The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 25 olive tree seedlings near Qusra. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian child while dispersing crowds during a raid in Nabi Salih. Israeli forces also shot and injured 9 Palestinians with live ammunition during a protest in Beita near the Evyater settlement outpost. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 7 Palestinians during a protest in Bayt Dajan; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israel handed over the body of 1 Palestinian woman shot and killed on 6/12 at the Qalandia checkpoint to her family. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Tubas, Tammun, Qabatiya, and Beita; during the raid in Beita, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians, injuring 1. In Gaza, Hamas forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint in the Tuffah neighborhood east of Gaza City; the man was said to have sped through the checkpoint before the Hamas forces opened fire, killing him. (AP, HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/23; AJ, MEE, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 7/24; PCHR 7/25; PCHR 7/29)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler shot and killed 1 Palestinian and injured 1 other when the 2 confronted a group of settlers attempting to set fire to their crops near al-Rihiya, south of Hebron; +972 reported that the settlers mutilated the body of the Palestinian man they had shot dead. 10 Palestinians were killed and 209 wounded by Israeli forces throughout the West Bank. The casualties included: 1, and 39 injured during a protest in Shwaika near Tulkarm; several others were reported injured; 1 protester, and 2 injured in Salem; 1 protester in Asira; 1 protester, and 4 injured in Beita; 1 protester, and 18 others injured by live ammunition in Ya‘bad; 1 protester in Marda; 1 protester in Iskaka; 1 protester, and 4 injured in ‘Urif; 1 protester in Jericho; 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint, who allegedly tried to ram Israeli soldiers near Silwad; 148 protesters injured by live ammunition and rubber-coated bullets during protests in and around Dayr Nidham, Bayt Dajan, Bayt Furik, al-Fawar refugee camp, al-Khadir, Salfit, Tayassir, Huwwara, Aqraba, Ni‘lin, Jenin, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Qusra. 13 Palestinians were arrested, including 6 during late-night raids in and around Qalandia refugee camp, Bayt Umar, and Sa‘ir; 7 were arrested during protests at the al-Jalama checkpoint near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and injured 19 Palestinians using live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, and sound bomb canisters during protests in and around Shaykh Jarrah, Bayt Hanina, Silwan, and the Old City. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in al-Tur, Silwan, and Sur Bahir. In Gaza, 22 Palestinians were killed, including 6 children, and dozens injured, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 114 to 136, including 33 children and 2 pregnant women. The casualties included: 9, including 3 children, and 73 injured, including 20 children, in air strikes on buildings in Bayt Lahiya and Bayt Hanun; 4 in an air strike on Gaza City, including 1 child; 3, including 1 child, in air strikes on Jabaliya; 1, and 16 injured, including 2 children, in air strikes on al-Bureij refugee camp; 1, and 1 wounded in an air strike on Abasan; 1 in an air strike while riding a motorbike in Rafah; 1 Palestinian was found dead in rubble from an air strike in Dayr al-Balah on 5/13; 1 Palestinian child succumbed to wounds sustained in an air strike on Gaza City on 5/12; 1 Palestinian succumbed to wounds sustained in an air strike on 5/12 in Bayt Lahiya. Israel also said it had assassinated 3 Hamas operatives, Shadi Abed Al-Hadi, Osama Shehadeh, and Zakaria Zarendah. Israeli air strikes also destroyed an interior ministry building west of Gaza City and 3 poultry farms near Rafah, killing more than 10,000 chickens. Israeli forces also struck the fishing ports in Gaza city and Khan Yunis. Damage to power lines in Gaza was reported, significantly reducing the amount of available electricity. In Israel, Israeli forces killed 2 people after several people crossed from Lebanon into Israel by Metula. Israel also said that 3 rockets were fired at Israel from Syria, with 2 landing in open land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and 1 in Syria. 2 rockets from Gaza hit 2 houses in Sderot, causing damage and 1 injury. 1 rocket from Gaza lightly injured 1 Israeli driving near Beersheba. Israel barred people from outside of Lydda from entering the city from 4 p.m. and barred all its residents from leaving their homes after 9 p.m. 1 Palestinian-Israeli minor was seriously injured, and another minor lightly injured, after a firebomb was thrown at their house in Jaffa; Israeli police claimed without evidence that it was 2 Palestinian-Israeli men that had thrown the firebomb. Israeli forces were filmed kicking Palestinian-Israeli vehicles traveling in Umm al-Fahm and firing stun grenades at them for no apparent reason. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian-Israeli minor in Lydda, claiming he tried to throw a firebomb at them. 5 Palestinian-Israelis were arrested in Umm al-Fahm after a fire was ignited at the town’s city hall. 9 Palestinian-Israelis were arrested in ‘Akka. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian-Israeli protesters in Kafr Kana, injuring 28. Israel also told international news outlets that it would conduct a ground invasion of Gaza shortly and then later apologized to the news outlets for providing false information; analysts suspected that Israel used the media outlets to lure Hamas militants into tunnels before heavily bombarding said tunnels; Israel said that dozens were killed in the attack on the tunnels. Israel also shot down 1 drone sent from Gaza. 1 Israeli woman succumbed to injuries sustained after falling while running to a shelter in Neta’im on 5/11, raising the Israeli death toll to 9. In Jordan, some 500 protesters tried to enter the West Bank through the Allenby bridge, but were dispersed by Jordanian forces 3 miles from the border. In Amman, thousands of protesters called for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador and ending the Jordanian-Israeli peace treaty. (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, PCHR, PCHR, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/14; AJ, AP, AP, GDN, HA, HA, HA, PCHR, PCHR 5/15; TOI 5/16; HA 5/19; PCHR 5/20; MEE 5/21; NYT 5/26; +972 6/8; INT 7/15)

The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza said that 42% of the 119 people who have been killed in the Israeli attack on Gaza, at the time of reporting, were women and children. It also said 830 people had been injured. The UN estimated that 10,000 Palestinians have been internally displaced during the current escalation so far. (AJ, HA 5/14)

Spokesperson for PA president Mahmoud Abbas Nabil Abu Rudeineh said that the silence of the U.S. administration was encouraging Israeli war crimes in Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank. (WAFA 5/14)

