171 / 15549 Results
  • July 16, 2023

    In the West Bank, 3 Israeli settlers, including 2 minors, were shot and injured in a drive-by shooting outside of the Tekoa settlement south of Harmala. Israel said its military had arrested a...

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  • July 13, 2023

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians in Thulth, injuring 4. Israeli settlers also seized the roof of a Palestinian-owned building in the Tel Rumeideh area of Hebron. Israeli...

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  • June 20, 2023

    In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler and Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians who allegedly shot and killed 4 Israeli settlers and wounded 4 others at a gas station near the Eli settlement...

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  • April 4, 2023

    In the West Bank, Palestinians threw stones at an Israeli settler vehicle, setting it on fire after the settler couple fled the scene. Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian shepherd near Yatta,...

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  • March 19, 2023

    In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler was shot and injured while driving in Huwwara, Israeli forces then shot, injured, and arrested a Palestinian man alleging that he was the perpetrator and closed...

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  • January 30, 2023

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Turmus ‘Ayya. Israeli settlers also set fire to 2 Palestinian-owned cars and wrote racist graffiti in Sinjil...

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  • January 15, 2023

    In the West Bank, Unidentified assailants opened fire at an Israeli settlement bus traveling near Hebron; no injuries were reported. 1 Israeli settler rammed 1 Palestinian minor near al-Funduq....

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  • December 11, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed Palestinian-owned land in Khirbet Muafya and brought their sheep to graze on the land. Israeli settlers also razed Palestinian-owned land in as-Samu....

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  • November 20, 2022

    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....

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  • October 12, 2022

    In the West Bank, Palestinians in several cities observed a general strike in solidarity with residents of Shu‘fat and ‘Anata, which have been closed by Israel since 10/8. Palestinians in Nablus...

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  • October 9, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at 1 Palestinian house in Ras Kaskar and at vehicles near Nabi Salih, Ramallah, ‘Ayn al-Hilweh, and Huwwara, causing damage. Israeli forces...

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  • September 25, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 1 water well supplying Palestinians in al-Zawiya. Israeli settlers also set up a mobile home, 6 tents, and 2 water tanks near ‘Arab al-Rashayida....

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  • September 11, 2022

    In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian man succumbed to injuries sustained by Israeli gunfire on 9/6 during a demolition raid in Jenin; he was the 81st Palestinian killed by an Israeli in the West Bank...

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  • September 8, 2022

    In the West Bank, a group of 20 Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians planting olive tree saplings in Sinjil, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 5 others by physical assault; the settlers also...

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  • July 31, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and arrested 1 Palestinian trying to enter Israel for work at the separation wall near Zeita. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif...

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  • June 30, 2022

    In the West Bank, settlers with military protection toured Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians protesting the incursion; 3 Israelis were shot and injured by...

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  • June 23, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians using live ammunition during a raid in Dheisheh refugee camp. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ramallah,...

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  • June 8, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers re-erected a settlement outpost near al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya; the settlement outpost was dismantled by Israeli forces on 6/7. 18 Palestinians were arrested during...

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  • May 31, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort raided Halhul, vandalizing 1 mosque; Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians with live ammunition and others with baton rounds and...

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  • May 10, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 17 olive trees and vandalized 1 agricultural structure in Kafr ad-Dik. Israeli settlers with military escort raided Joseph’s Tomb, leading to a...

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  • May 8, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor at the Tekoa settlement, claiming that he was armed with a knife. Israeli settlers also set fire to a car parts workshop in...

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  • May 3, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 3 agricultural structures in Kafr ad-Dik. Israeli settlers also stole crops in the Masafer Yatta area near Hebron. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers...

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  • February 11, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers sprayed pepper spray at a Palestinian herder in Kisan. Israeli settlers also vandalized 30 olive trees in al-Zawiya. Israeli forces violently dispersed...

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  • December 26, 2021

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort blocked a road leading to Sinjil. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian with a rubber-coated bullet to his chest during a raid in...

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  • December 1, 2021

    In the West Bank, 2 Israeli settlers were escorted out of central Ramallah by Palestinian security forces after Palestinians attacked their car and subsequently set it on fire. Israeli officials...

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  • November 28, 2021

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort harassed students on their way to school in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, preventing some from reaching the school. Israeli forces violently...

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  • November 24, 2021

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones and other objects at Palestinian vehicles near al-Mughayyir, causing 1 Palestinian driver to lose control of his car, injuring him and his son. The...

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  • October 25, 2021

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole olive harvesting equipment in Jalud. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinians harvesting olives near Aqraba, disturbing their harvest. Elsewhere,...

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  • October 6, 2021

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort forced Palestinian shepherds to leave the area they were grazing their sheep in east of Khirbet Makhul. Israeli settlers also stole olive...

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  • September 23, 2021

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers leveled Palestinian agricultural land near Deir ‘Ammar before Israeli forces removed them from the area. Israeli forces sealed off Sabastia for the 2d day in a...

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In the West Bank, 3 Israeli settlers, including 2 minors, were shot and injured in a drive-by shooting outside of the Tekoa settlement south of Harmala. Israel said its military had arrested a Palestinian suspect near Bethlehem. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Beitin and Haris, causing damage. Israeli settlers also set fire to olive trees and attacked Palestinian homes in Burin. When Israeli forces arrived, they fired tear gas at Palestinians trying to fend off the settlers. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a raid in Shufa. Israeli forces also shot and injured 2 Palestinians with baton rounds and injured others with tear gas during a raid in Bethlehem. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seized 1 bulldozer in Barta’a. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Tell, Qusin, Yatta, Abu Nujaym, and Arrabah; 1 Palestinian was shot and injured with live ammunition during the raid in Tell. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israel forced 1 Palestinian family to demolish their own home in Silwan. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids. (AJ, HA, MEE, NA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/16; WAFA 7/17; PCHR 7/19; UNOCHA 7/29)

Haaretz reported that Israeli settlers had returned to reoccupy a Palestinian-owned building in a closed military zone in Hebron. (HA 7/16)

The Israeli-run Jerusalem Municipality approved 4 building permits, laying the foundations for construction of the new Israeli settlement Givat Hamatos in East Jerusalem. Applications for construction of 900 housing units are pending approval. (FMEP, Ir Amim 7/21)

Hamas said it was unable to pay around 50,000 public sector workers due to a delay in receiving monthly aid from Qatar. (REU 7/16)

The Israeli foreign and defense ministries amended rules to allow U.S. citizens of Palestinian, Syrian, and Iranian background to enter Israel and Palestine through the Ben Gurion Airport and not have to undergo additional screening at an Israeli embassy. The changes were made to satisfy U.S. demands to admit Israel into the Visa Waiver program. U.S. citizens who live in Gaza will continue to have to go through the Allenby crossing and receive special permission 45 days in advance of their travels. (HA 7/16; HA 7/19)

Ynet reported that Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen met with the foreign minister of an unnamed Muslim-majority country that does not have diplomatic relations with Israel in Nairobi ahead of an African Union summit. (ALM, MEMO, QDS 6/17)

EU representative to Palestine Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff paraglided on a beach in Gaza, saying after his flight “[o]nce you have a free Palestine, a free Gaza, you can do exactly the same thing,” The Israeli Foreign Ministry called von Burgsdorff’s flight a “provocative action.” (REU 7/18; BBC 7/19; MDW 7/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians in Thulth, injuring 4. Israeli settlers also seized the roof of a Palestinian-owned building in the Tel Rumeideh area of Hebron. Israeli forces began work on a settler road near Kafr ad-Dik. 15 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Tubas, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Hebron. PA forces arrested Palestinian journalist Aqil Awawdeh in Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers vandalized several vehicles in Silwan, smashing windshields. Israeli settlers also toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/13; HA, IFJ, QDS 7/14; MEE 7/15; PCHR 7/19; UNOCHA 7/29)

