The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian minor near the Kiryat Arba settlement in Hebron, causing hospitalization. Israeli forces assaulted 2 Palestinian minors near Kisan. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bruqin, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered stop-work notices for 2 houses under construction in Hamsa. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 1 Palestinian family demolished parts of their own home in Silwan. 3 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City and in Silwan. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/20; PCHR 11/24; UNOCHA 11/25)

It was reported that Israeli forces in the Jenin area had distributed leaflets to Palestinian residents warning them against attempting to cross the separation wall, saying “If you cross the fence, fire will be opened directly at you . . . We promise you that we will hurt you and will hold you accountable if you make any mistake!” The Israeli military said that it had not approved the language in the leaflets. (HA 11/20)

PA President Mahmoud Abbas met the leaders of Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Algeria, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, the UN and FIFA at the sidelines of the World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar. (WAFA 11/20; WAFA 11/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinians and Israeli activists working an olive grove near Turmus ‘Ayya and set fire to 2 Palestinian-owned vehicles. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian homes in ‘Ayn Bus. Israeli forces shot and killed 5 Palestinians and injured 21 others during a late-night raid in Nablus. Israel claimed it was raiding Nablus to destroy an explosives lab belonging to the Lion’s Den group; at least 1 anti-tank missile was fired by Israeli forces during the raid. The PA called the raid a war crime and said it had reached out to the U.S. to pressure Israel to end its deadly raids. Tens of thousands attended the funeral procession for the 5 victims and a general strike was issued in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian during a raid in Nabi Salih. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Hebron against the raid in Nablus, injuring 3 with live ammunition and others with baton rounds and tear gas. Israeli forces also seized 2 residential tents in al-Juwaya in the Masafer Yatta area, and assaulted Palestinians resisting the seizure. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian home in Bani Na‘im. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Bireh, injuring 1 with live ammunition. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Aida refugee camp, injuring 1 with live ammunition. (NYT 10/24; AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, AX, BB, BBC, CNN, DW, GDN, HA, HA, INT, JP, LT, MDW, MEE, PCHR, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WSJ 10/25; AJ 10/26; ALM, PCHR 10/27; UNOCHA 11/1; UNOCHA 11/13; HA 11/18)

The Israeli military suspended the security coordinator of the Har Bracha settlement after a video from 10/21 showed that he aided Israeli settlers in attacking Palestinians while in military uniform near Burin. The security coordinator was seen providing a settler with a gas grenade while he was watching the settlers attack Palestinians. The security coordinator was reinstated on 10/30. (HA 10/26; HA 10/31)

PLO secretary general Hussein al-Sheikh met with the ambassadors of Jordan, Egypt, France, and Germany, known as the Munich Group, to continue talks about developing a political horizon for ending the occupation. (WAFA 10/25)

Leader of the Hamas political bureau Ismail Haniyeh met with a delegation from the Taliban-led Afghan government in Istanbul. (MEMO 10/26; MEE 10/28)

Israeli president Isaac Herzog met with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken in Washington. Secretary Blinken said that the 2 discussed the need to deescalate the situation in the West Bank. (HA 10/26)

Amnesty International urged the ICC to “investigate unlawful attacks committed during Israel’s August 2022 assault on the Gaza Strip as war crimes.” Amnesty said it had investigated 3 deadly incidents during the assault, 2 of which it with certainty ascribed to Israel and 1 which “likely” was caused by an unguided rocket fired by Palestinian militants. The 2 Israeli attacks Amnesty investigated killed 6 Palestinian civilians, including “a four-year-old boy, a teenager visiting his mother’s grave, and a 22-year-old student at home with her family.” Amnesty said that of the 49 Palestinians killed, 33 were killed by Israel and 7 were killed by rockets fired by Palestinian militants; it was unclear who had caused the deaths of the remaining 8. (AI, AJ, MEE 10/25)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian child, shot by Israeli forces during a raid in al-Bireh on 9/28, succumbed to his injuries. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles in Huwwara and attacked Israeli soldiers with pepper-spray; 1 off-duty Israeli soldier was later arrested for attacking Israeli soldiers. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near al-Bireh. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set fire to a vehicle and a water tank and vandalized 80 olive and almond trees in al-Mughayyir. Israeli forces temporarily expelled Palestinians in parts of Khirbat al-Karmil to convene a conference for settlers and soldiers in the village, which is in Area A. Israeli forces also assaulted 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint near Beit Furik, causing injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters near al-Bireh, injuring 2 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bethlehem, injuring 2 minors with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition in al-Ram. Israeli forces also closed the main entrance to Beit Umar. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Sa‘ir, injuring 1 minor with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 2 minors with live ammunition and arresting 4. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Nabi Salih, injuring 1 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Arroub refugee camp, causing tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians in ‘Azzun, causing tear-gas related injuries and assaulting a crew of journalists from Palestine TV. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Biddu, injuring 1 with a baton round. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting against restrictions imposed on Nablus, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolished 1 house in Dura, displacing 8, and destroyed a water pump south of Nablus, disrupting water supply in Burin, Madama, ‘Urif, and Asira al-Qibliya. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided a house in Shu‘fat where the family and friends of a Palestinian killed by Israeli forces on 10/19 were meeting to remember him. Israeli authorities delivered a demolition notice against a Palestinian-owned home in Silwan. 1 minor was arrested during a late-night raid in Isawiya. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, MEMO, NBC, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/20; MDW 10/21; PCHR 10/27; UNOCHA 11/1)