Morocco sent 40 tons of emergency aid to Palestine and denounced Israel’s aggression toward Palestinians. (HA 5/15)

The U.S. deputy assistant secretary for Israel and Palestinian affairs Hady Amr landed in Tel Aviv in an attempt by the U.S. administration to deescalate the situation. (AX, HA 5/14; HA 5/15)

A letter co-signed by 11 Jewish Democrats in the house of representatives, led by Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), urged the Biden administration to be more active in ending the escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas and to do more to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The 11 members of Congress also expressed concern about the violence in East Jerusalem and urged Israel to halt the “unjust eviction” of Palestinians from their homes in Shaykh Jarrah, and said that the U.S. must address the deepening occupation. (HA 5/15)

Democrats in the House also debated the attack on Gaza on the floor, with 1 group of 11 speaking in defense of Palestinians and 1 group of 10 defending Israel’s actions. (AJ, HA 5/14)

ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said that she will continue with her inquiry into potential war crimes committed by Israelis and Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories despite Israel’s refusal to cooperate. Chief Prosecutor Bensouda also said that the investigation will include the current escalation of the conflict. (HA, REU 5/14)

The Italian trade union of port workers said that its members in Livorno had refused to load a shipment of weapons and explosives to be shipped to Israel, citing Israel’s attack on Gaza. (AA 5/15; WAFA 5/16; IN 5/17)

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, about 30 Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers working their lands in Humra; Israeli left-wing activists who witnessed the attack said the settlers also attacked them, and that Israeli forces intervened on behalf of the Israeli settlers, firing tear gas at Palestinians. Israeli forces raided ‘Aqabat Jabir refugee camp, injuring 2 with live ammunition and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinian youth in Hebron, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed protests demonstrating in solidarity with Palestinians in East Jerusalem in al-Bireh, Huwwara, Dayr Sharaf, Husan, the Qalandia checkpoint, and Luban al-Sharqiyya, leading to tear-gas related injuries and 1 arrest. 3 Palestinians were arrested at checkpoints in Hebron, Bethlehem, and Qalandia. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers and right-wing Israeli activists gathered to attack Palestinians but were contained by Israeli forces. 1 Israeli settler was attacked by Palestinians in Wadi al-Juz. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Damascus Gate, injuring 22 and arresting 17. 10 other Palestinians were arrested in the Old City after clashes with Israeli forces. Candidates of the upcoming Palestinian elections held a sit-in protest in front of the Orient House to demand that Palestinians in East Jerusalem partake in the elections. In Gaza, some 700 Palestinians protested by the Gaza fence against Israeli violence toward Palestinians in Jerusalem; 3 were reportedly injured by Israeli live ammunition and the protesters burned tires. 2 rockets were fired at Israel, with 1 intercepted and 1 landing in an open field; no damage was reported. 1 Palestinian was arrested after crossing into Israel via the Gaza fence. In Israel, Palestinian-Israelis protested the violence against Palestinians in East Jerusalem on 4/22 in Umm al-Fahm. Israeli activists protested the right-wing Israeli violence in East Jerusalem on 4/22 and prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in West Jerusalem. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/24; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA 4/25; HA 4/26; PCHR 4/29)

Israel used drones for the 1st time in the West Bank to drop tear gas at Palestinian protesters, occurring during the protest in Qalandia. The 1st time Israel used drones to drop tear gas against Palestinian protesters was in Gaza in 2018. (HA 4/28)

According to a Haaretz source, Hamas and Islamic Jihad sent a message to Israel via Egypt that the 2 groups are not interested in escalating tensions with Israel after several dozen rockets were fired at Israel on 4/23 and Israel fired missiles, causing damage in Gaza. 2 groups, Nidal al-Amoudi Division and the Abu Ali Mustapha Brigades, claimed responsibility for the rockets fired at Israel, saying they were in response to the violence by Israeli right-wing activists in Jerusalem on 4/22. (HA 4/24)

1 Iranian oil tanker was attacked by a drone off the coast of Syria. (AJ, AP, HA 4/24; AJ 4/25)

In the West Bank, 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Qalandia refugee camp, Hizma, Dahariyya, and Jenin. Off the coast of Gaza, 3 Palestinian fishermen were killed in an explosion northwest of Khan Yunis; there were conflicting narratives about how the explosion happened with reports of an Israeli naval attack and of a missile fired from Gaza. Israel denied responsibility and the interior ministry in Gaza said it would investigate the incident; the investigation concluded on 3/11 with the government saying an Israeli drone laden with explosive was caught in a fishermen’s net, killing the 3 fishermen. the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights had claimed that it was a militant faction from Gaza who was responsible. Israeli naval forces had earlier in the day opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza city, causing damage to 1 boat. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian herders east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/7; HA 3/9; ALM, HA, PCHR, REU 3/11)

1 Palestinian man was sentenced to 2 years in prison, based on a plea bargain, by an Israeli military judge for not preventing an attack on an Israeli settler and for being a member of the PFLP. In the sentencing, the judge said a plea bargain had been reached, reducing the sentence because several Palestinians had been tortured during the interrogation related to the case. (TOI 3/7; HA 3/8)

According to Axios, PA civil affairs minister Hussein al-Sheikh sent a letter to the U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for Israel-Palestine Hady Amr asking for U.S. support in the upcoming Palestinian elections and saying that Hamas has committed itself to nonviolence and the PLO parameters for a 2-state solution. Hamas has yet to publicly confirm Civil Affairs Minister al-Sheikh’s statement. (AX 3/10)

PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki said he will travel to the Hague to meet with ICC officials to discuss the investigations into possible war crimes committed by Israel. (WAFA 3/7)

Meretz (Vigor) leader Nitzan Horowitz said that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli settlers were responsible for the ICC investigation, drawing ire from the Israeli right. Several right-wing leaders said they would not sit in a coalition with Meretz based on those statements. Horowitz said the ICC investigation was a result of “unbridled settlement” and Israeli refusal to engage in negotiations with Palestinians. (HA, HA 3/7)