Peace Now reported that the Israeli government had advanced construction of 12,855 settlement housing units in the West Bank since the beginning of 2023, marking the highest number since Peace Now started tracking settlement advancement in 2012. 9,805 settler units were approved for deposit and 3,500 for validation. (PCN, REU 7/13; AJ, MEE 7/14)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler and Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians who allegedly shot and killed 4 Israeli settlers and wounded 4 others at a gas station near the Eli settlement east of al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya. Israeli settlers subsequently raided al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, setting fire to 30 cars and 10 homes. Israeli settlers also raided Huwwara setting fire to 20 cars, throwing stones at Palestinian vehicles, and attacking Israeli forces. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Nablus and Za‘atra. Israeli settlers, including Religious Zionism Party MK Zvi Sukkot, also entered the evacuated Evyatar settlement outpost in an attempt to resettle it. Israeli forces issued demolition notices for 3 homes and an agricultural building in al-Karmel. Israeli forces also closed several checkpoints near Jenin, Salfit, Ramallah, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities demolished 1 Palestinian house in Silwan. Israeli forces raided the Haram al-Sharif compound, forcing overnight worshippers at al-Aqsa Mosque to leave in order to facilitate settler tours of the compound in the morning. (AJ, AJ, ALM, HA, HA, MEE, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/20; AP, HA, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, NYT, REU, REU 6/21; AJ, NYT, PCHR 6/22; HA 6/24; UNOCHA 7/8)

In response to the killing of the 4 settlers, Israel revoked travel permits for all Palestinians sharing the last names of the 2 alleged perpetrators. Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir demanded that the Israeli government respond to the killing of the 4 Israeli settlers by assassinations by airstrikes, demolitions, deportations, and death penalty. UN Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland said he was alarmed by the “cycle of violence.” (AJ, AJ, MEE 6/20; HA, HA, HA, HA 6/22)

Hamas political bureau head Ismail Haniyeh met with Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran. (MEMO 6/21)

U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides tweeted that he was “[d]eeply concerned about the civilian deaths and injuries that have occurred in the West Bank these past 48 hours, including that of minors,” referring to both Israeli settler and Palestinian casualties. This led to criticism from Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Michael Herzog, who said that the “balanced” statement was disrespectful to the Israeli settler casualties. Nides later condemned the killing of the 4 Israelis in a separate tweet. (HA 6/21)

UN Human Rights Council Commission of Inquiry member Miloon Kothari said the commission would continue its investigation, calling the rise in Israeli settler violence disturbing and a means of Israeli annexation. (AJ, REU 6/20)

In the West Bank, Palestinians threw stones at an Israeli settler vehicle, setting it on fire after the settler couple fled the scene. Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian shepherd near Yatta, injuring his foot. Israeli settlers also set up a mobile home and water tanks near Nabi al-‘Awja. Israeli forces issued orders that it will seize 20 dunams (4.95 acres) of Palestinian-owned land for a military zone near Ni‘lin. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Dheisheh refugee camp, Kafr Ni‘ma, Beit Liqya, Nablus, and Hebron; 6 were injured during the raids in Dheisheh refugee camp and Kafr Ni‘ma. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police violently removed Palestinian worshipers at the Haram al-Sharif compound, including in al-Aqsa Mosque, injuring 19, including 3 with baton rounds and arresting 450. 397 of the Palestinians detained were released by 4/6 but banned from entering the compound for 1 week, 47 were transferred to the Ofer prison, and 6 continued to be held in Jerusalem. Israeli police also caused damage to property inside of the mosque, including at the health clinic, smashing windows and causing damage from stun, tear gas, and smoke grenades. Israeli police claimed that 1 officer was injured in the leg by a stone thrown at him. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor near Silwan. In Israel, 2 Israeli soldiers were stabbed and injured near an army base at the Tzrifin junction, 1 Palestinian man was arrested for the attack. (ALM, HA, MEE, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFAv 4/4; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, AX, MDW, MEE, MEE, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/5; PCHR 4/6; HA, HA, HA, MEE 4/7; AJ 4/8; HA 4/10; UNOCHA 4/20)

The PA, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Turkey, and the UAE condemned the Israeli raid (see above). Several European countries, the UN, and the U.S. expressed concern about the events. (HA 4/4; AJ, MEE, MEE, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/5; WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/6; WAFA 4/7; WAFA 4/8; WAFA 4/9; MEMO 4/11)

HaMoked reported that the number of Palestinian administrative detainees had passed 1,000 for the first time since 2003. (AP 4/4; WAFA 4/8)

In Syria, Israeli forces carried out airstrikes over Damascus, killing 2 civilians and causing damage. (AJ, ALM 4/3; HA 4/4; AP 4/5; AJ 4/10)

Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak acknowledged in a since deleted tweet that Israel possesses nuclear weapons. (MEE 4/7)

Israel’s Channel 12 reported on a leaked phone call between Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and police commissioner Kobi Shabtai in which Shabtai tells Ben-Gvir that it is in the nature of Palestinian citizens of Israel to kill each other. Shabtai told Ben-Gvir that there is nothing they can do about the high murder rate among Palestinian citizens of Israel, “[t]hey kill each other. That is their nature. That is the mentality of the Arabs.” MK Ayman Odeh, leader of the Hadash party, called on Shabtai to resign while MK Mansour Abbas, leader of the United Arab List, called on him to apologize. (TOI 4/4; MEMO 4/5)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler was shot and injured while driving in Huwwara, Israeli forces then shot, injured, and arrested a Palestinian man alleging that he was the perpetrator and closed a number of checkpoints in the area. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Baytin, causing damage. Israeli forces forced Palestinian farmers to leave their land in al-Khader. In East Jerusalem, 2 Israeli settlers broke into the Church of Gethsemane in the Old City and attempted to vandalize church property before being confronted by a Palestinian. Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 2 Palestinian minors were arrested during a raid in Silwan. (AJ, HA, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/19; ALM 3/20; MDW 3/22; PCHR 3/23; UNOCHA 3/31)

In Syria, 1 member of Islamic Jihad was shot and killed by unknown perpetrators using a weapon equipped with a silencer outside of his home near Damascus. Islamic Jihad said that he was “assassinated by gunfire that carries the fingerprint of the Zionist enemy.” (AP, HA 3/19; ALM, AP 3/20)

At a summit in Sharm El Sheikh, attended by officials from the PA, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and the U.S., Israel said it would halt discussions for new settlements for 4 months and halt authorization of settlement outposts for 6 months. The parties also agreed to de-escalate tensions, create a political horizon, and let the PA police Area A. The PA’s participation was criticized and condemned by Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and other Palestinian parties. (MEMO 3/17; WAFA 3/18; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEE, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA 3/19; ALM, MEMO, WAFA 3/20)

Speaking in Paris, Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich told the audience at a memorial ceremony that “there is no such thing as Palestinians because there is no such thing as a Palestinian people,” calling the term an invention. Smotrich then said that he and his family are the real Palestinians. The French government had announced that no officials would meet Smotrich during his trip to the country. U.S. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel called Smotrich’s statement “dangerous.” (AJ, ALM, AP, GDN, HA, MDW, MEE, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/20; AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU 3/21; MEE 3/22; HA 3/23)

U.S. president Joe Biden spoke with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to find a compromise on the Israeli government’s plans to weaken the judicial branch of government. (AP, AX, HA, MEE, REU 3/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Turmus ‘Ayya. Israeli settlers also set fire to 2 Palestinian-owned cars and wrote racist graffiti in Sinjil. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint in Hebron. Israeli forces also issued 6 stop-work notices for houses in Deir Balut and a demolition notice for 1 residential structure in Bayt Jala. Representatives from a dozen of countries visited Palestinians threatened by forced displacement in Khan al-Ahmar. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli municipal workers demolished a commercial structure and leveled land in Jabel Mukaber and demolished a wall in Silwan. (AJ, AP, GDN, HA, MEE, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/30; WAFA 1/31; MEE 2/1; PCHR 2/2; UNOCHA 2/3)

