Gaza Strip, targeting military training sites belonging to Hamas’s Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, Islamic Jihad’s al-Quds Brigades, and the Popular Resistance Comms. (PRC) in the c. Gaza Strip, Rafah, and Khan Yunis. Damage is sustained, and 2 civilians are wounded when they are hit by shrapnel in separate attacks. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. Meanwhile, a 10-year-old boy dies, succumbing to injuries sustained in an Israeli air strike on 6/11. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Ramallah and 8 villages nearby, Nablus and 4 villages and ‘Askar r.c. nearby, Tulkarm and 3 villages and Nur Shams r.c. nearby, Tubas and 1 village and al-Fara‘a r.c. nearby, Jenin and 1 nearby village, Jericho and ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. nearby, 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Jerusalem, and al-Bireh at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho, 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Jewish settlers stone Palestinian vehicles nr. Nablus, injuring 3 and causing damage. Separately, Jewish settlers throw stones at Palestinians and their homes in Susia nr. Hebron. (HA, JP, MNA 6/14; PCHR 6/19)

Israeli PM Netanyahu announces that the Israeli govt. holds the PA responsible for the fate of the 3 missing Israeli teenagers, since “the terrorists originated from Palestinian territory.” Anonymous PA officials tell the media that Abbas has instructed his security services to help in the manhunt. Meanwhile, the IDF continues intensive sweeps of the s. West Bank, and wideranging arrest raids, which pick up 80 Palestinians, including 4 mbrs. of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC). The IDF also imposes a closure on the s. West Bank, from Bethlehem to the Hebron region. IDF sources tell the media that the working assumption is that the youth are alive. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 6/15)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. Separately,IDF troops open fire from the border fence nr. Karni crossing, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops demolish a Palestinian house in a village nr. Tulkarm and clash with residents, causing no injuries. Separately, IDF troops demolish 4 commercial stalls in the n. Jordan Valley. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in 3 villages each nr. Hebron and Ramallah, and in 1 village each nr. Jericho and Salfit at night. (MNA 6/9; PCHR 6/12)

Iranian and U.S. officials meet in Geneva and hold their 1st official, bilateral talks since the beginning of the Vienna negotiations between reps. of Iran and the P5+1 powers on 1/20. Attended by Iran’s Dep. FM Araghchi along with U.S. Dep. Secy. of State William Burns, and Under Secy. of State Wendy Sherman, the discussions are intended to overcome the impasse reached in Vienna and make it possible to reach a comprehensive agreement by the 7/20 deadline. The 5th round of talks is scheduled to begin on 6/16. Araghchi tells Iranian media that it is “too early to judge whether an extension will be needed.” (AFP, AP, HA, REU 6/9)

In the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian fisherman shot by Israeli naval forces off the coast on 5/26 dies of his wounds. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Tulkarm and 1 nearby village, and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Ramallah in the morning, and in 3 villages nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Jericho, and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. (MNA 6/8; PCHR 6/12)

Pope Francis holds a peace prayer in the Vatican with Israel’s Pres. Shimon Peres and PA Pres. Abbas, a symbolic gesture proposed by the pontiff during his recent trip to the region on 5/24–26. (AFP 6/8)

