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 assaulted Israeli activists helping Palestinians in Kisan with olive harvesting. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinians harvesting olives with sticks and pepper spray in Jamma‘in. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian after he allegedly shot and injured a settlement guard at the Ma’aleh Adumim settlement. The Palestinian is also accused of having shot and killed an Israeli soldier on 10/8. Israeli forces also delivered demolition notices against 1 agricultural structure in Azzun ‘Atma and 1 in Nabi Ilyas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces prevented Palestinians from harvesting olives near Dayr al-Ghusun by denying them access to their land. (AP, HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/19; MDW, MEE, MEMO, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/20; HA 10/21; UNOCHA 11/1)

Acting UN humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territories Lucia Elmi said 2022 had been the deadliest year on average for Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 2006. Coordinator Elmi said at least 105 Palestinians, including 26 children, had been killed, up by 57% compared to the monthly average in 2021. (WAFA 10/19)

A group of Hamas officials, including Khalil al-Hayya, met with Syrian president Bashir al-Asad in Damascus. Hamas cut relations with the Syrian government in 2012 after the outbreak of the Syrian civil war. (REU 10/18; AP, HA, MEE, REU 10/19)

Hamas said that Saudi Arabia had released 83-year-old Hamas official Mohammad Al-Khudary from prison after 3 years; he was said to be traveling to Jordan. (AJ, MEE, REU 10/19)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz issued a statement saying that Israel will not supply air defense systems to Ukraine. Media reported that while Israel is under pressure to support Ukraine in their effort to repel Russian forces, the Israeli government is afraid that Russia will retaliate by supplying S-400 air defense systems to Syria and Iran. (AX, HA, HA, MEE 10/19; HA, MEMO 10/20)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said Arab and Islamic countries had donated $39.5 million for developmental projects in Palestine through the Islamic Development Bank. (MEMO 10/20)

The PA also signed a $6.3 million economic support agreement with Norway and the UN development program for school projects in East Jerusalem. (WAFA 10/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces opened fire at a van carrying 6 Palestinians in the Masafer Yatta area, causing it to overturn; 1 was injured by live ammunition while the 5 others suffered minor injuries from the crash. In Gaza, Palestinian militants fired 4 rockets at Israel, 1 of which was intercepted and 3 fell in open areas. Israel forces later conducted air strikes in Gaza, firing 10 missiles near Gaza City and 2 near Nuseirat refugee camp, causing damage but no injuries. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles west of the coast; no injuries were reported. (AP 7/15; AJ, AP, F24, MEE, NBC, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/16; TOI 7/17; PCHR 7/21; UNOCHA 7/22)

In Saudi Arabia, U.S. president Joe Biden partook in the Jeddah Security and Development Summit with the heads of state of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq. A final communique from the meeting mentioned the importance of ending the Palestinian-Israeli conflict though a 2-state solution based on the Arab Peace Initiative. (AA, AJ, ALM, AP, AX, MEE, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/16; HA, JP, REU, TOI, TOI, WAFA 7/17; AJ 7/18; MEE 7/19; HA 7/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 450 olive, plum, grape, and almond trees near Turmus ‘Ayya. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 returning to the West Bank from Jerusalem at the Qalandia checkpoint, 1 crossing from the West Bank to Jordan via the Allenby Bridge, and 1 while working his land in Idhna. (WAFA, WAFA 7/12; PCHR 7/21; UNOCHA 7/22)

Haaretz reported that the World Zionist Organization’s settlement division was finalizing plans to invest $8.5 million to connect settlement outposts in the West Bank to the Israeli electrical grid and preparing plans to have the outposts retroactively authorized by the Israeli government. (HA 7/12)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz approved 5,500 Palestinians to be registered with the Palestinian population registry and increased Gaza merchant permits for commerce in Israel from 1,500 to 15,000. Defense Minister Gantz also gave final approval for construction in Hizma and Harmaleh and 1st level approval for construction in Haris, Kisan, and Battir. Additionally, Israel said it would open a new crossing from Israel to the northern part of the West Bank to ease access to Jenin and delayed a meeting to expand Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem. The moves were described by Israel as a result of a meeting between Gantz and PA president Mahmoud Abbas last week and comes 1 day before U.S. president Joe Biden will arrive in Israel for a 4-day tour of Israel, Palestine, and Saudi Arabia. (AP, HA, WAFA 7/12)

4 members of the U.S. senate Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Dick Durban (D-IL), wrote a letter to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken saying that the U.S. review of the evidence into the killing of Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh “hardly constitutes an independent investigation into the overall circumstances of her killing.” In a separate letter, U.S. senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) called on the Biden administration to provide a senior-level classified briefing on the investigation details and the administration’s plan for accountability. (ALM, HA 7/12; MEE, WAFA 7/13)