A bill that will see residency permits and citizenship revoked for Palestinians who receive money from the PA after being accused of attacking Israelis passed the first reading in the Knesset with 89 votes in favor and 8 against. (HA 1/31; MEE 2/7)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel. The U.S. State Department said that the 2 spoke about Israeli-Palestinian relations and the need for a diplomatic solution. Secretary Blinken met with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi earlier in the day in Cairo. According to Yediot Ahronot, the U.S. offered Netanyahu help with normalizing ties with Saudi Arabia and curbing Iran’s nuclear program if Netanyahu reigns in his far-right coalition partners, ends his plans to weaken the judiciary, and maintain the status quo at the Haram al-Sharif compound. (AJ, HA, MEE 1/29; AJ, ALM, ALM, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, MDW, REU 1/30; HA, HA, HA, NYT 1/31; AJ, HA, MEE 2/3)

Adalah filed an objection to the U.S. plans to build a new embassy to Israel on land in Jerusalem that was seized from Palestinian landowners. The objection was accompanied by letters to U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides and U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken. (MEE, WAFA 1/30)

In the West Bank, Unidentified assailants opened fire at an Israeli settlement bus traveling near Hebron; no injuries were reported. 1 Israeli settler rammed 1 Palestinian minor near al-Funduq. Israeli settlers also stole goods displayed outside of a store in Huwwara. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers fenced off a parcel of land near al-Farisiyya. Israeli settlers also razed land near Qalandia. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man at a flying checkpoint near Silwad. The man was shot after he allegedly refused to exit his vehicle and subsequently defended himself against assault by Israeli soldiers. The Israeli military launched an investigation into the killing on 1/22 after an initial probe found that man was unjustly killed. 4 Palestinians were arrested during a raid in Beit Umar. In East Jerusalem, 292 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces and municipality workers uprooted several olive trees in Silwan. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/15; MEMO, PCHR, UNOCHA 1/16; PCHR 1/19; HA 1/21; JP 1/22; HA, TOI, WAFA 1/23; UNOCHA 2/3)

A survey conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute found that 49% of 20,000 Israelis surveyed believed that Jewish Israelis should have more rights than Palestinian citizens of Israel. (HA 1/15; MEE 1/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed Palestinian-owned land in Khirbet Muafya and brought their sheep to graze on the land. Israeli settlers also razed Palestinian-owned land in as-Samu. Israeli forces issued stop-work orders for 1 water line, 2 agricultural structures, an agricultural road in Khirbet ar-Ras al-Ahmar, and an agricultural road in Atuf. 5 Palestinians were arrested in al-Mukassar. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Arroub refugee camp, Burqin, Ya’bad, and Birzeit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned house in Silwan. In Israel, 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel demolished his family home in Tayibe to avoid paying exorbitant demolition fees. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/11; PCHR 12/15; UNOCHA 12/22)

A UN Security Council report said that Israeli forces had crossed the Golan Heights ceasefire line with Syria on 7 occasions since August 2022. The report also stated that Israel has deployed Iron Dome batteries in the area, contravening the ceasefire agreement. (HA 12/11)

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, Palestinians in several cities observed a general strike in solidarity with residents of Shu‘fat and ‘Anata, which have been closed by Israel since 10/8. Palestinians in Nablus also observed a general strike in protest against Israeli closures of all the entrances to the city. Israeli settlers attacked 1 vehicle transporting patients to an-Najah Hospital, damaging the vehicle. Israeli settlers with military escort also visited Joseph’s Tomb, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians resisting the incursion near Nablus; 1 Palestinian was shot and injured by Israeli forces. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raided Huwwara, attacking businesses and people and blocking a road, 1 Palestinian was injured. Israeli settlers also set fire to a poultry facility and truck in Qusra. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian and injured 1 other while violently dispersing Palestinian protesters at al-Arroub refugee camp. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bethlehem, injuring 1 with a baton round and causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Ramallah, injuring 2 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also assaulted 1 Palestinian man after forcing him out of his vehicle at a checkpoint near Bayt Lid. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers led by MK Itamar Ben-Gvir toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Coinciding with the tour, Israeli forces assaulted and arrested 3 at the compound, including 2 Waqf guards. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Isawiya, Silwan, al-Tur, Ras al-Amud, Shu‘fat refugee camp, Jabel Mukaber, Sur Baher, and Bayt Hanina, using tear gas and stun grenades. A general strike was also observed by Palestinians in East Jerusalem in solidarity with Shu‘fat and ‘Anata. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/12; ALM, BBC, GDN, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, MEE, MEMO, PCHR, PCHR 10/13; UNOCHA 10/16; UNOCHA 11/1)

The Israeli cabinet approved the maritime border agreement with Lebanon, sending it to the Knesset for final approval in 2 weeks. (AP, HA 10/12)

The U.S. White House released its National Security Strategy. The strategy included language referring to expanding normalization deals for Israel and a commitment to Israel as a “Jewish and democratic” state. The strategy paper also restated president Joe Biden’s position in support of a 2-state solution “along the 1967 lines, with mutually agreed swaps.” The paper did not mention any effort to restart negotiations. (White House 10/12; MEE 10/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at 1 Palestinian house in Ras Kaskar and at vehicles near Nabi Salih, Ramallah, ‘Ayn al-Hilweh, and Huwwara, causing damage. Israeli forces prevented Palestinian farmers from harvesting olives near Haris. Israeli forces also demolished 4 residential structures and razed a plot of land in Susiya. Elsewhere, Israeli forces closed 2 checkpoints in Huwwara. Israeli forces also shot and injured 2 Palestinians, including 1 minor, during a raid in Sarda. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers opened fire at Palestinians in Silwan; no injuries were reported. Israeli settlers also toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen northwest of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/9; MEMO 10/10; PCHR 10/13; UNOCHA 10/16)

All crossings to Gaza and the West Bank were closed from 4 P.M. until 10/10 at 12.59 P.M. due to the Sukkot holiday. (HA 10/7)

20 Palestinian prisoners joined the mass hunger strike that began on 9/25, raising the number of protestors to 50. (WAFA 10/9; MEMO 10/10)

The Israeli supreme court overturned the central election committee’s decision to ban the Balad party from running in the upcoming Israeli elections. (HA, WAFA 10/9; MEMO 10/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 1 water well supplying Palestinians in al-Zawiya. Israeli settlers also set up a mobile home, 6 tents, and 2 water tanks near ‘Arab al-Rashayida. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian riding a motorcycle and injured 3 others during a late-night raid in Nablus. Israeli forces also shut the main entrance to Beit Umar for the 2d day in a row. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces injured 1 Palestinian with a baton round and 15 with tear gas during a raid in Silwan. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home near the Lion’s Gate in the Old City, displacing 8. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian famers east of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, JP, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/25; MEMO 9/26; MDW 9/28; PCHR 9/29; UNOCHA 9/30)

Israel closed all crossings to the West Bank and Gaza from midday until 9/27 at midnight, citing celebrations for the Jewish new year. Al-Ibrahimi Mosque was also closed by Israeli authorities until 10 A.M. on 9/26. (WAFA, WAFA 9/25; MEMO 9/26; PCHR 9/29)

30 Palestinians held by Israel on administrative detention started an open-ended hunger strike, demanding their freedom. Among the prisoners starting the hunger strike was French Palestinian human rights lawyer Salah Hamouri. (WAFA 9/24; AJ, WAFA 9/25; MEMO 9/26; MEE, MEMO 9/29; WAFA 10/2)

In an interview with Haaretz, Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid blamed the PA for not creating a situation that allows for a 2-state solution, saying, “I accept that there is external difficulty, and the external difficulty we create. But when Israel was established, we already had a public health system, trains and a positive collective effort. You see very little such effort in the PA.” (HA 9/25)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian man succumbed to injuries sustained by Israeli gunfire on 9/6 during a demolition raid in Jenin; he was the 81st Palestinian killed by an Israeli in the West Bank this year, making 2022 the deadliest for Palestinians in the West Bank since 2015. Israeli settlers erected structures and barbwire fencing near Qusra. Israeli forces arrested 1 construction worker and seized 3 cement tankers in Ein ad-Duyuk at-Tahta near Jericho. Israeli forces also arrested the chairman of the Jenin Freedom Theater at the Za‘atara checkpoint; the PA condemned Israel’s attack on Palestinian cultural institutions. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Silwan. (HA, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/11; HA, MEMO, WAFA 9/12; HA 9/14; PCHR 9/15; UNOCHA 9/16)