Palestinians in East Jerusalem and the West Bank observed a general strike in protest over the killing of a Palestinian man on 10/19 near Ma’ale Adumim. (F24, MEMO, WAFA 10/20)

The new Israeli-imposed restrictions for entry into the West Bank, outside of Israeli settlements, took effect. The heavily criticized restrictions were 1st published earlier this year in the policy paper “Procedure for entry and residence of foreigners in the Judea and Samaria area,” issued by Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories and have been slightly amended after criticism by U.S. and EU lawmakers. (GDN, MDW 10/20; NA, TOI 10/21)

Haaretz reported that Israel will approve the purchase of 2 helicopters by the PA for usage of PA officials. The helicopters, which will be stationed in Jordan, are reportedly funded by Gulf state donations. The PA will need permission from Israel to use the helicopters in the West Bank. (HA 10/20; ALM 10/21)

At a conference in Eliat attended by Morocco, Bahrain, and the UAE, Israel and Bahrain signed an agricultural cooperation deal. (REU 10/20)

The ACLU filed an appeal with the U.S. supreme court asking it to review the appeals court decision to uphold an Arkansas state law that penalizes companies boycotting Israel. The ACLU said the law violates the 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. (ACLU, AJ, FOX, GDN 10/20; TOI 10/21; MDW 10/25)

The UN-mandated commission of inquiry on the occupied West Bank, Gaza, east Jerusalem, and Israel released a 28-page report, calling on the International Court of Justice to make a legal opinion on the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and said the occupation is unlawful due to its permanence and Israel’s “de-facto annexation policy.” (AP, UN, WAFA 10/20; HA, MEE, WAFA 10/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian homes in Madama with stones, leading to a confrontation between Israeli forces and Palestinians in the village; 8 Palestinians were injured by Israeli settlers and 13 by tear gas fired by Israeli forces. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Bizarya, causing damage. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raided Burqa, leading to a confrontation between Palestinians and Israeli forces; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces shot and killed 4 Palestinians and injured 44 others during a raid in Jenin refugee camp, where Israeli forces also fired 4 missiles in residential areas. Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades said 3 of the casualties were members of their organizations while Islamic Jihad said the 4th was an Islamic Jihad member. The PA and OIC condemned the killings and Fatah called for a Day of Rage. Several Palestinian cities held general strikes over the killings. Later, on 10/10, 1 12-year-old Palestinian boy died of wounds sustained during the raid. The boy was shot in the stomach by Israeli forces using live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Beit El checkpoint, injuring 3, including 1 critically. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Huwwara, injuring 1 with a baton round and 33 with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Qalqilya, injuring 14 with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Bireh, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 2 with baton rounds. (ABC, AJ, AP, CNN, HA, JDF, MEE, MEMO, NYT, PCHR, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/28; HA, IN, MDW, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR 9/29; WAFA, WAFA 9/29; HA, MEMO, UNOCHA 9/30; HA 10/10; UNOCHA 10/16)

An Israeli court extended the administrative detention of Khalil Awadeh to 10/9, despite an Israeli promise to release him on 9/2 after he challenged his detention with 172-day-long hunger strike. (AJ, MEMO 9/29)

Israel announced that it will start a pilot program to open the Allenby Bridge crossing between the West Bank and Jordan 24 hours a day, beginning on 10/24. The 24/7 opening of the Allenby crossing was 1 of the announcements U.S. president Joe Biden made when he visited the West Bank in June. (HA, MEE 9/28; MEMO 9/29)

Israeli media reported, after a meeting with Israeli defense officials, that Israeli military chief of staff Aviv Kochavi has approved carrying out “targeted assassinations” in the West Bank and the use of drones for the purpose. (JP, MEMO 9/29; ALM, HA 9/30)

Haaretz reported that Shin Bet director Ronen Bar ignored his predecessor’s advice to demote or fire a Shin Bet operative and decided to promote him instead. The operative is accused of rape and demanding the examination of Palestinian women’s genitals. The investigation against the operative was closed in 2021 due to alleged insufficient evidence. (HA 9/28)

UN envoy for the Middle East peace process Tor Wennesland told the UN security council that Israel continues to defy the 2016 security council resolution calling for an immediate halt to Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank. (AP 9/28; MEMO 9/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Huwwara, causing damage. 1 Israeli settler shot and killed 1 Palestinian man after he allegedly stabbed 2 Israeli settlers and sprayed 5 others with pepper spray near Beit Sira. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian man who crashed his car in Huwwara; it was unclear what caused the man to lose control of his car. Israeli forces also shot and injured 3 Palestinians during a raid in Beit Umar. Elsewhere, Israeli forces assaulted 1 Palestinian woman during a house raid in Hebron, causing bruises. Israeli forces also demolished 1 residential structure in al-Rakiz in the Masafer Yatta area, displacing 10. (AP, HA, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/22; PCHR 9/29; UNOCHA 9/30)

1 Palestinian man was released from prison on the condition that he does not enter his own land for 30 days. An Israeli military court said that video evidence of the incident on 9/12 where the man allegedly assaulted a settler complicated the narrative told by the Israeli settlers. The video shows that the man was approached by armed Israeli settlers in al-Twana before they assaulted him, breaking both his arms. 1 Israeli settler was injured in the incident. (HA 9/22)

Israel’s defense minister approved issuing an additional 1,500 work permits to Palestinians in Gaza, raising the number to 17,000. (HA 9/22)

Israel released the imam of the Great Omari Mosque in Lydda, Sheikh Yousef al-Baz, from house arrest. Al-Baz was arrested on 6/17 over claims of incitement. (MEMO 9/23)

