The Palestine Chronology

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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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 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, 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 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 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)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian working on rehabilitating a road east of Yatta and damaged the excavator he was using. Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 20 residential structures in Rujeib, a house under construction, and an agricultural shack in Battir. Israeli forces also seized a mobile home in Khallet al-Nahleh, south of Bethlehem. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian who tried to enter Israel through a hole in the separation wall near ‘Anin before arresting him. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Jenin refugee camp, Rummana, Tulkarm, and Qarawat Bani Hassan. In East Jerusalem, 44 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli settlers led by Israeli MKs from HaTzionut HaDatit (The Religious Zionist) party Bezalel Smotrich and Orit Strock harassed Palestinian residents under eviction threat in Shaykh Jarrah. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Issawiyya. 5 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 Bayt Lahiya and al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/22; MEMO 6/23; PCHR 6/24)

After meeting in a Hamas office, various political and military factions in Gaza issued a warning to Israel to ease the blockade. The factions said that if Israel does not comply, they would allow the launching of incendiary balloons and protests by the Gaza fence. (AJ, MEMO 6/23)

Iran said it had foiled a drone attack on a building belonging to the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization in Karaj City, 25 miles west of Tehran. According to the New York Times, the building was on a list of potential targets Israel had presented to the U.S. and which the Trump administration had approved for targeting by Israel. Iran later said that Israel had attacked the building to undermine the nuclear deal negotiations. (AJ, NYT 6/23; HA 6/24; AJ, AP, REU 7/6)

The U.S. seized the domain name for the news site Palestine Today and more than 30 Iranian and Iranian-linked websites, including state-run news agencies. (HA, MEE, REU 6/22; AJ 6/23)

The EU provided the PA and Palestinian banks with a loan of $425 million to help keep the Palestinian economy going as it is facing an economic crisis due to the Israeli occupation and the COVID-19 pandemic. (HA 6/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided Khirbet Zanuta, assaulting Palestinians and causing damage to houses. Israeli settlers also seized an old Jordanian army building in Arab al-Rashayida near Bethlehem. Israeli forces raided the headquarters of the Palestinian Red Crescent in Tubas, firing 29 tear gas canisters at the building, causing tear-gas related injuries and starting a fire. Israeli forces also assaulted a man at the Hamra checkpoint near Nablus. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around al-Bireh, Jenin, and Tayassir. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters demonstrating against Israeli-planned evictions of Palestinians in Batn al-Hawa, injuring 1 minor before arresting him. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian for gesturing his middle finger at Israeli forces in the Old City; the man’s lawyer said he was beaten by Israeli police while in detention; it was the 2d man in 2 days arrested for making the gesture. In Israel, 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel demolished his own home in Taibe to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/26; PCHR 5/27)

Israel opened an investigation into why Israeli forces shot 1 girl and her father in their house in Shaykh Jarrah on 5/25. The girl was shot in the back with a rubber-coated bullet, fracturing her spine. Her father was hit in his leg and with a stun grenade. 1 Israeli soldier was suspended while the investigation was ongoing. (AP 5/26; HA 5/27)

Israel revoked social and health benefits for 16 Palestinian families in East Jerusalem as a punitive measure because at least 1 member in each family is seen as a political activist for Palestinian rights to live in Shaykh Jarrah or against Israeli attacks on the Haram al-Sharif compound. It was also reported that 11 Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem were placed in administrative detention for periods of 3-6 months. (HA, MEMO, WAFA 5/27)

An Israeli court in Jerusalem postponed making a judgment on the eviction of 86 Palestinian families from their homes in Batn al-Hawa in Silwan. 15 European diplomats were present at the court during the postponement. (AJ, MEE, MEMO, WAFA 5/26; ALM, WAFA 5/27; HA 5/28; AJ 5/29)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met the British foreign minister Dominic Raab in Ramallah, calling for the revival of the International Quartet’s engagement in a peace process. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 5/26)

Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar threatened Israel with a more intense attack if Israel continues to attack the Haram al-Sharif compound. Sinwar also said that Hamas would not touch “a single cent” of international aid for rebuilding Gaza. (AJ, HA 5/26)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken met with Egyptian president Abdel Fatah al-Sisi and other senior Egyptian officials discussing the Egyptian brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Secretary Blinken also met with Jordanian king Abdullah II in Amman. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU 5/26)

After the government of Ireland recognized Israel’s settlement activity as de facto annexation of Palestinian lands on 5/25, the Irish parliament passed a motion to condemn Israel’s “de facto annexation” of Palestinian lands. (AJ 5/26; AP, GDN, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/27)

The EU increased its financial support for Palestinians by $9.75 million to help rebuild Gaza. (WAFA 5/26)

Qatar announced it would donate $500 million to help rebuild Gaza. (AJ, AX, HA, REU 5/27; MEMO, WAFA 5/28)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor using rubber-coated bullets in al-Janiya. Israeli settlers also damaged and uprooted 130 olive seedings in al-Rihaya south of Hebron. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition in Far‘un. 19 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bayt Umar, Yatta, Bethlehem, al-Walaja, Kaubar, Silwad, Tell, Qabalan, ‘Azun, al-Twana, and Jenin; during a house raid in al-Twana, 1 Palestinian 5-year-old got a black eye during the raid on her home. In East Jerusalem, around 120 Israeli settlers with military escort raided the Haram al-Sharif compound for the 2d day in a row. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian after he allegedly stabbed and injured 1 settler and 1 soldier near Shaykh Jarrah. 26 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan, Jabal al-Mukabir, Shu‘fat, and the Old City. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians injured in Israeli air strikes on Bayt Hanun on 5/11 succumbed to their injuries and 4 Palestinians were found dead in rubble from Israeli air strikes in Khan Yunis, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 253 to 259, including 67 children and 3 pregnant women. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/24; HA, MEMO, WAFA 5/25; PCHR 5/27)