Citing insufficient evidence, the foreign ministries of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Holland, Spain, and Sweden issued a joint statement saying that the countries have decided to dismiss Israeli claims that 6 Palestinian rights organizations are linked to terrorism and will continue funding them. The rights organizations were designated terrorist organizations by Defense Minister Gantz in October 2021. (AP, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA 7/12; MDW 7/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian man near Turmus ‘Ayya. In East Jerusalem, some 150,000 Palestinian worshippers performed prayers at the Haram al-Sharif compound for Eid al-Adha. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 at the Haram al-Sharif compound and 1 at the Damascus Gate plaza. (WAFA, WAFA 7/9; PCHR 7/21; UNOCHA 7/22)

Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid spoke to Jordanian king Abdullah II. (HA 7/9)

U.S. president Joe Biden published an op-ed in the Washington Post defending his decision to visit Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah next week. Among President Biden’s arguments was working toward normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia. (WP 7/9; AP, MEE 7/10; HA 7/11)

The UAE announced it will donate $25 million to the Makassed hospital in East Jerusalem. According to Axios reporting, the Biden administration had asked the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar to donate $100 million in total to Palestinian hospitals in East Jerusalem ahead of Biden’s visit where he is expected to announce a U.S. donation of $100 million to hospitals serving Palestinians in East Jerusalem. (AX 7/10)

In the West Bank, the Shin Bet arrested 3 Palestinian relatives of the Palestinian man who was stabbed to death by an Israeli settler on 6/21 near the Ariel settlement. The 3 were also eyewitnesses to the killing and had given their testimony to Israeli police before being arrested. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians at the Taibe checkpoint near Tulkarm. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian using a baton round during a raid in Nur Shams refugee camp. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Nur Shams refugee camp, Qaryut, Beit Umar, and al-Khader. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Wadi al-Juz, displacing 2. 2 Fatah activists were arrested. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (HA, MEMO, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/26; HA, HA 6/27; PCHR 6/30; UNOCHA 7/2)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Jordan’s king Abdullah II in Amman. (WAFA, WAFA 6/26)

Israel’s economy ministry said the Israeli cabinet had approved issuing 3,500 additional permits for Palestinians to work in manufacturing and services to relieve an Israeli shortage of skilled workers. (REU 6/26)

The Wall Street Journal reported that senior Israeli military officials partook in a meeting in March this year with top officials from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the U.S., and representatives from Bahrain and the UAE in Sharm El Sheikh. At the secretive meeting, the officials were reported to have discussed efforts to combat Iranian missile and drone capabilities. The reporting comes 1 week after Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz said that Israel is working with Arab partners in what he called “Middle East Air Defense Alliance.” (HA, WSJ 6/26; HA, MEMO 6/27)

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 attacked Palestinians working their land near Sinjil. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinian shepherds near Kisan. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers blocked a road between Nablus and Qalqilya.

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting an incursion by Israeli settlers at the Haram al-Sharif compound; 30 were injured by baton rounds and tear gas.

In Gaza, 5 rockets were fired at Israel; 4 of them were intercepted and 1 caused damage to a house in Sderot. Israel subsequently conducted air strikes, causing damage to several homes in al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Nusseirat refugee camp. (HA 4/20; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, CNN, HA, IN, JP, NPR, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/21; PCHR 4/28; UNOCHA 5/13)

Israel closed all crossings from the West Bank and Gaza to East Jerusalem and Israel at 5 P.M. for the Jewish holiday of Passover. The closure will remain in effect until an unspecified time on 4/23. (HA 4/21)

U.S. acting assistant secretary of state for Near East affairs Yael Lempert and deputy assistant secretary for Israeli and Palestinian affairs Hady Amr met with PA president Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid in separate meetings in an effort to calm the situation surrounding the Haram al-Sharif compound, where Israeli forces have attacked Palestinian worshippers for a week, including in al-Aqsa Mosque. (HA 4/21; WAFA 4/22)

The Arab league slammed Israel for interfering with Muslims’ rights to worship at the Haram al-Sharif compound and criticized the Israeli government for continuing to allow Jewish people to worship at the Holy site. The statement was released after a meeting of Arab League foreign ministers in Jordan from the UAE, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, and the PA. (AJ, REU, WAFA 4/21)

Iran said it had arrested 3 people suspected of being Mossad agents. (HA 4/20; AP 4/21)

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)