Head of the Hamas political bureau Ismail Haniyeh arrived in Russia for meetings with Russian officials. Haniyeh and his delegation are scheduled to meet with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov. (MEE 9/11; MEMO 9/12)

The U.S. state department’s annual fiscal transparency report said that the PA has failed to provide complete data on its budget within the required period. The report noted that the budget was not approved by the Palestinian legislator and information about debt was incomplete. The State Department report called on the PA to publish its executive budget. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf has in recent weeks met with Israeli and PA officials, calling on both parties to ensure that the PA is strengthened as both the U.S. and Israel have expressed concerns that the PA does not have the power to exert control over parts of Area A. The PA has said that the security instability in the West Bank is caused by Israeli raids and that calm would ensue if Israel stopped these raids. Haaretz also reported that Israeli officials have asked Qatar to pressure PA president Mahmoud Abbas to address issues in Jenin and Nablus. (AX 9/7; HA, MEMO 9/9; MEMO 9/10 HA, HA, HA 9/11; ALM, JP, MEE, WAFA 9/12)

Israel’s prime minister Yair Lapid met with German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Germany in an effort to pressure Germany to cancel or alter the agreements related to the Iran nuclear deal. (HA 9/12)

U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides, at a counterterrorism summit in Israel, called the Israeli attacks on Gaza on 8/5-8/7 dubbed “Operation Breaking Dawn” “relatively calm” despite 49 Palestinians being killed during the assault. Ambassador Nides attributed the “relatively calm” to the increase in Israeli work permits for Palestinians in Gaza. (MDW 9/12)

In the West Bank, a group of 20 Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians planting olive tree saplings in Sinjil, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 5 others by physical assault; the settlers also vandalized 5 vehicles nearby. Israeli settlers also assaulted 4 Palestinians with pepper spray and damaged Palestinian-owned property near Burin. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers erected a settlement outpost on a tract of land outside of Birin. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor after the minor allegedly lightly injured an Israeli soldier with a hammer at a checkpoint in Beitin. Israeli forces also raided Balata refugee camp, firing tear gas from drones and injuring 4 with baton rounds. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jenin refugee camp, Nablus, Qalandia refugee camp, Biddu, and Surif. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Silwan. Israeli forces violently arrested 1 Palestinian man walking to the Haram al-Sharif compound in the Old City, beating him and kneeling on his neck; the man’s nose was broken and needed 4 stiches to his forehead after the attack. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled farmland east of Juhor ad-Dik. (ABC, AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEMO, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/8; MEMO 9/9; ABC, AP, HA 9/11; PCHR 9/15; UNOCHA 9/16)

Israel police said it had arrested a 19-year-old Palestinian man in possession of an assault rifle in Jaffa and that he allegedly admitted to wanting to commit an attack. The man did not resist the arrest. (HA, JP 9/8)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas sent his condolences to King Charles III after his mother Queen Elizabeth II of the UK passed away at the age of 96. (WAFA, WAFA 9/8; WAFA 9/10)

Israel signed a free trade agreement with Guatemala, including for industry, food, and agricultural goods. (REU 9/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and arrested 1 Palestinian trying to enter Israel for work at the separation wall near Zeita. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces arrested PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith during a house raid in Silwan. Governor Ghaith was later placed in house arrest on 8/4. 2 others were arrested, including 1 in the Hadassah hospital and 1 at the Damascus Gate plaza. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/31; MEMO, WAFA 8/1; WAFA 8/3; WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/4; MEMO 8/5; PCHR 8/4; UNOCHA 8/5)

The Israeli security cabinet voted to deduct $176 million from its yearly transfer of PA taxes collected by Israel to the PA, saying it is the amount the PA pays to Palestinian militants in Israeli prisons and their families. Meretz leader Nitzan Horowitz abstained from voting, calling the vote a charade as Israel makes up the money in other payments to the PA to alleviate its financial issues. PA presidential spokesperson Nabil Rudeineh called the decision “robbery” and said the PA will not change its policy. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 7/31; MEMO 8/1)

The Israeli cabinet approved plans for the construction of a joint industrial park with Jordan. The $59 million plan will see Israeli and Jordanian factories on the Jordanian side while a logistics wing will be built in Israel above the West Bank. The agreement was reportedly made during Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid’s visit to Amman on 7/27. (HA, JP, TOI 7/31; AJ, MEMO 8/1)

In the West Bank, settlers with military protection toured Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians protesting the incursion; 3 Israelis were shot and injured by Palestinian gunmen, including 1 soldier, and Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian using live ammunition, 16 others with baton rounds, and 40 were injured with tear gas. Israeli settlers also set fire to Palestinian-owned land planted with grapes and olives in Husan and uprooted some 200 cucumber saplings in Halhul. Israeli forces rammed a motorcycle carrying 2 Palestinians with their car in al-Khader, injuring both. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work notices for 2 houses and 1 agricultural structure in Ma‘in in the Masafer Yatta area. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ni‘lin, al-Am‘ari refugee camp, Qarawat Bani Hassan, Anabta, Arrabah, Aida refugee camp, and al-Arroub refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 2 Waqf guards were arrested at the Haram al-Sharif compound; 1 of them was later barred from entering the compound for 1 week. 2 others were arrested at the Bab al-Rahma area of the Haram al-Sharif compound and in Silwan. (AP, HA, JP, MEE, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/30; WAFA 7/1; PCHR 7/7; UNOCHA 7/22)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken in a phone call. According to a statement by the PA, the 2 spoke about preparations for president Joe Biden’s upcoming trip to Palestine and Israel later this month. Secretary Blinken also spoke to the soon-to-be Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid, congratulating him on his appointment (see below). (HA, REU, WAFA 6/30; REU 7/1)

The members of the Knesset voted to dissolve the parliament, leading to a new round of Israeli elections on 11/1. Foreign minister Yair Lapid will be prime minister beginning at midnight until a new prime minister is elected. (HA 6/29; AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA 6/30)

The EU sent a letter to Al Haq and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), informing the Palestinian rights organizations that it will reinstate EU funding that was cut after Israel alleged that Al Haq had financial ties to the PFLP. The EU anti-fraud agency OLAF did not find any indication that the Israeli allegations were true. The EU suspended funding to Al Haq and PCHR in May 2021. (AJ, HA 6/30; WAFA 7/2; MDW 7/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians using live ammunition during a raid in Dheisheh refugee camp. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ramallah, Bayt Rima, Beit Ula, Fawwar refugee camp, Idhna, Jenin, Jericho, and Fari‘ah refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Silwan and Shu‘fat refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/23; PCHR 6/30; UNOCHA 7/2)

The Israeli justice ministry began the process of registering land adjacent to the Haram al-Sharif compound, including at the Ophel Archeological Park in the Old City. (HA 6/26; MEE 6/27; MEMO 6/29)

Israeli military authorities extended the administrative detention period of 1 Palestinian prisoner by 4 months despite promising to release him at the end of his current detention period after he had been hunger striking for 111 days. The man is currently hospitalized for complications related to his hunger strike, which he ended on 6/21. The man resumed his hunger strike on 7/2 (WAFA 6/23; WAFA 7/5)

Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh met with Hezbollah secretary general Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut. There were also reports that Haniyeh was scheduled to meet with Lebanese president Michel Aoun and prime minister Najib Mikati. (HA 6/23)

The PLO executive committee met in Ramallah. During the meeting, the committee discussed the U.S. Biden administration’s failure to fulfil its promises to the Palestinian people and plans to initiate national dialogue to end the intra-Palestinian political division. (WAFA 6/24)

Peace Now released a report marking the first year of the Bennett-Lapid government, detailing how the current Israeli government has accelerated the displacement of Palestinians compared to average numbers during the Netanyahu governments. Compared with the yearly average of the Netanyahu governments, the Bennett-Lapid government has promoted 26% more settlement units, issued tenders for 15% more settlement construction, demolished 35% more Palestinian homes in the West Bank, and 59% more Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem. Additionally, settler violence has risen with 45% and 45 more Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces compared with the yearly average of the Netanyahu governments. (PCN 6/23)