A boat carrying between 120 and 150 refugees capsized off the coast of Syria. By 9/24, at least 94 were confirmed dead. Many of the deceased were Palestinian refugees from Lebanon. (REU 9/23; REU, WAFA 9/24)

At the UNGA, Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid said that he supports a 2-state solution and underscored that an Israeli prime minister had not voiced support for a 2-state solution at the UNGA “for many years.” Prime minister Lapid said his condition for a 2-state solution is that “a future Palestinian state will be a peaceful one. That it will not become another terror base from which to threaten the well-being, and the very existence of Israel. That we will have the ability to protect the security of all the citizens of Israel, at all times.” Lapid also called for more Arab and Muslim countries to normalize relations with Israel. U.S. president Joe Biden called Lapid’s statement on a 2-state solution “courageous.” (HA 9/21; AX, HA, HA, JP, MEE, MEMO, REU, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WSJ 9/22; ALM, ALM, F24, HA, HA, HA, HA 9/23; HA 9/24)

It was reported that Israel had agreed to sell Rafael’s SPYDER mobile interceptors to the UAE for its air defense. (HA 9/22; AJ, REU 9/23)

Israeli alternate prime minister Naftali Bennett used his veto to pull Israel out of the EU Creative Europe funding program over the EU demand that funds would not be used for artists in West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Golan Heights settlements. When the Israeli government provisionally approved partaking in the EU program in June, it also said it would set up a scheme to compensate the occupied areas excluded by the EU. (HA 9/23)

A study commissioned by Meta found that its platforms Facebook and Instagram had silenced some of their Palestinian users during Israel’s May 2021 assault on Gaza and subsequent unrest in Israel and East Jerusalem. “Meta’s actions in May 2021 appear to have had an adverse human rights impact… on the rights of Palestinian users to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, political participation, and non-discrimination, and therefore on the ability of Palestinians to share information and insights about their experiences as they occurred,” the study found. (INT 9/21; AP, MEE, META, WAFA 9/22; WAFA 9/24)

The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee met in New York. Sweden and Jordan also co-hosted a meeting to find ways to help the UNRWA gap its chronic underfunding. (Reliefweb 9/22; WAFA 9/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided Khalayel al-Looz near Bethlehem, causing injuries and damage to property. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured 16 others during a late-night raid in Jenin to punitively demolish the home of a Palestinian accused of killing 3 Israelis in Tel Aviv in April. The Palestinian man killed was reportedly filming the Israeli raid with his mobile phone when he was shot in the chest. The punitive demolition was carried out with explosives and Israeli forces cleared out 29 nearby buildings before blowing up the apartment. 1 other Palestinian later succumbed to his injuries on 9/11. Israeli forces also raided Jalazun refugee camp, injuring 4 with live ammunition; 4 were arrested. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Arroub refugee camp, injuring 1 minor with a stun grenade to his head. Israeli forces also seized 2 caravans and building equipment and demolished 2 agricultural structures and a water well in al-Khader. 16 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Bireh, al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, Kisan, Bethlehem, and Hebron. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Dayr al-Balah and Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, CNN, HA, JP, MEE, MEMO, NAT, PCHR, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/6; PCHR 9/8; HA, MEE 9/11; UNOCHA 9/16)

Israel said it had arrested some 60 Palestinians in the West Bank and Israel who Israeli police said were suspects in weapons smuggling from Jordan to the West Bank and Israel. (HA 9/7)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo. (WAFA 9/6)

In Syria, for the 2d time in a week, Israeli forces attacked Aleppo Airport, killing 3 people, wounding 5, and damaging the airstrip. The Syrian transportation ministry said the damage put the airport out of commission and that flights would be diverted to Damascus Airport. The Aleppo Airport was operating again on 9/9. (AP, MEE, MEMO, REU 9/6; MEMO 8/7; AP 9/8; AP 9/9)

Haaretz reported that the U.S. state department has ordered the U.S. embassy in Israel to investigate reports of abuse of Palestinians by the Israeli ultra-Orthodox Netzah Yehuda battalion, including circumstances of the death of Palestinian American Omar Asad, who died in the battalion’s custody in January. (HA, MEE 9/6; MEMO 9/7)

The ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s said it would submit an amended lawsuit against its parent company Unilever after its 1st lawsuit had been rejected by a U.S. federal court. Ben & Jerry’s is suing Unilever for selling the rights to manufacture Ben & Jerry’s ice cream to an Israeli company after Ben & Jerry’s announced it would end sales of its ice cream in West Bank settlements and stop its licensing agreement with the Israeli company to produce its ice cream in Israel. (MEE, REU 9/6; HA, MEMO 9/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to agricultural lands between Turmus ‘Ayya and al-Mughayyir, damaging olive trees, and threw stones at vehicles, damaging 1. Israeli settlers also vandalized 55 grapevine saplings and damaged a water tank in al-Khader. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured 1 other with live ammunition during a raid in Tubas; the man was said to have been buying bread after dawn prayers when he was shot in the head. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian protester and injured others with tear gas in Hebron. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 5 with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 1 with a baton round and 37 with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 6 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also uprooted 55 grapevine saplings and demolished 1 water well in al-Khader. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during late-night raids in Tubas and 3 at checkpoints near Nablus and al-Jib. (AJ, AP, MEE, MEMO, PCHR, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/19; PCHR 8/25; UNOCHA 9/2)

Israel approved granting an additional 1,500 work permits for Palestinians in Gaza. (AP 8/19)