In the West Bank, 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during raids in and around Tulkarm and Anabta; 2 were arrested at the Qalandia checkpoint. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a raid in Issawiyya. In Israel, 1 44-year-old Palestinian prisoner died in the Israeli Rimonim prison; no official reason was given for his death, but the Palestinian Prisoners Society noted that he had health problems and had received the 1st dose of a COVID-19 vaccine 3 days prior to his death. (WAFA, WAFA 1/20; AJ, PCHR 1/21)

1 Palestinian man from the West Bank was indicted by Israel for smuggling drones into Gaza allegedly to be used by Hamas to film Israeli movement along the Gaza fence. (HA 1/20)

The Israeli ministry of housing and the Israeli land authority issued tenders for 2,572 new settler housing units, including 2,112 in the West Bank and 460 in East Jerusalem. (AJ, AP, PCN, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/20; WAFA 1/21)

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn in as U.S. president and vice president in an inauguration ceremony closed to the public due to domestic terror threat at the Mall in Washington D.C. Outgoing president Donald Trump did not attend the inauguration. The Democratic party also took control of the Senate after 3 democrats were sworn in, giving the party control of the House, the Senate, and the White House. PA president Mahmoud Abbas and several other PA officials expressed optimism for what a Biden administration would do to curb Israeli maximalist policies. A Hamas spokesperson also expressed hope that a Biden administration would “correct the historical course of wrong and unjust American policies towards our people.” (AJ, BB, GDN, HA, JP, NBC, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA 1/20; AP 1/21)

The UAE signed an agreement with the U.S. to buy 50 F-35 fighter jets and 18 armed drones as part of the normalization deal between Israel, the U.S., and the UAE. (HA, REU 1/20; REU 1/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian minor and his father in Hebron. Israeli settlers also set up tents in Battir near Bethlehem. Israeli forces delivered demolition orders for 1 residential structure and 1 garden in Sabastiyya, 1 pool used for irrigation in Bayt Dajan, and a number of structures east of Yatta. Israeli forces also demolished 1 residential structure near Tubas and dismantled and seized 1 wooden shed in Umm al-Jamal. Israeli forces also shot and injured 6 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets during raids in Qalandia refugee camp; 1 Israeli soldier was also injured during the clashes, which lasted some 2 hours; 9 Palestinian-owned vehicles were damaged. 12 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Nablus, Birzeit, Bayt Umar, Qalandia, Hebron, and Jenin. 7 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City and Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and razed farmland east of Khan Yunis. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/17, PCHR 11/19)

The PA civil affairs minister Hussein al-Sheikh announced that the PA would resume coordination with Israel, including security coordination, after suspending ties in May. Civil Affairs Minister al-Sheikh said that Israel had promised to respect its agreements with the PA during “international negotiations conducted by the president [Mahmoud Abbas].” Hamas and Islamic Jihad condemned the PA’s move, saying it undermines reconciliation efforts. PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said during a Zoom conference organized by the Council of Foreign Relations that the COVID-19 pandemic played a part in the decision as the PA have struggled to find the resources to fight it. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, TOI, WAFA 11/17; HA, TOI 11/18; HA 11/19)

Israeli said it defused explosive devices in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights near the de facto border of Syria. Israel later attacked Syria, striking 8 targets. According to the Syrian state media SANA, 3 were killed, 1 wounded, and Syria intercepted Israeli missiles over Damascus. The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 10 people were killed in the strikes. Israel acknowledged to have attacked Syria, saying it was responding to the explosive devices and claiming that it had hit Iranian and Syrian forces in Syria. (HA, REU 11/17; AJ, HA 11/18; BBC 11/19)

Both Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and president Reuven Rivlin congratulated U.S. president-elect Joe Biden via phone. (HA 11/17)

1 Jewish-Israeli was given a 7-year prison sentence for smuggling metals into Gaza and selling them to Hamas. He was also fined $60,000. (TOI, HA 11/17)

41 Democrats in congress cosigned a letter to U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo, expressing concern about Israel’s demolition of the village Khirbet Humsa on 11/3, demanding that Secretary Pompeo condemn Israel’s actions. (Mark Pocan’s Office 11/17; HA, WAFA 11/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers emptied wastewater on Palestinian agricultural lands near Sabastiyya. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinians harvesting olives in Dayr al-Hatab, forcing the farmers to leave. Elsewhere, in the northern part of the Jordan Valley, Israeli settlers set up a cow shed and brought cows to Palestinian-owned land. Israeli forces demolished 1 market stall in Qalqilya and delivered stop-work orders for 3 houses and dozens of other structures in Qalandia. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Tulkarm, al-‘Arub refugee camp, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired 2 missiles, hitting empty land east of Dayr al-Balah, claiming that 1 rocket was fired toward Israel earlier in the day; no injuries were reported. Israel also said it had found a tunnel running near Khan Yunis tens of meters into Israel. Israel later claimed that the tunnel was built by Hamas. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles off the shore of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (HA, HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/20; AJ, HA, WAFA 10/21; PCHR 10/22)

1 Palestinian man died while working in a quarry owned by the settler company Shapir Engineering and Manufacturing near the Modi’in Illit settlement in the West Bank. His employer did not call the Israeli ambulance service that the worker was entitled to as he was employed by a settler company, but rather called the Palestinian Red Crescent, which took 30 minutes to arrive at the scene and brought the Palestinian to a hospital in Ramallah, where he was pronounced dead. The employer also did not notify the police of the death. The family of the deceased Palestinian said that if the Israeli ambulance had been called he might have survived as they were stationed closer to the accident. (HA 10/26)

An envoy from the UAE accompanied by U.S. secretary of the treasury Steven Mnuchin and U.S. envoy for the peace process Avi Berkowitz was welcomed in Tel Aviv airport by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi, and finance minister Israel Katz. In the Tel Aviv airport, Israel and the UAE signed a mutual visa waiver agreement allowing citizens of both countries to travel to and from each other without obtaining a visa. The parties also signed a preliminary agreement to have oil from the UAE run through an Israeli pipeline supplying the European market. A member of the PLO executive committee Wasel Abu Youssef called the visit “shameful” and said such a visit emboldens Israel in committing crimes against Palestinians. A Hamas spokesperson, Hazem Qassem, said the visit “only encourage[s] the occupation to pursue the gradual annexation of West Bank lands.” Last week on 14 and 15 October, Israel announced 5,000 new settlement units in various settlements in the West Bank. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU 10/20; TOI 10/21; LT, REU 10/22)