Al-Sisi is sworn into office after his victory in Egypt’s presidential elections. During his speech at the inauguration ceremony, the head of the Egyptian military says that “there will be reconciliation between the sons of our nation except those who had committed crimes against them or adopted violence.” Abbas attends the ceremony and holds separate meetings with Secy.-Gen. of the Arab League Nabil al-‘Arabi, Egyptian FM Nabil Fahmi, and Moroccan FM Salaheddine Mezouar. (AP, WAFA 8/6)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and 2 nearby villages, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, al-Fawar r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron, in 1 village nr. Jenin and in Tulkarm at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 4 villages nr. Hebron and in 1 village each nr. Jenin, Ramallah, and Tulkarm at night. (PCHR 6/12)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm in the morning, and in 3 villages nr. Hebron and 2 villages nr. Jenin at night. (PCHR 6/5)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says he is “deeply troubled” by the U.S. decision to maintain ties and aid to the PA unity govt. In response, U.S. State Dept. dep. spokesperson Harf says that the unity govt. is not “backed by Hamas” and contains “no mbrs. of Hamas.” Further endorsement of the new PA govt. comes from Russia, China, India, Turkey, France, and the UK. EU foreign affairs chief Ashton calls the formation of the unity govt. “an important step.” UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon also welcomes the move. Meanwhile, PLO executive comm. mbr. Hanna Amira says that Israel has notified the PA that it is imposing sanctions in response to the unity govt.’s formation. These include the invalidation of VIP cards of PA officials, reduction of tax revenues, which Israel collects and delivers to the PA, and prevention of visits between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. (AP, HA, MNA, REU 6/4)

A presidential election is held in Syria, and Pres. Bashar al-Asad is expected to win a majority of the vote. Opponents of the pres. dismiss the election because al-Asad’s 2 rival candidates, Hassan al-Nouri and Maher Hajjar, were both approved by a parliament dominated by al-Asad’s supporters. State Dept. dep. spokesperson Harf says the U.S. sees the election as “a disgrace” and that Pres. al-Asad “has no more credibility today than he did yesterday.” French FM Laurent Fabius calls it “a tragic farce.” (AP, REU 6/3)

Egypt’s election commission reports its official results, announcing that al-Sisi won 96.91% in the presidential vote, with a turnout of 47% of 54 m. voters nationwide. (AP, REU 6/3)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint s. of Nablus. According to the Israeli military, the man 1st opened fire on soldiers, wounding 1, but his family denies the claim. IDF troops demolish a car wash in Hizma village nr. Jerusalem, and barns in Silwan, East Jerusalem. They also demolish a small house nr. Bethlehem. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin and in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm. In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops target 2 military training sites, one nr. Gaza City and the other nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. (HA, MNA, REU, WAFA 6/2; PCHR 6/5)

PA Pres. Abbas swears in the new national unity govt. in Ramallah, after final disagreements between Fatah and Hamas are resolved. The 18 ministers, including a secy. with ministerial rank but no portfolio, take an oath of office in a televised ceremony, though 4 are participating via teleconference from the Gaza Strip because Israel denied their entry into the West Bank. Abbas announces that the govt.’s principal task is to organize elections within 6 mos., and that preparations will begin immediately. Following a meeting of Israel’s security cabinet, which was called to coordinate a response, Netanyahu’s office issues a statement that says Israel will work against the inclusion of Hamas candidates in the planned Palestinian elections, while refusing to negotiate with the Palestinians as long as a Hamas-backed unity govt. is in power. U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Psaki announces that the Obama administration intends to work with the new PA unity govt. She cites a phone call between U.S. Secy. of State Kerry and Abbas over the weekend, in which Abbas assured Kerry that the new govt. would be committed to the principles of nonviolence, recognition of the state of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 6/2)

A mortar shell fired from Syria lands in the occupied Golan Heights, causing no injuries. In response, IDF troops fire an antitank missile back into Syrian territory. No damage or casualties are reported. (AP, HA, MNA 6/2)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct 2 separate, limited incursions close to the border fence nr. Rafah to level land. Meanwhile, Palestinians fire 1 rocket into s. Israel, which lands in a field causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, and in Hebron and 1 nearby village and al-Fawar r.c. at night; patrols in Tulkarm and 3 villages nr. Jenin in the morning, 2 villages nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in Tulkarm, 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers attack Palestinians in Hebron, injuring 1. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces open fire on Palestinians celebrating the release of 2 prisoners, wounding 2 with rubber-coated metal bullets. (AFP, MNA, ToI 6/1; PCHR 6/5)