The Israeli central command froze the administrative detention of Khalil Awawdeh while he is in the hospital for treatment related to his 170 days of hunger strike. Awawdeh’s lawyer also petitioned the Israeli high court of justice to have him released from administrative detention. (HA, TOI 8/19; WAFA 8/20)

The foreign ministers of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden released a joint statement calling the Israeli raids on 7 Palestinian rights organizations “not acceptable,” expressing deep concern over the raids and reiterating that the countries have not seen evidence that justify the Israeli attacks on Palestinian civil society. (HA, JP, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 8/20)

The Republic of Korea donated $1 million to UNRWA technical and vocational education and training programs in Jordan. (WAFA 8/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians using live ammunition during a late-night raid in Nablus; 19 others were injured and 1 house was severely damaged. The PA condemned the killings. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian man near the Tapuah Junction, claiming he had approached a soldier with a knife; no injuries were reported in relation to the incident. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian child during a raid in Qabatiya; 3 were arrested. Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 3 homes and 1 agricultural structure south of Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were assaulted and arrested in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen, causing 1 boat to catch fire. (AJ, AP, GDN, HA, HA, JP, JP, MEE, PCHR, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/24; MDW, MEE, TOI 7/25; PCHR 7/28; UNOCHA 8/5)

Kan News reported that a unit of the Israeli military spent the weekend at an Israeli settlement outpost in the Jordan Valley. (TOI 7/24)

75 Palestinian prisoners started hunger-striking in solidarity with 2 Palestinian prisoners who have been hunger-striking for more than 100 days in protest over their administrative detention. (WAFA 7/23; WAFA 7/24)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Jordanian king Abdullah II in Amman. (WAFA 7/24)

The Intercept reported that Google is offering the Israeli government advanced artificial intelligence products as part of its Project Nimbus contract with Israel. (INT 7/24)

It was reported that Bahrain’s head of Authority for Culture and Antiquities Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa was fired for refusing to shake hands with the Israeli ambassador to the country during a social gathering at a U.S. envoy’s home on 6/16. (JP 7/23; DN, MEE, MEMO 7/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 69 olive and almond trees near Salfit. Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 4 structures east of Yatta and agricultural structures east of Tubas. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian working his land east of Khirbat Einoun and confiscated 1 vehicle. Elsewhere, Israeli forces placed dirt mounds on 4 roads linking Huwwara to ‘Ayn Bus, ‘Urif, and Jamaeen. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Hebron, Dura, al-Doha, Jalazun refugee camp, and Beita. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Silwan. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/18; PCHR 7/21; UNOCHA 7/22)

Israel said it had downed 1 drone entering Israel from Lebanon, claiming it belonged to Hezbollah. (HA 7/18; AP, HA 7/19; ALM 7/20)

The PA called on Israel to address a situation at the Allenby Bridge where thousands of Palestinians reportedly have been waiting for days to cross from Jordan to the West Bank. (WAFA 7/19; MEE 7/20)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas landed in Romania for the 1st day of 3-day trip to Romania and France where he will meet with Romanian president Klaus Iohannis and French president Emmanuel Macron. (WAFA, WAFA 7/18)

The Israeli defense ministry sent a letter to the lawyers representing 6 Palestinian rights organizations placed on the Israeli terrorism list, telling them they would need to get official permission to represent the organizations or face up to 7 years in prison. The letter was sent 2 days ahead of a hearing on the legality of the terrorism designations. (+972, HA 7/18)

Chief of staff of the Israeli armed forces Aviv Kochavi visited Morocco for meetings with Moroccan defense officials. During his visit, Chief of Staff Kochavi will meet his Moroccan counterpart Belkhir El-Farouk and Moroccan defense minister Abdellatif Loudiyi. (MEE 7/17; HA, REU 7/18; ALM, HA 7/19; TOI 7/21)

21 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives led by Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) wrote a letter to secretary of state Antony Blinken and director of national intelligence Avril Haines, expressing concern over Israel’s decision to label 6 Palestinian rights organizations terrorist organizations without producing any credible evidence to support the claim. Earlier this month, 9 EU countries dismissed Israel’s allegations from 10/2021 due to the lack of evidence against the rights organizations. (AJ 7/18; MDW 7/19; AA, WAFA, WAFA 7/20)

EU foreign ministers agreed to restart the EU-Israel Association Council set up in 1995 but suspended in 2012 due to Israel’s settlement policy. EU high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borrell said that the situation in Palestine was deteriorating and that the annual meetings of the Association council “would be a good occasion to engage with Israel on these issues.” (HA 7/18; ALM 7/19; HA 7/26)

Amnesty International and Citizen Lab published a report saying that at least 30 cell phones belonging to Thai pro-democracy activists, academics, lawyers, and NGO workers were implanted with NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware in 2020 and 2021. (AI, HA 7/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers destroyed a memorial for 1 Palestinian rights activist who was killed by Israeli forces on 1/5 in Umm al-Khair. Israeli settlers also assaulted 1 Palestinian farmer in Kisan. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured 3 by live ammunition and 2 with baton rounds during a raid in Halhul. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition during a raid in Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians with live ammunition during a raid in Jenin refugee camp. Israeli forces also raided Jayyus, injuring 1 Palestinian with live ammunition and confiscating 1 bulldozer. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolished an apartment building under construction in Beit Jala. Israeli forces also delivered a punitive demolition notice and took measurements for a separate punitive demolition in Rumana. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Baytin, al-Mazra‘a ash-Sharqiya, Tell, Tammun, Nur Shams refugee camp, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 9 Palestinians were arrested, and 1 Palestinian was assaulted before being taken to a hospital for treatment during a late-night raid in Isawiya and the Old City. (AJ, AN, AP, HA, MEE, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/9; AA, PCHR 6/10; PCHR 6/16; UNOCHA 6/17)

Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett met with UAE president Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. Israeli media speculated if the meeting was part of Israeli and U.S. preparations to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, NYT, REU 6/9; HA 6/10)

Israel announced that Israeli citizens will be able to travel to the Qatar 2022 soccer World Cup, despite Israel and Qatar not having formal relations. Foreign minister Yair Lapid said the development “opens a new door for us to warm ties [with Qatar].” Israel is not qualified for the World Cup in Qatar. (MEE, REU 6/9)

The U.S. state department announced that the Palestinian Affairs Unit at the Israeli embassy will change its name to U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs and start reporting directly to the Near Eastern Affairs Bureau in the State Department “on substantive matters” instead of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem. The diplomatic representative to the PA was also changed from U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides to Hady Amr, who was promoted to the state department envoy to Palestinians. The PA has demanded that the Biden administration uphold president Joe Biden’s promises made during his presidential campaign, including to reopen the U.S. consulate to Palestinians in Jerusalem. (AJ, AP, AX, GDN, HA, MEE, REU 6/9; JP 6/12)

A bipartisan group of members of the U.S. house and senate introduced legislation that would require the defense department to submit a strategy for an integrated air and missile defense system for Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman within 180 days. The bill, “the Deterring Enemy Forces and Enabling National Defenses Act of 2022,” was described as an effort to bolster Israeli ties with countries in the Middle East. The senate version of the bill was introduced by Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and James Lankford (R-OK), while the house version was introduced by Brad Schneider (D-IL), David Trone (D-MD), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Ann Wagner (R-MO), and Don Bacon (R-NE). (HA 6/9)

The director general of the international atomic energy agency (IAEA) Rafael Grosso warned that Iran is in the process of removing 27 surveillance cameras from the country’s nuclear sites. The Iranian move comes as the progress in talks for the U.S. to renter the Iran nuclear deal has stalled, and Israel has intensified its assassinations of Iranian military personnel and scientists. Director General Grosso said that Iran would leave some 40 surveillance cameras at its nuclear facilities. The announcement came 1 day after 30 members of the IAEA board released a joint statement urging Iran to cooperate with the agency. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU 6/8; AJ, AP 6/9; AP 6/10)

A study by the organization AirPressure.info found that Israel has violated Lebanese air space 22,000 times in the past 15 years. (GDN, MEE 6/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided al-Juwaya in the Masafer Yatta area, bringing their cattle to graze on wheat and barley crops and assaulting Palestinian herders. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian journalist at a checkpoint in al-Arroub refugee camp while she was on her way to work, claiming she had attempted to carry out a stabbing attack against Israeli soldiers; the woman was left without medical assistance for 20 minutes before a Palestinian ambulance arrived. Later, during her funeral, Israeli forces violently dispersed the funeral procession, critically injuring 1 with live ammunition, moderately injuring 2 with live ammunition, and injuring others with tear gas. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian and injured 6 others with live ammunition, including 2 who were critically injured during a punitive demolition raid in Ya‘bad; 1 family home of an alleged Palestinian attacker was demolished by Israeli forces using explosives, displacing 6. 1 of the Palestinians critically injured later succumbed to his injuries on 6/11. Elsewhere, Israeli forces handcuffed and detained for 30 minutes 2 Palestinian girls aged 11 and 12 in Hebron, claiming that Israeli settlers had reported that 1 of them carried a knife—an accusation the girls and their father denied. Israeli forces also demolished 8 residential structures and 2 agricultural structures, and seized 3 tents in al-Fakhit and al-Mirkez in the Masafer Yatta area. Separately, Israeli forces also demolished 1 house and 1 agricultural structure in az-Za’ayyem, displacing 5. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work notices for 6 houses and 4 other structures in Marda, despite the homes and structures being in Area B. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seized 6 Palestinian-owned tractors in the Jordan Valley. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ras Karkar, al-Midya, Beit Sira, Beit Fajjar, ‘Urif, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities demolished 1 Palestinian-owned house in Isawiya, displacing 8; 1 member of the displaced family had her arm fractured by Israeli forces during the demolition. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinians east of Beit Hanun; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, MEE, MEE, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/1; AJ, AP, HA, MDW, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/2; HA 6/3; MEE, UNOCHA 6/4; MEE 6/5; PCHR 6/9; MEE, WAFA 6/11; UNOCHA 6/17)

Israeli forces prevented the executive director of the Bisan Center for Research and Development from traveling to Jordan via the Allenby Bridge for a 2-day UN conference. (WAFA 6/2)

The Knesset passed a preliminary vote 63-14, banning the flying of Palestinian flags at state-funded institutions. Members of Meretz and Joint List voted against the bill. The bill will still have to pass 3 additional votes to become law. During the debate leading to the vote, MK Eli Cohen of Likud told Sami Abu Shehadeh of Joint List that he should “go to Gaza or Jordan.” On the same day, Israeli authorities removed a large Palestinian flag placed next to an Israeli flag with the words “We are destined to live together” from an office building in Tel Aviv. The flags were funded by the Mehazkim movement. (HA, MEMO 5/30; HA, HA 6/1; MEE 6/2; ALM, AP 6/6; REU 6/7; MDW 6/9)

Israeli conducted military drills over the Mediterranean Sea, simulating air strikes on long-range targets in what was described as a message to Iran. (AP 6/1)