3 Jewish-Israelis were charged with terrorism after severely beating 1 Palestinian-Israeli man on 5/12 in Bat Yam. The Palestinian man was pulled from his car and beaten by a large mob of Jewish-Israelis while an Israeli TV crew filmed the incident as it was unfolding. 6 people were for the attack, while TV footage show the faces of several others beating the man who have not been arrested. (HA 5/24; HA 5/26)

The Palestinian Prisoners Society said Israel had issued 155 administrative detention orders since the beginning of May. (WAFA 5/24)

AP reported that 17 journalists in Gaza had their WhatsApp accounts blocked since 5/21. WhatsApp is owned by Facebook, which has been accused of silencing Palestinian voices. WhatsApp is considered an important tool for sharing information among journalists and activists. (AP 5/24; AJ, F24, NAT, TOI 5/25; AJ, MEMO 5/26)

Iran said it would allow the International Atomic Energy Agency to continue monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities for 1 additional month after a previous agreement expired. (AP, AX, HA, NYT, REU 5/24)

U.S. president Joe Biden spoke to Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, thanking him for his role in mediating the Hamas-Israel ceasefire that went into effect on 5/21. The 2 also discussed rebuilding Gaza. (HILL, REU 5/24; AJ, NAT 5/25)

A U.S. federal court ruled a 2016 Georgia law, prohibiting state contracts with people who engage in boycotts of Israel, unconstitutional. The lawsuit was brought by 2 U.S. rights organizations on behalf of journalist Abby Martin. (MEMO 5/25)

In an attempt to deflect from international outcry, Belarus said it had forced a Ryanair plane traveling from Athens to Vilnius to land in Minsk because a bomb threat in the name of Hamas was made against it. Hamas denied the allegation. In the incident, which happened on 5/23, Belarusian warplanes forced the commercial jet to land in Minsk for Belarusian forces to arrest a passenger who runs a website for opponents of Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko. (HA 5/24; MEMO 5/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinians in Ma’in, causing light injuries. Israeli settlers also set fire to a Palestinian-owned vehicle in Rujeib. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling between Jenin and Nablus. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinians in Burin, demolished parts of a house, and set fields on fire. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian child during a late-night raid in Tubas and injured 1 other by running him over. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in al-Fawar refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint near Huwwara, claiming he had tried to attack 2 Israeli soldiers. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 2, including 1 with live ammunition. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Yatta, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 2 with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Umar, injuring 1 minor with live ammunition and 3 others with rubber-coated bullets. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Bethlehem, Harmala, al-Khadir, and Dayr Sharif, resulting in tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 3 using rubber-coated bullets. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Tulkarm, injuring 3 with live ammunition. 40 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, al-Fawar refugee camp, Nablus, Tulkarm, Tubas, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 2 Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian with a sharp tool, slicing her face as she was leaving the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Tur, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet; others suffered tear-gas related injuries and 2 were arrested. 6 other Palestinians were arrested during house raids in the Old City, Jabal Mukabir, Silwan, and Shu‘fat. In Gaza, 34 Palestinians were killed, including 6 children, and dozens injured, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 30 to 64, including 16 children. The casualties included: 4 in a drone strike on a car east of Bayt Lahiya; 8, including 3 children, in 3 air strikes on apartment buildings in Gaza City; 1 child in an air strike on a butcher in Gaza City; 6 in a drone strike on a car in Gaza city, including 3 inside the car and 3 passersby; 1, and 1 wounded, in another air strike on a vehicle in Gaza City; 1 in an air strike in Khan Yunis; 1 in an air strike on agricultural lands near Khuza‘a; 4, and 2 injured, in a drone strike on Nuseirat refugee camp; 2, and 1 child injured, in an air strike on a liquefied petroleum gas distribution vehicle in Khan Yunis; 2, and 3 wounded, including 1 child, in an air strike on a house in Khan Yunis; 2, and 2 wounded, all children, after a helicopter fired missiles at a gas station in al-Fukhari; and the body of 1 Palestinian was found in rubble near Bayt Hanun, it was assessed that he was killed in an air strike on 5/10; the body of 1 Palestinian was found near a mosque in Rafah, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights said it was unclear if he had been killed by debris from an intercepted rocket or in an Israeli air strike. Hamas reported that the interior ministry and the passport office along with other government buildings had been hit by Israeli air strikes. Israeli air strikes also demolished 2 high-rise buildings, the 10-story al-Jawhara building, and the 14-story al-Shorouq building, which housed news outlets and other offices, and the headquarters of the interior ministry and UNRWA schools. In Israel, 1 Israeli soldier was killed and 2 injured from an anti-tank missile fired from Gaza and 1 child succumbed to injuries sustained in Sderot, raising the Israeli death toll to 7. Dozens of rockets were also fired at Israel from Gaza, most of them intercepted. A mob of Jewish-Israelis pulled 1 Palestinian-Israeli out of his car and beat him while tv cameras were rolling in Bat Yam; the man was said to be in serious condition. A mob of Jewish-Israelis also raided a number of Palestinian-owned businesses in Tel Aviv, causing severe damage. 1 Jewish-Israeli man was attacked by 5 Palestinian-Israelis in ‘Akka; he was said to be in serious condition. Jewish-Israelis also attacked a tent set up to mourn the death of 1 Palestinian-Israeli who was shot by a Jewish-Israeli on 5/10 in Lydda, throwing stones at the mourners. Elsewhere in Lydda, 1 Jewish-Israeli was shot and injured and 2 more were injured in stabbings, 21 Palestinian-Israelis were injured, including 1 by gunshot. Israeli police announced a nighttime curfew in Lydda from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. 1 Palestinian-Israeli man was injured when rammed by a car­ and beaten near Or Akiva. 1 Palestinian-Israeli was lightly injured by a mob of Jewish-Israelis while driving in Tiberias. 1 Jewish-Israeli was injured in a stabbing incident in Tamra. A mob of Jewish-Israelis also attacked 1 Palestinian-Israeli in Haifa. (AJ, NYT 5/11; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AP, BBC, CNN, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, PCHR, REU, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/12; AP, CNN, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 5/13; PCHR 5/14; TOI 5/16; HA 5/18; WAFA 5/19; PCHR 5/20; MEE 5/21; HA, NYT 5/26; HA 5/27)