Israeli PM Netanyahu urges the international community not to “rush to recognize a Palestinian govt., which has Hamas as part of it and is dependent on Hamas,” a reference to the expected announcement of a new PA unity govt. PA spokesperson Abu Rudayna responds by saying that the international community had “already encouraged and welcomed Pres. Abbas’s move aimed at the unification of the country and the Palestinian people.” (HA, MNA, REU, WAFA 6/1)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers close to the border fence nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. In a separate incident, IDF troops fire a shell at farmland nr. Khan Yunis, starting a fire. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village and al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, and 1 village nr. Hebron at night; patrols in Hebron and Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 3 villages and ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. nr. Jericho, 2 villages nr. Jenin, and 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Meanwhile, Palestinian land owners and activists build a tent village s. of Bethlehem in an area threatened with confiscation. (WAFA 5/31; PCHR 6/5)

PA Pres. Abbas says he expects the unity govt. to be announced on 6/2, in remarks he makes to a group of French peace activists in Ramallah. He also says the govt. will be composed of independents and technocrats, and will maintain existing PA policies. Meanwhile, the Israeli media reports that Israeli officials have informed Abbas all contact with the PA will be severed once the unity govt. is sworn in, though security coordination will continue. (HA, MNA, REU 5/31)

Gunmen kill 6 Egyptian soldiers during a routine patrol in the western desert area of al-Wahat. Authorities say the attackers were smugglers and “outlaws.” Meanwhile, Abbas telephones Egyptian pres.-elect al-Sisi to congratulate him for his election victory. (REU, WAFA 5/31)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers close to the border fence nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. Off the coast nr. al-Sudaniyya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, injuring 1. In the West Bank, a Palestinian man is arrested at Tapuach Junction nr. Nablus while wearing an explosive belt. Reports in the Israeli media suggest the individual was acting alone. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Tulkarm at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 3 villages each nr. Hebron and Ramallah at night. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), and Salfit (Kafr al-Dik). There are no serious injuries, except in Bil‘in, where 1 is hit with a tear gas canister, and Ni‘lin, where 1 is hit by a bullet. Meanwhile, a car driven by an Israeli settler nr. al-Ram is hit by small arms fire, according to the Israeli army, causing no injuries. (HA, MNA, REU 5/30; PCHR 6/5)

U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Jen Psaki says that the U.S. has not invited PA PM Hamdallah to Washington, contrary to a claim made by senior Fatah official al-Ahmad. Al-Ahmad reportedly says also that the Obama administration plans to recognize the new PA unity govt., but Psaki denies the comments. Meanwhile in Gaza, Hamas PM Ismail Haniyeh says that the final disputes about the formation of the unity cabinet are “under control” and there is “no turning back.” (JP, MNA 5/30; JP 5/31)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces arrest 3 fishermen. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 nearby villages, in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, in Jenin, and 1 village each nr. Nablus and Tulkarm at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Bethlehem in the morning, 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian on a road nr. Ramallah, causing serious injuries. (MNA, WAFA 5/27; PCHR 5/29)

The Hamas-run cabinet in the Gaza Strip holds its 343d and last meeting, and releases a statement saying it is ready to hand over “full responsibility” to a PA unity govt. According to Fatah official al-Ahmad, reps. of the various Palestinian factions are close to agreeing on the composition of the new govt., as they continue their discussions. (AP, MNA 5/27) .

The office of EU foreign affairs chief Ashton confirms that reps. of Iran and the P5+1 powers have agreed to meet in Vienna on 6/16 to begin a new round of talks. (AP 5/27)

In the n. Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian civilians on the shore nr. the border fence, wounding 1. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. al-Sudaniyya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries or damage. In the West Bank, a Palestinian man dies from excessive tear gas inhalation. He was hospitalized after sustaining injuries in his own home while the IDF was raiding Abu Dis on 5/23. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Tulkarm, Tubas, and 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin at night; patrols in Hebron and 1 nearby village, and 1 village nr. Bethlehem in the afternoon, and in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers cut down 30 almond and olive trees nr. Nablus. (MNA, WAFA 5/26; PCHR 5/29)