Israel struck a target in Syria; according to Syrian state media SANA, Israel hit a school in a village in Quneitra Province. However, the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it was a Hezbollah facility that was hit by the Israeli strike. (HA 10/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers emptied sewage and wastewater on Palestinian agricultural lands in Dayr al-Hatab near Nablus. Israeli settlers also attacked 2 Palestinian journalists from WAFA as they were reporting on settler encroachment in Dayr Istya. Israeli forces demolished 1 residential structure and 1 water well, and seized 1 vehicle and 1 power engine near Tubas. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around al-‘Arub refugee camp, Bethlehem, Qalandia refugee camp, Qalqilya, and Izzariya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities issued demolition orders for 13 Palestinian-owned houses in Silwan inhabited by 76 people. 10 Palestinians were arrested in and around the Old City and Issawiyya, including 2 Waqf guards. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/19; PCHR 10/22)

Israel handed over control of 3 power stations to the PA. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh supported the deal and said the PA “seek[s] to establish a single Palestinian power company” that will be responsible for electric supply in all the West Bank. The PA took control of another power station in Jenin in 2017. At the same time, Israel granted the Israeli company Bezeq a license to operate in the West Bank, a move that the PA Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology condemned. The PA ministry said that the move impedes the development of Palestinian telecommunication development. (WAFA 10/19; HA 10/20)

Israel reported that PLO secretary general Saeb Erakat was in critical condition as he is being treated for COVID-19 at the Hadassah University Hospital in West Jerusalem. (AJ, HA, WAFA 10/19)

The Fatah Central Committee announced that its members had approved the understandings made with Hamas unanimously. (WAFA 10/19)

The UAE cabinet approved the Israel-UAE normalization deal. (HA, REU 10/19)

U.S. president Donald Trump said that the U.S. would remove Sudan from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism if Sudan paid $355 million to American victims of terror attacks in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998. The U.S. has been pressuring Sudan to normalize ties with Israel and some analysts believed that a normalization deal was being worked on despite Trump not mentioning it in his statements. (AJ, GDN, HA, REU 10/19; BBC 10/20)

Japan donated $4.3 million to food programming in Gaza. (WAFA 10/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian teen and injured 2 others during a raid in Dayr Abu Mash‘al. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters demonstrating against settlement expansion southeast of Tulkarm, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolished 1 wall and issued demolition orders for 1 pond and 1 barn in Hizma. Palestinians protested against the UAE-Israel normalization deal in Turmus ‘Ayya. Officials from the PA, PLO, Fatah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad participated; Israeli forces injured 7 using rubber-coated bullets, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Qalandia refugee camp, al-Ram, Jenin, Tubas, Tulkarm, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces shelled multiple areas of Gaza, causing damage. According to Israeli officials, incendiary balloons sent from Gaza toward Israel started 28 fires. Palestinians in Gaza protested the Israel-UAE normalization deal in Gaza City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing damage to 1 boat and minor injuries to 1 fisherman. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/19; AJ, REU, WAFA 8/20; PCHR 8/27)

The Sudanese foreign ministry fired its spokesperson after he said on 8/18 that Sudan was looking forward to normalizing ties with Israel, a claim that the foreign ministry denied that same day. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said that “Saudi Arabia considers Israel’s unilateral policies of an annexation and building settlements as an illegitimate and detrimental to the two states solution . . . Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to peace as a strategic option based on the Arab Peace Initiatives.” The Arab Peace Initiative stipulates normalization with Israel is predicated on the establishment of a Palestinian state. U.S. president Donald Trump said later that same day that he expects Saudi Arabia to follow the UAE and normalize ties with Israel. (AJ, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU 8/19; AJ 8/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to 4 Palestinian homes under renovation in al-Khadir village near Bethlehem and a Palestinian home under construction in Bayt Umar near Hebron. IDF troops assault and arrest 1 Palestinian, arrest 8 others, and issue 1 arrest summons during raids near Ramallah, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol near Jenin, Nablus, Hebron, and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian vehicle near Qalqilya, injuring a Palestinian infant. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid the PA’s Ministry of Jerusalem Affairs headquarters and another Palestinian administrative office in al-Dahiya, confiscating files related to the sale of a home in the Muslim Quarter of the Old City and lightly injuring 5 Palestinians who confront them. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in Qalandia refugee camp, al-Tur, Hizma, and Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/4; MNA, WAFA 11/5; PCHR 11/8)

The Palestinian who IDF troops shot and injured along Gaza’s border fence on 11/3 succumbs to his injuries. (MNA 11/4)

Al-Hayat reports that Fatah officials accepted an Egyptian proposal to mediate a “calm” between Israel and Hamas, marking a break from PA president Mahmoud Abbas’s previous stance. Meanwhile, Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman reportedly spars with the rest of the Israeli cabinet over the proposed “calm” in Gaza. He is reportedly in favor of a violent strike on Gaza in an effort to assert calm, rather than making any concessions to Hamas. (AH, TOI, TOI 11/4)

An Israeli aircraft conducts an air strike along Gaza’s border fence near Khan Yunis, killing 3 Palestinian minors. An IDF spokesperson says that the Palestinians were attempting to place a suspicious object along the border fence. Hours after the strike, hundreds of Palestinians march to the homes of senior Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine (PIJ) leaders demanding that they retaliate against Israel. PIJ then puts out a statement threatening to respond and rejecting the Israeli narrative about what the 3 minors were doing. Meanwhile, IDF troops stationed along the border fence open fire on Palestinian bird-hunters working near Bayt Hanun; 1 Palestinian is injured. In the West Bank, Israeli forces chase a Palestinian shepherd off his land in the northern Jordan Valley. IDF troops assault and injure a Palestinian, arrest 9 other Palestinians, issue 1 arrest summons, and confiscate a Palestinian vehicle during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlement security guards assault 2 Palestinians near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Qalandia refugee camp, Anata refugee camp, and Shu‘fat. (HA, JP, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA 10/28; MNA 10/29; PCHR 11/1)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops opened fire on Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border fence on 10/26. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 185. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/28)