Israel’s foreign minister Yair Lapid met with his Türkiye counterpart Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu in Ankara, in a bid to further normalized relations between the 2 countries. (AJ, ALM, HA, MEE, REU 6/23)

24 Democratic senators, led by Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), wrote a letter to the Biden administration, calling on it to “ensure that a comprehensive, impartial, and open investigation” into the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh is conducted. The senators also addressed secretary of state Antony Blinken, attorney general Merrick Garland, and FBI director Christopher Wray. (HA, MEE, REU 6/23; AJ, MDW, WAFA 6/24)

President of Suriname Chandrikapersad Santokhi told the National Assembly that Suriname would not build an embassy to Israel in Jerusalem, citing budget constraints. Suriname announced plans to open an embassy to Israel in Jerusalem during a visit by its foreign minister Albert Ramdin on 5/30. (AJ, HA 6/24)

UNRWA announced that it had received pledges of $160 million for its general programming, but warned that it still expects a shortfall of $100 million in its core budget for 2022. (WAFA 6/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers re-erected a settlement outpost near al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya; the settlement outpost was dismantled by Israeli forces on 6/7. 18 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ni‘lin, al-Mughayyir, Bayt Rima, Balata refugee camp, Rujeib, Bayt Dajan, Ya‘bad, Jenin, Tulkarm, Tubas, Fawwar refugee camp, and Beit Fajjar. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities took measurements for the demolition of a 4-story apartment building in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 2 Palestinian fishermen and seized their boat within the fishing zone. (PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/8; PCHR 6/9; UNOCHA 6/17)

The Israeli supreme court rejected a petition for a retrial in a case where the Israeli settler group Ateret Cohanim allegedly purchased 3 buildings in the Old City from the Greek Orthodox church, allowing the settler organization to evict the Palestinian tenants. The Greek Orthodox church called the ruling “unfair” and without “any legal logical basis.” The EU voiced concern about the supreme court ruling. (HA, YNET 6/9; MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/10; MEMO, WAFA 6/11)

Israel extended its antiquities authority to the West Bank. The Israel Antiquities Authority will replace the Coordinator on Government Activities in the Territories in managing archeological sites in the West Bank. (HA 6/8)

Speaking, via phone link at a conference on the holy sites in Jerusalem, dubbed “Property Documentation and the Historical Status of the Holy al-Aqsa Mosque,” PA president Mahmoud Abbas said that the PA would not accept any changes to the status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem, saying all Islamic and Christian holy sites are Palestinian. (WAFA, WAFA 6/8; WAFA 6/9)

Israeli media reported that members of a Liberian delegation in Israel headed by minister of state for presidential affairs Nathaniel McGill told Israeli journalists that Liberia will open a trade office in Jerusalem that eventually will become Liberia’s embassy to Israel. The delegation was meeting Israeli officials, including president Isaac Herzog. (ALM 6/9)

Axios reported that last week, Israel refused a proposal for a White House summit with the PA, U.S., Egypt, and Jordan to create a political horizon for ending the occupation. (AX 6/8)

Axios also reported that the White House is sending the newly appointed assistant secretary of state for Near East affairs, Barbara Leaf, to Israel and Ramallah for meetings with Israeli and Palestinian officials. (AX 6/8)

Haaretz reported that the EU commission’s anti-fraud office will not open an investigation into the 6 Palestinian rights organizations Israel deemed terrorist organizations in October 2021, saying that it had not seen sufficient evidence from Israel against the 6 organizations. EU diplomats told Haaretz that the evidence handed to EU countries by Israel was not compelling and did not meet the threshold of proof. (HA 6/8)

In a visit to the Buraq Wall/Western Wall, Bosnia and Herzegovina parliament speaker Dragan Čović told reporters that the Old City is part of Israel. (JP 6/10)

The World Bank approved a grant of $30 million for PA reforms in transparency, inclusion, and green economy and a $7 million grant for social services and online employment oppounities for Palestinians in Gaza. (WAFA 6/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort raided Halhul, vandalizing 1 mosque; Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians with live ammunition and others with baton rounds and tear gas when the Palestinians confronted the settlers. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinian farmers in Shufa, causing injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers chased Palestinian herders off their land in al-Juwaya in the Masafer Yatta area and let their cattle graze on Palestinian crops. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers with Israeli police escort attacked 3 Palestinians in Silwan, causing hospitalizations, and vandalized 1 vehicle. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 8 Palestinian fishermen and seized 2 boats within 3 nautical miles northwest of the Rafah seaport; 6 of the 8 fishermen were released on 6/1. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/31; PCHR 6/1)

Hamas’s military judicial authority sentenced 2 Palestinians for spying for Israel. 1 of the Palestinians was sentenced to life in prison while the other received a 7-year sentence. (JP 5/31)

An Israeli military court sentenced 1 Palestinian man to life in prison plus 25 years for the killing of an Israeli soldier in the West Bank on 8/2019 and ordered him to pay $450,000 to the family of the soldier. The Palestinian man was not present at the killing, but the court claimed that he had formed a cell that incited the murder of the Israeli man. (HA 5/31)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken in a phone call. According to Axios reporting, President Abbas pressed Secretary Blinken on Israeli attempts to change the Status Quo at the Haram al-Sharif compound, the lack of a political horizon, the Israeli settler march on 5/29, and the Biden administration’s failure to act on its campaign promises on Palestine. Abbas also asked the U.S. to remove the PLO from the U.S. list of terror organizations and to reopen the PLO mission in Washington D.C. Abbas also met with Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi in Ramallah. (WAFA 5/31; AX, WAFA 6/1)

Haaretz reported that an Israeli plan to reduce the economic gaps between Palestinians and Israeli Jews living in Israeli cities had been postponed due to failure to fund the program. The plan was finalized in October 2021 in response to tensions between Palestinians and Israeli Jews in cities in which both populations reside. Additionally, some local governments have opposed earmarking funds exclusively for Palestinian communities in the cities they govern. (HA 5/31)

Israel and the UAE signed a free trade agreement removing tariffs on food, agriculture, cosmetics, medical equipment, and medicine. The agreement also defines tax rates, imports and intellectual property. The free trade agreement was part of the Israeli-UAE-U.S. normalization agreement. (REU 5/30; ABC, AJ, ALM, BB, HA, JP, MEMO, NBC, REU, TOI, WSJ 5/31; CNN 6/1; ALM, HA 6/2)

U.S. state department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters that the Biden administration remains committed to reopening the U.S. consulate to Palestinians in Jerusalem. The statement comes after reporting in the Times of Israel that the U.S. had given up on its plans due to the instability in the Israeli government coalition. (REU 5/31; MEMO 6/1; AX 6/4)

15 Democratic members of the U.S. house of representatives, led by Cori Bush (D-MO), wrote a letter to Secretary Blinken urging him to send the “strongest message possible” to prevent Israel from evicting more than 1,000 Palestinians from the Masafer Yatta area, calling the displacement of Palestinians “a war crime.” (HA, MEE 5/31; WAFA 6/1)

Lebanese parliament reelected Nabih Berri of the Amal Movement as speaker at the 1st parliamentary session of the newly elected parliament. Speaker Berri, who received 65 of 128 votes, has been the speaker of the parliament since 1992. (AJ, HA, MEMO, REU, REU 5/31)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 17 olive trees and vandalized 1 agricultural structure in Kafr ad-Dik. Israeli settlers with military escort raided Joseph’s Tomb, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians; 1 Palestinian was shot with live ammunition and 13 with baton rounds; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces demolished 2 agricultural structures in al-Khader. Israeli forces also raided Burqa, opening fire near 2 schools and forcing them to evacuate. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a 3-story building in Silwan, displacing 45 Palestinians; according to the families, they were not given prior notices or allowed to remove their possessions. 5 Palestinians were injured as Israeli police violently dispersed protesters during the demolition. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/10; WAFA 5/11; PCHR 5/12; UNOCHA 6/4)