Jerusalem municipality approves 50 new housing units in 5 buildings in Har Homa, East Jerusalem. PA spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudayna says the decision is “immoral, illogical, and uncivilized.” (AFP, JP 5/26)

In Egypt, polls open on the 1st of 2 days scheduled for the presidential election. Former head of the Egyptian armed forces Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who resigned from the military in 3/2014, is widely expected to win a clear majority. (AJ 5/26)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval vessels arrest 2 fishermen and confiscate their boats. In a separate incident off the coast nr. Khan Yunis, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with Palestinians in Yatta village nr. Hebron during a morning arrest raid, wounding 1 Palestinian with a tear gas canister. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the morning, and in 2 villages each nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Tulkarm at night. (MNA 5/20; PCHR 5/22)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians collecting raw materials close to the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun, injuring 1. Off the coast nr. Rafah, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage, and arrest 2. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes 9 Palestinian-owned structures in Issawiyya and the E1 area nr. Jerusalem. Meanwhile, IDF soldiers uproot an estimated 600 almond trees nr. Nahalin village nr. Bethlehem. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron and in Jenin at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm in the morning, in 4 villages nr. Jenin and in Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinianowned land nr. Salfit, damaging around 20 fruit trees. (MNA, UNOCHA 5/19; PCHR 5/22)

In his 1st public comment on the subject since 1/20, Iran’s Pres. Hassan Rouhani says that “in spite of the existing difficulties” he remains hopeful for a comprehensive deal with the P5+1 group over Iran’s disputed nuclear program. (AFP, IRNA 5/19)

In the West Bank, IDF troops demolish 7 buildings, including 5 residential rooms nr. Nablus, displacing 4 families (27 people). The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nur Shams r.c. and 1 village nr. Tulkarm, and in Nablus and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Jenin, and Ramallah at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Jericho, and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Jenin, Ramallah, and Tulkarm at night. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians reopen a hole in the separation wall in Abu Dis, prompting Israeli forces to fire tear gas and stun grenades, injuring 7. (MNA 5/12; PCHR 5/15)

PA Pres. Abbas meets a Hamas delegation in Ramallah, including ‘Aziz Dwayk, the speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council. This is the 1st meeting between Abbas and Hamas leaders in 2 years. Palestinian sources tell the media that a unity govt. will be announced before the end of 5/2014, and that it will consist of 15–16 ministers. (JP, MEMO 5/12) 

At an Israeli Independence Day celebration organized by the Israeli Embassy in Washington, U.S. National Security Adviser Rice says that Iran must agree to “verifiable action” to satisfy concerns about its nuclear program, as part of a final deal. Meanwhile, representatives of the IAEA and Iran hold a meeting to review progress on implementing transparency measures. No details are released. (AP, REU 5/12)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians collecting scrap metal close to the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun, wounding 1. Separately, IDF troops open fire on agricultural areas nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Dahaysha r.c. and 1 village nr. Bethlehem, and in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Qalqilya at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and Salfit in the morning, in 1 village each nr. Jenin, Ramallah, and Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in al-Fawar r.c. and 4 villages nr. Hebron, in 2 villages nr. Jenin, 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and Ramallah, and in Qalqilya at night. Jewish settlers chop down around 70 almond and olive trees and grape vines nr. Hebron. (MNA, WAFA 5/11; PCHR 5/15)

The IDF declares the area around the Qunaytra crossing in the occupied Golan Heights a closed military zone, after intense fighting in the area between Syrian govt. and opposition forces. (HA, REU 5/11)