The PLO Central Council convenes in Ramallah for the first of 2 days of meetings on a variety of issues facing the Palestinian people. Opening the meetings, PA president Mahmoud Abbas says, “We are facing a historical moment; either to be or not to be.” He calls for the Palestinian people to support the PLO and reaffirms that there can be no Palestinian state without Gaza or a capital in Jerusalem. (HA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 10/28)

Approximately 1,500 right-wing Jewish activists visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents of the area; 20 Palestinians are injured, including 2 journalists. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops raid a Palestinian boys school near Nablus, sparking minor clashes; there are no reported injuries. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. Separately, PA security forces arrest dozens of Hamas affiliates during raids across the West Bank. The raids come one day after Hamas security forces summoned dozens of Fatah members for interrogation in Gaza. In East Jerusalem, approximately 1135 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif to commemorate Sukkot, sparking minor confrontations between their Israeli security escort and Palestinian worshippers; there are no reported injuries or arrests. Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in Qalandia refugee camp, Biddu, and the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land near Khan Yunis and Bayt Lahiya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 9/27; PCHR 10/4)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas addresses the UN General Assembly in New York City, calling on the Trump administration to reverse its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, reinstate aid to UNRWA, and oppose Israel’s settlement enterprise. “It is ironic that the [Trump] administration still talks about what they call the ‘Deal of the Century,’” he says. “But what is left for this administration to give to the Palestinian people?" He also calls on Hamas to implement their 12/7/17 reconciliation agreement and give up control of Gaza to the PA. In response, Hamas releases a statement calling Abbas’s speech a “declaration of failure” on the stalled Palestinian reconciliation process. (HA, TOI, YA 9/27; DPA, HA, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, TOI, YA, YA 9/28)

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi says that Germany, Sweden, the EU, Japan, and Turkey, as well as a number of other countries, collectively pledged $118 million to UNRWA at a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York City this week. Meanwhile, the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, the main policy-level fundraising body for the Palestinians, meets in New York to discuss an proposed humanitarian aid package for Gaza. (HA, JP, MNA 9/28; TOI 9/29)

After meeting with Rwandan president Paul Kagame, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces that Israel and Rwanda will soon open embassies in each other’s countries. Netanyahu also says Kagame wants to start a direct flight between Kigali and Tel Aviv. (TOI 9/29)

IDF troops assault, critically injure, and arrest a Palestinian during overnight raids in Bayt Rima village near Ramallah. The Palestinian succumbs to his injuries later in the day. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops injure 1 Palestinian during clashes sparked by raids in Qalandia refugee camp near Ramallah and Artas near Bethlehem. They also patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Thousands of right-wing Jewish activists visit Hebron to pray at al-Ibrahimi Mosque, commemorating Yom Kippur. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian in the Old City after he assaults a right-wing Jewish activist and allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli police officer. A Palestinian eyewitness says that the deceased was not trying to stab anyone and that he was only “defending himself” from the Jewish activist. Errant Israeli fire from the incident damages the windows of a nearby shop and a number of vehicles in the area. Meanwhile, approximately 326 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif throughout the day to commemorate Yom Kippur. Israeli police assault and injure 7 Palestinians and arrest at least 5 others amid the ensuing confrontations at the sanctuary. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering near Bayt Hanun to continue the Great March of Return for a 5th day in a row; 2 Palestinians are killed and at least 45 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 155. (AFP, EI, HA, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA 9/18; EI, MNA, MNA 9/19; PCHR 9/20)

Unidentified sources in Gaza tell the Israeli press that Hamas is working to escalate the weekly Great March of Return protests in order to pressure Israel and Egypt into resuming the backchannel talks on a long-term cease-fire, which have reportedly been suspended for the past few weeks. (YA 9/20)

Unidentified Palestinians in Gaza open fire on an Israeli construction crew working along Gaza’s border fence, causing minor damage to a vehicle. Israeli forces then shell a Hamas post near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing an unclear amount of damage. Armed groups in Gaza then launch 8 rockets into southern Israel, injuring 3 Israelis and causing minor damage in Sderot. In a significant escalation, the IAF conducts a massive wave of retaliatory air strikes, targeting approximately 140 sites across Gaza; 3 Palestinians are killed, including a pregnant mother and her 18-month-old child, and 12 are injured (2 critically). The strikes cause significant damage. After the first wave of air strikes, Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza launch approximately 150 rockets and other projectiles into Israel; 9 Israelis and 1 Thai worker are injured. (TOI 8/8; AHR, EI, HA, MNA, PCHR, TOI, WAFA 8/9; PCHR 8/16)

Before the escalation of violence in the afternoon, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working along Gaza’s border fence near Gaza City, causing no injuries or damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Jericho, Tulkarm, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol near Jenin and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians and confiscate 3 vehicles during raids in Qalandia refugee camp and Qatanna. (MNA 8/8; MNA 8/9)

The residents of Khan al-Ahmar, the Bedouin village near Jerusalem that the Israeli government has slated for evacuation and destruction, decide not to accept any relocation proposals, including the one the Israeli government filed with the High Court of Justice on 8/7. (MNA 8/8)

PA FM al-Maliki announces that Colombia has decided to recognize the State of Palestine. Colombia was previously the only South American country not to recognize the State of Palestine. (WAFA 8/8; HA, TOI, YA 8/9)