Haaretz reported that Israel had revoked entry and work permits from 1,100 Palestinians who are relatives or friends of Palestinians accused of recent attacks against Israelis. In March, Israel expanded the list those subject to collective punishment measures to include 2d-degree relatives of suspected Palestinian attackers. The 2d-degree category includes cousins, grandparents, neighbors, and close friends. (HA 5/10)

Israel’s prime minister Naftali Bennett claimed that he had expelled 6 Waqf guards for supporting Hamas and said he had rejected Jordan’s request to increase Waqf staffing at the Haram al-Sharif compound. (HA, TOI 5/10)

EU high commissioner for foreign and security affairs Josep Borrell hosted a meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee at the EU commission’s building in Brussels. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh and finance minister Shukri Bishara participated in the meeting, as did Israeli regional affairs minister Issawi Frej. Prime Minister Shtayyeh called on High Commissioner Borrell to hold Israel responsible for its actions during a meeting between the 2 of them. (UNESCO, WAFA 5/10; ALM 5/11)

Kuwait contributed $2 million to the UNRWA general programming. (WAFA 5/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor at the Tekoa settlement, claiming that he was armed with a knife. Israeli settlers also set fire to a car parts workshop in Beit Umar, causing around $15,000 worth of damage. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers uprooted some 20 olive trees in al-Twana. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man at the separation barrier near Tulkarm as he attempted to enter Israel. Israeli forces also delivered demolition notices for 4 houses in the Masafer Yatta area and demolished 1 home in al-Twana, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians; light injuries were reported. Israeli forces also assaulted 1 Palestinian journalist covering an Israeli force raid in al-Twana. The journalist was hospitalized for his injuries. Israel said it had arrested 2 Palestinians in Rummana, who Israel suspects killed 3 Israelis in Elad on 5/5. 13 others were arrested during late-night raids in Qarawat Bani Hassan, Balata refugee camp, al-Walaja, Bayt Rima, Bil‘in, ‘Azun, Qatanna, and Hizma. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian man at the Damascus Gate plaza, saying that the man had stabbed and wounded 1 Israeli police officer. Israeli forces also delivered a demolition notice for 1 2-story apartment building in Silwan. (+972, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/8; HA, HA, PCHR, WAFA 5/9; PCHR 5/12; UNOCHA 5/13)

Israel said that on 5/9 it would reopen the crossings to the West Bank, allowing Palestinian workers and merchants to enter Israel after closing the crossings on 5/3. An exception was made in Rumana, where Israel said the Elad attackers were from. Crossings between Israel and Gaza remained closed. (HA 5/8; HA 5/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 3 agricultural structures in Kafr ad-Dik. Israeli settlers also stole crops in the Masafer Yatta area near Hebron. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian man in Kafr Malik. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Yamun, Bayt Qad, and al-Ayn refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound, singing the Israeli anthem and waving Israeli flags. Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 1 house in Silwan and 1 house in Shu‘fat refugee camp. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/3; PCHR 5/12; UNOCHA 5/13)

Israel closed all crossings between Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel from 3pm for the Israeli celebrations of Memorial Day and Independence Day. The crossings are scheduled to reopen at midnight on 5/5. (HA 5/1)

Haaretz reported that the Jerusalem municipality and the Israeli ministry of tourism plans to erect a 328-foot flagpole donning the Israeli flag in Jerusalem. The flag, if the plans is carried out, will be visible in all of Jerusalem. (HA 5/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers sprayed pepper spray at a Palestinian herder in Kisan. Israeli settlers also vandalized 30 olive trees in al-Zawiya. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians in Biddu protesting the assassination killing of 3 Palestinians in Nablus on 2/8, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 10 with rubber-coated bullets. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 3 with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 8 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Anza and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a fire broke out in an apartment in Sheikh Jarrah inhabited by Israeli settlers; Israeli settlers claimed it was the result of arson while Palestinians said the fire started due to an electrical short; 2 Palestinians were arrested. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Silwan, displacing 2. 5 Palestinians were arrested at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of the coast; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian herders northeast of Khan Yunis, no injuries were reported. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/11; ALM, HA 2/14; HA, PCHR 2/17; UNOCHA 2/28)

Norway announced that it will contribute $125.5 million to the UNRWA over the next 4 years. (WAFA 2/12; WAFA 2/14; MEMO 2/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort blocked a road leading to Sinjil. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian with a rubber-coated bullet to his chest during a raid in Kafr Qaddum. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters near al-Mughayyir and Sahal al-Baqai’a, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces blocked all traffic in and out of Hizma. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Qalqilya, Aqabah, Tuqu‘, and Dayr Jarir. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith’s home. Israeli forces also raided the home of deputy director-general of the Islamic Waqf, Sheikh Najeh Bakirat, in Jabel Mukaber, handing him a summon for interrogation. 6 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Silwan and at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 2 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 1 Palestinian woman was killed and 2 others injured in a car bombing in Ramle; Israeli authorities suspected an assassination. The killing marked the 123d Palestinian killed in Israel in 2021. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/26; MEMO 12/27; PCHR 12/30)

The 1st case of the highly infectious Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus was detected in Gaza. The Omicron variant has become dominant in many countries and is capable at infecting vaccinated people, especially those who have not received a booster shot. In Gaza, about 25,000 out of 2 million people have received a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. (HA, MEMO, REU 12/26)

The Palestinian Prisoners’ Society said that Israel is denying 1 Palestinian prisoner access to the cancer treatment he needs. The Palestinian man has been detained since 10/25. (WAFA 12/26)

Qatar’s envoy to Palestine Mohammad al-Emadi said in a statement that Qatar, the PA, and Gaza’s electrical company have agreed to a project that will see Qatar invest $60 million in a gas pipeline from Israel to Gaza. The project will change the fuel input at Gaza’s power plant from diesel fuel to natural gas. (MEMO, TOI 12/27)

PA civil affairs minister Hussein al-Sheikh called on the international community to take action against Israeli settler violence. (WAFA 12/26)

The Israeli government approved a plan to double the settler population in the occupied Golan Heights. The $317-million plan will see Israel construct settler housing units and new infrastructure, including 3,300 new settlement units in Katzrin, 4,065 in Golan Regional Council, and 4,000 in 2 new settlements. Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett said the government investment in settlements in the Golan Heights was linked to the U.S. Trump administration decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the area in 2019 and the current Biden administration’s indication that it will not roll back the decision. (AJ, AP, DW, HA, MEE, REU, TOI 12/26; AJ, ALM, AP, MEMO, REU, TOI 12/27; CNN, MDW, TOI 12/28)

In the West Bank, 2 Israeli settlers were escorted out of central Ramallah by Palestinian security forces after Palestinians attacked their car and subsequently set it on fire. Israeli officials claimed the 2 had entered central Ramallah by mistake, while others reported that the 2 were playing loud religious music to try to provoke a reaction from Ramallah residents. The 2 settlers were unharmed. Israeli forces demolished 2 agricultural structures in Nahalin. Israeli forces also raided the home of 1 Palestinian journalist coving the displacement of Palestinians in al-Twana in the Masafer Yatta area, seizing his cameras. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seized 6 tractors, 5 cars, 4 water tanks, and 3 trucks in Khirbet ar-Ras al-Ahmar. 4 Palestinians were arrested during house raids in Yatta, Idhna, Rafat, and Beit Sira. In East Jerusalem, around 150 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 2 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Isawiya and Silwan. (AP, HA, MEMO, MEMO, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/1; MEMO, PCHR, WAFA 12/2)

1 Israeli settler was sentenced to 20 months in prison for throwing stun grenades at Palestinian homes in Sarta in January, injuring 1. The settler was part of a group of several settlers who also threw rocks and vandalized 4 homes and 2 cars. (HA 12/1; MEMO 12/2)

The company Meta Inc., formerly known as Facebook, said it had removed 150 accounts, 79 pages, and 13 groups from Facebook and Instagram that it says are linked to Hamas. (HA 12/2)