1 Palestinian prisoner suspended a 56-day-long hunger strike as Israel promised not to renew his administrative detention after 7/17. (WAFA 5/12)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas discussed the current situation with EU high representative Josep Borrell, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Iraqi president Barham Salih. A White House statement also said that U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke with President Abbas and they discussed “the violence in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, and the Secretary expressed his condolences for the lives lost as a result. The Secretary condemned the rocket attacks and emphasized the need to de-escalate tensions and bring the current violence to an end.” (HA, WAFA 5/12)

At a security cabinet meeting, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other ministers decided not to accept a potential ceasefire and continue its attack on Gaza for the time being. (HA 5/13)

Israeli president Reuven Rivlin condemned what he called a “pogrom” by “an Arab mob” on 5/11, despite the majority of the violence in Israel being perpetrated against Palestinian-Israelis. (HA 5/12)

Turkey said that its president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Russia’s president Vladimir Putin had discussed the situation in Jerusalem and Gaza, and that Turkey had called for international action against Israel. (AJ, AP, REU 5/12)

U.S. president Joe Biden said, during a press conference, that he believes that “Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying in your territory,” and that his “hope is that we’ll see this coming to conclusions sooner than later.” President Biden also spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu, where he gave his “unwavering support for Israel’s security and for Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself and its people, while protecting civilians,” according to the readout. The Biden administration also dispatched deputy assistant secretary of state for Israel and Palestine Hady Amr to Israel for talks with Palestinian and Israeli officials. The White House said that senior officials have had more than 25 calls with officials from Israel, the PA, Qatar, Tunisia, Jordan, and Egypt about the situation. (HA 5/12; NYT 5/13)

25 house democrats signed a letter circulated by Marie Newman (D-IL) and Mark Pocan (D-WI) urging secretary of state Antony Blinken to condemn the planned evictions of Palestinian families from Shaykh Jarrah. (HA 5/13)

ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said that she was following the situation in Gaza and Jerusalem with concern. (MEE, REU, WAFA 5/12)

The UN security council held a 2d meeting in 3 days to discuss the escalation of the conflict between Palestine and Israel. (TOI 5/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinians near Nablus by throwing stones and physically assaulting them, causing their hospitalization. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint in Za’atra and injured 1 other; Israeli forces claimed that 2 were in a car and refused to stop at the checkpoint. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protesters at a checkpoint north of Ramallah, injuring 9 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed protesters at the Qalandia checkpoint, injuring 37 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Jenin, injuring 1 with live ammunition while others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters, injuring 2 using live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Tulkarm, injuring 1 with live ammunition; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 7 with live ammunition and 10 with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also injured 1 with a tear gas canister in Bethlehem. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Huwwara checkpoint, injuring 5 with rubber-coated bullets. 14 Palestinians were arrested, including 13 at checkpoints in Tulkarm, Huwwara, and Jenin, and 1 was arrested during a late-night raid in Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed a sit-in protest against evictions in Shaykh Jarrah, spraying skunk water at protesters and arresting 3 residents. 6 other Palestinians were arrested, including 4 at a checkpoint in Issawiyya and 2 during late-night raids in Silwan and al-Tur. In Gaza, 10 Palestinians, including 1 child, were killed in Israeli air strikes, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 20 to 30, including 10 children. The casualties included: 2, and 2 injured in an air strike on a 7-story building in al-Shati camp; 6, and at least 8 injured in 3 air strikes on apartment buildings in Gaza City; and 2 in an air strike near a chicken farm southwest of Dayr al-Balah. Additionally, Israeli air strikes damaged or destroyed dozens of buildings, including 1 14-story residential and commercial building, the Hanadi Tower west of Gaza City, 1 ice cream factory south of Gaza City, 1 health clinic and police station in Bayt Lahiya, 1 large school in Dayr al-Balah. Hamas reported that Israeli air strikes had destroyed all police buildings in Gaza. In Israel, 5 were killed by rockets from Gaza, including 2 Palestinian citizens of Israel, who were killed by a rocket fired from Gaza near Lydda, and 2 Jewish-Israelis and 1 Indian national in Ashkelon and Tel Aviv. 1 rocket fired from Gaza also damaged an Israeli pipeline in Ashkelon, igniting a large oil fire. A state of emergency was also declared in Lydda after a synagogue and some 30 cars were set on fire as Jewish-Israelis and Palestinian citizens of Israel clashed. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian-Israelis in Lydda after a protest erupted following a funeral of 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel who was killed by a Jewish-Israeli on 5/10; 12 Palestinian-Israelis were injured by stun grenades and rubber-coated bullets. Clashes also ensued in Ramla and a synagogue, a marketplace, and a Muslim cemetery were set on fire. In Acre, 1 police station and 1 restaurant were set on fire. 19 Palestinian citizens of Israel were arrested after trash bins were set on fire and stones were thrown at Israeli police in Haifa. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian-Israeli protesters in Jaffa, arresting 3; 2 police officers were reportedly injured. Clashes between Jewish-Israelis and Palestinian-Israelis were also reported in Beersheba. Israeli forces said that the Iron Dome had intercepted 85-90% of around 850 rockets fired from Gaza since 5/10. (AJ 5/10; AJ, AJ, AX, CBS, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, NYT, PCHR, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/11; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, BBC, CNN, CNN, HA, HA, HA, JP, MEMO, PCHR, PCHR, REU, REU, TOI 5/12; HA 5/18; WAFA 5/19; PCHR 5/20; MEE 5/21; NYT 5/26)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas canceled Eid al-Fitr celebrations to mourn for the Palestinians killed by Israel in the last couple of days. (MEMO 5/12)