Hours after Israeli air strikes across Gaza on 6/19, Hamas and other armed groups launch approximately 45 rockets and other projectiles toward Israel; 3 fall short of the border fence, Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system intercepts 7, and the rest fall in open areas in Israel, causing no major damage or injuries. The IAF then conducts retaliatory strikes on a number of Hamas and PIJ sites in Rafah and near Gaza City, causing major damage. Late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats off Gaza’s coast near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian driver near Bethlehem. It’s unclear why they opened fire. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home near Jerusalem, arrest 13 Palestinians, and injure 1 during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 1 Palestinian home each in Abu Dis and Qalandia refugee camp. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Jabal Mukabir and al-Tur. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 6/20; MNA, PCHR 6/21; PCHR 6/27)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops violently dispersed Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border on 5/14, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 124. (MNA, PCHR, TOI, WAFA 6/21)

In the wake of the rocket fire from Gaza in the morning, Hamas and PIJ issue a joint statement claiming responsibility and threatening to retaliate for any future Israeli strikes in Gaza. “We are committed to a formula of a strike for every strike,” the statement reads. “We will not allow the enemy to dictate a new formula.” Earlier, an IDF spokesperson explained the IDF’s decision to escalate their response to incendiary kite and balloon attacks from Gaza on 6/19: “We struck at a greater intensity, with the intended message for Hamas to understand that we will not allow this situation to continue.” (HA, TOI 6/20)

U.S. president Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor Kushner and Special Representative Greenblatt meet with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. They discuss possible humanitarian projects to help improve conditions in Gaza and the Trump administration’s long-awaited Palestinian-Israeli peace plan. (HA, TOI 6/20)

Today, Great March of Return demonstrations see tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza gathering along the border fence to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Nakba, to protest the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem today, and to call for the Palestinian refugees’ right to return to their homes. IDF troops violently disperse demonstrations near Khan Yunis, Rafah, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 58 Palestinians are killed, including 3 who allegedly attempted to plant an explosive along the border near Rafah, and more than 1,300 are injured. After unidentified assailants open fire on IDF patrols along the border near Jabaliya refugee camp, the IAF conducts air strikes on Hamas posts near Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Gaza City, causing moderate damage. The killings today bring the death toll related to the Great March of Return to 102. Elsewhere in the oPt, thousands of Palestinians gather across the West Bank and Jerusalem to protest the official opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem today. They also release 70 black balloons in Ramallah, marking the 70th anniversary of the Nakba. IDF troops violently disperse the protests at Qalandia checkpoint, Bethlehem, and Hebron; at least 2 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 19 Palestinians during latenight raids in and around Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol near Jenin and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. (AJ, EI, HA, JP, MEE, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/14; PCHR 5/17)

Hours after Israeli troops open fire on peaceful Palestinian protesters along the border fence in Gaza, senior U.S. and Israeli officials gather for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem. In a recorded video, U.S. president Trump celebrates the opening and says the U.S. “remains fully committed to facilitating a lasting peace agreement” between Israel and the Palestinians. Outside the ceremony, Israeli police violently disperse approximately 200 protesters, including Joint List MKs Ahmad Tibi, Dov Khenin, Jamal Zahalka, Yousef Jabareen, and Masud Ganaim; 12 Palestinians are arrested. (AJ, BBC, JP, MEE, NYT, TOI 5/14; EI 5/15)

In the evening, the Palestinian leadership convenes in Ramallah to discuss the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem and the violence in Gaza. PA president Abbas calls the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem a “settlement outpost” and reiterates that he has no plans to engage in any U.S.-mediated peace talks “in any way, shape, or form.” The assembled officials decide to file a war crimes complaint against Israel to the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague over settlement construction in the West Bank. According to PLO secretary-general Erakat, they also agree to a number of other unspecified responses. (TOI 5/14; AP, YA 5/15)

The South African government recalls its ambassador to Israel and Turkey recalls its ambassadors from Israel and the U.S. in protest of the killings in Gaza today. “The victims were taking part in peaceful protests against the provocative inauguration of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem,” a South African statement reads. Meanwhile, the U.S. blocks the UNSC from adopting a Kuwait-backed statement condemning the deadly violence in Gaza and calling for an “independent and transparent investigation” into Israel’s actions. (ANA, TOI, WAFA 5/14; HA, TOI 5/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the 3d consecutive day. (AHR 5/14; OCHA 5/24)

Twenty busloads of Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians from nearby Balata refugee camp; 3 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian outside a settlement near Hebron, allegedly for carrying a knife, arrest 17 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Jenin, and Nablus; and patrol near Nablus throughout the day. Israeli settlers uproot approximately 100 Palestinian olive trees in a grove near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Qalandia refugee camp. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian land near Bayt Hanun, causing no major damage. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/31; PCHR 2/1; PCHR 2/8)

Hamas announces that 1 of its members died this morning while working on a “resistance tunnel” in Gaza. The specific circumstances of his death are unknown. (TOI 1/31)

Israeli forces stage a multi-stage “controlled detonation” of an underground tunnel leading from the Khan Yunis area of Gaza into Israel, killing 12 Hamas and PIJ fighters, and injuring at least 18 more. An IDF spokesperson says that the detonation was a preemptive move because the tunnel did not yet pose a threat to Israel, claims that the Palestinians were only killed because they rushed into the tunnel after the detonation and suffered smoke inhalation, and calls the tunnel a “gross violation of Israeli sovereignty.” A PIJ spokesperson says the group is “weighing its options” in response to the attack (PIJ reportedly built the tunnel). (EI, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/30; MNA 10/31; MNA 11/3; HA 11/5)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during early morning raids in Jenin refugee camp, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents. Amid the clashes, Israeli soldiers shoot and injure a Palestinian garbage truck driver. IDF troops also arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Qalqilya, and Jenin, and patrol in and around Hebron, Salfit, and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers open fire on Palestinian farmers harvesting olives south of Hebron, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, undercover Israeli forces open fire on 2 Palestinians at the entrance to Qalandia refugee camp, injuring 1 before arresting both. Three Palestinians are injured in the ensuing clashes. Israeli forces also arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan, Shu‘fat, and Hizma, and violently disperse a sit-in and dismantle a protest tent Palestinians set up in al-Bustan in 2009. (EI, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/30; MNA 10/31; PCHR 11/2)