At the UNGA, 3 resolutions pertaining to Palestine and Israel passed. 1 resolution condemning Israel’s annexation of the Syrian Golan Heights passed 94-8-69. 1 resolution calling for intensified efforts to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict with a 2-state solution passed 148-9-14. The countries that vote against were Australia, Canada, Hungary, Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, and the U.S. A final resolution calling for preserving the Status Quo at the Holy sites in Jerusalem, usually passing with a higher margin, passed 129-11-31. Several countries, including the UK, explained their opposition to the resolution, saying that it usually refers to the Haram al-Sharif compound by also including the Jewish terminology the “Temple Mount.” The UK clarified that its vote does not signify a policy change, only an objection to the change in language. (UKGOV, UN 12/1; TOI, WAFA 12/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort harassed students on their way to school in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, preventing some from reaching the school. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians and Israeli activists protesting a visit by Israeli president Isaac Herzog to Hebron (see below). Israeli forces also demolished water pipelines supplying Atuf with water. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Ramallah, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during late-night raids in Kaubar and al-Arroub refugee camp, and 1 near al-Jaba‘. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a house raid in Isawiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen northwest of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/28; PCHR 12/2)

President Herzog visited Hebron for a Hanukkah ceremony in al-Ibrahimi Mosque, drawing condemnation and protest from Palestinians and Israeli left-wing activists. The PA foreign ministry said that President Herzog was breaking international law and “embracing the settlement enterprise.” The religious advisor to PA president Mahmoud Abbas, Mahmoud Habbash, compared Herzog’s participation in the ceremony with that of Ariel Sharon visiting the Haram al-Sharif compound in 2000. The OIC, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Arab League also issued statements of condemnations criticizing the visit. (HA, MEE 11/26; AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA 11/28; +972, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA 11/29; ALM, MEMO 11/30)

The Israeli high court of justice denied Palestinian appeals against demolitions of 58 homes in Wadi Yasoul in Silwan, which would lead to the displacement of 725 Palestinians. (HA 11/28; WAFA 11/29; PCHR 12/2)

1 Palestinian prisoner held on administrative detention ended his hunger strike after Israel set a date for his release. The man had been hunger-striking for 49 days and was admitted to a prison hospital on 11/24 as his condition deteriorated. (WAFA 11/28)

President Abbas extended the COVID-19-related state of emergency for another 30 days. The state of emergency has been in effect since March 2020, when the pandemic hit Palestine. (WAFA 11/28)

Israel’s and the UK’s foreign ministers Yair Lapid and Liz Truss wrote an article in the Telegraph, saying the 2 countries will work together in preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons. Foreign Minister Lapid was in London meeting UK officials before heading to France for meetings on 11/29. The article was published 1 day before talks began in Vienna to revamp efforts to reenter a new Iran nuclear agreement. (DT, GDN, REU 11/28; AJ, DT, HA, JP, TOI 11/29)

Japan donated $10 million to the PA in support of its budget and Cyprus donated $113,000 to the UNRWA. (WAFA, WAFA 11/28; MEMO 11/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones and other objects at Palestinian vehicles near al-Mughayyir, causing 1 Palestinian driver to lose control of his car, injuring him and his son. The driver was flown to a hospital and was said to be in critical condition. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Duma, causing damage. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones and opened fire on Palestinians near Burqa; no injuries were reported. 6 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Jalazun refugee camp, Bayt Rima, Zeita, and Deir Sharaf; Israeli forces injured 3 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets during the raid in Jalazun refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested the deputy director of Islamic Waqf, Sheikh Najeh Bakirat, at the Haram al-Sharif compound; Bakirat was later released on 11/28 on the condition that he does not visit the Haram al-Sharif compound for 20 days and the West Bank for 30 days. 2 others were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan and Jabal Mukaber. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/24; MEE, PCHR, WAFA 11/25; MEMO 11/29)

The Jerusalem district planning and building committee advanced plans for a new settlement in East Jerusalem at the abandoned Qalandia Airport, called Atarot airport by Israel. The plan entails 9,000 new settler units intended for ultra-Orthodox Jews. It was later reported that the Israeli government told the U.S. that it would not advance plans for the settlement and had explained that the committee’s work is independent of the government. (TOI, WAFA 11/24; AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEMO 11/25; MEMO, WAFA 11/26; MEMO 11/27; ALM 11/29)

Israel said it would allow 500 Christians living in Gaza—about half of Gaza’s Christian population—to enter Jerusalem and the West Bank for Christmas celebrations. Additionally, 200 Christians in Gaza will be allowed to travel to Jordan for journeys abroad. (HA 11/25)

Israel transferred 1 Palestinian prisoner to a prison hospital in Ramle. The man has been on hunger strike for 47 days to protest his administrative detention. (MEMO 11/25)

The Israeli supreme court rejected an appeal from a Palestinian man whose 3 daughters and 1 niece were killed when Israeli tanks fired shells at his apartment in Gaza in 2009. The court held that the Israeli military is not liable for wartime actions, including killings of civilians. (AP, HA, MEMO 11/24)

According to Syrian media, Israeli air strikes killed 2 civilians and injured 1 civilian and 6 soldiers in the Homs region. According to Syrian officials, Israeli fighter jets fired the missiles from Lebanese air space. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, TOI 11/24)

Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz met with his Moroccan counterpart Abdellatif Loudiyi in Morocco, signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for joint intelligence sharing, research, and military training. Morocco announced on 11/22 that its military had bought anti-drone systems from the Israeli company Skylock Dome. The PLO executive committee condemned the MoU, saying it contravenes agreements made at Arab League summits and the Area Peace initiative. The PFLP and Hamas also publicly condemned Morocco for inviting Defense Minister Gantz. (AJ, AP, MEMO 11/23; AJ, ALM, AP, AX, HA, MEMO, MEMO, TOI 11/24; MEMO 11/25; ALM, MEMO, WAFA 11/26; MEMO 11/27)

Israeli newspaper Calcalist reported that the Israeli government had limited the number of countries that can buy Israeli-made cyber technology, from 102 to 37. Among the countries said to be excluded are Mexico, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The report follows a decision by the U.S. to place bans on 2 Israeli spyware companies earlier this month. (HA 11/25; MEMO 11/26; MEMO 11/27)

Belgium announced that it will label Israeli settlement products by their settlement origin and not as made in Israel. The Israeli government condemned the decision and canceled planned meetings with Belgian officials. (HA, JP, WAFA 11/24; MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA 11/25)

Australia announced that it intends to add all Hezbollah entities as terrorist organization. Australia added Hezbollah’s External Security Organization as a terrorist organization in 2003. The declaration of intent follows the UK’s move to designate all of Hamas as a terrorist organization. (AJ, AP, HA, MEMO, TOI 11/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole olive harvesting equipment in Jalud. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinians harvesting olives near Aqraba, disturbing their harvest. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers with Israeli military escort attacked Palestinians harvesting olives and a member of Rabbis for Human Rights in Awarta, using pepper spray against the member of Rabbis for Human Rights, who was hospitalized. Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 12 houses in Duma. Israeli forces also denied Palestinian farmers entry to their lands in Jalud. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seized a tent set up by solidarity activists in Khirbet al-Mufqara and dismantled part of a school in al-Maleh. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Ya‘bad, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Bireh, al-Am’ari refugee camp, al-Zawiya, Beita, and Ya‘bad. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities continued to raze Muslim graves at al-Yusufiya Muslim cemetery to make space for an Israeli park near the Haram al-Sharif compound; a video showed Israeli forces ripping a grieving Palestinian mother off her son’s grave before demolishing it. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of al-Fukhari. (HA, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/25; MEMO, REU 10/26; PCHR 10/28; MEE 10/29)

A hearing at the Israeli supreme court did not yield a decision on the eviction case of the Dweik family in Silwan. The family of 26 is under threat of eviction by the Israeli settler organization Ateret Cohanim, which claims to own the family’s homes. The Palestinian family has lived on the property for more than 50 years, from when Silwan was controlled by Jordan. (AJ, HA 10/25)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas promised a delegation from the 6 Palestinian rights organizations that were classified, by Israel, as terrorist organizations on 10/22 that the PA would take action against the decision. The head of the Israeli Labor party and transportation minister Merav Michaeli also criticized the Israeli government’s decision. Transportation Minister Michaeli’s main criticism was the manner in which the classifications were announced and that it could damage Israel’s relations with its allies. (HA 10/25; MEMO, WAFA 10/26)