Gunmen shoot and kill 1 Egyptian soldier and injure another in al-Jura village nr. Shaykh Zuwayd in n. Sinai. (MNA 5/11)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinians collecting scrap metal close to the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun, wounding 1. In the West Bank, the IDF wound 1 Palestinian during clashes in Nablus during a patrol designed to protect the movement of Jewish settlers. IDF troops demolish 2 houses in al- ‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, prompting clashes with residents. Three are injured by rubber-coated metal bullets. IDF troops also fire tear gas into the grounds of 2 schools in al-Khadir, nr. Bethlehem. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 nearby villages, and in 1 village nr. Jenin at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron, in Tulkarm and 1 nearby village, and 1 village nr. Jericho at night. In Israel, a car owned by a Palestinian citizen is vandalized, the 6th such hate crime in the town over the last mo. Meanwhile, residents of Furaydis hold a general strike to protest the “price tag” attack on 4/29, where racist graffiti was sprayed on a mosque. Israeli PM Netanyahu condemns the attack and says that the govt. is tackling those responsible. (HA, MNA, WAFA 4/30; PCHR 5/8)

Senior Palestinian official Shaath says that the Palestinian leadership will look to take action at the international level, in light of the breakdown in negotiations he says were foiled by Israel. (WAFA 4/30)

Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmad says that PA Pres. Abbas will issue a presidential decree to convene the Palestinian Legislative Council— which has not convened since 2007—while elections will not take place for another 6 mos. Hamas and Fatah officials reactivate a subcmte. on civil liberties, as part of the implementation of the reconciliation agreement. Topics for the new subcmte. to deal with include the end of a ban on West Bank newspapers in Gaza. Meanwhile, around 1,000 Hamas supporters march through Ramallah, marking the return of the remains of 2 Hamas fighters killed by Israel in 1998. Speaking to mourners by telephone, Hamas leader Khalid Mish‘al affirms that the organization’s “path is resistance and the rifle,” and that Palestinians were in need of a joint, unified strategy to secure the “liberation of our lands and holy sites.” (AFP, JP, MEMO, MNA, REU 4/30)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians collecting stones close to the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun, wounding 2. IDF troops also conduct 2 separate limited incursions in the s. Gaza Strip to level land close to the border fence. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin, Qalqilya, and in Nur Shams r.c. in Tulkarm at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 2 villages each nr. Hebron, Jenin and Tulkarm at night. Jewish settlers from Yitzhar destroy around 150 olive trees nr. Nablus. (MNA 4/28; PCHR 4/30)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry releases a personal statement on the State Dept.’s website denying that he believes Israel is an “apartheid state or that it intends to become one,” in response to the previous day’s reports of his remarks on the subject. (See document D4 in JPS 172 for more.) He says that in hindsight, he “would have chosen a different word to describe my firm belief that the only way in the long term to have a Jewish state and 2 nations and 2 peoples living side by side in peace and security is through a 2-state solution.” (HA 4/28)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night; patrols in Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Salfit in the morning, in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 4 villages nr. Hebron, Nablus and 1 village and Balata r.c. nearby, 2 villages nr. Qalqilya and Tulkarm at night. Jewish settlers from Yitzhar chop down an estimated 60 olive trees nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian demonstrators in al-‘Izzariya, a protest in support of defending al-Aqsa mosque from Jewish extremists. There are no serious injuries. (MNA 4/27; PCHR 4/30)

The PLO Central Council in Ramallah adopts a plan to pursue efforts to join 63 UN bodies and international treaties, according to a public statement issued on the final day of a 2-day meeting. Separately, PA Pres. Abbas issues a statement to mark Holocaust Day, denouncing the Nazi genocide. Israeli PM Netanyahu dismisses the comments during an interview with U.S. television network CBS, and says that Israel will not negotiate with a Palestinian govt. backed by Hamas. Meanwhile, IDF Maj.-Gen. Yoav Mordechai tells a meeting of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Subcmte. on Judea and Samaria that construction plans for 19 Palestinian villages in Area C of the West Bank have been frozen in response to the reconciliation deal. In addition, U.S. Dep. National Security Adviser Tony Blinken tells CNN that the U.S. is ready to suspend aid to the PA if a unity govt. backed by Hamas fails to recognize Israel. U.S. Special Envoy Indyk leaves Israel for consultations in Washington. EU foreign affairs chief Ashton releases a statement expressing concern over the latest developments in the peace process, and reiterates EU support for the U.S.-led peace talks. She also welcomes the Palestinian unity govt., affirming that it must abide by the principles of nonviolence, recognition of Israel, and commitment to previous agreements. (AFP, JP, REU, WAFA, YA 4/27; HA 4/28)