In the West Bank, IDF troops assault and arrest a Palestinian during a patrol in ‘Azun village near Qalqilya. They also arrest 13 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus, and patrol near Hebron. Palestinian youths throw stones at an IDF patrol outside a settlement near Hebron, sparking minor clashes; 1 Palestinian is arrested. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with Palestinians in Qalandia refugee camp and Issawiyya; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest a Palestinian during a late-night raid in the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Lahiya. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 10/16; PCHR 10/19)

After days of positivity from both Hamas and the PA in the wake of the 10/12 reconciliation deal, a Hamas spokesperson criticizes the PA for not prioritizing the rollback of sanctions on Gaza. “It is not justified to continue the sanctions on Gaza, while the [PA] government is content with talking about getting control of border crossings and exploration for [natural] gas in Gaza,” he writes, on Twitter. His comments come after the Fatah Central Committee neglected to discuss the sanctions at a meeting on 10/15. Meanwhile, the PA’s director of border crossings, Nazmi Muhanna, arrives in Gaza. He says he is there to “to carry out the first article of the reconciliation agreement signed in Cairo [on 10/12] regarding taking over the crossings.” (TOI 10/16; MNA, TOI 10/17)

The Israeli NGO Peace Now reports that the Licensing Subcommittee of Israel’s Civil Administration has approved 31 building permits for new housing units in central Hebron, marking the first approval of new settlement construction in Hebron in 15 years. (AP, PCN, REU, TOI, YA 10/16; TOI 10/17)

A Syrian antiaircraft battery positioned east of Damascus fires on Israeli fighter jets allegedly flying in Lebanese air space, causing no damage or injuries. In response, the IAF launches an air strike on the battery. (HA, JP, NYT, TOI, YA 10/16)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Qalandia checkpoint, Abud, Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Beita nr. Nablus, Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, Hebron and nearby Bayt Umar, and along Gaza’s border nr. Jabaliya r.c. and al-Bureij r.c.; at least 8 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, the IDF patrols nr. Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian shops in c. Hebron, causing minor damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 5/26; PCHR 6/1)

In response to COGAT’s 5/25 announcement of a reduction in Israel’s electricity supply to Gaza, Hamas releases a statement threatening “consequences” if the reductions are implemented. Meanwhile, UN special coordinator Nickolay Mladenov says that the energy crisis in Gaza is affecting water supplies and health services, which could spark another war. (AFP, MNA 5/26)

IDF troops arrest a Palestinian at Qalandia checkpoint after she allegedly stabs and injures 1 of them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, they arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids nr. Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrol nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers raze a small plot of Palestinian agricultural land outside al-Khadir village nr. Bethlehem. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians are injured in an accidental explosion at a Hamas military site. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/24; TOI 4/26; PCHR 4/27)

The Jerusalem Municipality files for public review of a plan to confiscate 1,300 m2 nr. Haram al-Sharif to build a visitor center. The Israeli NGO Peace Now will report on the plan on 4/25, saying that “dragged by settler organizations, the Israeli govt. is willing to go out of its way to approve this sensitive plan through a highly unusual procedure.” (MNA 4/25; PCN 4/25)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 3 apartment buildings, an agricultural shed, and 5 retaining walls in al-Za’ayem village on the outskirts of the city. They also arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan, Sheikh Jarrah, Qalandia r.c., and al-Tur. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Bayt Hanina to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate a Palestinian mobile home nr. Nablus. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem and Jenin, and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian homes and agricultural land nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli drones spray pesticides on Palestinian lands nearby. (MNA, WAFA 4/4; HA 4/5; PCHR 4/6)

A Hamas spokesperson calls on alleged Palestinian collaborators with Israel to give up information relating to the 3/24 killing of senior Hamas military cmdr. Fuqaha. Hamas is giving alleged collaborators a week, starting today, to come forward in exchange for “full legal and physical protections, as well as a discreet undertaking of the matter.” The spokesperson calls it a “week of repentance.” (JP, MNA 4/4)

Armed fighters in Gaza fire a rocket into Israel, which lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF then launches retaliatory air strikes and artillery salvos on at least 5 Hamas sites in c. and s. Gaza, injuring 5 Palestinians and causing damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian at Qalandia checkpoint, claiming that she was moving in a “suspicious manner.” They also conduct raids in and around Jenin, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops confiscate security footage, arrest 1 Palestinian, and issue 8 arrest summons during raids nr. Jenin, Salfit, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Hebron. Israeli forces confiscate 4 Palestinian vehicles nr. Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Shu‘fat r.c., sparking clashes with stonethrowing youths; 2 Palestinians are injured. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, 2/27; PCHR 3/2)

The Egyptian authorities refuse senior Palestinian Authority (PA) official Jibril Rajoub entry into Egypt for an Arab League meeting on terrorism and extremism. Rajoub does not respond publicly; the Palestinian delegation withdraws from the meeting in protest. Egyptian officials will later say that Rajoub’s name was on a no-entry list, but will not give any further explanation. (HA, REU 2/28; ALM 3/10)

IDF troops conduct raids in Nablus, arresting 3 Palestinians and sparking minor clashes; 2 Palestinians are shot and injured. They also conduct overnight raids in Jenin r.c., arresting 2 Hamas affiliates and sparking a brief firefight; 1 Israeli soldier and 3 Palestinians are injured. Additional IDF raids in Abud village nr. Ramallah spark more clashes. No one is seriously hurt, and the IDF closes the village’s main entrance. After reports of stone-throwing outside Beita village nr. Nablus, the IDF seals the village’s main entrance (they will unseal it on 1/30). The IDF arrests 8 Palestinians on late-night raids nr. Qalqilya, Hebron, and Ramallah, and patrols nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. Israeli forces uproot 500 olive trees nr. Hebron. An armed Palestinian opens fire on IDF troops nr. Qalqilya, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Qalandia r.c. and demolish 13 residential and agricultural buildings in bedouin communities nr. al-‘Izzariya. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Qarara. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 1/26; WAFA 1/30; PCHR 2/2)