Israel’s foreign minister Yair Lapid of Yesh Atid criticized the Israeli government’s decision to publish tenders for 1,300 new settler units in the West Bank. Meretz MK Mossi Raz also criticized the decision. (MEMO 10/26)

The 1st ever direct flight from Saudi Arabia to Israel completed its flight. The aircraft was registered in the UAE. (AA, JP 10/25; JP, MEMO 10/27)

In Sudan, the prime minister of the transitional government Abdalla Hamdok was placed in house arrest and 4 cabinet ministers were arrested in a military coup. Sudan’s interim government made moves to normalize relations with Israel in 2020 after a deal was made with the U.S. to take the country off the list of state sponsors of terror and to erase state debt to the U.S. Later in the day, the U.S. announced that it would freeze $700 million in aid for Sudan and that the normalization deal with the U.S. and Israel will have to be reevaluated. Israel did not comment on the coup. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, REU 10/25; MEMO 10/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort forced Palestinian shepherds to leave the area they were grazing their sheep in east of Khirbet Makhul. Israeli settlers also stole olive harvests from a Palestinian farmer near the Rachelim settlement. Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 3 agricultural structures, 2 houses, and 1 house under construction in Huwwara and confiscated a caravan east of Yatta. Israeli forces also razed tracts of agricultural land near al-Zawiya and Sabastia. 9 Palestinians were arrested, including 7 during late-night raids in Beit Fajjar, Bayt Awa, Beit Sahour, Yatta, Bani Na‘im, and Nablus; 1 was arrested by undercover forces in Jenin and 1 at a checkpoint near al-Ibrahimi Mosque. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers from the Elad settler organization seized 1 Palestinian family’s apartment in Silwan, while Israeli forces assaulted the Palestinian owners trying to enter their property. 7 Palestinian minors were arrested during late-night raids in Isawiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Abasan; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya, causing damage to 1 boat. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/6; AJ, MEMO, PCHR 10/7)

In Gaza, 10,477 applications to work in Israel were submitted at the local chamber of commerce in Jabalia refugee camp. Many of the applications were from Palestinian laborers, but the 7,000 available work permits were earmarked for merchants. According to Israeli officials, the decision to earmark the permits for merchants was made at the request of Hamas. According to Hamas, there are 300,000 Palestinians in Gaza actively trying to find work. (HA 10/7; ALM 10/8)

A judge at the Jerusalem magistrate’s court ruled that Jewish worshippers are allowed to pray in silence at the Haram al-Sharif compound, drawing condemnation from the PA, Hamas, Turkey, and Jordan. The PA called the decision a declaration of war against Palestinians and Muslims. (WAFA, WAFA 10/6; AJ, AP, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 10/7; ALM, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/8; WAFA 10/11)

The Israeli high court of justice ordered the Israeli government to explain why it is allowing Israeli settlers to work 1,000 dunams (247 acres) of Palestinian-owned land in the Jordan Valley. The land was declared a closed military zone in 1969 and its Palestinian owners have been barred from entering it since then. The court also ordered the state to explain why Palestinians have not been allowed to work the land. The case was opened after 20 of the Palestinian owners petitioned to have the closed military zone designation rescinded in 2018. (HA 10/6; MEMO 10/11)

Israeli media reported that Israeli security officials met with Egyptian mediators in Cairo to discuss expanding the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and to discuss a prisoner exchange between the 2 parties. (MEE 10/6)

The Israeli spyware company NSO Group said it had ended its contract with the UAE after a British court ruled that the emir of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum used the Pegasus spyware to track his former spouse Princess Haya bint al-Hussein. (AP, HA 10/6; MEMO 10/7)

Axios reported that the U.S. Biden administration has been pressuring the Israeli government to show restraints on expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett is said to have bragged to settler leaders that he had denied President Biden’s request when the 2 spoke on 8/27. (AX 10/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers leveled Palestinian agricultural land near Deir ‘Ammar before Israeli forces removed them from the area. Israeli forces sealed off Sabastia for the 2d day in a row and closed Palestinian stores. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jalazun refugee camp, Bani Na‘im, Bayt Awa, Ya‘bad, and Beit Sira. In East Jerusalem, some 600 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 6 Palestinians were arrested in Silwan, al-Tur, Isawiya, and at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land north of Beit Lahiya and east of Dayr al-Balah. Israeli forces also opened fire at Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis and Beit Hanun; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fisherman within 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/23; PCHR 9/30)

2 Palestinians who had been missing after going fishing on 9/3 off the coast of Gaza were reported detained at a prison in Egypt. (MEE 9/23)

The PA commission of detainees’ affairs said in a statement that 1 39-year-old Palestinian who died of leukemia 7 months after being released from an Israeli prison perished because of medical neglect while he was incarcerated by Israel. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 9/23)

The PLO rejected an agreement made between the U.S. and UNRWA to keep the U.S. providing funds to the agency, saying that the agreement is an attempt to abolish the Right of Return for Palestinian refugees. (WAFA 9/23)

It was reported that Sudan had seized a number of companies and bank accounts belonging to Palestinians. According to the reporting, the assets belong to Hamas as a means to generate revenue for the organization. Later, on 9/24, Hamas said that it did not have links to the companies and individuals targeted by Sudan. 1 day later, on 9/25, the PA urged Sudan to hand over the assets to the PA. A Hamas official said the seizing of the funds by Sudan was a way for the new government to win the support of the U.S by slandering Hamas. (HA, REU, TOI 9/23; AA, HA, MEMO, REU, TOI, WAFA 9/25; ALM 9/30)

The U.S. house of representatives passed a bill 420-9-2, providing Israel with another $1 billion of military aid to allegedly restock Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system after Israel’s attack on Gaza in May. The $1 billion was removed from a stopgap government-funding bill on 9/21, prompting Democratic majority leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) to present the funding as a stand-alone bill. The 9 representatives to vote against the bill were Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), André Carson (D-IN), Marie Newman (D-IL), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), Cori Bush (D-MO), And Thomas Massie (R-KY). Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Hank Johnson (D-GA) voted present. Representative Tlaib gave a speech before the vote calling Israel an apartheid state, drawing ire from several pro-Israel Democrats, including Ted Deutch (D-FL) who said that calling Israel an apartheid state was anti-Semitic. Later, Israel’s envoy to the UN Gilad Erdan said that the 9 representatives who voted against the bill were “either ignorant or antisemitic.” It is estimated that the deployment of the Iron Dome during May cost Israel a maximum of $120 million. (AJ, AP, FOX, FOX, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, NYT, REU, TOI 9/23; CNN 9/24; WAFA 9/25; HA 9/26; HA 9/27; JCUR, MEE 9/28)

Also in the house of representatives, representative Andy Levin (D-MI), supported by more than 24 Democrats, introduced the Two-State Solution Act, aimed at preserving the feasibility of a 2-state solution. Among its provisions, the bill aims at distinguishing between Israel and occupied Palestinian territory, defined as the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. The authors of the bill want the U.S. to label products from occupied Palestine as such and not as Israeli products. It also aims at pushing the U.S. administration to reopen the PLO mission in D.C. and U.S. consulate to Palestinians in Jerusalem. Lastly, the authors want the PA to end its payments to Palestinian prisoners and their families convicted of terrorism by Israeli military courts. (POL 9/22; AJ, HA, JP, MEE 9/23; TOI 9/24)

Texas’s state comptroller Glenn Hegar said that Ben & Jerry’s had been added to the state’s list of companies that boycott Israel and that Texas will start to divest from the company. Texas is the 4th state to divest from Ben & Jerry’s over its decision to stop selling ice cream in West Bank settlements and to move its franchise regional office from Israel. (NWK 9/23; JP 9/24)

Denmark and the PA signed an agreement for Denmark to provide $72 million in grants over the next 5 years to help development in, among other areas, local government, agriculture, and civil society. (WAFA 9/23; MEMO 9/24)