A Spokesperson for the U.S. national security advisor said chief of Palestinian affairs at the U.S. embassy in Israel George Noll had delivered a letter from U.S. president Joe Biden to PA president Mahmoud Abbas. The spokesperson would not say what the letter was about, saying it was part of the administrations outreach to “the Palestinian leadership.” (HILL, WAFA 5/11)

The Arab League secretary-general Ahmed Aboul Gheit said Israel was responsible for the escalation between Hamas and Israel, stating that “Israeli violations in Jerusalem . . . is what led to the ignition of the situation in this dangerous way.” Secretary-general Gheit’s comments came after a meeting of Arab League foreign secretaries discussing the situation. (AJ, REU 5/11)

Haaretz reported that Palestinian and Egyptian sources said that talks to end the escalation between Hamas and Israel had ended due to opposition from Islamic Jihad and Israel. Leader of Hamas Ismail Haniyeh said that the escalation was started by Israel and that Hamas is ready for “an escalation and ready for calm, on the condition that they end the aggression against al-Quds.” Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Hamas and Islamic Jihad have paid—and will pay—a heavy price for their aggression . . . It will take time. We’ll restore security for the citizens of Israel.” (AJ, HA, MEMO 5/12)

It was reported that the U.S. was delaying a UN security council (UNSC) statement addressing the Israeli aggression in Jerusalem, and escalation of the conflict between Hamas and Israel. A UNSC emergency meeting was called on 5/9 by Tunisia and 9 other countries. The state department spokesperson Ned Price said secretary of state Antony Blinken, national security advisor Jake Sullivan, and deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman had talked to their Israeli counterparts and unnamed Palestinian officials. The White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said that President Joe Biden’s “support for Israel security, for its legitimate right to defend itself and its people is fundamental and will never waver . . . We condemn ongoing rocket attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups, including against Jerusalem.” (HA, HA, REU 5/11; AP, HA 5/12)

The 57 members of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation released a joint communiqué after an emergency meeting, calling Israeli attacks on the Haram al-Sharif compound “barbaric” and said the nations consider Israel’s attacks a “serious violation of international law.” (HA 5/11)

The U.S. treasury department sanctioned 7 Lebanese people for transferring $500 million on behalf of Hezbollah. (AJ, AP, REU 5/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces handed a demolition order for a Palestinian-owned house in al-Twana sheltering 10 people; 1 other resident in al-Twana received a stop-work order. Israeli forces also confiscated 1 Palestinian-owned bulldozer in Tulkarm. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah and Dura. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli supreme court ruled that 1 78-year-old man in Silwan could be evicted from his home after his landlord sold the house he was living in to the settler organization Elad. Israeli forces stormed the Bab al-Rahma area of the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces also delivered demolition notices for 1 mosque and the house of a Fatah official in Silwan. 2 Palestinian families started demolishing their own homes in Jabal Mukabir. In Gaza, Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian cancer patient at the Erez crossing as he was traveling to East Jerusalem for treatment. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 9/14; HA 9/15; PCHR 9/17)

The Israeli settler that in July 2015 burned the house of a Palestinian family, killing 1 18-month-old and his parents and severely burning 1 other child, was sentenced in an Israeli court to 3 life sentences. (GDN, REU 9/14; AJ 9/15; JP 9/16)

The Unified Palestinian Leadership for Popular Resistance, an umbrella organization formed on 9/3 after a meeting between the major Palestinian factions in Gaza and the West Bank, including Fatah and Hamas, declared 9/18 a day of mourning over the normalization agreements between the UAE, Bahrain, and Israel. (WAFA 9/14)