The Jerusalem Municipality advances plans for 153 settler residences in Gilo, East Jerusalem. A municipal official says that the plans were held up for political reasons until U.S. pres. Obama left office on 1/20. (TOI 1/26)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Tulkarm after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Qalandia r.c. late at night, demolishing several small structures and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 6 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron and Ramallah, as well as in Nablus; and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home and an agricultural structure outside Aqraba in the n. Jordan Valley, and raze 2 animal barns and another agricultural structure nr. Nablus. An Israeli settler driver rams a Palestinian child in Hebron, causing moderate injuries. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes his own home in Issawiyya to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces demolish a structure in Jabal Mukabir and arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c. and later nr. Gaza City, injuring 1 fisherman. They also confiscate a number of boats. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands nr. Rafah, causing no serious damage. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 1/17; WAFA 1/18; PCHR 1/19)

Concluding 3 days of talks in Moscow, Hamas and Fatah officials agree to form a new Palestinian unity govt. Under their agreement, the various Palestinian factions, including PIJ, will join the PLO and form a new Palestine National Council over the next 2 mos., which will choose a new PLO Exec. Comm. (HA, JP, TOI 1/17; AJ 1/18)

The Israeli authorities release Shaykh Raed Salah from Ramon Prison, where he had served 9 mos. on charges of incitement. Salah was head of the Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel before it was outlawed in 11/2014. (HA, YA 1/17)

Two Palestinians die in a tunnel accident late at night nr. Gaza City. Hamas claims the 2 men were mbrs. of its group. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian car washes n. of Jerusalem. IDF troops arrest 12 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Hebron, Jenin, and Tulkarm, and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. In and around East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Hizma village and Qalandia r.c. Late at night, they conduct raids in Shu‘fat r.c., sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; there are no serious injuries. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish 2 homes in a bedouin village nr. Beersheba. An Israeli driver rams a Palestinian worker from Tulkarm while he is walking along a street in Tel Aviv, causing moderate injuries. (MNA, WAFA, YA 12/7; MNA, PCHR 12/8; PCHR 12/15)

A Jerusalem Municipality planning comm. approves the construction of 770 settler residences in the Gilo settlement in East Jerusalem. City officials say that the plans, initially approved in 2013, were “undergoing routine processes of allocation regarding roads and public spaces.” (MNA 12/9)

Israel’s Knesset passes a 1st reading of the new draft of the so-called regulations bill, which passed a preliminary reading on 12/5 and would retroactively authorize illegal settlement outposts in the West Bank. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 12/7; MNA 12/8)

A senior Israeli official says that Israeli PM Netanyahu has rejected French pres. François Hollande’s invitation to a mediated meeting with PA pres. Abbas after the next French-organized peace summit, which is set for 12/21. Later, Netanyahu calls Hollande personally to discuss the invitation. He tells the French pres. that he would be happy to meet with Abbas, but only if the conference is canceled. (HA, JP, YA 12/7)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel nr. Bayt Lahiya. They do not inform his family, who will spend the next 2 days searching for him. (The Israeli govt. will release a statement on 12/28 announcing that the man is a Hamas military operative. His family will deny the report, asserting that he has no affiliation with Hamas and that he is mentally unstable.) In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Ramallah; and patrol nr. Qalqilya and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian returning from work s. of Jerusalem. He suffers serious injuries, and the settlers flee the scene. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan, Qalandia r.c., and Qatanna. (MNA 11/27; JP 11/30; PCHR 12/1; HA 12/28; MNA 12/29)

Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) fighters in Syria launch mortars at IDF troops patrolling along the border in the Israeli controlled Golan Heights, causing no injuries. The IDF returns fire, bombing a car armed with a heavy machine gun. 4 ISIS fighters are reportedly killed. Late at night, Israeli fighter jets launch air strikes on an abandoned facility in the Syrian Golan Heights causing damage. (HA, JP, YA 11/27; JP, TOI, YA 11/28)

Israeli soldiers shoot and kill a Palestinian at the Qalandia checkpoint n. of Jerusalem after he allegedly stabs an Israeli border guard, causing moderate injuries. The IDF then violently disperses around 200 Palestinians gathering to throw stones in protest of the killing. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Shuja‘iya; at least 6 Palestinians are injured and 2 are arrested. They also patrol during the day nr. Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 9/30; MNA 10/1; PCHR 10/6)

PA pres. Abbas attends the funeral of former Israeli pres. Peres and shakes hands with Israeli PM Netanyahu. Responding to criticism from Hamas and many other Palestinians, a senior Hamas official says that Abbas’s attendance disproves Israeli claims of Palestinian dedication to violence and that it sent a “strong message of Palestinian peace” to the world. MK and Joint List chair Ayman Odeh refuses to attend, along with the rest of the Joint List, citing Peres’s treatment of the Palestinians. The Joint List and PA reportedly agree to refrain from publicly criticizing one another over their different views on this matter. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, YA 9/30; HA 10/1)

For the 2d time this week, IDF troops fire artillery shells and machine gun rounds at Hamas and PIJ military sites in Gaza nr. Bayt Lahiya, Dayr al-Balah, and Bayt Hanun, causing minor damage to the sites and at least 3 neighboring homes. The IDF reports that the shelling was in response to gunfire emanating from Gaza earlier in the morning. (MNA, WAFA 9/6; PCHR 9/8)

The Israeli authorities return the body of a Palestinian to his family in East Jerusalem, having punitively withheld it since Israeli forces killed him on 2/19. His family is forced to pay a security deposit of NIS 20,000 (approx. $5,000), bury the body at al-Mujahidin Cemetery in c. Jerusalem, and limit the attendance at his funeral at 25 people. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes the walls of his own home in the Old City to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids in Issawiyya, Qalandia r.c., and Abu Dis. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian nr. Jenin in unclear circumstances. Meanwhile, the IDF arrests 9 Palestinians and issues 3 arrest summons during raids nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, Nablus, and Jenin; and patrols nr. Qalqilya, Hebron, and Nablus. Israeli undercover forces arrest 4 Palestinian customs officers who are conducting a surveillance operation outside Nur Shams r.c. overnight. The officers attempted to detain the Israelis without knowing they were undercover troops. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/6; WAFA 9/7; PCHR 9/8)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for humanitarian cases passing in both directions. (MNA 9/6; OCHA 9/8)