Axios reported that the Pentagon is considering downgrading the U.S. official in charge of security coordination with the PA from a 3-star general to a colonel, as part of a larger push to reduce the number of U.S. generals. The ranks of the military attachés in Saudi Arabia and the UAE would also be affected by the potential change. Later, on 6/17, a bipartisan group of 32 U.S. senators wrote a letter to secretary of defense Lloyd Austin, urging him not to downgrade the post of security coordinator. The group was led by Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC). (AX 6/1; AX, HA 6/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 20 olive trees in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in Deir Salah in Area A. Israeli forces also raided the Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces opened fire near a girl’s school in Duma, causing panic among students. 1 Palestinian minor was arrested at the Havat Maon settlement. 9 others were arrested during late-night raids in Hebron, Harmala, Rafat, Tell, Jenin refugee camp, and al-Yamun. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/18; PCHR, WAFA 5/19; UNOCHA 6/4)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh and foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki met with Dutch foreign minister Wopke Hoekstra in Ramallah. Foreign Minister Hoekstra also met with representatives from the Palestinian NGO Al Haq, drawing ire from Israel as Al Haq is 1 of 6 Palestinian rights organizations that were deemed terrorist organizations by Israel in 10/2021. Hoekstra subsequently told reporters that “there isn’t a single European state—nor the United States—that has arrived at the same conclusions as has Israel [in regards to the terrorism accusations]. If there is proof, then we should see and we should review it. An accusation in and of itself can never be sufficient for a country that subscribes to the rule of law.” (WAFA, WAFA 5/18; JP 5/19)

The Hamas-affiliated Islamic Wafa bloc won the Birzeit University student council elections with 28 of 51 seats. The Fatah-affiliated Shabibia bloc won 18 seats. (MEE, MEMO, MEMO 5/19; MEMO 5/20; ALM 5/25)

Haaretz reported that the leaders of Turkey, Jordan, and the UAE had accepted an invitation by Israel’s president Isaac Herzog to discuss regional cooperation in climate change. (HA 5/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian homes in Kafl Haris, injuring 2. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian and wounded 4 others during a raid in Jenin refugee camp. 6 were arrested during the raid and a punitive demolition notice was posted on the family home of 1 Palestinian who allegedly killed 3 Israelis on 4/7 in Tel Aviv. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ramallah, Hebron, and Beit Duqqu. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen northwest of Rafah, arrested 6, and seized 1 boat. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEE, PCHR, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/27; MEMO, PCHR 4/28; UNOCHA 5/13)

1 Palestinian citizen of Israel was sentenced to 14 years in prison for allegedly planning an attack in Jerusalem in November 2020. According to the Israeli prosecutor, the man admitted that he wanted to harm Israeli soldiers but not civilians. (HA 4/27)

A 97-page Israeli document called “Procedure for Entry and Residence for Foreigners in Judea and Samaria Area,” originally published in February, surfaced in the media. The document, which will replace a 4-page ordinance on entry to the West Bank on 5/22, further complicates travel to the West Bank, especially for Palestinians. Palestinians holding foreign citizenship must, according to the new ordinance, include names and ID numbers of all relatives and people they might stay with while traveling to the West Bank. Palestinians must also declare if they own property in the West Bank or stand to inherit. Foreigners visiting Palestinians in the West Bank must also be given prior permission while those visiting settlers do not have to. Israel will also limit the number of foreign students at West Bank universities to 150; this will not apply to settlement universities. (AJ 4/27; AP 5/5)

In Syria, 9 people were killed, including 5 Syrian soldiers, during an Israeli air attack near Damascus. The 4 other victims were described as soldiers of other nationalities. (AP 4/26; AJ, AP, HA, MEMO 4/27; MEMO 4/28)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Jordanian king Abdullah II in Amman. The 2 discussed the recent events at the Haram al-Sharif compound. (WAFA 4/27)

In the West Bank, 1000s of Israeli settlers with military protection marched to the partially evacuated Homesh settlement outpost, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians protesting the march; 79 Palestinians were injured. Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz had originally warned that Israeli forces would not protect the settlers, but reversed that decision. The march was attended by Yamina MK Idit Silman and Religious Zionist MK Itamar Ben-Gvir. Israeli settlers also vandalized 40 olive trees in Jaba‘. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized solar panels, electric poles, and a water tank in Wadi Qana. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian man using live ammunition in Hebron. 2 Palestinians were arrested in Wadi as-Samen. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the Haram al-Sharif compound to make way for Israeli settlers touring the site. Around 622 Israeli settlers visited the compound. 2 Palestinians were arrested in al-Tur and the Old City. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 4/19; WAFA 4/20; PCHR 4/21; HA, HA 4/25; UNOCHA 5/13)

The UAE summoned the Israeli envoy to the country, demanding that Israel cease to put Palestinian lives at risk at the Haram al-Sharif compound. (HA, JP, MEMO, REU, WAFA 4/19; ALM 4/21)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke with PA president Mahmoud Abbas, Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi, and Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid in an effort to calm the situation at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also spoke with Israel’s president Isaac Herzog about the situation at the compound. According to President Erdoğan’s Twitter account, he told President Herzog that he was “very upset” about the events at the compound over the weekend. (HA, MEMO, MEMO, REU, REU, WAFA 4/19)

The UN security council convened to discuss the Israeli incursions into the Haram al-Sharif compound, which led to nearly 200 Palestinian injuries over the weekend. The meeting was requested by Jordan. (HA 4/19)