Ahead of the signing ceremony on 9/15 formalizing the UAE and Bahrain’s normalization with Israel, PA prime minister Mohmmad Shtayyeh condemned the deal, calling it “a dark day in the history of the Arab nation and of the Arab League,” and further stated that, “[t]omorrow the Arab peace initiative dies, as will the Arab consensus.” He also said that his government has recommended to PA president Mahmoud Abbas that the PA reevaluate its relations with the Arab League. (AJ, HA 9/14)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu landed in Washington D.C. ahead of the signing ceremony for the normalization deals with Bahrain and the UAE on 9/15. His delegation notably did not include his coalition partners defense minister Benny Gantz and foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi. A spokesperson for the Qatari foreign ministry ruled out that Qatar would normalize relations with Israel before peace is made between Israel and Palestine. (HA 9/14; AJ 9/15)

The EU donated $600,000 to UNRWA to help contain COVID-19 in UNRWA-run refugee camps. (WAFA 9/14)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian school in ‘Ayn Bus was set on fire, damaging classrooms, and racist Hebrew graffiti was painted on the building. Israeli forces seized tracts of land north of Hebron to expand an Israeli settlement. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Biddu, Bethlehem Tubas, Tulkarm, Hebron, and Jenin. During a raid in Jenin, Israeli forces confiscated a vehicle and cash. Palestinians protested the U.S. administration’s version of a peace plan in several places throughout the West Bank; at least 12 Palestinians were reported injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned store in Wadi al-Juz. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during raids in Silwan and the Old City, and 5 at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Palestinians also protested the U.S. administration’s peace plan. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/28; PCHR 1/30)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was indicted in the 3 corruption cases against him. Prime Minister Netanyahu had earlier on that day, before the indictment, withdrawn his request for immunity from prosecution. (AJ, HA 1/28)

U.S. president Donald Trump, flanked by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, presented the U.S. administration’s version of a peace plan, which on all contentious issues took maximalist Israeli positions. The plan presented a vision for 2 states; however, the map of these 2 “states” presented with the plan showed a carved-up West Bank where the majority of Israeli settlements and the Jordan Valley were annexed by Israel. A swath of land in Israel, where some 250,000 Palestinian citizens of Israel live, would be annexed to the Palestinian “state.” Some land in Israel along the Egyptian border would also be part of the Palestinian state. Jerusalem would become part of Israel and the Palestinian capitol would be east of Jerusalem on the West Bank side of the separation border. Gaza and the West Bank would be connected by a bridge or a tunnel. The Palestinian state would be demilitarized, including disarming Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine (PIJ). Israel would control all of Palestine’s international borders. There would be no right of return for Palestinians as “[t]heir Arab brothers have the moral responsibility to integrate them into their countries as the Jews were integrated into the State of Israel.” Furthermore, the peace plan would allow Jews to pray on Haram al-Sharif and the PA would have to stop paying stipends to families of Palestinian prisoners in Israel. Palestinians, according to the plan, would have 4 years after the “peace deal” was signed to achieve the right to their own state. (BBC, NPR, NYT, REU 1/28; AJ, HA 1/29; HA 1/30)

The Palestinian leadership’s response to the U.S. administration’s vision of a peace plan was condemnation. PA president Mahmoud Abbas said that “Trump and Netanyahu declared the slap of the century, not the deal. And we will respond with slaps.” At President Abbas’s speech were representatives from Hamas and PIJ. Hamas said Abbas had spoken with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and that the 2 had agreed to stand together in unity on the matter. Abbas also called for an urgent session at the Arab League to discuss the U.S. peace plan. (AJ, AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 1/28)

Shortly after the U.S. peace plan was released, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that he would convene the Israeli cabinet on 2/1 to start annexing Israeli settlements, the Jordan Valley, and the northern Dead Sea. Jared Kushner, senior advisor to President Trump, said shortly after Netanyahu’s announcement that he did not believe that Israel would start annexing West Bank settlements on 2/1, contradicting the Israeli prime minister. (HA, HA, HA 1/29)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 48 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 207. Late at night, after a projectile is fired from Gaza into southern Israel, causing no damage or injuries, the Israeli Air Force conducts air strikes on several Hamas sites across Gaza, causing extensive damage. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians armed with knives and attempting to cross into Israel near Rafah. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Dayr al-Balah and Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries (4 fishermen are arrested and their boat is confiscated). In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya and Bayt Sira near Ramallah; 8 Palestinians are injured. They also patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, after the Israeli authorities decided to re-seal al-Rahma Gate at Haram al-Sharif, approximately 40,000 Palestinians gather to pray and protest at the sanctuary. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Jabal Mukabir. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/8; HA, MNA, MNA 3/9; PCHR 3/14)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border near Bayt Hanun to set tires on fire and otherwise continue the Great March of Return for a 3d day in a row. IDF troops violently disperse them, injuring 3 protesters. After some protesters reportedly hurl an explosive device over the border fence, Israeli forces shell a Hamas outpost near Bayt Hanun, causing damage. Separately, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians allegedly attempting to cross into Israel near Gaza City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian-owned carwash in Bayt Hanina and assault and detain a Palestinian outside the Old City. They also deliver an order to the chairman of the Islamic Waqf council, banning him from Haram al-Sharif for 40 days, and arrest 10 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya, Silwan, and Bayt ‘Anan. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill 2 Palestinians and injure a 3d after their vehicle collides with an IDF vehicle outside Ramallah, injuring 2 Israeli soldiers. The IDF claims that it was a purposeful ramming attack, while Palestinian eyewitnesses say the collision was an accident. Separately, the Israeli authorities temporarily close the checkpoint at the southern entrance to Hebron’s al-Ibrahimi Mosque, blocking of the area to make room for Israeli settlers holding demonstration. IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian amid clashes sparked by a patrol in Nablus; arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Salfit, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers chase Palestinian shepherds off their lands near Jericho. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian carwash, a merchant’s cart, and 2 other steel structures near Salfit. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 3/3; HA, MNA, MNA, WAFA 3/4; PCHR 3/7)