Remarks made by U.S. Secy. of State Kerry on 4/25 at a private meeting in Washington are published by the Daily Beast, in which he says that without a 2-state solution soon, Israel risks becoming an “apartheid state.” In response, pro-Israel lobby group AIPAC says it is “deeply troubled” by the comments. (HA, NYT 4/28)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, wounding 1. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron and Dahaysha r.c. in Bethlehem at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in al-‘Arub r.c. and 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night. (MNA 4/26; PCHR 4/30)

PA Pres. Abbas says he would be willing to extend negotiations if Israel released the last round of prisoners and agreed to a settlement construction freeze, in a televised speech to the PLO Central Council in Ramallah. Abbas also says that the unity govt. will “obey my policy,” namely of recognition of Israel and rejecting “violence and terrorism.” An unnamed Israeli official tells AFP that with his speech, Abbas “administered the coup de grâce to the peace process.” (AFP, MNA, REU 4/26)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces kill 3 Palestinians from the Saraya al-Quds Brigades (the armed wing of Islamic Jihad) in an air strike nr. Khan Yunis, shortly after they had fired a mortar shell toward IDF troops. Later in the day, Palestinians fire 1 rocket into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. IDF troops conduct 2 separate limited incursions nr. Khan Yunis and nr. Rafah alongside the border fence to level land. Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen working off the coast nr. Gaza City, and arrest 2, before releasing them later. In the West Bank, IDF troops wound an unspecified number of Palestinian youth during clashes nr. al-Azza r.c. in Bethlehem, at a rally organized to protest Israel’s recent killing of Palestinians. Separately, IDF troops wound 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets in clashes in Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, after locals throw stones at soldiers conducting a raid. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and 2 villages and ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c. nearby, and 1 village each nr. Hebron and Salfit at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm in the morning, in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron and in Tulkarm at night. (MNA 3/11; PCHR 3/13)

The Knesset passes a new law that raises the threshold for entering the parliament from 2% to 3.25% of the vote in a general election. (The bill was previously approved by the cmte. on 3/3.) The bill passes with 67 yeas, though the vote is boycotted by all the opposition parties, including Labor, Shas, and United Arab List Ta’al. (HA 3/11)

A small homemade bomb explodes in front of the Israeli embassy in Cairo, causing no damage or injuries. (REU, ToI 3/11)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 1 nearby village, in Nablus and 1 nearby village, and 1 village nr. Jenin; patrols in Qalqilya and 1 nearby village, and in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Tulkarm and in Jenin at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse dozens of Palestinians planting trees on their land in Anata that had been confiscated, causing no serious injuries. (MNA 3/9; PCHR 3/13)

Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat says that the U.S. gave a commitment that Israel will release 30 Palestinian prisoners, as planned, on 3/29. Erekat speaks on his return from Washington, where he says that ideas were discussed with U.S. Special Envoy Martin Indyk. Erakat also emphasizes that the Palestinians will not take any unilateral action at the UN for the duration of the 9-mo. schedule for talks, which ends 4/29. Meanwhile in Cairo, Arab League FMs meet and release a statement endorsing PA Pres. Abbas’s rejection of the Israeli demand for recognition as a Jewish state. Speaking to Israeli media, PM Netanyahu says that should both sides accept a U.S.-proposed set of principles for the continuation of talks, negotiations would last at least another year. (HA, REU 3/9)

EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton, on a visit to Tehran, says that reaching a longterm nuclear deal with Iran would be “difficult and challenging,” remarks made at a press conference alongside Iranian FM Zarif. Ashton is in Iran for a 2-day visit, the 1st by an EU foreign affairs chief since 2008.