Citizen Lab found that spyware from the Israel company Cytrox was found on a CNN Greece journalist’s phone. The journalist was working on covering a Greek corruption scandal when his phone was infected with the spyware known as Predator. (HA 4/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians marking Prisoners’ Day in Hebron and Bethlehem, injuring 1 with live ammunition and others with tear gas in Bethlehem and 1 with live ammunition and others with tear gas in Hebron. Israeli forces also confiscated 1 excavator in Deir Istiya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians at the Haram al-Sharif compound and inside al-Aqsa Mosque, injuring 17 Palestinians, including 5 who were taken to hospitals for treatment. More than 728 Israeli settlers toured the compound. Palestinians threw stones at buses carrying Israeli settlers to the compound, injuring 7 settlers. 18 Palestinians were arrested. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Tur, injuring 1 with a baton round. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/17; HA, WAFA 4/18; PCHR 4/21; UNOCHA 4/23)

The Jordanian foreign ministry said “Israel’s measures to change the status quo on the Haram al-Sharif compound are a dangerous escalation. Israel bears full responsibility for the consequences of the current escalation that is thwarting efforts invested to bring about calm,” in response to the many Palestinian injuries at the compound in the past days. The spokesperson for King Abdullah II also called on the international community to pressure Israel to stop its escalation at the holy site. PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who condemned the Israeli violence. Hamas and Islamic Jihad also slammed the Israeli-led violence on the compound. The PA also warned that Israel is attempting to spatially divided the Haram al-Sharif compound like it has done to al-Ibrahimi Mosque. (HA, HA, HA, JP, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/17; MEMO, MEMO 4/18)

The United Arab List (UAL) froze its membership of the Israeli coalition in response to Israeli punitive measures against Muslim worshippers at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Members of the UAL are expected to start working with the government coalition again after the end of the month of Ramadan, which is before the Knesset recess ends on 5/8. (AJ, HA, HA, MEE, NYT, REU 4/17; MEMO 4/18)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian minor succumbed to injuries sustained by Israeli forces during a raid in Kafr Dan on 4/14. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Qarawat Bani Hassan, injuring 1 Palestinian minor with live ammunition and others with tear gas; the minor was also arrested. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 1 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 3 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Qaryut, Beita, and Bazariya, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians at the Haram al-Sharif compound, including inside al-Aqsa Mosque, injuring more than 152 Palestinians with baton rounds, batons, and tear gas, including 8 who were admitted into intensive care facilities. Several Palestinian journalists at the compound were violently beaten by Israeli police, causing broken limbs. 3 Israeli police officers were lightly injured. Some 470 Palestinians were arrested at the compound before noon prayers, where some 50,000 worshippers were praying, about half from the West Bank. Around 440 were released within 24 hours, some of whom were banned from entering the compound until after the end of Ramadan. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, MEE, NYT, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/15; MEMO, REU 4/16 HA 4/18; PCHR 4/21; UNOCHA 4/23)

Hamas, the PA, Jordan, Morocco, UAE, Bahrain, the United Arab List, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned the Israeli-led violence at the Haram al-Sharif compound (see above). The U.S. state department released a statement urging “all sides to exercise restraint, avoid provocative actions and rhetoric, and preserve the historic status quo on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount.” The spokesperson for UN secretary general António Guterres expressed grave concern about the situation in Jerusalem. (HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/15; HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/16)

Palestinians in the West Bank are under an Israeli-imposed curfew for the Jewish holiday of Passover, beginning at 4 P.M. and continuing until 4/17. Crossings between Gaza and Israel are closed. (HA 4/14; HA 4/15; HA 4/16)

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh spoke to Arab League secretary general Ahmed Aboul Gheit about the Israeli attacks on Palestinians at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Haniyeh also spoke with Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and speaker of the Kuwaiti parliament Marzouq al-Ghanim in separate calls. (MEMO 4/16)

At a Passover seder hosted by U.S. vice president Kamala Harris and 2nd gentleman Doug Emhoff, the couple served wine made by the settler winery Psagot Winery in the West Bank. The senior advisor for communications to Vice President Harris said in a tweet that “the wine served at the Seder was in no way intended to be an expression of policy.” (HA, MDW 4/17; MEE 3/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian using live ammunition during a raid in Faqqua. Israeli forces also delivered a stop-work order for 1 residential structure, 1 agricultural structure, and 1 water well near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians at the Damascus Gate plaza, for the 3d day in a row, arresting and assaulting 9 Palestinians. (AP 4/4; PCHR 4/5; PCHR 4/7; UNOCHA 4/10)

The PA, Jordan, Egypt, and the OIC criticized Israel for violently dispersing Palestinians in East Jerusalem and restricting Palestinians’ access to the Haram al-Sharif compound during the 1st weekend of the month of Ramadan. (HA, WAFA 4/4)

Israel renewed a ban on 28 Palestinian civil society organizations operating in East Jerusalem, including the Orient House and the Prisoners’ Club. (MEE 4/5; PCHR 4/7)

The PA health ministry released a report on Israeli forces’ attacks on Palestinians in 2021. The report said that 355 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces and more than 16,500 were injured. 265 Palestinians were killed in Gaza, mainly in May 2021, and 90 in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. 87 of the Palestinians killed by Israel in 2021 were children. (WAFA 4/4)