Led by Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, an Israeli settler sprays anti-Palestinian graffiti on walls outside the Old City. Israeli forces arrest Adnan Ghaith, the PA’s governor of Jerusalem, during a raid in Silwan (Ghaith has been arrested several times in the past few months on allegations related to Palestinian land sales to Israelis in East Jerusalem). The Israeli police say that Ghaith’s arrest today is related to “fraud and forgery.” Israeli forces also arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to Palestinians building a new agricultural road near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians and confiscate 1 vehicle during raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Hanun and open fire on Palestinian farmland near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the evening, hundreds of Palestinians gather along the border fence near Gaza City to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them, injuring 4 protesters. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 2/26; MNA, MNA, TOI 2/27; PCHR 2/28)

A member of Hamas’s military wing dies in a “resistance tunnel” accident near Khan Yunis, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza. (MNA 2/27)

A senior Japanese official announces a grant of $83,651 to install a solar panel system at a hospital in Gaza. (WAFA 2/26)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian driver after he allegedly attempts to ram a group of Israeli settlers at Huwwara checkpoint. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian car repair shop near Nablus. Israeli settlers assault and injure a Palestinian shepherd working his land near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, a number of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Lahiya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/26; PCHR 12/27; PCHR 1/3)

PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki says that he plans to initiate an application for the State of Palestine to obtain full membership at the UN during his next visit to New York City in 1/2019. The application, if accepted by the UN Security Council, would see Palestine’s status upgraded from non-member observer state. Later, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon says that Israel and the U.S. are already working together to “stop the [new Palestinian] initiative.” (JP, WAFA 12/26; TOI 12/27)

PA security forces seal off the entrances to the Palestinian Legislative Council building in Ramallah, preventing Hamas officials from holding a planned press conference. A PA official says that although Hamas claims they were attempting to hold a press conference, their true intention was to open a session of the PLC in protest of the 12/22 announcement of a new round of PLC elections. (JP, TOI 12/26)

The High Planning Committee of Israel’s Civil Administration meets for a 2d day to discuss proposals to expand Israel’s West Bank settlements. Between today and yesterday, they have advanced plans for 2,191 new residences in various settlements, 3 new industrial zones, and the retroactive authorization of 2 illegal settlement outposts. Separately, Israel’s Civil Administration announces plans to put together a new proposal for as many as 2,500 new settler residences at the site of the Givat Eitam outpost near Bethlehem, which is within the municipal boundaries of the Efrat settlement, but not contiguous to any of that settlement’s buildings. According to the Israeli NGO Peace Now, an expanded Givat Eitam would “block Bethlehem from the south, and prevent any development in the only direction that has not yet been blocked by settlements.” (HA, PCN, TOI 12/26)

Haaretz reports that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the IDF to declare an end to Operation Northern Shield, but to continue detecting and demolishing the cross-border tunnels allegedly built by Hezbollah. Some senior defense sources say that Netanyahu no longer has a political reason for a formal operation in the north now that he is running for re-election. Meanwhile, the IDF announces that it has uncovered and demolished a 5th cross-border tunnel and the Knesset votes to dissolve itself, officially triggering snap elections. (HA, JP, TOI 12/26; MNA 12/27)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops detect and dismantle an explosive device lashed to a balloon in an open area near the border fence. Separately, 2 Palestinians cut through the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp, throw an incendiary device at an IDF post, and return to Gaza. The attack causes no reported damage. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a water pipeline in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is lightly injured. IDF troops conduct raids in al-Walaja near Bethlehem, sparking minor clashes; there are no reported injuries. They arrest 12 Palestinians during further raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Nablus, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers harass Palestinian farmers working near Nablus; there are no reported injuries. A settler assaults a Palestinian in Hebron’s Old City, breaking he man’s jaw. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-Ram, sparking clashes; there are no reported injuries. They arrest 1 more Palestinian during a raid in Silwan. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/13; MNA 10/14; PCHR 10/18) 

Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman says that he will not allow any more Qatari-funded fuel transfers to Gaza until all violence along Gaza’s border is “entirely” over. “As long as the violent protests continue on the Gaza border, including the launching of incendiary balloons and kites and the burning of tires near Israeli towns, the fuel and gas for the Gaza Strip will not be renewed.” Lieberman ordered the transfers to stop on 10/12. Meanwhile, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh says that the protests and other resistance activities along Gaza’s border will continue until the “siege on Jerusalem, [Haram al-Sharif] and all the lands of Palestine is lifted.” (TOI 10/13)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse dozens of Palestinians gathering near Rafah, Khan Yunis and Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 5 Palestinians are injured. Amid the demonstrations, an Israeli aircraft conducts an air strike on a protest camp near Rafah, causing damage. Separately, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Jabaliya refugee camp. On the other side of the border fence, Israeli firefighters put out 7 fires that were reportedly sparked by incendiary balloons and kites flown from Gaza. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Rumana village near Jenin overnight, sparking minor clashes; several Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during further raids in and around Hebron, Qalqilya, and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, approximately 362 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif to commemorate Sukkot. Late at night, Israeli forces assault and arrest 2 Palestinians in Silwan. (MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 9/26; MNA, PCHR 9/27)