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the morning, patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries except in Bil‘in, where 1 is struck by a tear gas canister and in Nabi Salih, where 5 are wounded by bullets. (PCHR 3/13)

Israeli PM Netanyahu tells Israeli television that the govt. would give up “some settlements” in the West Bank as part of a peace agreement, but that he would “ensure the number will be as small as possible,” if talks progress that far. Meanwhile, U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Jen Psaki tells reporters that the U.S. recognizes Israel as a Jewish state but that Palestinian recognition is not a precondition in peace talks. (JP, REU 3/7)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry visits Jordan for talks with King Abdallah in Aqaba on the Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. (AFP, REU 3/7)

In clashes between Muslim Brotherhood supporters and Egyptian security forces across the country, including Suez, Alexandria, and al-Arish, 3 protesters are killed and 48 wounded. An Egyptian official says 17 police officers are wounded in the clashes in Cairo. (AFP, REU 3/7)

Iranian Foreign Ministry official Hamid Baidinejad says that representatives of Iran and the P5+1 countries have held “substantive and useful” talks in Vienna in preparation for the next meeting of chief negotiators on 3/18. EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton confirms the Iranian official’s assessment of the talks, via a statement from her office in Brussels. (AFP, REU 3/7)

In response to the Israeli allegations regarding the ship intercepted in the Red Sea on 3/5, Iranian FM Zarif rejects Israeli allegations, calling claims of Iranian involvement a “lie.” Senior Islamic Jihad official Khalid al-Baths denies the group’s involvement in the seized missile shipment. (AFP, AP, REU 3/7)

In the West Bank, the IDF opens fire on a Palestinian vehicle at a checkpoint nr. Nablus, wounding 1. The IDF also violently disperses a demonstration in Tura village nr. Jenin, organized by the DFLP to mark its 45th anniversary, wounding 1. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Tulkarm at night; patrols in 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night. (WAFA 2/15; PCHR 2/20)

Egyptian forces destroy 10 tunnels and 7 homes in Rafah, as part of efforts to create a 300–500 meter buffer zone along the border with the Gaza Strip, according to an anonymous official cited by Ma’an News Agency. (MNA 2/15)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces conduct air strikes against targets in n. Gaza City and in Nussayrat r.c., where Hamas’s military wing, the Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, operates a training site. Neither attack caused injuries. Meanwhile, off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels arrest 3 Palestinian fishermen and confiscate 2 boats. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nearby at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin in the morning, 1 village nr. Salfit in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm at night. Jewish settlers cut down 150 olive trees in al-Khadir village nr. Bethlehem. (MNA, ToI 2/11; PCHR 2/13)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 1 rocket into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Later, a second rocket is fired, also causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 1 nearby village, Nablus, Tubas, 1 village and Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah at night; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Ramallah, and in 1 village each nr. Jenin, Salfit, and Tulkarm at night. In East Jerusalem, Jewish extremists vandalize 16 cars in Silwan, and leave “price-tag” graffiti. (HA, ToI 2/10; PCHR 2/13)

A second round of UN-sponsored peace talks on Syria gets underway in Switzerland, with no sign of even a modest breakthrough. Meanwhile, Russia and China frustrate efforts to draw up a UNSC res. that would raise the prospect of sanctions against Damascus without unrestricted access for the delivery of humanitarian aid. Reps. from Russia promise to veto the res., saying that it would prepare the way for military strikes against the Syrian govt. Meanwhile, the OPCW says in a statement that Syria has shipped a 3rd batch of chemical weapons material out of its territory via an internationally accompanied Norwegian cargo vessel. (AP, MNA, REU 2/10)

The head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi, says that Tehran has developed new, more powerful centrifuges, used for enriching uranium. Salehi claims that the development does not violate the 6-mo. interim deal that went into effect on 1/20. Meanwhile, Pres. Ruhani states that the country’s doors are open to IAEA inspectors. (AFP, JP, REU 2/10)