Japan’s Social Development Fund announced a $2.4 million grant to help improve the Palestinian Heritage Trail in the West Bank. The project is aimed at improving the Palestinian economy through tourism opportunities. (WAFA 4/4; ALM 4/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at 4 Palestinian-owned vehicles in Marda. Israeli settlers also attacked 1 Palestinian man near Burqa; the man was treated at a hospital for fractures to his hand. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set up a settlement outpost in al-Muarrajat between Ramallah and Jericho. Israeli settlers also vandalized 2 solar panels in Burin. Israeli forces closed the Shufa and al-Kafiyat checkpoints. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian farmers trying to work their lands near Qusra, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 6 residential and commercial structures in al-Khalediya. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Qabatiya, al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, Beita, ‘Urif, Tammun, Tubas, Bethlehem, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler rammed 1 Palestinian minor with their car in Silwan. In Israel, 1 Palestinian man shot and killed 5 people in Bnei Brak, including 2 Ukrainian nationals, 1 police officer, and 2 Israeli civilians, before he was shot and killed. The Palestinian man was from the West Bank town of Ya‘bad and was in Israel without a permit working nearby. PA president Mahmoud Abbas condemned the attack. (AX, HA, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/29; AJ, AX, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/30; HA, HA, PCHR 3/31; ALM, HA 4/1; HA 4/3; UNOCHA 4/10)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz met with Jordan’s king Abdullah II in Amman. King Abdullah called on Israel to respect Palestinian access to the holy places in Jerusalem during the month of Ramadan. (AJ, HA 3/29)

The PA and Agence Française de Développement signed agreements worth $32 million for the restoration of the Saint Hilarion Monastery in Gaza and construction of a water reservoir west of Ramallah and a seawater desalination plant in Gaza. (WAFA 3/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith at the Allenby crossing to Jordan, where he was traveling to Saudi Arabia for the 2022 Arab Cities Conference. Governor Ghaith was released on 3/20 and told he was banned from traveling abroad. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 4, including 3 minors, with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 1 Palestinian using live ammunition and others with tear gas. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian man stabbed 1 Israeli settler while he was jogging; Israeli forces shot and seriously injured the Palestinian man. In the days following the incident, Israeli police refused the doctors treating the man from removing his cuffs, despite the doctors saying they were endangering his recovery. Later, on 3/25, an Israeli court ordered police to remove the man’s restraints, citing his level of consciousness given he was in an induced coma. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Abasan and east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/19; WAFA 3/20; MEMO 3/21; HA 3/22; PCHR 3/24; HA, UNOCHA 3/25)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian who was shot by Israeli forces during a protest in Burqa on 3/1 succumbed to his wounds. Israeli settlers uprooted and stole grape saplings and damaged a stone wall and barbed wire fence in Kafr ad-Dik. Israeli settlers also razed a plot of land near Battir. Israeli forces violently dispersed a memorial service held for a Palestinian killed by Israeli forces on 3/1 at the Khadouri Technical University campus north of Hebron, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also confiscated 2 water pumps and electric cables in Birin. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in Khallet al-Eideh near Hebron and assaulted 2 Palestinians resisting the demolition. Israeli forces also delivered a demolition order for a residential structure in the Abu al-Nuwwar Bedouin community east of Jerusalem. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jalazun refugee camp, al-Ram, Deir Abu Mash‘al, Tuqu‘, Hebron, Yatta, al-Zawiya, Jenin, and Fahma. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian house under construction in Shu‘fat refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Beit Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian famers east of Beit Hanun and Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Israel, anti-Palestinian graffiti was sprayed on 1 Palestinian vehicle and the tires of 30 vehicles were slashed in Jaljulia. (HA, HA, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/9; MEMO, PCHR 3/10; UNOCHA 3/11; UNOCHA 3/25)

Israel’s police commissioner Kobi Shabtai instructed the Israeli police to halt Palestinian home evictions and demolitions in East Jerusalem and the Naqab during the month of Ramadan. (HA 3/9)

The Israeli civil administration said, after having to respond to a freedom of information petition from HaMoked, that during 2021 it had banned 10,594 Palestinians from the West Bank from traveling abroad. According to a source in the civil administration, travel bans can be applied to Palestinians by Israel automatically, for example, in cases where the person is a relative of someone deemed by Israel to be involved with terrorism. (HA, MEE 3/9; MEMO 3/10)

PA civil affairs minister Hussein al-Sheikh met with Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid. Civil Affairs Minister al-Sheikh said he stressed to Lapid the need for a political horizon and an end to Israeli settlement expansion. (WAFA 3/9)

The Jewish Agency said that “[i]f all goes well, we will bring tens of thousands [of Ukrainians] to Israel in the coming year,” referring to the refugee crisis in Ukraine as Russia has declared war on the country. (HA 3/9)

Israeli president Isaac Herzog met with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara. President Erdoğan told reporters after the meeting that he believes the 2 countries are entering an era of mutual ties. (AJ, ALM, AP, AX, HA, NYT, REU 3/9; HA, TOI 3/10)

Former U.S. vice president Mike Pence toured Hebron, including al-Ibrahimi Mosque, with Israeli settler activists MK Itamar Ben-Gvir and Baruch Marzel, who were both leaders of the Kach movement. Vice President Pence also received an honorary degree from the settler university in Ariel and met with former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, current prime minister Naftali Bennett, president Isaac Herzog, and foreign minister Yair Lapid. (AX 3/9; AP, HA, WAFA, WP 3/10; MEMO 3/11)

Belgium signed a cooperation agreement with the PA worth $77 million over 5 years. The funding is earmarked for education, vocational training, job creation, and climate issues in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. (WAFA 3/9; MEMO 3/10)

China donated 200,000 doses of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines to UNRWA to help inoculate Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. (WAFA 3/9)