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York City, U.S. president Donald Trump meets with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. At a joint press conference, Trump says he thinks a “2-state solution will work best.” His statement marks the first time he has publicly expressed a preference for the 2-state solution while in office. Later in the day, Trump says that Netanyahu was “very nice” to him and that a 2-state solution is “more likely,” but that he would be “OK with 1 state, 2 states, whatever they want.” Netanyahu, for his part, tells Israeli reporters that Trump accepts that Israel should retain a military presence in the West Bank even if a 2-state solution is agreed upon. (HA, TOI, WAFA, YA 9/26; HA, HA, JP, WAFA, YA, YA 9/27)

Ahead of PA president Mahmoud Abbas’s planned address to the UN General Assembly on 9/27, Hamas denounces Abbas as an illegitimate representative of the Palestinian people. According to sources close to Hamas’s leadership, the statement stems from the Egyptian delegation’s visit to Gaza last week for talks on the stalled Palestinian reconciliation process. The Egyptians reportedly backed Abbas’s position that there could be no long-term cease-fire with Israel until Hamas and Fatah reconcile and the PA resumes control of Gaza. “Most of the donor countries, including the Arab countries, have adopted this line,” the source says. “So it looks like Hamas is losing the momentum to advance calm on a separate track from reconciliation, and the situation in Gaza is getting worse.” Meanwhile, Hamas security forces summon dozens of Fatah members for interrogation in Gaza. According to some reports from Gaza, they also threaten at least 1 print shop owner with “arrests and beatings” should he print any materials in support of PA president Abbas’s planned speech to the UN General Assembly on 9/27. (HA 9/26; TOI 9/27)

One day after the UK Labour Party endorsed a freeze on UK arms sales to Israel, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn says that he intends to recognize the State of Palestine if he is elected to lead the UK. (TOI, YA 9/26)

Israeli MK Yehuda Glick tours Haram al-Sharif with an escort of heavily armed Israeli security forces. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Abu Dis, sparking clashes with dozens of Palestinian students at al-Quds University; there are no reported injuries. They also demolish a Palestinian home in Silwan. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes in Anata refugee camp and a 3d in Bayt Hanina. IDF troops shoot and injure 3 Palestinian journalists amid clashes in Ras Karkar village near Ramallah; arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah and later near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 9/5; PCHR 9/13)

A senior officer in Hamas’s military wing, Abdel Rahim Abbas, dies in what is reported to be an accidental explosion in Gaza. (AFP, TOI 9/6)

Paraguay’s Foreign Minister Luis Alberto Castiglioni announces that Paraguay will be returning its embassy in Israel to Tel Aviv, reversing former president Horacio Cartes’ decision to move it to Jerusalem in 5/2018. “Paraguay wants to contribute to an intensification of regional diplomatic efforts to achieve a broad, fair and lasting peace in the Middle East,” he says. In response, the Israeli government announces the closure of the Israeli embassy in Paraguay and a recall of the Israeli ambassador. (WAFA 9/5; HA, MNA, REU, YA 9/6)

The Israeli authorities announce the indefinite closure of the Erez border crossing, following the damage done to the crossing amid protests along the border fence on 9/4. An official statement explains that the closure is to allow for maintenance work. Exceptional humanitarian cases are still allowed to cross. (HA, HA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 9/5)

Denying a petition from the residents, Israel’s High Court of Justice gives its final authorization for the Israeli government’s plan to evacuate and demolish Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin village near Jerusalem. “We have exhausted all legal means at this point and there is nothing more we can do other than be present in the area to protect it and prevent its demolition,” says a PA official who has been working on the case. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 9/5)

The Jerusalem Local Planning and Building Committee advances a plan to build 150 housing units in Bayt Hanina, East Jerusalem. The current plan earmarks 75 of the units for Palestinians, but it is unclear if that earmark will remain as the plan proceeds through the authorization process. (HA 9/6; FMEP 9/7)

After a meeting of the Israeli security cabinet, an Egypt- and UN-backed cease-fire between Israel and Hamas goes into effect. It is reportedly based on the principles of the cease-fire deal that halted Operation Protective Edge, Israel’s 2014 assault on Gaza, and it provides for a cessation of all hostilities. The Israeli cabinet reportedly approved the agreement in principle on 8/12 and only met today to review the details one last time. Earlier, Israeli DM Lieberman announced the reopening of the Kerem Shalom border crossing (effectively lifting the last of the restrictions the Israeli authorities imposed on 7/9) and the expansion of the fishing zone off Gaza’s coast to nine nautical miles, up from as few as three at the peak of the Israeli crackdown. “The opening of the Kerem Shalom crossing, after four days of quiet, is intended to indicate to the population in Gaza that maintaining quiet is first and foremost an interest for Gaza’s residents,” he says. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/15; AHR, MNA, TOI 8/16)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian farmer outside Salfit, preventing him from working his land. They also break into a Palestinian home in central Hebron and violently attack 2 Palestinian minors; there are no reported injuries. IDF troops conduct raids in central Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; 1 Palestinian is injured. They arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during further raids near Jericho, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol in and around Hebron and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian residential building under construction in Issawiyya. They also detain 9 Palestinian women at Haram al-Sharif for undisclosed reasons (8 are released later in the day and banned from the sanctuary for 15 days); and arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in Silwan, Ras al-Amud, Sur Bahir, and the Old City. (MNA, WAFA 8/15; MNA, PCHR 8/16; PCHR 8/30)

The Palestinian Central Council convenes in Ramallah for its 29th regular meeting. The PLO body discusses a variety of issues related to statehood, including the stalled national reconciliation process, and plans to meet again on 8/16. In a speech kicking off the meetings, PA president Abbas says that Hamas is not serious about reconciliation. “Hamas principally does not have intentions to achieve reconciliation,” he says. Abbas also criticizes the Trump administration’s peace efforts and reiterates that he wants to unify the West Bank and Gaza with “one government, one law, and one legitimate force without militias.” (TOI, WAFA 8/15)

The Israel Land Authority (ILA) publishes tenders for the construction of 602 new housing units in the Ramat Shlomo settlement of East Jerusalem. The 603 units are part of a larger development plan that dates back to 2010. The ILA separately reaches a $380 million agreement with the Jerusalem Municipality for a series of development projects across the city, including 20,000 new housing units. The Jerusalem City Council is expected to approve the plan next week. (HA, YA 8/15)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Khan Yunis, Rafah, al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 2 Palestinians are killed and at least 90 are injured. Their deaths bring the Great March of Return death toll to 137. In response to shots allegedly fired at IDF border patrols in the evening, Israeli forces strike a Hamas observation post near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing damage.

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces enter Haram al-Sharif after Friday prayers and fire sound bombs at Palestinian worshippers, clearing them from the sanctuary; 7 Palestinians and 4 Israeli police officers are injured, and 24 Palestinians are arrested. Some witnesses say that the Israelis entered the sanctuary after children threw firecrackers at them. After the clashes, Israeli forces seal the entrances to the sanctuary. The Islamic Waqf then organizes a sit-in protest outside, and the Israeli authorities order the entrances reopened hours later. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan and Wadi al-Juz. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian home under construction and surrounding wheat fields near Nablus, causing extensive damage. The IDF seals off the entrance to Kobar village near Ramallah, the hometown of the Palestinian who allegedly stabbed 3 Israeli settlers on 7/26. IDF troops conduct raids in the village throughout the day, sparking intermittent clashes; 5 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). Israeli soldiers also violently disperse Friday protests at Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 5 Palestinians are injured. Dozens of Palestinians gather outside Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin village near Jerusalem, to protest the impending Israeli evacuation and demolition of the village. Throughout the day, the IDF patrols near Hebron, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Jenin. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/27; EI, MNA 7/28; PCHR 8/2)

Israeli DM Lieberman pledges to advance the construction of 400 new housing units in the Adam settlement near Ramallah, justifying the settlement growth in response to the stabbing attack on 7/26. The “best response to terrorism is increased settlement,” Lieberman tweets. The 400 units are reportedly part of an existing plan to build 1,000 new units in the settlement. (HA, MNA, TOI 7/27)

Fighters fire a projectile from Gaza into s. Israel, which lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli forces conduct air strikes on 2 Hamas sites in n. Gaza late at night, causing damage to electricity infrastructure in the area. (JP, MNA 3/15; MNA, WAFA 3/16)

IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian driver after she allegedly attempts to carry out a ramming attack nr. Bethlehem. They also conduct raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem overnight, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; 5 Palestinians are injured. Also nr. Bethlehem, Israeli soldiers shoot and injure a Palestinian attempting to pass through a gap in the separation wall, and deliver stop-work orders to 2 Palestinian homes under construction. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth in c. Hebron for allegedly possessing a knife. They also arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Nablus, and Tubas; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Silwan. Approximately 42 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Gaza City. For a 2d day in a row, the ILA demolishes crops in a Bedouinowned field nr. Beersheba. (MNA, WAFA 3/15; PCHR 3/16; PCHR 3/23)

The IDF keeps al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron closed to non-Jews and maintains the general closure of the oPt during Rosh Hashanah. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrol nr. Nablus, Salfit, and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, 73 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Silwan. (MNA 10/4; HA 10/5; PCHR 10/6)

PA FM Riyad al-Maliki says that Arab states have agreed to begin consultations in New York in support of a UNSC res. condemning Israeli settlements. He says, “We agreed that Arab ambs. to the UN would start consultations on the draft res. before the end of [10/2016].” (WAFA 10/4)

After a cabinet meeting, PA PM Rami Hamdallah announces that the PA has decided to postpone municipal elections by 4 mos., to 2/2017. Earlier in the day, the Central Elections Commission criticized the High Court’s 10/3 decision to cancel the vote in Gaza, saying that excluding Gaza would only compromise the political situation further and recommending a postponement. Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri criticizes the postponement, saying, “We consider the govt.’s decision to postpone the election as an attempt to evade the election to serve Fatah’s interests.” (HA, MEE, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/4)

The ship Zaytouna approaches Gaza with an all-female crew of 13 solidarity activists. They plan to test the Israeli blockade of Gaza on either 10/5 or 10/6 to focus international attention on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. The International Comm. for Breaking the Siege of Gaza releases a statement supporting the women’s mission and calling on Israel to guarantee their safe arrival. Meanwhile, the Israeli navy is preparing to intercept the ship. (MNA 10/4; JP, TOI 10/5)